Servias Ministries Blog

One of the greater challenges we all deal with in these times is knowing FATHER has heard and is responding to our prayers.  First, our prayer requests reside in the spirit realm and then the physical responds and manifestation occurs.  The Beloved Disciple wrote in 1 John chapter 5:

14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.

15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.

We must fully embrace these words which communicate FATHER’S promise to us.  It would seem simple but our minds are overrun with contradictory information which challenges the means by which FATHER operates.  The world is constantly throwing out alternatives of an inferior nature to deal with our problems.  For example, if I have a headache, I can ask FATHER to heal me of that headache.  The world promotes the use of an aspirin to treat the symptom.  An aspirin may be a convenient alternative to standing on FATHER’S Word but it will not build our trust and faith in HIM.  As we lean on HIM, our expectation of answered prayer grows.  It is our choice of which path we take.

Jesus clearly stated that there are different levels of faith: no faith, little faith, and great faith.  Which classification would each of us place ourselves in?  Are we committed to walking in great faith?  What is preventing us from doing so?  Those who believe we have no choice where everything is predetermined for us, effectively walk in little or no faith.  FATHER has given us the choice in how we live our lives and whether or not we want to pursue a life of great faith and trust in HIM.

“If we ask anything according to His will” is the key to success when we petition HIM in prayer.  These writings are meant to promote a deeper trust and reliance on FATHER and HIS Word so that when we pray, we will know we have the petitions we have asked of HIM.  This reliance must overcome all of the external input from the world we receive on a daily basis.  Advertisers and so-called “experts” constantly give us their opinions and solutions to our problems.  Our minds take in all of this rhetoric and challenges the Word when a problem arises.  We must develop our spirit man to become stronger than our mind and not allow our mind to rule our conduct and response.  Paul talks of this war in Romans chapter 7:14-25.  We must choose to walk in THE SPIRIT rather than in the flesh.

If we will immerse ourselves in HIS Word, then we will begin to see good fruit in response.  The key is to continue in the Word, not just read it once and say “I’m done.”  FATHER’S Word is multifaceted and those of us who have continued in HIS Word over time, know that there is always fresh revelation to be found in Scripture.  Jesus gave us this key in John chapter 8:

31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide (continue) in My word, you are My disciples indeed.

32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

The Truth shall make us free in what area of our lives?  All areas, for it is not restricted to just salvation but includes all the promises of Our Heavenly Father.  The blessing of knowing includes us being free from sin, sickness, and other hindrances to our walk with HIM.  The blessing of knowing requires us to trust Our Heavenly Father and HIS unwavering Word.

By THE SPIRIT, Paul wrote to the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus (you and I are included in the faithful of Christ Jesus):

17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,

18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,

19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power

20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,

21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

Paul is writing to men and women just like us and urging us to receive the “spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him”.  No matter how long we have been believers and no matter how mature we think we are, there is more wisdom and revelation to receive!  When we realize this, we will truly walk in the fear of THE LORD.  When Adam and Eve ate of "the tree of the knowledge of good and evil", they forfeited their fellowship with their Creator and they lost their fear of the LORD. The fear they had after they sinned, was not the fear that abides in one who loves FATHER and walks in fellowship with Him, but the fear that is born of disobedience, that causes one to hide from his Creator.

As we receive the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in a greater manner, the eyes of our understanding will become fully enlightened and past earthly priorities will cease to be.  No longer will the appeal of man’s direction be of any consequence to us and we will see the emptiness therein.  Replacing man’s riches will be the “riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints”.  When we get a taste of the true riches, our desire for the old will dissipate quickly.

FATHER’S mighty power will be revealed and imparted to those who walk in “spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him” for FATHER will find us trustworthy to operate in such fashion, not seeking personal glory but instead directing all glory toward Our Heavenly Father.  The preeminence of Jesus Christ will take His rightful place in the hearts of men and women around the world.  When this occurs, Heaven will come to earth in their lives and spread like wildfire to others thus covering the earth.

