Servias Ministries Blog

It is written by THE SPIRIT in Hebrews chapter 11:

1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.

Each of us has a past where we have failed to live up to The Word and Its commandments yet FATHER has extended HIS great grace and mercy toward us because of HIS unfailing Love.  We must not look back to our past mistakes and failures for they have been wiped away by the Blood of The Lamb.  We must look forward and leave the past behind.  Yes, we should learn from past mistakes but not relive those mistakes over and over.

15 And if they (Abraham and Sarah) had been thinking of that country from which they departed [as their true home], they would have had [a continuing] opportunity to return.

16 But the truth is that they were longing for a better country, that is, a heavenly one. For that reason God is not ashamed [of them or] to be called their God [even to be surnamed their God—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob]; for He has prepared a city for them.  AMPL

Abraham was told to leave his country for a better place and they were not to look back.  We too are to keep our eyes fixed on a better place and cut all ties with the past.  Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in 2 Corinthians chapter 5:

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

The adversary wants to draw us away from our relationship with Christ by constantly bringing the old man and his deeds.  We need to resist any attempt to cause us to live in the past.  We must walk in faith that FATHER’S Love is greater than any past sin and HE only has our best interest at heart.

Consider David.  He broke the Law and committed adultery with Bathsheba, then planned to have her husband killed.  However, it is written in Acts chapter 13 by THE SPIRIT:

22 And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David, the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’

Did FATHER know that David would break HIS Commandments?  Yes, but FATHER’S grace and mercy are greater than our failures.  We must repent of our sins and move on toward that “Heavenly City”.  Let the old man remained buried and let the Blood of Christ be at the forefront of our consciousness.  Let us never discount the power in The Blood for Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law.  FATHER’S Agape Love and Divine Intent toward us overcomes the past and provides us light to walk according to HIS Ways.

Paul’s past included the shedding of innocent blood yet he understood the power of FATHER’S Love and forgiveness.  He wrote by THE SPIRIT in Philippians chapter 3:

12 Not that I have already obtained it [this goal of being Christlike] or have already been made perfect, but I actively press on [e]so that I may take hold of that [perfection] for which Christ Jesus took hold of me and made me His own.

13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,

14 I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

15 All of us who are mature [pursuing spiritual perfection] should have this attitude. And if in any respect you have a different attitude, that too God will make clear to you.

16 Only let us stay true to what we have already attained.   AMPL

Our goal is to be Christlike so let us no longer consider the past but walk in faith, knowing that our redemption is sure and with exception.

Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in Romans chapter 1:

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,

19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.

20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,

People who walk in ungodliness are without excuse.  In order to rationalize their pathway to death, they attempt to suppress the Truth by promoting changes in laws and overrunning media with their darkness, hoping to gain broad acceptance.  They promote their wickedness by wrapping it with some type of emotional appeal.  However, they cannot deny what FATHER has revealed from Heaven, exposing all ungodliness and unrighteousness.  There’s no excuse!

21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

22 Professing to be wise, they became fools,

23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves,

FATHER made it very clear concerning the Divine Intent of our bodies.  We are to flee from the corruption of those who dishonor the bodies and dwell in their lusts.  The reality is that they are not happy nor are they at peace in their hearts thus they try to gain acceptance hoping to fill the emptiness in their hearts.

25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature.

27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;

29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers,

30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful;

32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

Do you think that FATHER is simply going to overlook what is happening around the world without evoking some form of righteous judgment?  There are consequences of men and women who are walking in such ungodliness and unrighteousness.  There is also ramification to those who condone such ungodliness.  This is not my opinion, it is according to The Word.  There’s no excuse… FATHER has revealed The Truth and no one can claim ignorance.

Our goal is to assist in your maturing process into the fullness of being a Son or Daughter of Our Heavenly Father.  We cannot be reluctant in addressing topics we know to be sensitive to those who are pursuing a higher level of maturing.  Giving is one such sensitive topic.

