Servias Ministries Blog

One of the consistent themes in Scripture is the time in the wilderness.  Jesus spent time there as well as others.  The word “wilderness” is from the Hebrew word  midbar and it comes from the root word dabar which means: to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, and sing.  FATHER spoke to Moses through a burning bush in the wilderness, HE gave the Law to the children of Israel in the wilderness, and most of all HE prepared Jesus for HIS ministry in the wilderness.

By THE SPIRIT Luke wrote in chapter 4:

1 Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,

2 being tempted for forty days by the devil. And in those days He ate nothing, and afterward, when they had ended, He was hungry.

The wilderness denotes barrenness and isolation and thus there are no distractions to prevent us from hearing HIM.  If everything in life were easy, we would see no need to seek FATHER and mature as Sons and Daughters.  FATHER led HIS first begotten Son into the wilderness to prepare Him for His ministry of Love toward all of mankind.  Jesus overcame the devil in the three primary areas: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.  He did so by the Word He heard from FATHER.

Once Jesus had completed the time of separation:

14 Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region.

15 And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.

Each and every day we have the opportunity to set ourselves apart to hear FATHER and receive HIS instruction appropriate to our own situation.  This is a time of empowering us by HIS spoken Word.  These writings are to serve as an aid for they arise only after hearing HIS Voice in what to write for that particular day.  After Jesus was empowered by THE SPIRIT He taught, healed, and proclaimed the Word from FATHER.

In Matthew chapter 4:

1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

2 And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry.

Food can become a focus of the flesh and keep us from focusing on hearing FATHER.  Jesus fasted and overcame the flesh and its attempt to draw Him away from hearing.  Food is meant to satisfy our hunger not our appetite where fleshly cravings occurs.  Jesus overcame the basic cravings of the flesh which sharpened His ability to hear FATHER.

The barrenness of the wilderness takes away the lust of the eyes for there is nothing to see and distract us from hearing.  Further, there is nothing to accumulate thus promoting the pride of life… unless you like rock and sand.  The truth is that we all need time in the wilderness in order for us to focus on hearing FATHER and we can embrace it or attempt to reject this path.  This is when and where we learn to trust FATHER.  As we do we begin to strengthen our spirits by HIS Word.  We begin to be led by HIS Spirit as we embrace the wilderness.  It was FATHER’S perfect will for Jesus to spend the needed time in the wilderness for this is where He became empowered by THE SPIRIT to fulfill His calling.

By the way, the words midbar (271) and dabar (1143) are found 1,414 times in Scripture.  In considering the number 14:

To write fourteen in Hebrew, they wrote two Hebrew letters: yod-daleth. These signify the hand (outworking) of the door. It pictures a release or deliverance from the prison with the opening of the door.  Fourteen is the number of deliverance or release. Israel was delivered from Egypt by the Passover lamb that was killed on the 14th day of the first month (Passover). When the ship that was carrying Paul to Rome was caught in the storm, they were delivered on the 14th day (Acts 27:33, 34).  In Gen. 12:10 Abram went down to Egypt in order to deliver himself from the famine in Canaan. This was the 14th time Abram’s name is mentioned in Scripture.  The 14th time that Abraham is mentioned is in Gen. 18:13, where the Lord told them that Sarah would deliver a child (Isaac) in the next year. When Sarah laughed, the Lord said, “Is anything too difficult for the Lord?”

We are delivered from the world in the wilderness and we are released to minister according to our Divine purpose by developing our hearing ability with FATHER.  The wilderness is a truly positive experience and don’t let your flesh convince you otherwise.

Jesus spoke the following “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”  FATHER is the Initiator and we are the responders.  When HE speaks, we are to listen.  How simple is that command yet there are few who appear to be first responders for the worldly focus has deafened many.

Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in Romans chapter 3:

21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,

22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference;

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed,

26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

FATHER speaks out of HIS Divine Intent of Love for it is in HIS Character a willingness to communicate with those who seek HIM.  HIS Love is unconditional so we must not let our dullness of hearing prevent us from seeking HIS Face.  HE has the power to open ears which will enable us to hear HIM more clearly thus the only thing holding us back is us! 

Jesus Christ ripped the veil of separating FATHER’S presence from HIS people that we might by faith be able to approach HIM without fear of death.  HIS grace is sufficient to promote us coming before HIM and becoming fully connected with HIM as a first responder on this earth.  HE speaks, we respond.

