Servias Ministries Blog

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!

Everyone wants an inheritance. When you want to see the real character of family members, wait until a loved one dies and leaves assets to be distributed. The real character of potential inheritors is exposed. Greed surfaces from those who have successfully hidden it from public view.

To inherit means to come into possession of or receive especially as a right or divine portion: and every one who has left houses or brothers or sisters … for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life — Matthew 19:29

Often when a previous generation dies, there is an inheritance for those who remain to receive. When Jesus died on the cross, we became His inheritors, and His resources are of much greater value than anyone can fathom for it is not limited by scarcity but comes from the creative power of Our Heavenly Father. HIS only condition is that we are lawful and have the proper intent for the use of those resources. FATHER challenges us to believe in HIS provision by declaring “Prove Me” in Malachi chapter 3:

10 ​​Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, ​​That there may be food in My house,

​​And prove Me now in this,” ​​Says the LORD of hosts,

​​“If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing

​​That there will not be room enough to receive it.

​

11 ​​“And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, ​​Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,”

​​Says the LORD of hosts;

12 ​​And all nations will call you blessed, ​​For you will be a delightful land,”

​​Says the LORD of hosts.

Would you rather have the inheritance of a family member or the inheritance given to us by FATHER? Greed, selfishness, and scarcity all play a role when a family member passes away and leave the heirs an inheritance. Over the years, many of us have seen families split apart due to the unexpected wishes found in the last will. When Agape Love prevails in our hearts, we no longer are moved by the temporal windfalls which may surface on our behalf nor are we moved by the absence of an inheritance. In Luke chapter 16, Jesus spoke:

13 “No servant 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.”

There are those who expect an earthly inheritance coming their way soon, and thus they set their focus to serving the one who is expected to pass away soon. Their intent is easily revealed to others as they try to gain favor with the soon to be deceased. Love is consistent and does not depend on the inheritance in determining actions or intent. When THE SPIRIT leads us we will minister to each person according to FATHER’S perfect plan, will, and purpose, no matter what transpires in the future,

As we become Sons and Daughters, FATHER will cause you to violate your current belief system just as HE did with Abraham and Isaac for Abraham did not believe in human sacrifice. Isaac was to be the inheritor and promotor of the Blessing spoken by FATHER to Abraham yet he was placed on the altar as a sacrifice. FATHER provided an alternate sacrifice at the last minutes and honored Abraham’s willingness to cut off the promised inheritance. We too must trust FATHER for our inheritance by walking in faith and Love.

Does FATHER need your money and/or resources to keep the Kingdom funded? HE never has and never will. THE SPIRIT instructs us in Psalm 89:

11 ​​The heavens are Yours; the earth also is Yours;

​​The world and all its fullness, You have founded them

FATHER knows where all the wealth of the world is hidden and can access it at any time when needed to fulfill HIS Will.

We are told, “Do not withhold the tithe.” The word “tithe” is found in 16 verses of Scripture thus it must be about Love.

Abraham tithed before the Law was given:

Gen 14:20 And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand." And he gave him a tithe of all.

The Law clearly stated that the tithe is HOLY to THE LORD:

Lev 27:30, 32 ‘And all the tithe of the land, [whether] of the seed of the land [or] of the fruit of the tree, [is] the LORD’s. It [is] holy to the LORD. … ‘And concerning the tithe of the herd or the flock, of whatever passes under the rod, the tenth one shall be holy to the LORD.

Has FATHER changed HIS Divine Intent from the Old Testament to the New Testament? Men would have us believe HE has but it is due to their unwillingness to trust HIM to meet their needs. They know it in their minds, but they have yet to embrace tithing in their hearts.

Even those in the ministry are instructed to tithe part of their inheritance:

Num 18:26 "Speak thus to the Levites, and say to them: ‘When you take from the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them as your inheritance, then you shall offer up a heave offering of it to the LORD, a tenth of the tithe.

FATHER instructed us never to neglect those who are called out to minister to HIM:

Deu 12: 19 Take heed to yourself that you do not forsake the Levite as long as you live in your land.

Jesus did not negate the importance of the tithe. Instead, He dealt with the intent of the heart versus the outward perception being promoted by those who failed to walk in Love, justice, and mercy:

Mat 23:23 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier [matters] of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.

Luke 11:42 "But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass by justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.

43 Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces.

44 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like graves which are not seen, and the men who walk over them are not aware of them.”

Jesus could have taken this opportunity to do away with tithing, yet He did not. You can argue legalistic details about what makes up the tithe, but in the end, it is a matter of the heart.

Those receiving the tithe have a responsibility as well. We all know of ministries who have used tithes and offerings to build their own little kingdoms while many who sit in their pews are suffering. These ministries are at risk of having the same type of rebuke by Our Lord Jesus Christ as the Pharisees received. These minsters do not negate the fruitfulness of our tithing if we do so with the proper intent.

FATHER responds to the intent in our hearts, not the amount of our giving. Neither does HE respond to any attempts to force HIM to act IF we give with the wrong intent. As we give in Love HE is willing and able to bless us abundantly.

By THE SPIRIT Paul goes into great detail concerning our giving 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.”

​

10 Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness,

11 while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.

12 For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God.

Those who wish to be led by THE SPIRIT must be willing to embrace the above passage in its fullest else they will live a life of compromise in their finances and wonder why they are always struggling to some degree in multiple areas.

By THE SPIRIT Paul wrote in Romans chapter 9 concerning Jacob, the inheritor of the Blessing:

11 (for the children not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls),

12 it was said to her, “The older shall serve the younger.”

13 As it is written, “Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.”

Many would claim FATHER had an issue with Esau, the person. I believe the issue centered around Esau’s orientation and intent in his willingness to trade his father’s blessing to meet his physical hunger. Jacob wanted the blessing even though he obtained by deception. The older son represents the physical whereas the younger son represents the Spiritual. The physical will always be subservient to the Spiritual.

In 2 Timothy chapter 4, Paul reveals a precious aspect of the inheritance of Love:

7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

How do we compare the crown of righteousness to any worldly inheritance? We don’t. Money as well as other resources come and go for they have wings and can depart in a moment. I have witnessed such a departure more than once. Let us remove any priority we once assigned to worldly wealth and lay up riches in Heaven where it really counts.

In James chapter 2, by THE SPIRIT it is written:

5 Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?