The resurrection of Christ will come alive rather than simply depicted in paintings and sculptures in historic churches of old.  Those churches will no longer be thought of as the place to receive spirituality but instead men will receive Christ in their hearts and be filled with The Holy Spirit.  FATHER’S mighty power will come forth through those who are mature in Christ and men will seek out the Wisdom from Above rather than attempting to guide their affairs by consensus of others.

There is no principality or power that can compare with the Wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.  Why should we seek elsewhere?  Let us not grow weary in our quest toward full maturity and let the eyes of our understanding be enlightened.

Jeremiah wrote by THE SPIRT in chapter 1: Then the LORD said to me, "You have seen well, for I am watching over My word to perform it."

The remnant fully trusts FATHER Word and knows that HE watches over and performs every Word HE speaks to mankind.  This has become an unwavering trust without any exceptions, restrictions, or deviations.  FATHER is not subject to man’s timing thus we are not moved by some standard man may set for FATHER’S Word coming to pass.  FATHER has given us the Wisdom and understanding to no longer be concerned about the calendar in HIS affairs.  Mankind, on the other hand, will speak forth words which often fall to the earth and whither away without producing any fruit whatsoever.  When they operate independent of FATHER’S Will, they simply become unfruitful and die.

FATHER’S Word is filled with blessing and promises to those who keep HIS Word.  Those promises tied to HIS Nature require us to trust and expect HIS Word to come to pass on our behalf.  FATHER has given us each a measure of faith so that we can receive HIS Word and allow It to come alive in us at a personal level.  As we continue in HIS Word, our expectation will grow because the Word begins to take preeminence over our self-interest.  This enlightenment allows us to begin to walk in Agape Love as Our Elder Brother did during His earthly ministry.

The remnant is not moved by current world events because of the preeminence of The Word and FATHER’S unfailing promises toward us.  We must not allow fear to enter our hearts when we watch and/or hear the dire conditions predicted by men who walk according to greed and their own wisdom.  As for the remnant, we do keep the promise in the verse mentioned above before our eyes at all times- FATHER is watching over HIS Word to perform it.

Does this mean that we will walk without opposition?  No, we will be tested in our faith and trust in HIS Word.  What we see is subject to change and we must not allow ourselves to be moved by trials but continue in FATHER’S Word through the trial with the peace that surpasses man’s understanding.

In John chapter 14, Jesus spoke:

23 Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.

24 He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.”

Jesus fully expressed FATHER’S Word every time He spoke.  He and FATHER are One!  Jesus told us to “keep” His Words and FATHER will Love us and dwell in us.  FATHER’S Spirit dwells in us so we should listen intently to HIS Spirit in all things so that we will walk fully and completely according to HIS Word in all our affairs.  This is not just wishful thinking but a reality to those of us who will embrace it.  Let us be moved by HIS Spirit even in the minor situations on a daily basis so that when something major arises, we will know HIS Voice and not be moved by the challenges set before us.  Let HIS Word prevail in all our actions and words we speak.

Mystery Babylon has three major subdivisions: political, financial, and religious.  Each aspect will have its lies and lawlessness revealed to the masses and the people will have their foundations built on sand shaken until all their perceptions have fallen by the wayside.

The remnant includes those who have seen through the emptiness of the current religious order and seek a close, direct relationship with FATHER. Our Lord Jesus Christ and The Holy Spirit are deeply revered and honored as well.  The Law of Love is being fulfilled in their hearts so they no longer need to concern themselves with the 613 commandments and statutes nor the opinions of ministries who would have you believe that they have a special, unique pipeline to GOD.  The remnant rely on being led by THE SPIRIT rather than having man act as a “go between”.  Because of HIS Love, FATHER urges us with the following:

In the Revelation of Jesus Christ, chapter 18:

4 And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.

5 For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.”

Most of the remnant have been led away from the churches practicing religion.  These churches attempt to emulate a Holy environment with much fanfare but without the true spiritual fruit.  The remnant continues to be patient and prepares for the glorious day when Mystery Babylon’s fall is fully manifested.  The remnant worships the Father in Spirit and in Truth.