Problems arise when we purpose to walk independent of HIS Instruction rather than receiving Wisdom from Above.  Man’s wisdom is tainted with self interest and will serve to only promote death and destruction in the end.  When we walk according to FATHER’S directives then our faith is empowered by HIS Word to us and it only becomes a matter of time before that faith is manifested before our eyes.  By faith in the Blood of Jesus Christ are we empowered to receive the mysteries FATHER has reserved for this time to those who are willing to listen.

Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in Ephesians chapter 3:

14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,

17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,

18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—

19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

First responders must be prepared, strong, and courageous as the need arises.  As we are rooted and grounded in Love we are able to hear and comprehend.  With that in mind, we are given directives to follow for the purpose of strengthening us with all might according to HIS Power and Glory.  As challenges present themselves before us, we are fully willing and prepared to confront them, deal with, defeat them, and remove them from our midst.  We will not grow weary in well doing but will persevere in all situations.  We are no longer attempting to obey by external modification of behavior for now HIS commandment of Love motivates our inward man and we walk in the spirit of HIS Laws because we are now becoming one with HIM.  The old man is passing away behold all things are new.

Let us come boldly to HIS Throne of Grace knowing that Jesus Christ prepared the Way.  Let us remain faithful to that reality in all the we think and do.  Walking in Love and being full of faith qualifies us to be first responders as we hear HIS Word for the situation at hand.

James by THE SPIRIT wrote in chapter 3:

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.

14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth.

15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.

16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.

17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Love’s wisdom is identified and known by its fruit and those who walk in it are blessed by FATHER.  As Jesus spoke in Matthew chapter 5 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see GOD”.  Wisdom is first pure and there is no hidden agenda of wisdom.  Envy is not found In those who walk in wisdom for they understand FATHER has unique responsibilities, resources, and accountability specific to each of HIS called out ones.

Wisdom from Above is not self-seeking but is looking to do what is best for others and seeks to be of service for the benefit of all.  Wisdom finds it necessary and beneficial to guide others into maturity and away from fear.  It provides comfort to those who are unsure of the path to take with the result being peace in the situation people find themselves in.

Earthly wisdom is in dramatic contrast and its fruit of confusion and evil surface as men follow its path.  We are called to observe and judge fruit so that we can rest assured of which path to pursue.

Wisdom from above tends toward moderation in all things.  It is never in a hurry and is not confined to limitation.  James had earlier mentioned this in chapter 1:

2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,

3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

Faith and wisdom go hand in hand as we expect to receive from FATHER in every circumstance we face.  As my friend Kemper wrote in his book Raising a Remnant :

‘Wisdom is the ability to hear and receive correction and instruction.’ Without receiving correction and instruction, God’s word will not take root in our heart and His nature will not become our nature. His Word is the correction and instruction we desperately need, for in His Word is the Nature of our Father.

In FATHER are the answers to all of life’s issues.  Men seek answers elsewhere but why expend the time and resources when that same energy could be directed to hearing FATHER?  The solutions to our various problems are not found on top of a mountain in Tibet nor are they found in the Library of Congress.  Instead they are found in our prayer closet, booth, or tabernacle.  Wherever FATHER is so is the answer to our problem.  FATHER isn’t reluctant to speak and instruct us so we must look in the mirror and ask ourselves where the problem lies in receiving HIS Wisdom.  We must change!  FATHER gives to all liberally and without restriction for HE Loves us and wants us to be perfected in our walk.  HIS Wisdom promotes maturity and fullness of stature.

As we mature our Love walk will be guided by HIS Wisdom and we will produce good fruit to be “eaten” by others.  Just as Jesus is THE WORD, we to will take on FATHER’S Character and be THE WORD as well and from that WORD will people receive Love’s Wisdom.  We are to be expressions of HIS Love and Wisdom will be with us in all that we say and do.

Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in Ephesians chapter 5:

30 For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones.

31 “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”

32 This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

We are called a bride in Scripture.  The purpose of a bride is to marry a bridegroom thus becoming one in unity with each other.  The term “bride” is meant to denote a temporary condition until the state of being a wife is achieved.  The called out ones (aka the church) are to become one with Christ thus one with FATHER.  Each one of us has this place in our hearts that longs to be fulfilled and it will only occur when we become one with FATHER.