6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts?

We are provided with a stark contrast of those who are led by the Holy Spirit and those led by this world’s wealth. The world will oppress and resist you to gain an advantage over you. As we know, success in the world’s courts is often determined by the best attorney who knows best how to manipulate the system rather than seek the Truth. Those who are inheritors of the Kingdom and rich in their faith walk according to FATHER’S Word. They are the ones in whom HE is well pleased thus their inheritance is assured.

Jesus spent more time healing people than ministering salvation. The Greek word sōzō means to heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole. Salvation not only includes the saving of one’s soul but the healing of one’s body as well. We should embrace all aspects of salvation rather than minimizing the power resident in HIS Word and accepting only the initial impact of salvation upon our souls.

In Matthew chapter 24, Jesus provides us an example of how to spread the good news of the Gospel:

23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.

24 Then His fame went throughout all Syria, and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them.

25 Great multitudes followed Him—from Galilee, and from Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan.

In the ministry of Jesus, there were no incurable diseases, and He did not rely on advanced medical research to assist Him in curing people. He was not moved by requirements to be politically correct nor did He concern Himself with statutes issued by the government concerning His statements with respect to healing the sick. There was no sickness or disease that could not be cured, and Jesus was not intimidated by the history or chronic state of the person’s disease.

Epilepsy and paralysis were no match for the Love of FATHER towards mankind. The ONE Who created you can surely restore you to health no matter what the ailment. Jesus was not moved by what He saw when it came to the chronic state some were in. In Luke chapter 8, there was a woman with an "issue" of blood:

43 Now a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any,

44 came from behind and touched the border of His garment. And immediately her flow of blood stopped.

45 And Jesus said, “Who touched Me?”

When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, “Master, the multitudes throng and press You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’ ”

46 But Jesus said, “Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me.”

47 Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately.

48 And He said to her, “Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”

Can you imagine the state of the woman before hearing the good news proclaimed by Jesus? She was desperate to be healed of what her physicians surely called an incurable disease. She depleted her life savings in her quest to be restored to health but to no avail. The doctors of the day were restricted to man’s methods of healing and relied on society’s acceptable level of healthcare.

Suddenly Jesus arrived on the scene, and in a simple act of faith, she was healed. She heard the Word of salvation which within it contains the power of healing. She doubted not but was convinced that this power was available to heal her once and for all. A touch of His garment provided inflection point where her faith manifested the result of healing. The power flowing from Above in and through Jesus was received into the body of the woman. The result was immediate healing of a chronic disease. Oh, what a blessing that awaits those who dare to believe!

FATHER’S willingness to heal the multitudes did not begin the ministry of Jesus Christ, and indeed it was not reliant on Jesus going to the cross. One of the most notable examples occurred during the time of the first Passover. The children of Israel were an estimated three million souls when they were departing Egypt after centuries of bondage. They were entering a place unknown to them called the wilderness. Moses was directed by Our Heavenly Father to lead them to the Promised Land, and this required them to spend at least eighteen months in an area without permanent dwellings and crops. With this many people of various ages to manage, health must have been a major concern, but FATHER was watching over the people. Psalm 105 reveals HIS Love for the people by keeping them healthy:

37 ​​He also brought them out with silver and gold, and there was none feeble among His tribes.

All were healthy and were protected by HIM, and this was not confined to their departure. On the third day after the crossing of the Red Sea, they were thirsting for water and only found bitter water at the springs of Marah. In Exodus chapter 15, the people complained in their unbelief, but once again FATHER confirmed HIS Love for the people as Moses petitioned HIM:

25 So he cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a tree. When he cast it into the waters, the waters were made sweet.

There He made a statute and an ordinance for them, and there He tested them,

26 and said, “If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD, who heals you.”

FATHER reveals one of HIS Holy Names: Jehovah Rapha, The Lord That Heals. Each name specifically reveals an enduring characteristic of Our Heavenly Father. HE doesn’t heal one day and put sickness and disease on you the next day. HE is consistent and trustworthy to stand by HIS Word. Jesus was the physical expression of Our Heavenly Father and the writer of Hebrews in chapter 13 proclaimed HIS unwavering consistency:

8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

There have been some preachers who have taught the GOD puts sickness and disease on you to teach or correct you. Wrong! There is no verse in Scripture that supports that tradition. Psalms 34 plainly tell us HIS nature and Divine Intent:

19 ​​Many are the afflictions of the righteous,

​​But the LORD delivers him out of them all.

FATHER has revealed HIS character by providing us with the various names HE is known by depending on the needed revelation:

El Shaddai (Lord God Almighty)

El Elyon (The Most High God)

Adonai (Lord, Master)

Yahweh (Lord, Jehovah)

Jehovah Nissi (The Lord My Banner)

Jehovah-Raah (The Lord My Shepherd)

Jehovah Rapha (The Lord That Heals)

Jehovah Shammah (The Lord Is There)

Jehovah Tsidkenu (The Lord Our Righteousness)

Jehovah Mekoddishkem (The Lord Who Sanctifies You)

El Olam (The Everlasting God)

Elohim (God)

Jehovah Jireh (The Lord Will Provide)

Jehovah Shalom (The Lord Is Peace)

Jehovah Sabaoth (The Lord of Hosts)

The church plays a very important part in FATHER’S Plan as does the five-fold ministry. In Ephesians chapter 4 Paul writes about the training infrastructure to bring forth the Kingdom:

7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

8 Therefore He says:

​​​“When He ascended on high,

​​He led captivity captive,

​​And gave gifts to men.”

​

9 (Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)

11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,

12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,

13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

It is important that we neither add nor subtract from FATHER’S Divine Intent and plan. The purpose of the church is to teach and train people in preparation for them to establish the Kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven. Our educational system in the United States was designed and built with a similar mandate- to prepare the youth to become productive citizens by equipping them with the necessary knowledge, skills, and understanding in the area of their interest.

Everybody needs a foundation of Truth to build from, and that is one of the primary mandates of the church. To be an instrument of growth for the immature should be a primary goal of every pastor. The church should be a unifying factor in people’s lives rather than promoting division and isolationism. The pastor is not the "covering" of the body of Christ, Jesus Himself is. None should attempt to displace or substitute that covering.