Let us be encouraged by what Brother Eby wrote:

God reminds you and me now, when we see Babylon made desolate, “REJOICE OVER HER, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.”  This is the day of reckoning, the day of judgment on this ungodly system.  It will be followed by peace and righteousness and glory and rejoicing!  It is indeed wonderful!  Only faintly can our hearts contemplate the wonder of such a day when the Babylon religious system exists no more, replaced with the manifestation of the sons of God and a universal outpouring of the Spirit of the Lord!  And while false prophets and calamity-howlers of every brand and hue are prophesying the darkest days of earth’s history soon to fall as a shroud upon the whole world, yet the word of the Lord tells a far different story.  To all the people in Babylon the Lord says, “Come out of her, my people!”  Make no mistake about it, precious friend of mine, every single person in Babylon is the Lord’s people.  And now we find, “Thy people shall be delivered, EVERY ONE that shall be found written in the book” (Dan. 12:4).  This is the day of victory, not of defeat.  It is the day when God is “bringing again Zion” (Isa. 52:8), that is, bringing all His people out of Babylon and establishing Zion as the city of God in the earth.  This deliverance is for “every one” that belongs to Christ, whose name is written in the book.  THERFORE, “Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets!”

             The whole system shall come to nought, and we shall see the establishment of HIS KINGDOM in righteousness throughout the earth.  Believe it, my beloved, He taught us to pray it, “”THY KINGDOM COME, Thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven.”  And this pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand!  “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever” (Rev. 11:15).  Truly, redemption means a “loosing away” from all of Babylon’s corruption.  And most especially is this essential from all of its religious tyranny and corruption.  And what a day of rejoicing that brings!

A beloved brother wrote:

“I certainly prefer a positive gospel to a negative one!  But it can easily spill over into ungodly superstition, and it explains the great conundrum of modern religion: that many people’s faith is not necessarily making them into better people, not establishing righteousness in their lives, not investing them with the mind of Christ or conforming them into the image of the Son.  How could it, seeing that religion is no longer about righteousness, but rather about success, health, and wealth; no longer about God’s will and plan, but about us; no longer about compassion, love, and a laid-down life, but our own physical and material needs?  To inversely paraphrase John F. Kennedy, what so many religious leaders today are essentially saying is, “Ask not what you can do for God; ask what God can do for you!”  I too want to be blessed!  I too am thankful to my heavenly Father when my needs are abundantly met!  But in turning God into a furry rabbit’s foot to ward off evil spirits and help us win the lottery, what chance is there that we will ever find transcendence in life or anything uniquely divine, heavenly, and spiritual?  More so, what chance is there that we will ever be liberated from the incarceration of the ego — the carnal mind?  If the one thing that can free us from the prison of the Self — the Christ-life — is changed into yet another shackle of the self-life, then we are damned to self-absorption forever!             

Within recent decades, several of the most famous international television pulpiteers have been exposed and their vast financial holdings have been publicized.  They have millions of dollars invested in their personal homes and property both here and abroad, while they fly around the world in their private jets, at the same time begging and pleading for money from the widows, the poor, and struggling families.  They live sumptuously the lifestyles of the rich and famous while those who support their grandiose programs are living as virtual paupers.  Where are those who are true harvesters of souls rather than those who gather (harvest) money?  Where are those who are building God’s kingdom rather than their own?  Where are those who truly feed the sheep?  Where are those who are not lifted up with pride?  Where are those who are not puffed up with their own importance?  Where are those who do not promote and exalt themselves?  Where is the preacher who doesn’t seek to ingratiate himself to the one with expensive clothes, luxury automobiles, fine homes, and all the marks of success and wealth?  Where is the weeping before the altar?  Where are those who refrain from using the world’s methods to conduct God’s business?  Where are those who do not charge for the gospel?  Where are those who do not have a ministry for sale?  Where are those who have not taken unto themselves the gold and the glory?  Where are those who are not displaying their flesh in their man-made promotions?              