One aspect of leaving our father and mother is to leave our past or history behind and move forward as a bride preparing herself for that day of full and complete union.  As we move toward full maturity in our Divine purpose we will become bone of HIS bone and flesh of HIS flesh.  It is all about unity in the fullness of Love.

In the same chapter Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT:

15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,

16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit

We are told to be filled with THE SPIRIT as well as being led by THE SPIRIT in Romans chapter 8:

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

When a man and a woman become engaged to be married, both expect to be guided in unity by one spirit because they believe they have everything in common.  Their love for one another makes up for any differences and will overcome all challenges to their marriage.  If both are fully mature, their marriage will survive all obstacles placed before them.  Their Love for one another is the determining factor in the success of the union.

As we are filled and led by THE SPIRIT, our Love will come to full maturity for we will see and embrace the mystery of becoming one with Christ.  The trappings of this world will no longer have any appeal to us for we no longer will attempt to fill the void in our hearts with “things” but instead will embrace the Love of Christ and will focus on the union with Christ.  Jesus initiated this union when He was willing to give His life on the cross for His Bride.  Though the world would attempt to dilute and pervert the meaning of this union, the Truth remains and all of creation testifies of the reality of this mystery.

We are called to redeem the time and make the most out of each day of preparation.  We are told to refrain from dulling our senses by drunkenness and we must remain vigilant in our preparation as HIS Bride.  We must be careful how we live and must watch our step at all times so that we don’t become ensnared by the world.  As our Love fully matures, we will no longer be drawn to the world’s appetites or offerings but only look forward to the day of consummation as a Bride and becoming One with HIM.

One of the most controversial topics among cultural Christians is the giving of the tithe.  The cultural Christians are after two things: personal peace and affluence.  Personal peace means that all is well in my own household without regard to anyone else.  Affluence is in regard to being personally blessed and having all that I want while others go without.  Both aspects are tied to a “selfish” orientation.

Many believe that tithing was established under the Law and that since we are no longer under the Law we are not required to tithe.  Those people are missing the point.  In Hebrews chapter 7 it is written by THE SPIRIT:

1 For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him,

2 to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, first being translated “king of righteousness,” and then also king of Salem, meaning “king of peace,”

3 without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually.

4 Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils.

5 And indeed those who are of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to receive tithes from the people according to the law, that is, from their brethren, though they have come from the loins of Abraham;

6 but he whose genealogy is not derived from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises.

7 Now beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better.

8 Here mortal men receive tithes, but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives.

The tithe is an important aspect of the flow of blessings.  “The lesser is blessed by the greater” suggests that those who have been set apart in the ministry Holy unto FATHER are the greater.  Those who bless the priesthood will in turn be blessed by FATHER.  FATHER blesses us according to our intent.  If we give with a pure heart we will be blessed by HIM and our blessing will take the form based on our particular needs.  The use and deployment by the recipient is none of our concern.  We are not the “tithing” policemen.

The moment we argue or debate the issue of tithing, we have missed the point.  What it reveals is that we really don’t believe that FATHER is in the “blessing business” and we believe in scarcity more than we believe in FATHER’S supernatural ability to bless us and orchestrate resources on our behalf.  Whether we want to admit it or not the love of money is an issue in our hearts.  Some people may read these words and remove this site from their reading list but it does not and will not change the reality of what FATHER’S Divine Intent is.  In Heaven there is no lack.

Abraham was before the Law of Moses and in all the earth were the blessings of Abraham to be realized.  If being called by FATHER to be the father of many nations, don’t you think Abraham understood the blessing of tithing?  If tithing were not a true benefit then why is it even brought up by THE SPIRIT in the book of Hebrews?  Giving is perhaps one of the greatest stumbling blocks to full maturity as a Son.  The reluctance to give will cause resistance to growth in the Kingdom.

By THE SPIRIT Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians chapter 9:

6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

9 As it is written:

​​​“He has dispersed abroad,

​​He has given to the poor;

​​His righteousness endures forever.

When we look in the mirror we must ask ourselves if we are truly cheerful givers or do we sow sparingly.  Are we constantly in lack or unfulfilled?  If we are constantly rationalizing why we should not or cannot give then we have not yet taken on FATHER’S Character.  We cannot out give FATHER and the test of our giving can be accomplished with a tenth.