Over the years, people have come up with all sorts of reasons not to be givers.  Often, they look at the ministry and search for flaws which would justify them withholding their giving.  Unfortunately, they are missing the point.  Their rationale has caused them to miss the blessing of giving.  It is all about intent of the giver, not the potential recipient’s righteousness.

Wisdom wrote in Proverbs chapter 3:

5 ​​Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

​​And lean not on your own understanding;

6 ​​In all your ways acknowledge Him,

​​And He shall direct your paths.

And:

9 ​​Honor the LORD with your possessions,

​​And with the firstfruits of all your increase;

10 ​​So your barns will be filled with plenty,

​​And your vats will overflow with new wine.

Do you think FATHER is restricted in providing you a financial blessing if the recipient of your giving fails to handle your gift in a righteous manner?  Absolutely not!  My wife and I have given significant contributions to various ministries who have been found to misallocate resources based on what was advertised.  Nevertheless, FATHER blessed us in our giving because we gave with the right intent out of a pure heart.  In several cases, we gave significantly beyond our “emotional comfort zone” but FATHER provided us with exceptional blessings in return.

We currently pay no salaries out of Servias Ministries and never have since its inception thus there is no incentive to “tickle” the ears of the readers with popular topics which may add nothing toward the maturity of the believer.  FATHER provides for my family through my business.  All contributions go to keeping our website up and operational and disbursing to those in need as our funds allow. 

Historically, my wife and I have been major contributors to Servias.  Since FATHER told us to start this organization, I know it is fertile ground to plant our seed.  FATHER continues to bless our giving and I trust HE is blessing those who contribute to this ministry as well.  What a blessing to teach what FATHER gives us daily to a wide and diverse readership!  We have over 3,000 different readers come to our site each month.  I believe many of these readers are being encouraged and matured by The Word in preparation of the challenges ahead.

 I can share testimonies of many past blessings due to our giving but they only serve to assure you that FATHER’S Word will work for you as well.  If you become a frequent giver then you will receive frequent blessings.  But if you are a reluctant giver or a “zero” giver, you too will be rewarded according to the measure you give.

Wisdom urges you to become a giver so that your barns will be filled with plenty and your vat will overflow with new wine.  As Jesus said in Luke 6:

38   Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

In Genesis chapter 12, FATHER spoke to Abraham:

2 ​​I will make you a great nation;

​​I will bless you

​​And make your name great;

​​And you shall be a blessing [a source of great good to others].

FATHER has blessed my family and as a result, we have been a blessing to others.  That is how the Kingdom operates.

Confessing The Word is a necessary to fully embracing It in your life.  Why do you think we speak forth the Pledge of Allegiance here in The United States?  It is to acknowledge and embrace the words in our hearts as well as our minds.  When we hear ourselves speak the words, there is a deeper commitment than silently reading the Pledge.  This is true concerning The Word for it is written by THE SPIRIT in Psalm 45:

1 My heart is overflowing with a good theme;

​​I recite my composition concerning the King;

​​My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.

Our tongue writes and records into our hearts.  This is a reality I have confirmed to be true in my life over the last forty-eight years.  This reality has caused me to watch my words as people have attempted to obtain my agreement when I knew them to be wrong.  When I speak The Word, I profess to be in agreement with It by speaking It forth.

Wisdom spoke Proverbs 3:

1 My son, do not forget my law,

​​But let your heart keep my commands;

2 ​​For length of days and long life

​​And peace they will add to you.

​3 ​​Let not mercy and truth forsake you;

​​Bind them around your neck,

​​Write them on the tablet of your heart,

4 ​​ And so find favor and high esteem

​​In the sight of God and man.