Where are those of a broken and contrite spirit?  Where are those with the meekness and purity of the Lamb?  Where are those who have not brought the spirit of this world into their midst?  Where are those who do not put their picture on every page of their magazine and their name on everything they do?  Where is the simple message of the kingdom of God without the Hollywood extravaganza and showmanship?  Where is the worship in the beauty of holiness, in spirit and in truth, rather than musical entertainment?  Where are those who approach God with reverence and godly fear and do not treat the sacred things as though they were part of a carnival?  Where are those who have laid hold of God?  Where are the humble?  Where are the pure in heart?  Where are those that are conformed unto the image of the Son of God?  Where are the prayer warriors and the intercessors?  Where are those who proclaim the gospel of the kingdom of God without the slightest motive of financial reward for themselves?  WHERE ARE GOD’S TRUE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE HOUR?  Of this you may be certain — these will not be found within the halls of Babylon’s religion!  They will only be found among God’s faithful remnant who have received the call to come out of Babylon and, forsaking all, have gone unto HIM, without the camp, bearing His reproach, separated unto HIM ALONE. “ 

I could not have said it better myself!  Love is the key and we must not allow ourselves to grow cold in this revelation.  Instead, we must pursue it with greater focus.  The time is coming when the Truth will set the captives free from the lies of Mystery Babylon and they will need the Remnant to lead them into all Truth based on a foundation of Love!

Brother George also wrote:

The testimony of Jesus was the clear counsel of God that Jesus brought to the world — the word that He spoke, and the Word that He was. But it was the Light of God — which brought fear and confrontation. When Jesus landed on the shores of Gadara — He didn’t go about arranging a meeting. But a demon possessed man came running to Him, out from the tombs which were his home, and said to Jesus "Torment me not". Jesus, a Tormentor? That’s the view they have in realms of Satanic darkness, for that’s the kind of torment they feel when the Prince of Light and Life begins to invade their territory. Yet the man of Gadara came to the Light, for Light is always more powerful than darkness. God drew the man to Himself, in spite of the power of the Legion of devils that bound him. And that is how it was in the church at Philadelphia. Here was a church that walked in the Light, and Jesus told them that He would cause the people to leave the Synagogues of Satan and come to them, and worship at their feet. The church was not attempting to open the doors of the synagogues, but the Light that shone forth drew them to the open door of salvation, and closed the door to the spirits of evil. I fear we are spending too much time and effort attempting to break down the walls of the Synagogues of Satan, instead of seeking God for the return of the Testimony of Jesus — the holy Ark of His Presence, the Light of the Seven Spirits that shine from the Seven Eyes of the Lamb.

What was the result of this mission in Gadara? And do you think Jesus was a little disappointed with the results? With only one man finding salvation? O how God desires to go before us and arrange our pathway. He will do that, if we are moving in His Spirit. Jesus spoke .. and the demons were terrified .. no screaming and yelling trying to get them to ‘come out’. The Legion of demons was terrified, thinking their time had come to be cast into the abyss, and asked if they might go into the swine instead. Jesus gave them permission, and the herd of swine stampeded down the hill and into the lake. The man was freed from his chains, and the people saw him sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind.

Then what? Did the crowds come to Him, hoping He would stay around, and have a big deliverance meeting? Not quite that way. "They were sore afraid". As the news spread, the crowds certainly gathered around — but they "besought Him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear". Jesus started back to the ship, and gave the man that was healed a good word of counsel. He was to go tell his friends and loved ones "how great things God hath done unto thee" (See Lk. 8:26-39).