A prophet is only to speak what FATHER instructs without adding his or her soulish view and opinion. The prophet’s fruit must be examined for authenticity. FATHER doesn’t "miss it," but many who claim to be prophets give words with a different motivation, and thus their words fall by the wayside.

Each of the fivefold ministry must be motivated by Love else some aspects of their ministry are subject to FATHER’S judgment. Their hidden sins will be revealed, and we should no longer be surprised when that event happens. The ministries should have a motivation to serve rather than exalt themselves as though no one else has the capacity to hear FATHER personally. Those who have a heart to serve will see their ministry expand.

Some of the most underutilized assets in the world are church buildings. Many buildings in the past reflected the ego of the church leaders rather than the need of the community. Millions of dollars were poured into structures as the widows and orphans continued to suffer in the immediate vicinity. I expect that to change soon.

My parents’ desire for me was to progress beyond grade school, junior high school, and high school. If I never went beyond grade school, everyone would question my intelligence and ability to become a productive part of society yet nobody finds an issue with someone warming a pew for forty years. Pastors of churches who have a monetary consideration welcome members who perpetually go nowhere as long as the contributions continue to flow in. If the Gospel never leaves the four walls of the church building how can we ever expect to experience the Kingdom throughout the earth?

Never before have those who are called to teach had a better platform than what is provided by technology today. If you are anointed to teach, and you have FATHER’S Love for people, expect doors to open up as you prepare yourself accordingly. With the advent of social media, there has never been a greater opportunity to reach out to an audience unrestrained by geographical location. The cost of spreading the Gospel has become negligible versus what it took for the last generation to reach the lost.

Apostles are "sent ones" by FATHER, not man. Your education doesn’t qualify you to be an apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, or teacher but your calling does. FATHER anoints those whom HE calls, and they will produce good fruit in the area of their calling. The mistake is made when you attempt to walk out another’s calling. Yes, you may have some results since the Word has the power within itself to cause itself to come to pass but the delivery mechanism isn’t the deciding factor. Acts chapter 13 provides us an excellent example of being sent to minister:

2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

3 Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.

When men and women align themselves with FATHER, HIS SPIRIT will instruct them according to the need at the time. FATHER and HIS Love are inseparable so you cannot align yourself with HIM if you are not walking in Love and forgiveness toward others.

An evangelist is a bringer of good tidings so I suppose that makes me an evangelist to some degree. The fact is we should all be evangelists to those crossing our paths but there are some who have a greater anointing which means they are to serve as an evangelist in a greater capacity. If they have FATHER’S Love for the lost, doors will open for them to evangelize towns, cities, states, provinces, and nations. In the past, some evangelists focused on building a personal empire rather FATHER’S Kingdom and in many cases their hearts were exposed. Their bad publicity did not hurt or change FATHER’S plan for it is greater than any adversary.

Many believers have been hurt by the church in some manner whether it be the leadership or its members. When FATHER tells you to depart from a congregation, we should not focus on any shortcomings or weaknesses, but instead, you should be thankful of the training and lessons you received. If you develop bitterness because you received the "left foot of fellowship" then you must repent and forgive them. FATHER may want you to minister to the same ones you left at some point in the future. Keep your eyes focused ahead of you don’t look back at the past and let it define your future.

FATHER is big enough to fix all the issues with the church. HE will remove those who produce no fruit or bad fruit, as the case may be. HE will resurrect the purpose of the church in its original purity. If a severe judgment comes upon a nation, you can be assured that those empty church sanctuaries will come alive once again. As soon as man realizes he has no control in a time of judgment, he tends to repent or suffer to a greater degree. Lawlessness and perversity will cease to be tolerated as the cleansing process begins. There is plenty of infrastructure in many of the nations who were once known as "Christian" nations to handle a dramatic influx of sinners seeking to repent of their evil ways. Adversity tends to expose men’s hearts and forces them to deal with their actions.

The Revelation of Jesus Christ reveals the issue with seven different churches as types and shadows. Many have focused only on the external churches of today. Others have assigned the meaning to church history as the primary revelation being given to the Beloved disciple John. Yet a smaller group look at these seven churches at a personal level applicable to each of us to some degree. I believe there is Truth at all three levels and I am unwilling to restrict the mysteries being revealed to just these three views.

If there is anything I have learned over the past 45 years of studying Scripture and related doctrines it is this- Never assume you have the full and complete revelation of any passage in the Bible for FATHER will bust your doctrine into pieces if you get too opinionated about HIS Word. Men have built church doctrine on obscure words in the Bible as though they are the only ones FATHER could possibly share HIS Heart. The do a disservice to the immature and impressionable who are simply looking for fellowship and a sense of belonging.

Many churches have become marketing organizations since they have not tapped into HIS anointing. We must return to the basics of ministering to those in need. Jesus did not need a marketing plan to get people to listen. He spoke and acted upon FATHER’S Word applicable to those in front of Him. When His healing power was made known, people responded. When Peter was sent to the house of Cornelius in Acts chapter he shared what he had seen:

36 The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all—

37 that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached:

38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.

Jesus is the embodiment of the fivefold ministry, and thus His example applies to the proper growth of each ministry. We must go about "doing good." We must not omit the need of healing all who are oppressed by the devil.

What is the best way for a ministry to grow in demand? By word of mouth. People respond to good fruit, and the word spreads quickly. In Mark chapter 1, we can see how FATHER’S anointing will bring forth an increase:

21 Then they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and taught.

22 And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

23 Now there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit. And he cried out,

24 saying, “Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!”

25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!”

26 And when the unclean spirit had convulsed him and cried out with a loud voice, he came out of him.

27 Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.”

28 And immediately His fame spread throughout all the region around Galilee.

When we align ourselves with FATHER’S Plan, HE will provide the increase. We must prune away the worldly method of success and earnestly pray and fast as is necessary to hear HIS Voice. The purpose of the church has not changed, and those who repent and place their focus on the first and foremost Love will be allowed to flourish in the time before us.

Good fruit is the determining factor of success, and the church should be producing good fruit for the rest of the world to eat and be nourished by the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Love of Our Heavenly Father. Love will bring peace on earth, not war and the church should be a prime source of preparing those to go forth in Love. Their doors should not be intended for new arriving members only. Instead, they should become a base of operations for Love to be spread outward into the community and beyond.