Wisdom tells us to write The Word on our hearts and this is done by reading and confessing The Word so that our own ears will hear The Truth.  When we do this, life and peace will be added to us.  In addition, we will find favor in the sight of Our Heavenly Father and mankind.  Jesus experienced this as He prepared for His ministry as revealed in Luke 2:

52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

I have seen over the years where men have been attracted to my gifts and calling thus I received favor in business dealings.  This brought forth financial blessings to my family which allowed us to be blessings to others as well.  Certain investments produced an excellent return even though similar investments by others did not produce the same results.  FATHER was definitely working on my behalf.

I would confess Colossians 1:10-11 on a daily basis to write It on my heart:

I walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness

If FATHER tells us in HIS WISDOM to do something specific, why resist it?  HE gives us specific steps to success in our lives if we will only heed HIS direction.

How long will it take for HIS Word to be written and fully activated in our hearts?  It varies from person to person and what is currently in the heart that is contrary to FATHER’S Word.  The Word will cleanse the heart of the world’s debris and it may take some time for this to occur.  Nevertheless, commit yourself to writing FATHER’S Word on the tablet of your heart and It will soon become one with you.

What happens when an expert in The Law gains the revelation of Our Lord Jesus Christ?  He sets aside corruption and puts on incorruption.

It is recorded by THE SPIRIT in Acts chapter 13:

13 Now when Paul and his party set sail from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia; and John, departing from them, returned to Jerusalem.

14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down.

15 And after the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, “Men and brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.”

Who better to speak before the rulers of the synagogue than Paul?  He was fully qualified to speak publicly concerning The Law and the Prophets.  First, he recounts their history up to David:

16 Then Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said, “Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen:

17 The God of this people Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He brought them out of it.

18 Now for a time of about forty years He put up with their ways in the wilderness. 19 And when He had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, He distributed their land to them by allotment.

20 “After that He gave them judges for about four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.

21 And afterward they asked for a king; so God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years.

22 And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’

There is no question of Paul’s knowledge of the Old Covenant as he describes the big picture of what FATHER’S Divine Intent leads to… salvation for all.

23 From this man’s seed, according to the promise, God raised up for Israel a Savior—Jesus—

24 after John had first preached, before His coming, the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.

25 And as John was finishing his course, he said, ‘Who do you think I am? I am not He. But behold, there comes One after me, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to loose.’

Now Paul declares the ministry of Jesus as the fulfillment of salvation for the Jews:

26 “Men and brethren, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to you the word of this salvation has been sent.

27 For those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they did not know Him, nor even the voices of the Prophets which are read every Sabbath, have fulfilled them in condemning Him.

28 And though they found no cause for death in Him, they asked Pilate that He should be put to death.

29 Now when they had fulfilled all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb.

30 But God raised Him from the dead.

31 He was seen for many days by those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His witnesses to the people.

32 And we declare to you glad tidings—that promise which was made to the fathers.

33 God has fulfilled this for us their children, in that He has raised up Jesus. As it is also written in the second Psalm:

​​‘​You are My Son, ​​Today I have begotten You.’

​

34 And that He raised Him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, He has spoken thus:

​​‘​I will give you the sure mercies of David.’

​

35 Therefore He also says in another Psalm:

​​‘​You will not allow Your Holy One to see corruption.’

​

36 “For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers, and saw corruption;

37 but He whom God raised up saw no corruption.

38 Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins;

39 and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.

Paul clearly explains the need to focus on the ministry of Jesus Christ rather than the Mosaic Law.  The Law and the Prophets fulfilled their intent to point to salvation through Our Lord Jesus Christ.  We have been given the true riches of the Kingdom as our disposal if we will only focus our attention on FATHER’S Word, especially the Words of Jesus.  In His Words are life.

As we immerse ourselves daily in HIS Word, the windows of Heaven will open up and provide blessings in all areas of our lives thus allowing us to be a blessing to others.  Let us fully embrace the continued revelation FATHER is now revealing to us and not allow ourselves to be enslaved by the traditions of men.