How will this corporate people of power and anointing deal with the inherent desire in the hearts of men to idolize God’s man of power and might? Here is your answer. The Testimony of Jesus will not make one popular — if he does not go along with man’s systems. When fearful miracles begin to happen that will cause the pigs of our resources to drown in the sea, the pigs that keep our economy alive and well — this man of God will not be popular. No matter how great his miracles, he will not be honored and respected if he is associated with this clear and powerful Testimony of Jesus. They will tell the man — "Will you please get out of here.."

Or like it was in Ephesus, they will try to drive him out. When the business men and the craftsmen in Ephesus suddenly discovered why there was no longer a hot market for the silver shrines of Diana — they had an investigation and they traced it down to a few people who had turned the hearts of the Ephesians away from their idols, and unto the Lord Jesus who redeemed them. Suddenly there was a great uproar by the capitalists as well as the craftsmen. They were very much together on this: "They were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians" (Acts 19:28). Diana was a Roman goddess, and Artemis her Greek counterpart — supposedly the goddess of childbirth, and of hunting, and of wild animals, and of nature.

Ephesus had become a great city of commerce, and very prosperous — and the center for the worship of Artemis. Can you imagine the people idolizing a miracle worker when the Gospel of Christ goes forth in such great power that people stop buying all the demonic junk that is spewing out of the mouths of men, from books and magazines, from the web, from the musical world, from the world of fashion, from the world of sports and entertainment? Many Christians imagine it is because we are a democracy that we have freedom to worship God, and freedom to send forth the Gospel. Let us prepare our hearts now for the day when the Gospel will go forth in such a brilliant Light — that the wild beasts in Ephesus will once again rise up and persecute those who love the Truth that is in Christ Jesus.

I will be gone for a few days and will return next weekend October 13th.  You may want to reread the recent blogs on Love and allow FATHER to provide deeper insights.

Brother George Warnock wrote on his perspective of the church:

Counsel .. and Might. These are twin brothers also. And our Lord Jesus whose name is called "Counselor .. the Mighty God" is our example. But we are only capable of following His example, as we abide in Him and walk with Him in His yoke. Then the counsel we give will carry weight .. even the strength and might of the Spirit of the LORD. You cannot get this kind of wisdom and counsel from books. Then why do I write books? Not because I have the answer to the horrendous problems that are in the church or in the world. But because I feel the Lord wants me to encourage God’s people to press toward a still higher plateau than where we are now. Generally we sense no urgency in the ministries in the church to move any higher. We must go higher. We must come to Him who is the Source and Fountainhead of all gift and ministry.

He places all these ministries in the church, to urge us to come higher .. where Apostle, and Prophet, and Evangelist, and Pastor, and Teacher — have served their purpose, and God’s people have come to the full stature of Christ. The ministry is here in the church till we come to that .. and to encourage us to come to that. Then like Moses and Elijah on the Mount — they must be hidden away in the Cloud, till all we see .. all we hear .. is Jesus only. A true prophet .. a true ministry of any kind .. must decrease, that He might increase.

We think of counsel as good advice, something to toss around in our minds and consider, but not in any way binding. If the counselor gives advice that seems good and reasonable .. we may go along. But the counsel of the Lord is an effectual word from God, that is accompanied with Might. This matter of counseling has, in too many cases, been committed into the hands of professionals who study the philosophies of men to equip them for their task.

The Spirit of Counsel and Might is greatly needed in the church. We have become overwhelmed with situations that are so tangled and complicated, that not even a man of Solomon’s stature could sort it all out. Where is the power and might of the Spirit of the LORD to make our counsel effectual? We must continue to seek and knock and look for the open door that will bring us higher into the realm of the Spirit, where the Spirit of Counsel and Might will rest upon God’s people.

