Turning Point Ranch

 Praising His Name!    יהוה HalleluYah!

Responses

 

 This is a letter of response we received from two Elders in reply to the End Times message we sent out. Our responses are in red.

From: XXXX XXXXXXXX *
Sent: Monday, June 12, 2006 11:42 AM
To: Rusty Ames; XXXXXXX XXXXXX *
Subject: Great Love

 
Dear Rusty and Mary, dear Friends and Brethren.                            06/12/06
Greetings in the Wonderful Name of Yahshua our King.
 
We write you in great love and admiration about your faith and fruits in Yahshua. I have not written you in a while and (Elder's wife)* and I tell you that we love and miss you and your beautiful family. Again we thank you for you love and hospitality you showered on us when we were there. We hope to see you again soon. We pray for you every day, our dear friends.
 
Please let me bring up a subject to you. Please read this with peace and patience and I will try to say what is in my heart for you. I so much admire the faith you two have in all things. In many ways Yahweh has blessed you for that and your love for Him and His son. It is written, we can not please Yahweh without faith. And with all other things required, faith will save us. But in a truth, faith without works is dead. (Our works prove our faith not the other way around.) Faith without fruits of righteousness is dead. And in all this, His promises, his love and faithfulness and protection, we are to be wise, cautious and be also led with wisdom and counsel. We counsel you today. There is safety in a multitude of counsel. (We should get counsel ONLY from those of faith) And a wise man will welcome it.
 
Mary has a medical situation that is quite extraordinary to say the least.  (Only western society is pregnancy "a medical condition") We do not say she is not pregnant or that Yahweh has not blessed you with another child. We do say this. He is not the El of confusion. (We are NOT confused - YHWH has made it clear to us) If He knew you would not go to doctor, He would have given Mary a normal (Indicated by billions of women) a normal nine month birth. (How do YOU know what YHWH would have done?) He set the time of a woman in child bearing. In all this too, he expects us to be prudent and do what we can in our own life through the wisdom and means He has already given to us. Doing what we can to protect our family and children is not leaving the faith, questioning or doubting Him in any way. It is what He expects us to do. He does not expect us to follow Him blindly into circumstances where we ignore signs of disorder or warning. (There is NO disorder here, nor signs of warning...only fear mongers telling us to depend on man.) Let  us look at scriptural examples in His own word. I will state three witnesses that are similar to yours.
 
Noah was told by Yahweh that the world would be flooded, and all life would die. He was told to build him an ark that would save the life of his family. Noah could have said, I just have faith that you will save us, and left off building. Or, when the ark was done, he could have said, we don't need food, Yahweh will provide. No, Noah did all that he could to protect, save and guard his family and obey Yahweh. (Noah did ONLY what YHWH told him to do...he did not pervert YHWH's instruction and do what HE wanted to do.) If we are not wise and prudent, we are actually disobeying His counsel to be circumspect. We may even be slack if we do nothing at all  in hazardous situation where Yahweh has given tools for us to use and protect us.
 
Second, Joseph was given the interpretation of a dream by Pharaoh that there would be a famine in Egypt. Joseph could have said, Yahweh will not do that, I will just pray and trust. No! Joseph and Pharaoh set up a plan to protect Egypt and the people, and children by saving up food. They did what they could, and even something's that were extra! (The instruction to prepare was from YHWH and not a plan made by Joseph and Pharaoh)
 
Third, in Yahshua's ministry, the Pharisees were so angry and threatened with Him that they sought to kill Him. They thought He would come up to the feast in the open, and they could apprehend Him. But He did not go up with the disciples, but went up later in secret on another day. Yahshua surly could have said: "My Father will protect me because my time is not yet":. But, He used wisdom and went up at another time. Even Yahshua used prudence when He knew that Yahweh was fully with Him. (Yahshua NEVER did HIS own will...but only that of HIS Father...if HE went somewhere, HE was sent...if HE stayed somewhere it was becasue HE was told to do so) Do you think that Yahshua had faith? We do! Faith without waving at all. And, He honored our Father perfectly in all things. He did not dishonor or offend Yahweh by being wise and protecting Himself. (Oops...I think you just made OUR point)
 