Many oppose the pursuit of Love because they are afraid to give up control. They resist any attempt to expose this insecurity by using any means possible to discount the revelation. They may betray you in an attempt to uncover a weakness in your belief or they may use some past failure to compromise you. As you mature in your Love walk, expect opposition and resistance for it comes with the territory.

An offense is any impediment placed in the way and causing one to stumble or fall, (a stumbling block, occasion of stumbling), i.e., a rock which is a cause of stumbling. Resistance is the refusal to accept or comply with something; the attempt to prevent something by action or argument. One who resists the Divine Intent of FATHER is an offense.

Jesus is our pattern to follow, and He dealt with much resistance from the Pharisees and Sadducees who were primarily interested in retaining control and status. Jesus had just completed His Sermon on the Mount and made it quite clear that all men needed to walk in mercy and forgiveness. He told the multitudes that murder and adultery were issues with the heart, not just externally keeping the Law. He urged the multitudes to love their enemies, bless those who curse them, do good to those who hate them, and pray for those who spitefully use them and persecute them.

The Pharisees could not hear the Truth and instead wanted to maintain the traditions of man as they looked for reasons to criticize Jesus and His disciples:

Matthew 9:10-11 Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

Matthew 9:34 But the Pharisees said, “He (Jesus) casts out demons by the ruler of the demons.”

Matthew 12:1-2 At that time Jesus went through the grain fields on the Sabbath. And His disciples were hungry and began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to Him, “Look, Your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath!”

The Pharisees had no interest in the content or intent of His words; they were only interest in maintaining the status quo. They posed questions to Jesus and the disciples in an attempt to cast a shadow on the message of Love and restoration. Do you do the same to people with a different understanding than your own? Do you try to protect a revelation you received years ago without considering that it no longer applies to you in your current state?

The Jewish leaders were at one time the bridge between FATHER and the tribes of Israel but their time had passed long ago. FATHER’S plan of redemption progressed from the external acts to the internal change of heart. The leaders were afraid of this new teaching and opposed it out of fear and ignorance. Love evokes and promotes change, but people tend to resist change.

While the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they were warned about building permanent dwellings. FATHER wanted them to follow HIS Presence wherever it took them. In like manner, we should always be prepared to challenge our own doctrine when presented with a potentially greater revelation and be prepared to move away from the doctrine that may have simply become a tradition without power.

Jesus’ own disciples opposed Love’s intent. Jesus knew the path FATHER had Him on, and it was necessary for Him to suffer yet when He spoke of what was about to happen, Peter opposed Him. In Mathew chapter 16:

21 From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.

22 Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!”

23 But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”

It is important for us to understand that we can be an offense to FATHER’S plan and Will. We must focus on keeping on the narrow path of Love and be sensitive to FATHER’S Voice. HE may tell us to do something contrary to our current doctrine and we must not oppose or resist HIS instructions. As we open ourselves up to correction and change, HE can share deeper Truths for us to embrace and walk in.

In Matthew chapter 18, Jesus gave us a stern warning:

6 “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

7 Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!"

8 “If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire.

9 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire."

This is a rather ominous warning for all of us to take seriously. We must be careful and make sure that our actions do not facilitate lawlessness in others. When we argue and debate with others concerning some view of the Scripture that isn’t a matter of salvation, we can impair their walk. This is especially true for those who are in positions of authority and responsibility. When the immature look to you for instruction, you must be careful to qualify your position and understanding thus allowing them to hear FATHER for themselves. We must always direct those who are less mature to seek FATHER’S Voice rather than functioning as an intermediary between them and FATHER. Their tutoring should not become a perpetual task, but at some point, they need to graduate to hearing HIS Voice directly. Let us not be an offense to a "little" one.

In Acts chapter 6, Stephen was walking out his calling and producing good fruit:

8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.

You would think that everyone observing Stephen’s fruit would be excited and supportive of his calling. Not so. They not only opposed him but they incited others to become false witnesses:

9 Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen.

10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.

11 Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.”

12 And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council.

13 They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law;

It is obvious that the church leaders rationalized away the wonders and sign among the people. They were focused on Moses and the Law rather than the blessings at hand. When men attempt to compel everyone to align themselves with the leadership rather than FATHER, opposition and resistance will result. Love came to restore and heal not perpetuate the customs and traditions of the Law. Throughout church history we find that a revelation from FATHER created dominations and later after the revelation was diluted by men’s opinions and interpretation, a tradition replaced it. No wonder the churches can’t seem to agree to the point of being in unity.

Stephen was empowered to challenge the leadership of the day and all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel. The glory inside of him overflowed to the external. He then began to give the leadership a Bible lesson they would never forget and ended it with the following found in chapter 7:

51 “You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you.

52 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers,

53 who have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it.”

Stephen was speaking under the anointing and power of the Holy Spirit. His boldness came from Above, and the leadership was now being exposed. I can attest that when THE SPIRIT moves upon me, there is a boldness to speak without reservation, knowing FATHER wants something exposed and/or resolved. The Truth does not apologize to those in error but seeks to correct, cleanse, and restore if possible. Otherwise, judgment will arrive at the door.

We don’t need to defend Love and FATHER will take care of any corrective interviews which need to take place. If we will speak those words, HE gives us to speak and neither add nor subtract, the opposition and resistance will become a non-issue. On the other hand, if we see no opposition or resistance from the world, we may need to assess where we stand. In the 3rd chapter of the Gospel of John:

19 "And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.

21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”

Your walk motivated by the Divine Intent of Love is a light unto the world, but those who practice evil hate the light so they will hate you. As an enemy, they become the focus of your Love which in turn will cause their deeds to be exposed by FATHER. This begins the cleansing process unto repentance. The Truth in Love you walk in brightens the surroundings, and both the opposition and resistance will dissipate before your eyes. Hallelujah!

Many people never make it past the First Commandment of Love. The First Commandment dealt with the "vertical" aspect of the Cross, our relationship with Our Heavenly Father above. The Second Commandment deals with that horizontal beam of the Cross. It is the horizontal aspect of Love for mankind.

Mark 12:31  And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’  There is no other commandment greater than these.” NKJV

Can it be any more plainly stated by Jesus? There are no greater commandments than those that focus on Love. Yet most Christians will study and meditate on just about any other topic than Love.