It is written by THE SPIRIT in 2 Chronicles 1:

7 On that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, “Ask! What shall I give you?”

8 And Solomon said to God: “You have shown great mercy to David my father, and have made me king in his place.

9 Now, O LORD God, let Your promise to David my father be established, for You have made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude.

10 Now give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this great people of Yours?”

11 Then God said to Solomon: “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches or wealth or honor or the life of your enemies, nor have you asked long life—but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge My people over whom I have made you king—

12 wisdom and knowledge are granted to you; and I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings have had who were before you, nor shall any after you have the like.” 

In Matthew chapter 6, Jesus spoke:

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

There are hidden treasures to be found and used when seeking FATHER which are set aside for each of us.  Because FATHER Loves us, HE is not reluctant to provide for us in every area of our need.  To a certain degree, many believers are fearful that FATHER will not provide them with abundance if they ask so they don’t set a higher expectation.

FATHER is oriented toward increase and expansion.  Just consider the ever-expanding universe as a result of The Word HE spoke.  Consider seedtime and harvest which promotes multiplication.

Many people have sought The Kingdom without righteousness and have totally missed the mark.  They sought riches to consume upon themselves rather than establish The Kingdom.  Some believers have used these examples of misuse to justify their unwillingness to expand their expectation of blessing and prosperity.  They lacked understanding of FATHER’S Love for us.  In the parable of the talents, Jesus makes it quite clear that we are to expect an increase as we go about doing FATHER’S business.  Jesus describes the one servant who did not know FATHER in Matthew chapter 25:

24 “Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed.

25 And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’

26 “But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed.

27 So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest.

28 So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.

29 ‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.

30 And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

When we seek FATHER and HIS righteousness, HE will give us wisdom, understanding, and knowledge.  If we do nothing with it because we were afraid then we will be known as unprofitable servants.  How can you grow as a cheerful giver if your resources do not grow?  How can you do your part in expanding The Kingdom if you produce nothing to give?  We must overcome anything which holds us back from being productive Sons and Daughters and no longer allow our individual circumstances to dictate our expectation of what FATHER is willing to provide.  When we seek HIM and HIS Wisdom, HE will show us the path to fulfillment of our callings.  HE will give us understanding of how to properly administer “all these things” and we will not be concerned with the evil attached to greed (aka love of money).

It is written by THE SPIRIT in Psalm 46:

10  Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth!

To know means to recognize and understand.  My intent is to assist you in your maturing process IN CHRIST.  Each of us has the Mind of Christ resident in us and FATHER awaits our realization of the power and its potential which currently lies dormant in most.  Our unbelief is the biggest hindrance to walking in this power but as we continue to press in, we will recognize and understand what it means to be a Son or Daughter of THE MOST HIGH.  When this occurs, FATHER will be exalted among the nations and in the earth.

Peter wrote by THE SPIRIT in his first Epistle in chapter 5:

6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,

7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.

10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

As we humble ourselves, at the appropriate time FATHER will exalt us.  This requires us to walk in faith with full assurance that The Holy Spirit will guide us in all we say and do.  Yes, we must be vigilant because the devil and his “sons” will attempt to derail us from our gifts and calling.  The devil promotes confusion and perversion thus the masses are walking around producing the corresponding fruit.  If you step back, you can easily identify the silliness of what is being promoted today.  It simply makes no sense to those with eyes to see.

In order to resist the devil, we must know The Word in the same manner as Jesus resisted the devil.  Each of us has the opportunity to become steadfast in faith by simply placing The Word as our top priority each day.

Am I going to suffer?  Yes, but our suffering will be temporary and it will be used to perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle us.  There is a lot of truth in the saying “no pain, no gain”.  We are to be strong and of good courage, not lazy, timid, and fearful of what may happen tomorrow.  Let us not become dull of hearing but let our faith grow strong in preparation of the trials and challenges we will surely face.