It is good to trust Yahweh, and it is pleasing to Him. However, when a situation comes up that is a major concern, we need to pray first, then use wisdom in all aspects of that difficulty; And, receive counsel in addition to prayer. (We have used the counsel of those with faith...not the fearful and controlling) Also, Yahweh gives us tools and helps like, money, people and facility to assist us. One more example. If you were going on a ministry trip Yahweh told you to go on. It was a direct spoken command in a night vision, verified by two other witnesses, and you found that all your tires on your car were bald and leaking. Would you go and get new tires or would you say, Yahweh will keep them strong. (When YHWH gave these instructions, don't you think HE would have known the condition of the tires and made mention of what to do regarding them if mission failure was a possibility?) Wouldn't we do what we could and what was wise, or ask Him to do everything for us, and we do nothing to help our selves. Well this man went without fixing the tires, and the result was he did not get to his important destination! It was a test of wisdom not obedience .(This is YOUR fable and is only conjecture to prove your faithless position)
 
Many of us believe that Mary has an extraordinary, even hazardous condition. (YHWH has told US on numerous occassions that there is NO danger - as for me and my house, we will follow YHWH)  We do not say that Yahweh is not doing a miracle. We do not say that this is not a blessing to your family. We are saying that this is not normal or the way that He works, (So are floating axe heads, pillars of fire, parting of the sea, manna from heaven, etc) and that there may be a complication. Yahweh has given you tools, like doctors and midwives to help. Even Israel had midwives in Egypt. That did not offend Him even though every pregnancy is a miracle from Him. He never said, don't use a midwife or doctor, ever. Even Yahshua said: "Those who are sick need a physician:. (Accurate quoting of scripture says "ONLY those who are sick need a physician") Pregnancies can be complicated or even dangerous. We need to be careful, especially when things are not going normally according to His ways. (This is going EXACTLY according to HIS plan)
 
We feel that this pregnancy is confusing (You are the confused since you do not know and cannot believe what YHWH has told us - granted it is abnormal) and abnormal according to how Yahweh normally works as witnessed by billions of righteous and unrighteous pregnancies. (Miriam and Sarah was abnormal as witness by billions of pregnancies..) We beseech you, plead with you in tears to please get some medical evaluation about this situation, even just a midwife. Please do something to guarantee the health of Mary and the child. (ONLY YHWH can guarantee the health of Mary and the child...not a doctor) If there is any offence to Yahweh, we will bare if.f there is any sin, we will accept it. (You should reconsider this offer...first the is NO offence, and secondly it is arrogant...anti-scripture. ) IBut, we tell you the truth, there is no sin in being careful and prudent. (That which is NOT of faith is sin) Please see a professional about this. (Yahshua is our professional physician) Yahweh forbid, if any thing goes wrong, think of the physical, emotional and spiritual damage it could cause. If something goes wrong, will your words, "I am sorry" be enough?
 
Again, please understand, we write this to you with deep love and concern. We are for you not against you. We come to you with tears and prayer that you will hear us. (Get behind me Satan and you of little faith)
 
Yahweh be with you all and keep you safe.
 
Love in Yahshua,
 
XXXX XXXXXXXX, Elder *
 
XXXXXXX XXXXXX, Elder *
 

Our Reply:

 

Brothers (XXXX,Elder)* and (XXXXXXX,Elder)*
 
    Thank you for your kind concern.  We noticed that the  pregnancy was the exclusive subject of your reply - there was no mention of the message that YHWH wants us to give to the brethren, and your response to that!  That message is much more important than the pregnancy specifics. Satan is trying to take the focus off YHWH's message from a watchman and redirect it to fear, doubt, and disunity. Don't let him succeed.
 