Many Christians are somewhat bloodthirsty and want their enemies to suffer. We are to Love Our Heavenly Father, Love our neighbor, and Love our enemies. Who else is left? Many secretly want their adversaries who don’t align themselves with their doctrine or way of life to burn for eternity. Doesn’t this belittle the power of the Blood of the Lamb of GOD? Is the Creator helpless to find a way to make sure all of mankind is restored to HIM?

Most everyone wants eternal life. In the Gospel of Luke, we are given explicit details in attaining eternal life. An expert in religious law asks the specific question:

10:25  And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"

Many would have you believe that there is a laundry list of do’s and don’ts that must be checked off before you are allowed entrance into "eternal life." Jesus replied with a question (Don’t you just love it when He does that!):

26 He said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?”

The lawyer knows the letter of the Law:

27 So he answered and said, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’ ”

It is interesting that most Christians, as well as the experts in The Law, know these two Commandments. Head knowledge is not enough, Jesus further explains:

28 And He said to him, “You have answered rightly; do this and you will live.”

"Do this" is the key. Talk is cheap; actions must back up those words. The lawyer now paints himself into a corner with his next question:

29 But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

Our ego wants to justify our current state and resists change. It wants the good life without sacrificing any time, energy, or money on others. It wants to keep you focused on scarcity rather than abundance.

As happened often, Jesus replied to the lawyer’s question with a parable- The Parable of the Good Samaritan:

30 Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31  Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32  Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. 33  But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’

Jesus provides a clear and concise picture of assisting someone in need. Any reasonable person can figure out the essence of the lesson in the story. Jesus asked the lawyer a simple question:

36 So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?”

It was a multiple-choice question making it simple to pick the correct answer. The lawyer replied:

37 And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.”

Jesus provided a simple reply- Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

How complicated have we made entering into eternal life! It doesn’t require some complex formula that the ego would promote as the key. It doesn’t require you to memorize a bunch of Scriptures to achieve a certain level of acceptance. Anyone can achieve eternal life by walking in just two Commandments focused on Love. The Gospel is simple. Our ego makes it complex and difficult.

Most people focus only on the First Commandment focusing on the relationship with Our Heavenly Father. To bring Heaven to earth, we must move on to the Second Commandment of Loving mankind. We are to represent Our Heavenly Father to the world. We are to be the light in a world of darkness:

Ephesians 5:8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light NKJV

Jesus’ focus was on mankind. His relationship with Our Heavenly Father was well established, and thus He now was able to fully represent the Divine Intent of restoring mankind to The Father. Our focus should be the same. We should be looking for opportunities to make a difference in other people’s lives rather than just focusing on ourselves. There are Spiritual Laws of giving that have been established to promote the Kingdom. Seed time and harvest work for both the evil and righteous. Often the evil do a better job of understanding basic laws and exploit them for personal benefit. How much more should the righteous understand the Law of Abundance and operate in it to meet the needs of all mankind!

Luke 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” NKJV

This passage contains a mystery. This mystery is counterintuitive to the ego’s way of thinking. Give, and you will be given more? This is contrary to the Law of Scarcity where you must hoard what you have and work harder to acquire more, never giving anything to anyone else. The mystery is that as you are a cheerful giver, giving out of Love, you will be supplied with even a greater storehouse to supply more. Your circle of influence will grow because you have been faithful over a little and proven that you can be faithful over much more.

Many like to view Luke 6:38 in only the context of finances. Though it is true for finances, it is also true of intangible resources. Consider the fruit of the Spirit: Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. As you give these fruit, an abundance of fruit avails itself to you.

The Second Commandment of Love is so simple. Put yourself in your neighbor’s shoes and determine what your neighbor needs. It may be a kind word, it may be financial assistance, or they simply may need some quality time with you. As you become sensitive to the needs of others, you will be given greater responsibilities for the deeper, more subtle needs. How do you know what they really need? As you mature in the revelation of Love, you will be able to hear the Father’s words more clearly as HE conveys the needs of others to you. Jesus conveyed this Truth in John 17:

8 For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me. NKJV

20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. NKJV

Jesus was given glory. Thus He gave this glory to the believers. Jesus Loved the those who believed and imparted His Love for their perfection. You can see how the flow works: Your vertical relationship with Our Heavenly Father flows through you and then horizontally to others. You must not stop the flow and end it with you. Let the Love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness flow to your neighbor and your adversaries. This is what spreading the Gospel is all about.

The Second Commandment was central to the Old Testament Law as well. The last five of the Ten Commandments focused on our relationship with others:

Deuteronomy 5: 17 ​‘​You shall not murder.

18 ​‘​You shall not commit adultery.

19 ​‘​You shall not steal.

20 ​‘​You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

21 ​‘​You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife; and you shall not desire your neighbor’s house, his field, his male servant, his female servant, his ox, his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.’ NKJV

All of these primarily dealt with self-preservation, the Law of Scarcity, or both. These commandments expose the "taker" as opposed to the "giver." You must ask yourself in which category your actions and words place you.

Most people submit to the Law of Scarcity out of fear. Ultimately the fear of death motivates their actions. Hunger precedes death. Lack of shelter and clothing places you at risk of death if left out in the elements. Bankruptcy can lead to hunger which leads to death. In the end, death is the issue central to the taker’s motive. This person has no confidence in the Love of Our Heavenly Father. He must fend for himself against all odds. At best, he considers Our Heavenly Father to be a distant GOD who cannot or will not deal with his personal issues. He has no revelation of the Love of Our Heavenly Father.

The First Commandment given to mankind to follow focused on Love:

Mark 12: 28 Then one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, “Which is the first commandment of all?”

29 Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one. 30 And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment." NKJV

In this passage, Mark included " with all your strength" whereas Matthew 22 omitted this phrase. When you add strength to the answer, you have removed any question of whether your actions are included in this Commandment. Strength represents activity, focus, resources, and intent. Our strength is our most fundamental attribute available for each of us to carry out an action. Our life’s focus should be directed toward Loving Our Heavenly Father with our complete being. Who deserves more Love and attention than our Creator?

Jesus divided our individuality into heart, soul, mind, and strength (body). He left no aspect of our individual being out. There can be no question of the importance of this First Commandment. When you love somebody, do you want to spend time with them? Do you focus your efforts toward making them happy and fulfilled? How much more should we focus our strength and resources to fulfill this First Commandment!