The Church of Christ is intended to be God’s answer to a world in confusion, perplexity, and distress. But rather than being the answer, we ourselves have become part of the problem. And the reason we are part of the problem is because we have forsaken the fountain of living waters, and hewn for ourselves cisterns — broken cisterns that can hold no water (see Jer. 2:13). Instead of looking to the Source of all true wisdom and counsel, we turn it over to those who are schooled in the wisdom of man, to our own confusion. Only the Anointing can break the yoke of bondage that lies heavy upon the church. Only the counsel that proceeds from the heart of God by His Spirit, will carry with it the power that is needed to break the bands, and set the captive free.

We are called to be in unity. We are to become one in Christ and each other:

Ephesians 4:15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. (NKJV)

One of the problems of Christians today is that their entire focus is on the vertical relationship with Our Heavenly Father. The cross symbolizes two relationships: vertical and horizontal. The vertical relationship is the only focus of the immature. They need to be assured of their salvation and be reassured of their future destination of making it to Heaven. Until that reassurance is firmly planted in them, the horizontal relationship will be secondary at best. The Heavenly flow of anointing by Our Heavenly Father is to proceed from Above (the vertical) to each of us, and then flow out to our brothers and sisters (the horizontal).

Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, (NKJV)

Here, Paul speaks of the "vertical." We have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in Love. Now what? Paul expresses pleasure in their fruit (the horizontal):

:15 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints (NKJV)

Later, in chapter 4, Paul beseeches us:

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. 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. (NKJV)

Unity is critical to expanding the Kingdom. How can the Kingdom come to earth except by unity! By two or three witnesses everything on earth is established. Those witnesses must be in unity. The Holy Trinity is in unity; there is no division. Jesus told us that a house divided cannot stand. How many denominations are there in the world today? Each denomination creates a wall of division to be separate from outsiders. Jesus never ordained that walls should keep the people out. After all, the veil was torn in two when He fulfilled the cross. He removed the barrier from the Holy of Holies so that each of us could come into intimate unity with Our Heavenly Father. However, that was not the end of the matter. Moreover, we are to promote unity among the brethren. We should look at what we have in common rather than exalt any differences and create alienation, resulting in division. In fact, there is only one Lord, one faith one baptism and one GOD and Father of all!

Unity is different from uniformity. We need not conform to the priorities and perspectives of others. We all have a unique and special calling by which we view life. Peter’s ministry focused on a different group of people versus Paul who was called to preach to the Gentiles. A bricklayer has a different set of priorities when compared to a salesman. However, both can and should be in unity as members of the Body of Christ.

Horizontal unity starts in the home. How can you promote unity among the rest of the world if you cannot achieve it in your household? In chapter 5 of Ephesians, Paul is promoting unity in Love:

1 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. (NKJV)

Our Heavenly Father provides us with an excellent and primary example of how to interact with others: walk in Love. To give and to sacrifice are key ingredients to walking in Love toward others. Jesus did it, why can’t you? Can’t you give and sacrifice your "self" for others even though they may be unlovely? Jesus died for the ungodly and that included you and me. We were His "enemies" and were separated from Him. He made the ultimate sacrifice allowing us to achieve unity with Our Heavenly Father. At a minimum, we should do the same for our brothers and sisters… and enemies.

As Jesus declared in Matthew 5:

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? (NKJV)

Okay, Love your brothers, sisters, enemies… who else is there? It sounds to me like we are to Love ALL! We are to bless ALL! What is our reward? It is that we may be sons of Our Heavenly Father. Love promotes unity among all of mankind, not just 5%, with the rest burning in hell forever.

Men, Love your wives:

Ephesians 5: 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,

:26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word,

:27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.

:28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself (NKJV)

Paul was adamant about unity in the home. Christ gave Himself for the church, His bride, so shouldn’t we give ourselves for our wives as well? Isn’t our testimony as husbands fulfilled when we present our wives as holy and without blemish! As you men Love your wife, your Love shows maturity in your life. Until then, you have work to do.