    We also note that this is the FIRST time either of you have contacted us to seek info on the leading of YHWH in this pregnancy matter.  There has been no offer of support, exhortation, encouragement, or shepherding.  You have had no apparent interest in talking to US about the matter - but instead chose to discuss it amongst yourselves and other believers.
   
         Indeed, there is safety in a multitude of counsel, and we have had many confirmations that we are on the correct path - and only a few naysayer's who limit YHWH. We have gotten frequent inquiry and encouragement from other believers...admittedly, they do not totally understand, but they have been quick to acknowledge the power of YHWH in the matter.
 
           You do not know that YHWH would  have ordained a "normal" pregnancy since HE knew we would not seek outside advice.  If you have received genuine word from YHWH regarding this pregnancy, why have you not previously offered it?  Neither you, (Elder)* or anyone else (except for a few faithful friends) knows what we have been told by YHWH concerning this pregnancy or any other health issue, and you have not expressed interest in finding out.
 
   Thank you for your generous offer to accept our "sin".  There is no need for remission, there is no sin in this matter.  If there is any offence to Yahweh, we will bare if. If there is any sin, we will accept it. But, we tell you the truth, there is no sin in being careful and prudent.   To seek outside "intervention" would be forsaking a vow to YHWH. Is that your recommendation?
 
Only in America and western civilization of recent times is pregnancy considered a "medical situation." And Yahshua's statement was not that the sick need a physician, but actually that ONLY THE SICK NEED A PHYSICIAN.

    Mat 9:12 But when Yahshua heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.

You said " We may even be slack if we do nothing at all  in hazardous situation where Yahweh has given tools for us to use and protect us".   Your suggestion seems close to the oft quoted but unscriptural adage that "El helps those who help themselves".
 
    Please do something to guarantee the health of Mary and the child.  Please see a professional about this There are no guarantees in life except those provided by our Creator. YHWH is GUARANTEEING the health of Mary and the child...we actually are just trusting YHWH (the ultimate professional) to keep HIS word.  As (Elder's)* yard sign says, "We are insured by YHWH"!
 
     We feel that this pregnancy is confusing and abnormal.  YHWH is NOT the Elohim of confusion - we are NOT confused. We don't "feel" that this is YHWH's mighty work--WE KNOW IT IS AND ARE FULLY PERSUADED. The only confusion is why believers cannot believe...and why so many who claim faith are so fearful. 
 
    Fear is the opposite of faith. Romans 14:23 says anything NOT OF FAITH IS SIN, and since we ARE walking in faith, there is no sin.  (Elder)*, I know you have said that I "trust in YHWH too much", but that is not possible. If you are present at my funeral, please announce that "Rusty trusted in YHWH too much."
 
    YHWH has promised safe keeping in this pregnancy and since we actually believe that to be a fact, we vowed to allow HIM to be in control.  Giving up control is difficult for many - and very few of us do it.  We frequently allow YHWH temporary control as long as we can keep our annual medical exams, retirement plans, and insurance policies. By exercising control and planning to the "n-th degree", the faithless take divine intervention out of the equation. Oftentimes, believers exercise limited faith, but when YHWH takes them on a track they find uncomfortable or unfamiliar, they jump back into the pilot's seat and take over to redirect with prudence.  
 
    You said  Noah did all that he could to protect, save and guard his family and obey Yahweh.  The important thing about Noah was that he did exactly as he was told! Salvation of the human race was not due to Noah's prudence, planning or superior ship building. Noah could do nothing to save his family, or even himself. It was only YHWH's mercy and protection and faithfulness and guidance.
 
    You claim that Yahshua "did not dishonor or offend Yahweh by being wise and protecting Himself. "  Why did HE stop Peter from slaying the soldiers when they came to seize HIM?  That would have been prudent, wise, human self-protection.  Why didn't HE speak in defense when questioned by Pilate to escape the flogging and impaling? That also would have been wise self defense by worldly standards.  But, HE was operating on YHWH's timetable - that is what we are doing...admittedly, we at first did not fully understand...but now we do.
 