Our soul represents our individuality and survives physical death. We make our decisions within our soul and John encourages us in this area:

3 John 2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. NKJV

Our soul can prosper and be purified by pursuing the fullness of Love:

1 Peter 1:22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, 23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever. NKJV

Peter establishes our individual accountability for oversight of our souls. Purifying the soul is done by obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere Love. Our hearts must be pure. Those with a pure heart shall be blessed and see GOD (Matthew 5:8) We must focus our strength on the purification aspect of our walk. We must steer away from those situations that place our soul at risk of further temptation to walk according to the worldly lusts. We must overcome the temptations just as Jesus overcame the temptations in the wilderness. Be assured that the tests will come and you will continue to be tested in the area until you have finally overcome that aspect of weakness.

You must purify your soul by obeying the Truth. How do you find out what the Truth is in a matter? By hearing Our Heavenly Father’s voice. When Jesus gave the scribe the answer to his question, He began by saying "Hear, O Israel". We must learn to hear Our Heavenly Father’s voice. We must quiet our soul, our mind, and our body to hear. We must turn our focus away from our "self" and place the focus on HIM.

Our mind’s job is to solve problems in an analytical and logical way. It records and administers information and facts as needed. When we give our mind a problem, it focuses on solving it. It will work on the problem while we are sleeping. It is a great servant when we keep it in perspective to serve us. Logical thinking in the mind analyzes the facts and predicts or projects patterns, consequences, and results. Without Spiritual insight, the mind will take you on a path based on observed patterns and signs. There are signs everywhere, and the mind will use the body’s full senses to observe and identify signs to support its logical conclusions.

Problems arise when we give or assign power to our mind rather than our heart. If given an opportunity, our mind will create problems to solve. It will move you to a life of greater complexity, and ultimately you will become a servant to that complexity, and you will become subject to it as a taskmaster. You will place yourself under the service of the created rather than the Creator. The ultimate path is toward bondage when you submit to control of the mind.

An example of complexity is man’s government. There are thousands upon thousands of laws and statutes to deal with all types of issues. If mankind operated in Love, there would be a need for only two Commandments, both centering around Love. The mind does not promote Love, it responds to whatever you guide it towards life and simplicity or death and complexity.

You will decide where your power resides. You will become a servant to Love or logic, life or death:

Psalm 26:2 Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart.

You give power and authority either to your heart or your mind. The one you give that power to will develop and strengthen and then one will serve the other. The stronger one will determine your priorities in life. Your heart can perceive the Law of Abundance and infinity. This law comes from the Divine Intent of Love. You can look up at the stars and the galaxies and comprehend the vastness of Our Heavenly Father’s creation. You begin to realize that scarcity is simply a perception created by the mind’s conclusion drawn from the limited facts gained by observation of the senses. The mind will always lead you toward the Law of Scarcity. Why? You only rely on limited senses rather than tapping into the wisdom, understanding, and knowledge from Above. As you move away from the power of the mind and strengthen your heart’s connection with the Spirit, you will begin to hear Our Heavenly Father’s voice, and HE will open your eyes to HIS vastness:

Psalm 138:1  I will praise You with my whole heart;

​​Before the gods I will sing praises to You.

2 ​​I will worship toward Your holy temple,

​​And praise Your name

​​For Your lovingkindness and Your truth;

​​For You have magnified Your word above all Your name.

3 ​​In the day when I cried out, You answered me,

​​And made me bold with strength in my soul. NKJV

Job was given a corrective interview by Elihu about the limitations of his mind and perception:

Job 37: 14 ​​“Listen to this, O Job;

​​Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God.

15 ​​Do you know when God dispatches them,

​​And causes the light of His cloud to shine?

16 ​​Do you know how the clouds are balanced,

​​Those wondrous works of Him who is perfect in knowledge?

17 ​​Why are your garments hot,

​​When He quiets the earth by the south wind?

18 ​​With Him, have you spread out the skies,

​​Strong as a cast metal mirror?

Our Heavenly Father is perfect in knowledge so why should we pursue man’s incomplete knowledge and understanding when we have a Father who wants to instruct us personally? We must move our minds back to a position of service and let our heart prevail to command our path toward the fullness of Love. We determine what input the mind receives: positive or negative, blessing or cursing, health or sickness.

As a man thinks, so is he (Proverbs 23:7). We control what our mind thinks. We expose our mind to outside stimuli, and thus we decide our own path.

This effort is a process and is continual. We are accountable for our own mind, its content and it focus. Our mind will be self-serving toward the world or will be selfless in submitting to the Spirit. It is your decision. Paul states it like this:

Romans 12:2 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.

To prove means to test, examine, and scrutinize, to recognize as genuine, or to deem worthy. Our mind does a fine job of analyzing and assessing. It will come to logical conclusions based on the information and facts provided to it. We must feed it the right information for it to function properly. If you never study Scripture, how can you know the good, acceptable, or perfect will of Our Heavenly Father? If you never spend time in your prayer closet, upon what revelation are you acting? You were led to this writing because your spirit needs a greater revelation of Love. I was led by the Holy Spirit to write this book for the very same reason.

Most of us have heard that our health is affected by our mind. Our mind is where our memory primarily resides. However, memory is functional in the body as well. Cells have memory, organs have memory, but our mind is where the primary clearinghouse resides. When our mind processes bitterness, it has a negative impact on the body. The immune system no longer functions properly. Cancer may form due to embedded bitterness over a loved one. Bitterness usually begins with words spoken in an unloving fashion. The mind processes these words and then begins to affect the bodily functions. The body develops a chemical imbalance, and then those renegade cells become active. As you renew your mind, you begin to deal with the embedded unforgiveness and bitterness in your body. Your physical body begins to recover and return to normal in response to the renewing of your mind. How long are you going to postpone the renewing of your mind? Give it up! Do you think you can Love Our Heavenly Father fully and completely and still hold a grudge? It’s not going to happen.