: 33 Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. (NKJV)

Men, if you want your wife to respect you, Love her. As a result, she should and will respect you and reverence your walk. Women, did Jesus demand His rights? Didn’t He submit Himself to service? Demanding rights comes from the ego. It would have you believe that Our Heavenly Father cannot take care of your situation. If you would place the same energy and focus on your relationship with Our Heavenly Father as you do with your rights and privileges as a woman, you would not be in a position to demand anything; Our Heavenly Father would be your provision.

Greed is an enemy of unity. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke of this issue:

Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. (NKJV)

When a person walks in greed, he is willing to sacrifice the wellbeing of the other person in whatever transaction he is participating in. Each of us should pursue value, but not at the expense of the other person. We should not pay too much, but yet we should make sure that we don’t pay too little for some product or service. We should conduct business with Love as the basis. This attitude will promote unity in our financial transactions and be a witness to all who observe our daily affairs.

The story of the rich young ruler provides us the most poignant perspective of greed. Jesus was approached by this young man in Matthew 19:

16 Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?”

17 So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is ,God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”

18 He said to Him, “Which ones?”

Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ 19 ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ”

20 The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?”

21 Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” (NKJV)

Do you want to be perfected as well? What are you willing to give up to attain that perfection? In this case, Jesus told him to get rid of his "stuff." What was more important to the young man: unity with Our Heavenly Father or his worldly trappings? The young man had great possessions and was unwilling to part with them. He left full of sorrow. Unity demands a decision that requires us to prove what is most important to us: Love or "self." This is unique to each individual. Don’t think by simply selling your possessions that you will achieve eternal life. Each of us has a unique sacrifice to give up. For one it may be a reputation. For another, it may be a car. Whatever is an idol in your heart, it must be removed so that the separation created by it can be dealt with accordingly. Unity is only achieved once the idols are removed. In Mark’s account of the encounter with the young man, he included the fact that Jesus Loved the young man:

10:21 Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” (NKJV)

Do you think Jesus would punish the young man by having him sell his possessions as proof of his allegiance? No, He Loved him and wanted him to move his citizenship from the world to Heaven. He was to trade one treasure for another. One where moth and dust doth corrupt is replaced by the incorruptible.

Unity must begin with our relationship toward Our Heavenly Father. Who else better to trust than HIM! The first Commandment is one of unity:

Matthew 22:37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ (NKJV)

Isn’t that the ultimate bond of unity? Your Love connects your heart, soul, and mind to the Divine Intent of Our Heavenly Father. That first commandment precedes all others. Once you become aligned with Our Heavenly Father, you can then align yourself in unity with others. Most Christians never fully commit to this first commandment. They don’t have a reverential fear for Our Heavenly Father. They trust "self" more than The Creator, and that is the ultimate deception.

Do you think you have satisfied the unity required by Our Heavenly Father? Let’s look at the second Commandment that completes the Law:

:39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

How many ways must Jesus describe the requirements of unity? All the Law and all the Prophets are based on the Divine intent of Love and unity. Unity cannot be achieved without Love. Love comes first, then unity. You cannot operate fully in the gifts of the Spirit without unity from Above. How and when would you know to operate in the proper gifts properly? You don’t know the source or root of the other person’s problems. You don’t know his or her heart, only Our Heavenly Father does. HE knows exactly what is required to resolve any and all issues of the person needing ministry. As we walk in unity with HIM, we can minister just as Jesus did, knowing when to deal with sin, or simply to minister healing. As you fully connect with HIS Divine intent, you will be fully fruitful in serving mankind. This is the intent of having the bond of perfection: Love.

FATHER is full of love and full of grace, compassion, mercy, and redemption.  HIS Divine Plan is not intended to hurt anybody, for HE loves all men and desires all men to come into union with Him.  Should we be afraid of Our Heavenly Father?  Men’s teachings and doctrines have given us a wrong view of Our Heavenly Father. Scripture tells us “God is Love (agape).”