PS:  The recipient has as much responsibility for the tithe as the recipient and FATHER will deal with both in HIS own manner.  It’s all about the heart.  The same tithe can be a blessing to one and a judgment to another.

By THE SPIRIT James wrote in chapter 1:

21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror;

24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.

25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

To deceive means to cause someone to believe something that is not true, typically in order to gain some personal advantage.  To be brutally honest, I must admit that I have been guilty of deception at various times in my life as I suspect we all have if we are to be completely truthful.  Throughout Scripture there have been many who deceived others for personal gain and/or protection.  Jacob deceived Isaac in order to obtain the birthright instead of his brother.  Peter deceived those who identified him as a disciple when he denied Christ three times.  The old man is a deceiver and promotes deception and lies.

Thankfully FATHER’S mercy prevailed in my life as I moved from a state of immaturity to one of deeper understanding about the importance of living according to a higher standard than that of the world.  There is such gross deception sweeping across the earth in the financial realm these days.  Never before has there been such a departure from Truth and reality and wickedness is surely overflowing in many areas.  These times demand a Standard of Truth rise up to expose the wickedness and deception that plagues mankind.  FATHER continues to hone and prepare HIS Called Out Ones to become uncompromising with regard to not only hearing the Word but doing the Word.  Moreover we are not only doing the Word but with the same Divine Intent of FATHER.  It is one thing to do the Word but it is another to embrace the intent behind the Word.

We must not let our past dictate our future.  If that were the case none of us would deserve to be here on earth today.  FATHER’S great grace and mercy are sufficient to redeem us from our past just as HE did for all those mentioned in Scripture.  This perfect Law of liberty is one that sets us free of our past and promotes life and blessing in our future.  We must be doers of FATHER’S Word to realize this life of liberty.

Doing nothing simply won’t cut it anymore.  Being a doer of the Word requires discipline, tenacity, and overcoming the flesh.  It requires us to be sensitive to THE SPIRIT and correct anything which would compromise our walk.  Deception occurs when we know the difference between the Truth and a lie and do nothing to rectify the situation.  Personal gain is obtained when someone else fails to receive what is right and you have the opportunity to balance the scales.  If we fail to stand on the Truth then deception enters in as we become “forgetful”.

When one is selfish he or she believes in scarcity rather than FATHER’S abundance.  Making the transition from believing what you see to believing FATHER’S Word can be challenging.  As we continue to be doers of HIS Word even though we have yet to experience the transition from scarcity to blessing, we must press on and press in.  I am fully persuaded by the multitude of FATHER’S past interventions in my life that HE will continue to cause HIS Word to come to pass in all of our lives.  Love ultimately prevails if we forget not HIS benefits.  Let us each continue to sow the Word into our hearts on a daily basis so that good fruit comes forth in our lives.

By THE SPIRIT, in Hebrews it is written:

24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter,

25 choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin,

26 considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward

When the Age of Passover was about to begin, FATHER raised up Moses to be HIS Vessel of Honor to lead the children out of slavery and to the Promised Land.  Moses himself had a good life for him and his family in Egypt.  However he chose to give up that life for a better life in the end:

16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.

It is clear that in looking back at Moses, he had taken the long-term view of life rather than the short-term where his immediate needs would be satisfied.  He was willing to sacrifice “self” for the benefit of others and FATHER was able to use him to lead the children into the Age of Passover.  When the day came, the children of Israel were not removed from experiencing the death angel moving through the land, they were simply protected from the chaos and death coming into their households.  By faith they obeyed FATHER and were spared.

At that time Egypt was the greatest nation on earth yet Moses gave up his citizenship and association with Egypt to follow FATHER.  He was chosen because of his willingness to accept a future reward much greater than a temporary reward of pleasure and riches.  He was willing to suffer the abuse or reproach of Christ in order to receive the future reward of being a citizen in the Heavenly City of OUR GOD.

We are once again in a similar situation of enslavement but being prepared to be set free.  Mystery Babylon has enslaved the masses with its monetary, political, and religious systems in place.  Its goal is to keep us enslaved and in line with its intent.  However FATHER’S Divine Intent of Love will not submit to man’s path toward destruction.  During this transitional period we too will suffer for Christ but we must count it worthy for the reward ahead for us just as Moses by faith did so.

Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in 1 Thessalonians chapter 1:

11 Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power,

12 that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

We must take each step forward out of bondage and into the path of Life by faith IN HIM.  These writings are intended to encourage us daily in our walk and to build up our faith for we are not alone but united in Christ to fulfill FATHER’S Mandate and daily directives in our lives.  HE expects us to change a little each day into the fullness of Christ.  We are to “walk the walk” not just “talk the talk”.  Each day we become Spiritually stronger which will enable us to run the race set before us.  It is not how you start the race but it is how you finish!

We must not be discouraged when we are in the wilderness for it is a necessary part of our maturing process.  We need to learn to be instant in season and out of season so that we become consistent in all situations.  The Heavenly City awaits our arrival and the Heavenly Hosts are cheering us on.  It is our time to walk in faith and look toward that Heavenly Reward.  If one of us falters, let the others come to our aid and help us cross the finish line if necessary for the Reward is worth it.

By THE SPIRIT Paul wrote in Ephesians chapter 4:

4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling;

5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism;

6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Each of us makes up the Body of Christ as members who are to supply one another in unity.  FATHER is above us, through us, and in us which denotes we are fully immersed IN HIM.  We are to become one with HIM as we draw near and take on HIS Character of Love.  The previous verses to the above passage explain the process:

1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,

2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,

3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

We come into fully unity by walking in THE SPIRIT as Paul wrote in Galatians chapter 5:

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

The fullness of the expression of Love comes forth through those who have embraced the Love of FATHER in their lives.  That fullness produces the fruit of THE SPIRIT as listed in the above passage.  The intent of that fruit is to ultimately bring forth the Kingdom on earth.  There is no longsuffering required in Heaven but instead there is a substantial need here on earth.  Kindness is directed to those in need of kindness even though they don’t realize the need themselves for they are blinded in their own walk.  We must forgive our enemies as Jesus stated in Matthew chapter 5 with the following expectation: “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”

In Romans chapter 5, Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT:

5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

The Holy Spirit carries forth the Love being pour out into and through our hearts in the form of the outworking of fruit mentioned above.  As we submit to HIS SPIRIT, this life flows to us and through us to minister life to mankind.  As we embrace this flow we therefore keep the unity of THE SPIRIT in the bond of peace and become the full expression of FATHER to all we encounter.  FATHER’S Spirit is like the wind or air movement.  We either go against the wind and resist it or we have our backs to the wind and flow with it.  When FATHER breathed life into Adam he became a living being.  Without the Spirit, Adam was simply as dust of the earth.  As we flow with HIS SPIRIT we will be able to walk in unity as individual parts of HIS Body and become one with Christ without spot or wrinkle. 

There is a time of preparation and a time of fulfillment of unity.  Let us move forward into the full stature of maturity which will result in perfection of being one with FATHER.

Matthew by THE SPIRIT in chapter 28 witnessed and recorded:

17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.

18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

There are many who doubt the veracity of the Scripture today even though the evidence is overwhelming.  If I pray to FATHER in Jesus’ Name and I receive a miraculous healing then what more proof do I need?  When FATHER tells me to focus on some anticipated event then it occurs, how can I doubt the Words of Jesus?  Our minds are where the battles of doubt are fought.  My mind is an excellent servant but a harsh taskmaster if it is allowed to control my path.  My heart must be in command where THE SPIRIT connects me to FATHER and our communication is centered thus I seek to be led by THE SPIRIT, not my mind and its logical reasoning.  It only reasons based on the incomplete information given to it.

Much of what FATHER speaks is contrary to what the world says.  The world sees scarcity and plans around that perception whereas FATHER speaks of abundance and is not limited to what man sees.  One thing we must overcome is the perception the world promotes which tends to overshadow the truth of reality.  The physical is subject to change as Jesus revealed time and time again.  FATHER spoke in Deuteronomy chapter 28:

1 “Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the LORD your God will set you high above all nations of the earth.”

HE continued to lay out the blessings of abundance to those who obey HIS Voice.  We all will be obedient to someone whether it be man or FATHER.  I choose to diligently obey FATHER.

“All authority” is just what it means.  Jesus has been given authority in all aspects of Heaven and on earth thus all men are subject to His authority in the final analysis.  Just as FATHER has conveyed authority to Jesus, we too are being conveyed the same authority as we come into full sonship.  Jesus’ mission was to serve all of mankind in Love and that is our mission as well.  He did not come to acquire assets for His own consumption at the expense of others in need.  Instead, He promoted cheerful giving and meeting the needs of others.  He withheld not healing and deliverance to those who sought Him.  We should expect the same to be true as we come into full maturity.