The soul is mentioned separately in the First Commandment. The soul is the total essence of all aspects of your love, awareness, experience and potential, emotions, abilities, gifts, and calling. Your soul is unique and special to you. In Isaiah 38, King Hezekiah was near death and without an heir. In Isaiah 38, Isaiah the prophet was led by the Word of the LORD to tell him to set his house for he would soon die. In response, Hezekiah spoke:

2 Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed to the LORD, 3 and said, “Remember now, O LORD, I pray, how I have walked before You in truth and with a loyal heart, and have done what is good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. NKJV

In HIS great mercy and grace, Our Heavenly Father responded:

4 And the word of the LORD came to Isaiah, saying, 5 “Go and tell Hezekiah, ‘Thus says the LORD, the God of David your father: “I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will add to your days fifteen years. NKJV

This was great news, Our Heavenly Father responds to our prayers and intervenes on our behalf. Prayer changes things. Hezekiah later admits to bitterness and its removal:

Isaiah 38:17 "Lo, for my own welfare I had great bitterness; It is You who has kept my soul from the pit of nothingness, For You have cast all my sins behind Your back." NASB

As we submit ourselves to Our Heavenly Father, the solutions to our issues come forth and change the course of our life. We must protect our mind from dwelling on the wrong information that originates from the world apart from Our Heavenly Father.

Our heart is where our connection with Our Heavenly Father resides. It is at the center of our being. It is our spirit and should be in command of our daily walk. As we continually acknowledge this connection with Our Heavenly Father, our Love will mature. When you Love somebody, you want to spend quality time with them, and you want to expend your resources on them. As you spend quality time focused on Our Heavenly Father, your life will abound, your health will improve, and you will gain peace in your life:

Proverbs 4: 20 ​​My son, give attention to my words;

​​Incline your ear to my sayings.

21 ​​Do not let them depart from your eyes;

​​Keep them in the midst of your heart;

22 ​​For they are life to those who find them,

​​And health to all their flesh.

23 ​​Keep your heart with all diligence,

​​For out of it spring the issues of life. NKJV

This first great Commandment is given for our benefit by a Loving Father who has your best interest at heart. Don’t delay in altering your walk if you have failed to honor HIM first and foremost. Jesus said " the LORD our God, the LORD is one. " There is none other. Don’t let any aspect of your life be allowed to distract you from this most primary Truth spoken by our Lord.

Most believers would answer "No" to this question. I would have to disagree by considering my own experience. In the spring of 1984, I was a very busy young executive helping manage a large wholesale distribution business. Fifty-hour weeks were the norm and sixty hour weeks were sometimes required. I constantly read my Bible, read Christian books and listened to teaching tapes of all types. Two weeks after a trip to New York I became sick to the point of making an appointment with my wife’s doctor. I didn’t have one since I had believed FATHER for Divine health for several years. In the five years, I had been employed at the company, I was the only one who never took off for sickness. FATHER told me earlier to slow down and rest, but I pressed on due to the demands of the job.

I went to the doctor, and his nurse took a sample of blood. The result indicated that I had the hepatitis A virus contracted from undercooked shellfish. I remembered the shrimp cocktail I ate at the Hilton Hotel across from the airport two weeks before my symptoms. The doctor demanded that I be checked into the hospital because of the severity indicated by the test. I begged him to let me stay home and do nothing but rest. He reluctantly agreed. He told me that I would be unable to work for a minimum of six weeks, but eight weeks was more realistic in my case.

I was upset at FATHER for letting me get sick, possibly unto death. HE responded, "You are void of MY Word." What? I studied my Bible, read books, listened to tapes, watch Christian TV yet I was void of HIS Word? HE explained with a question- "When was the last time you studied MY Word on healing?" I admitted that it had been a long time and then repented. I then asked, "What do YOU want me to do?". HE instructed me to immerse myself in healing Scriptures, teaching, and listen to an audio cassette tape on healing every time I laid down. I did exactly as instructed. The result was that my symptoms were gone in 11 days and I was able to return to work for half days per the doctor’s instructions. My doctor had no explanation for the miraculous recover but was unwilling to discuss Spiritual matters.

I shared the details of this story to let you know that even though you have studied Love, faith, hope, healing, and other such topics, you can lose the "life" or reality of those Truths to the point where they become on none effect in your walk. As we increase in our sensitivity to hearing HIS Voice we should ask HIM what we ought to study for HE knows what"levels" are in each area of our life.

During Jesus’ ministry, He dealt with people who had a long history with FATHER, yet they could not recognize HIS Son when He stood in front of Him. In Matthew chapter 13 Jesus spoke:

14 And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says:

​

​‘​Hearing you will hear and shall not understand,

​​And seeing you will see and not perceive;

15 ​​For the hearts of this people have grown dull.

​​Their ears are hard of hearing,

​​And their eyes they have closed,

​​Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears,

​​Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,

​​So that I should heal them.’

Your heart can grow dull to the point where it becomes hard for you to hear and see. You were once on fire to do FATHER’S Will, but now your heart has grown cold. The Word was once alive in you, but now it has been reduced to knowledge without the life and power once associated with it. The cares of the world have entered in a plucked the life-giving word out of the soil.

The phrase "use or lose it" is appropriate on many levels. When a marathon runner finishes the race, there is a short time to recover and relax. However, he knows that he must continue to run "maintenance" runs or he will lose his edge. Too much time off would require him to make up with tougher training later. It is better to stay in shape than to start over and this is true for those who seek to walk in full Spiritual maturity.

In the Revelation of Jesus Christ chapter 2 we read:

2 “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars;

3 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary.

4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.

5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.

"First Love" is the exclusive Love which is first place in our hearts above all other things. It isn’t our initial, immature love we experience at an earlier point in our walk. My attention had shifted away from HIS Life-giving Word on healing and other things changed by focus and frame of mind. I allowed the cares of the world to enter in and take over my focus. Before long the life and revelation of healing had become inactive. I had to repent and then return my focus ON HIM. The Divine Intent of OUR HEAVENLY FATHER should be our first Love. If it isn’t then, we should repent else our light will grow dim.

When FATHER is our highest priority, our focus, time, and resources become available to HIM for HIS use. As a Loving Father, HE will give more to us more than we can possibly give into HIS work. HE simply wants to see good fruit come forth in HIS Sons.

Repentance means "a change of mind." We must redirect our mind’s attention to the deeper things of FATHER if we want to be chosen as HIS vessels of honor. As we respond to HIS relevant Word for the state we are in, our weaknesses are replaced by the power of HIS Word. We must focus on those areas which are the highest Spiritual priority.