Agape is pure, Divine, unconditional love flowing from a nature which expresses itself in terms of care, concern, and endearment toward another, also known as my neighbor. FATHER Loves all of mankind thus he intends to instruct all mankind in some form or fashion. HIS Love does not work against HIS other attributes such as HIS judgment. HIS mercy does not oppose HIS justice, but both are intended to bring forth restoration and redemption.

              When FATHER judges it is Love that judges, just as the love of a Father corrects his erring and sometimes rebellious child.  FATHER did not condemn man to destroy him in hell; HE condemned him to save him! Paul wrote in Romans chapter 11:

32 For God has committed (imprisoned) them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all.

There lies the revelation: Love acts as a Judge!  Only FATHER’S justice demands His mercy, for He knows and fully understands what is in man and why he acts as he does.  He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins as the Beloved Disciple wrote in 1 John chapter 1:

9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

HIS forgiveness associates itself with justice thus justice is not opposed to forgiveness. Who better to judge us that ONE WHO is motivated by Love. In fact, forgiveness leads to justice when done in a heartfelt manner. Man wants to invoke an "eye for an eye" whereas Love is always moving us toward restoration. What do we deserve?  What is there about justice that would compel FATHER to forgive us!  We need to embrace the reality the Love of Our Heavenly Father was demonstrated toward us in that while we were yet ungodly sinners, Christ died for us.

Love sent Christ to die for us though we didn’t deserve it!  Love sent the Son into the world.  Love died for us, paid our debt, and canceled our responsibility.  Since Love has done this for us, it is only just — that is, right, lawful, proper, appropriate, legitimate, reasonable, and legally binding for FATHER to forgive us all our sins.  He would, in fact, be unjust NOT to release us! 

If FATHER required us to pay our penalty when Jesus has already fully satisfied the penalty, it would be a gross injustice. FATHER has no attributes in conflict with each other. all are in unity. Any inconsistency we perceive is due to our lack of revelation of HIS character of Love.

Since GOD is Love and HE is omnipresent, all of creation is ultimately subject to HIS Love. This Love is the basis of our existence and is interested in and involved with each of us. It sees to the welfare of every one of His creatures.

While FATHER allows evil for His wise purpose, for our training and development into overcoming sons of God, HIS creation will never be surrendered to the evil plans of the ungodly!  The GOD of Love will ultimately prevail — not simply for us, or on our behalf, but in us as HE reconciles all unto HIMSELF and raises up every man and woman by the power of Christ.  That is the plan of love!  And Love never fails!  This sacred knowledge and understanding bring stability to our lives at a time when the outer world appears to be heading toward despair and destruction.

            However, as the Love of Our Heavenly Father does not cancel out His wrath, nor does HIS wrath cancel out His love!  Every parent who has ever punished a child understands this Truth!  Wrath and love work together to correct what is wrong and make it right.  Strictly speaking the wrath of Our Heavenly Father and His Love are not equal eternal attributes of HIM.  GOD IS Love, but nowhere do the scriptures infer that GOD IS wrath!

You do not see in any Biblical reference of FATHER’S attributes where wrath has been included.  Paul wrote of the fruit of THE SPIRIT 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.

Where is wrath found in this list? It is not named as one of the fruits of the Spirit.  When sin has been eliminated in FATHER’S universe, HIS wrath will end, but His Love will abide eternally upon all His creatures and all the works of His hands. Love is the one thing that will never pass away.

Our Heavenly Father reacts to sin by wrath, that is to say, stern measures of punishment and correction.  The wrath, in reality, is the Love of God responding against our rebellious path of death and destruction.

When we believe HIM, obey HIM and begin to walk with HIM, we experience HIS Love in salvation, goodness, and blessing.  When we walk in unbelief, disobey HIM, and turn from HIS ways, HIS Love turns on us in judgment, punishment, and correction.  It cannot be otherwise!  According to the word of GOD HIS wrath is but for a moment — but His Love is unending!  In wrath, God remembers mercy — because GOD IS LOVE!