At the appropriate time, FATHER will judge the lawlessness and perversion promoted by the world.  Why should we try to predict this “appropriate” time when we have more important matters to consider?  There are many believers fixated on current world events at the expense of personal spiritual development.  In Matthew chapter 13, Jesus explained the parable of the tares:

36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field.”

37 He answered and said to them: “He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one.

39 The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels.

40 Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age.

41 The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness,

42 and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

43 Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!

Yes, there are tares everywhere we look but know this, FATHER has a plan to deal with the tares.  Our focus is to mature into the full stature as Sons and Daughters and not be so concerned about the day or the hour that FATHER dispatches the angels to gather up the tares.

Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in 1 Corinthians 2:

9 But as it is written:

​​​“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,

​​Nor have entered into the heart of man

​​The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

​10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.

11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.

12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.

Paul had a history of studying the Law relying on his logic and common sense as well as the education of his teachers.  However, he soon found out that he was missing a vital aspect in understanding- The Holy Spirit.  You only have to look at the disciples in the Gospels to realize their inability to walk in faith even though they were eyewitnesses to the miracles and were given personalized instruction by Our Lord Jesus Christ.

How are we to comprehend the Divine Intent of Our Heavenly Father without receiving HIS Holy Spirit?  It is clear that salvation and the baptism of The Holy Spirit are two separate events.  I received salvation and was water baptized years before I received the baptism in The Holy Spirit at the age of twenty.  That night changed the course of my life and all my priorities immediately changed.

I can appreciate the need of praying in THE SPIRIT to receive deeper revelations of FATHER’S Divine Intent.  In the above passage, Paul quotes Isaiah 64:4 with one change from “for the one who waits for Him” to “for those who love Him”.  Paul experienced Agape Love when Jesus met him on the road to Damascus.  Jesus converted the enemy of believers and showed Saul His Agape Love.  Paul’s calling was to write a major portion of the New Testament, being led by The Holy Spirit.  In 1 Corinthians chapter 14, Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT:

18  I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all.

Paul discloses the key to being able to write the Epistles- he prayed directly out of his spirit to FATHER without allowing his mind to interfere or alter:

14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.

The Amplified Version:

14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unproductive

[because it does not understand what my spirit is praying]

.

As we received revelation through The Holy Spirit, then our minds can and will be transformed by their renewing as Paul wrote in Romans chapter 12:

1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

In order to “prove” something, you must be able to recognize as genuine after examination.  How can you recognize anything if you are blinded?  FATHER opens our eyes of understanding as we pray in THE SPIRIT.  This allows the transformation of our minds to take place for now we can begin to examine everything by the exact Truth of FATHER’S Divine Intent rather than the latest socially acceptable standard promoted by the world.

Paul further wrote in 1 Corinthians chapter 2:

13 These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one.

16 For “who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?”  But we have the mind of Christ.

Paul explains the importance of the baptism of The Holy Spirit thus being able to pray in THE SPIRIT.  It is but foolishness to the natural man and he does not have the ability to know the spiritual things.  However, we have been given the mind of Christ to be guided in all that we say and do.  Our understanding of the various facets of The Word greatly improves as we continue our prayer life.

In 1990, FATHER instructed me to spend one hour each weekday morning before HIM, mainly praying in THE SPIRIT.  This lasted 10 years until HE told me I had completed this phase of maturing.  I look back and see how I was sustained through some notable challenges during that decade.  The Mind of Christ became more accessible to me and I was able to navigate the trials which confronted me.

Some people might say that speaking in tongues is not critical but I agree with Paul!