Each Age is a progression over the previous one.  The Age of Pentecost was an expansion over the Age of Passover.  This is true of the Age of Tabernacles as well.  Jesus issued a mandate to teach people to observe all things He commanded us.  “To observe” includes “to obey and doubt not”.  Jesus have given the disciples (and us) this very Truth in Mark chapter 11 when He spoke:

22 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God.

23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.

24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.”

We must overcome the world’s teaching in the area of who we are.  The world would tell us that we are not worthy and must live a life in subjection to those who have derivative power over us.  Their power is only temporary and/or perceived and is subject to all power and authority given to Jesus by FATHER.  Let us seek the higher ways of FATHER where true power and authority resides and those who are of the world will no longer control our lives.  Their power will be of none effect.  The key is to doubt not what Jesus has instructed us in accordance with FATHER’S Divine Intent.

In Matthew chapter 8, FATHER openly revealed:

28 When He had come to the other side, to the country of the Gergesenes, there met Him two demon-possessed men, coming out of the tombs, exceedingly fierce, so that no one could pass that way.

29 And suddenly they cried out, saying, “What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?”

30 Now a good way off from them there was a herd of many swine feeding.

31 So the demons begged Him, saying, “If You cast us out, permit us to go away into the herd of swine.”

32 And He said to them, “Go.” So when they had come out, they went into the herd of swine. And suddenly the whole herd of swine ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and perished in the water.

33 Then those who kept them fled; and they went away into the city and told everything, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men.

34 And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus. And when they saw Him, they begged Him to depart from their region.

The anointing on Jesus was quickly recognized by the possessed men who have been plagued by a “legion” of demons.  The townspeople were well acquainted with the men and clearly had no solution to their problem.  They simply steered clear of them.  However Jesus was not moved by the threat of the demon-possessed men for He knew His authority to deal with these demons.

The other accounts of this encounter focus on one of the men.  Jesus spoke directly to the demons and they quickly acknowledged His power and authority and ask to be cast into a herd of two thousand swine close by.  Under FATHER’S directive, Jesus commands them to enter into the swine.  The self-destructive nature left the man and when it entered the swine they ran violently down the steep place into the lake and drowned.  As a result of the removal of the demonic influence the man was clothed and now in his right mind.

In the coming days we can expect conflict with the powers of darkness.  Walking in peace is not the absence of conflict but having it in the midst of conflict.  Jesus was not moved by the demon-possessed man and neither should we.  As our faith matures we will trust FATHER to have us encounter whomever HE determines to be delivered from death and destruction.  The life in us will swallow up death and destruction.

The townspeople rejected the ministry of Jesus because their intent was destructive and worldly.  Jesus was upsetting their economy by the sudden loss of two thousand swine.  Was that reasonable for Jesus to take the livelihood from those who owned the swine?  Clearly there were grounds to confront their business practices or Jesus would not have acted in such a manner.  This is proved by the response of the town.  They were rejecting life in order to keep the status quo.  Surely the demonic presence wasn’t limited to the two men Jesus first encountered.

FATHER has the first right of full ownership of all HE has created.  Mankind must submit to HIS title of ownership.  In the end, FATHER’S power and authority will be given to whomever HE designates to correct the path of men and return the land to its rightful inheritance.  This include everything within that land as well.  The Promised Land represents our bodies and FATHER will take back HIS possession from any who would attempt to take up residence contrary to HIS Divine Intent of Love.  The demons knew this reality as Jesus’ power and anointing approached them.

As we take on the power and authority granted by FATHER we will be fully clothed and in our right mind to go forth and deal with adversities in the same manner as Jesus.  There will be people who beg us to depart from their midst because of their unwillingness to give up their worldly state.  FATHER will direct us according to HIS Intent for the situation at hand.  Jesus departed from their midst for it was not time for them to receive a full deliverance from their situation.  We too must be sensitive to FATHER’S directives and understand each man and woman enters the Kingdom at an appointed time and manner.  Some will reject the Kingdom and others will embrace the Kingdom.  Either way, the power and authority from Above will prevail.