 Yahshua did not exercise prudence, but total trust that our Father has total control. Yahshua NEVER DID ANYTHING BUT THE EXACT AND PERFECT WILL OF HIS FATHER.  He knew that only when HE allowed YHWH to direct the situation would it go YHWH's way.  You as elders should be leading the flock in a faith walk in this matter - not gossiping, doubting, questioning and promoting fear! 
 
  YHWH, in Jeremiah 17:5, said that man is cursed who trusts in man and makes YHWH's arm flesh, and Paul said

    1Co 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with Elohim. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

Turning to man for a second opinion to YHWH is somewhat ludicrous and even dangerous don't you agree?
 
 
    Certainly the disciples questioned whether Peter could walk on water when he stepped out of the boat (confusing and abnormal by billions of swimmers), certainly many questioned the virginity of Mary (abnormal by ALL other pregnancies), probably many said Sarah had "a tumor" not a pregnancy (past normal child bearing age), the residents of Jericho mocked the sound of the shofars ( it is abnormal for horns to knock down walls), some feared and question the wisdom of a woman with one kidney bearing children (illogical and dangerous), many doubt the hardiness of shoes and clothes lasting 40 years (confusing and illogical by billions of shoes and garments), some doubt the ability of an 85 year old couple to safely ride out a category 4 hurricane in an apartment (foolhardy and dangerous by man's standards), and the prophets of Baal did not expect Elijah's altar to ignite (wet wood and stone do not burn)..etc. 
 
    We rejoice in your actions taken in faith, and are sad that you question ours. As ordained elders you should encourage our walk and exhort the brethren.  Take this opportunity that YHWH is providing to testify and proclaim HIS mighty work and the power of the Father.  Cast out the fear and doubt that evidently is rampant among the congregations.
 
    Yahshua awarded leadership to those of faith. Yahshua told the fishermen to leave everything and follow HIM.  They did not keep their fleet fishing just in case the "Yahshua deal" didn't work out. He did not tell them "to buy new tires" or retread their sandals, but go without script. Faith without works is indeed dead...that is why believing YHWH can deliver a healthy baby to an older mother after an extended pregnancy is a natural extension of belief. What a testimony...what an incredible act...what an awesome Elohim!
 
    DO NOT limit YHWH.  (Elder)*  loudly proclaimed the power and mercy and protection that YHWH provided to HIS faithful during last year's hurricane season. That was a stepping stone for us to expand our trust level, and we found that as we stepped out in faith...YHWH was more faithful in providing more grace. Is YHWH's arm shortened?  Can he protect in a category 4 hurricane but not in pregnancy? 
 
     This is NOT about us...we do not seek admiration of our faith.  This pregnancy was given to us by YHWH to give us audience to many about YHWH and HIS power. HE is using the foolish to confound the wise.
 
 We have 4 questions we would like you to answer:
 
        1. Do you believe in miracles?
 
        2. Do you believe that YHWH could safely extend a pregnancy to 18 months?
 
        3. Do you believe YHWH speaks to the Ames family?
 
        4. What is your response and action plan to the message of time being short?
 
    We know your letter is out of concern and love.  We wish we could impart to you the peaceful, calm, totally assured attitude we have toward this phenomenal testimony of YHWH.  We covet your exhortation and praise of YHWH for HIS mighty hand. We pray that YHWH gives you the warm, secure assurance we have about HIS mighty work.  We hope that you become forwarders of the original message that YHWH gave me to deliver, and use this wonderful pregnancy as a tool of YHWH's miraculous control to overcome fear and draw the brethren to a walk of faith, love and hope.

    Shalom,

    Rusty Ames

    Psalm 116:1 I love YHWH because He hears my voice, my prayers.

    Psalm 116:2 Because He has bowed His ear to me, I will also call in my days.

* We have redacted the names of the originators of the letter.

Turning Point Ranch    P.O. Box 901    Proctor, TX  76468