A beloved sister sent me this word to contemplate and I asked my friend Alan to provide the Hebrew understanding:

This word ‘dathan’ is scantily used in scripture, and is most likely an abbreviated form of the verb ‘yah-dah’ (Strong’s # 3034), and in a plural manifestation.  The ‘noon’ suffix indicates, “…repetitive manifestation”; hence, plurality.  There are several Hebrew forms of this word ‘yah-dah’ and translated as  ‘give thanks’ that could easily be associated with the idea of ‘dathan’, though the spelling of these makes the etymology of them difficult, and sometimes a guessing game.  The idea of ‘giving thanks’ is easily recognized as the ‘sending forth of gratitude’, and in that context, becomes the foundation of a ‘law’, or ‘statute’.  These are all ideas that have been associated with the word ‘dath’, and ‘dathan’.  And this is where the Spirit is needed to provide direction and understanding.   The general idea of the word ‘dathan’ is without question founded on the letter ‘daleth’, the fourth letter in the Hebrew alphabet and where we get the letter ‘d’ in English. The ‘daleth’ is generally recognized as a ‘door’, or doorway, allowing access or denying access to another room or arena or dimension.  I have accepted the roll of the ‘daleth’ as that of a portal; an invitation into another dimension, or experience, or level of understanding.  When considered in this venue, words that are built around the ‘daleth’ tend to take on a different perspective than what most traditional translating has allowed.  I consider a portal to be an invitation into a ‘higher level of understanding’.  The ‘daleth’ then becomes an invitation to enter into another realm of thought.  Consider the change that takes place in the heart/mind of man when rather than succumbing to fear or dread in the face of God, he instead ‘gives thanks’ (yah-dah; ho-dah; dah-than; etc.)  To ‘give thanks unto God’ allows the individual to leave the realm of an inferior influence, and instead enter into the presence of God.  That is what I see in the potential of the ‘daleth’; or ‘d’.  In this context, I see Dathan fulfilling a role that fits very well into my own understanding of what the Old Testament is all about.  Dathan bucked the tide of the religious tradition and regimen as dictated by Moses.  As I investigate the Hebrew language of the Old Testament, I find ‘symptoms’ of where the translators followed a particular outline of thought within which to translate.  Many of the Hebrew words of the O.T. can credibly be translated into different meanings than what has been prescribed by our English translations, and many of those meanings give great credibility for the words and actions of Yashua as Messiah.  Judaism ascribed one level of meanings to the words of the O.T. verses, while Yashua came to considerably different conclusions than did the scribes and lawyers of Judaism.  Dathan and Korahk and Abiram, in ‘challenging’ the dictatorial authority of Moses, are critical characters in illustrating this hypothesis.  As defense to the actions and words of Dathan and Korahk, consider the words of Moses in another setting.   Num. 11:26-29  Numbers 11 is a distressful time for Moses, and for the wanderers, and Moses is learning ‘on the job training’, by trial and error.  When the people complain of having nothing to eat but manna, YHVH retaliates in anger and tells them he is going to ram ‘flesh’ down their throats until it “…come out at your nostrils,”  Are these responses from YHVH the responses of a patient and loving teacher and leader; a benevolent god?   Moses is struggling to manifest a Christ-like authority role in the midst of this stress and strife, and even Moses gets a smart-mouthed and sarcastic attitude towards YHVH.  The setting is quite interesting, and Moses is obviously learning what it means to be YHVH.  At this point, the thoughts unveiled in Numbers 11:26-29 take on a higher level of understanding; for Moses, and for us all.  “And then the quails came.”  And according to the words of the next few verses, the wrath of YHVH strikes the people with “…a very great plague.”  To which Yashua (Jesus) responded, “To whom of you, when your son asks you for an egg, will give him a scorpion?” [Luke 11:12]   My paraphrase, of course. Numbers 12 follows this up with the ‘rebellion’ of Aaron and Miriam.  YHVH retaliates by striking Miriam with leprosy.  And when Moses sees what this leads to, he also pleads for YHVH to relent.  Chapter 13 follows this up with the spying out of the land of Canaan by the twelve.  And the following chapters are a recording of similar ‘failures’ of the people to ‘please the demands of YHVH.  In chapter 14, YHVH wants to strike the complainers with retributions, all the while Moses is pleading with YHVH to spare the rebellious violators.  What is going on here?  It seems to me that Moses is learning that YHVH is a very demanding taskmaster, and intolerant of those that don’t comply.  Then in chapter 15 we find Moses hearing from YHVH a further set of instructions that seem to be a little more lenient and compromising where the non-compliant people are concerned.  Are we seeing in this pageant a tenderizing of the demands of YHVH, or are we seeing a softening of the rigidity of Moses as Commander in Chief?  Maybe Moses is beginning to ‘hear’ things in a different understanding than his previous ‘war general’ mind was accustomed to considering?  Even their clothing is now being altered to be a reminder to them of who they are, and what their purpose is to be. [Num. 15: 38-40] I realize this is not a very definitive discussion of Dathan.  However, most of these scenarios and events strike me as being more metaphorical in nature rather than in literal actions and events.  The language of these scenarios very much fits the role of being metaphors.  And for those that insist that these are literal actions and events, how could they ever find the courage to leave the realm of Old Testament literal servitude to enter into the Grace relationship that we have embraced in Christ?  When did YHVH cease being a vindictive and retaliatory ‘god’ as described by the Jew translators of the Old Testament verses, and become more lenient and dismissive of disobedience and rebellion?  At some point I have to follow the leading of the Spirit, and cease being manipulated by the fear of a retaliatory ‘god’.  At some point I have to accept Christ, and following the unctions of His Spirit.  And that very much requires entering in through a higher portal; the portal of The Cross.

For those who understand what it means to be a son or daughter of Our Heavenly Father, what THE SPIRIT gave Paul in Romans chapter 8 is truly exciting:

1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh,

4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

As we mature in THE SPIRIT, we will be led by THE SPIRIT in a greater degree.  This is a progression that takes time as we plant the Seed (The Word) in our hearts and allow It to produce 30, 60, or 100 fold in our lives.  The Word will overtake the enemy and we will see a transformation occur in our minds.  Our interest in worldly matters will decrease as our interest in Kingdom matters increase.

This is a daily walk which requires us to maintain a sensitivity to The Holy Spirit in each activity of the day.  We will experience greater peace as we begin to see people through the eyes of Jesus, even our enemies.  The lawless actions of others will no longer cause us to react in the flesh and we will refrain from speaking or commenting unless moved by The Holy Spirit.

5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.

6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.

8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

We will look back and see how we walked according to the flesh in the past and how those old habits are no longer affecting our walk.  If we do respond according to the flesh now, we are immediately convicted and repent.  Walking in faith pleases FATHER and there is no room for the flesh to lead us in any manner.  Each Son and Daughter seeks to 100% spiritually minded, knowing that the fruit of life and peace will prevail.  What a great expectation to have as we mature in Christ!

9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.

10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

Our mortal bodies are meant to live in Divine health.  The Holy Spirit infuses life into our mortal bodies if we truly grasp this reality and walk in it.  Our minds must be transformed by the knowledge of The Word, especially this verse.  If we walk in unbelief, we limit the power of The Holy Spirit in our lives.  We must have genuine faith to receive the stated benefits in the above verse.

12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.

13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

The word “if” denotes a choice in which path we take: the flesh, or the SPIRIT.  Initially it is an hour by hour decision but as we become more mature, our walk will become more consistent and we will reap the benefits of life and peace.

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

We give an emphatic promise stating who are the Sons and Daughters of Our Heavenly Father.  It is totally conditioned by being led by THE SPIRIT thus it is available to all who are willing to make the commitment no matter what your station in life.

15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”

16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

The Holy Spirit in us bears witness that we are HIS children.  This is why I refer to HIM as FATHER rather than the generic term “GOD”.  We have a relationship of FATHER/son and I know HIS Love for me far exceeds anything I can comprehend.  Will I suffer for Christ?  It does not matter for eternal life and peace are worth any temporary suffering I must endure.  As we are led by THE SPIRIT and produce good fruit, we glorify Our Heavenly Father.  What a privilege!