A candlestick is intended to shine and illuminate the room. As an act of correction and discipline, FATHER allowed the glory to be removed when men lost the "first" love. They lost their anointing in the area of their calling. When I was diagnosed with hepatitis, it was a wake-up call for me. Past assumptions were removed from my thinking, and I learned a valuable lesson while recovering from this serious disease.

Now you must ask yourself the question- Do I walk in the revelation of Love and do I have good fruit as a result of this walk? Are you void of Love? I don’t mean the love that you show for your spouse, kids, or close relatives. Do you Love all of mankind? Do you truly Love your enemies? Is your faith energized by Love or are you like so many who wonder why their prayers go unanswered?

If you cannot answer the above questions with full assurance that you have fully aligned with FATHER, then you are void of HIS Word in this area. It is time to correct this before the repercussions due to this void impact you further. It is time to repent.

In Revelation chapter 2 John the Beloved disciple wrote what he heard and saw:

3 "and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary.

4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.

5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent."

FATHER’S Word does not change and is consistent through the Bible. This final book was written to HIS servants as written in Revelation 1:1. Do you see yourself as a servant of GOD? If so, then this final book was written to you and for your instruction. Patience and labor are good fruit, but without being motivated by Love, you must repent. The Greek word metanoia means "a change of mind."

This book is intended to change your mind concerning the importance of the revelation of Love. It is intended to move you to full repentance and refocus your attention on what is crucial to walking in the fullness of your calling. Yes, each of us has a very specific calling given to us before FATHER formed us in the womb. My calling is unique to me, and FATHER gave me specific gifts and resources reserved for my particular calling. As I embrace my calling, then Heaven pours out blessings that cannot be contained. If I fail to embrace my calling, then I move toward a life of scarcity and drudgery. The fruit doesn’t lie.

When you repent, your frame of mind changes and what was once impossible can now be seen on the horizon, and each day you get closer to its manifestation. You finally experience what the Scripture terms "Then suddenly" means. You now know firsthand the power of FATHER working on your behalf.

When Jesus showed up, lives changed. He was the manifestation of Love to be an example for us to follow. Consider those who lived with chronic disease for years without hope of returning to a normal life. But then Love showed and energized faith. Paul wrote in Galatians 5:

6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.

"Faith working through Love" is faith energized, made effectual, made operational by Love. This is exactly what happened when the woman with the issue of blood came into the presence of Jesus in Luke chapter 8:

42 …But as He went, the multitudes thronged Him.

43 Now a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any,

44 came from behind and touched the border of His garment. And immediately her flow of blood stopped.

45 And Jesus said, “Who touched Me?”

When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, “Master, the multitudes throng and press You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’ ”

46 But Jesus said, “Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me.”

47 Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately.

48 And He said to her, “Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”

Does this woman sound familiar? People today are spending thousands to find a cure for their chronic disease. There is a full infrastructure created to focus on cancer and other chronic diseases. This woman lived for twelve long years with her condition, and there was no hope for a cure until Jesus showed up. When the fullness of Love came into her presence, it activated her faith. It energized her faith, and now she knew that if she could just connect to HIS Love, she would be healed.

Power flowed out of Jesus into the woman, and it healed her. It was her faith that made her willing to step out and touch Him. Jesus responded, "Your faith has made you well. Go in peace.” Are you willing to exercise your faith and embrace Love? If so, your faith will be energized, and you will no longer look at any mountain in your life as being an insurmountable issue. You will simply speak to it, and it will be removed.

The woman had a void that prevented her from receiving her healing. The physicians could not fill the void, and she had lost her livelihood attempting to find the missing ingredient to her healing. The Word manifested in the flesh, and she finally came into His presence. Thus the void was filled, and her healing came forth.

Let each of us fill our void with HIS Love. We will then see fruit come forth like never before and will walk out the fullness of our calling with unending gratitude that HE filled our void.

Do you see yourself as a giver or a taker? Most believers would answer "giver" to this question, but that may be based on intent rather than works. This particular topic is one of the most controversial subjects in Scripture even though Jesus expects us to be givers without any conditions attached to the gift. Agape Love is unconditional by nature thus our giving should be consistent with this highest form of Love.

In 2 Corinthians chapter 9, Paul wrote:

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.  NKJV

One who is motivated by Love will be a cheerful giver because Love is the primary motivator in his heart and FATHER honors the intent of the heart. Those who try to "work the system" and give to get will find that FATHER will not be manipulated by the underlying greed found in that person’s heart. We are given a promise that "he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully" and if we truly trust and have faith in FATHER’S Word then we will not be reluctant to give when FATHER instructs us to do so.

Cheerful giving requires faith in FATHER’S ability to interact with the physical realm. Even though it would seem obvious that FATHER can and will intervene in the physical, many people have difficulty in understanding that the Spiritual realm is higher than the physical realm and what happens in the higher realm evokes a response in the lower realm. FATHER moves upon men and women to carry out HIS plan whether they realize it or not. HE will open their eyes to a situation which will cause them to respond by taking some action ultimately resulting in a blessing to HIS cheerful giver.

Cheerful giving correlates to the law of seedtime and harvest. To reap a larger harvest, one must plant the appropriate seed. When a husband and wife give, they should be in one accord to qualify as cheerful givers. Giving has at its foundation the need to be in unity. We should be in unity with FATHER and our spouse to be most effective. If there is division in the family concerning giving, then it must be dealt with to determine who or what is causing the problem. We should ask FATHER to expose the problem so that we can clear the blockage before the gift is sent. We must not assume anything but let HIS SPIRIT guide us accordingly. Our timing may be off, or there may be some spiritual issue to be dealt with before we take action. We must also consider that we may not be the ones who are to give to a particular need. This is why it is so important to be connected with FATHER when giving. There are plenty of bona fide needs all around us, but those needs must be met in accordance with FATHER’S plan and purpose to be effective in our giving.

The love of money is the root of all evil and the term "love of money" can be replaced by the word "greed" thus greed is the root of all evil. Many of those who are rich by the world’s standard have acquired their wealth through greed and exploitation of the poor. They are masters when it comes to rationalizing why their actions associated with the accumulation of wealth is not associated with greed. FATHER has no problem with wealth accumulation but does have a problem with hoarding the wealth once accumulated. Many who are wealthy like to keep it to maintain their status within the community. They tend to believe their wealth is a result of being "special" and separated from the masses. In 1 Timothy chapter 6 we get a different view concerning those who are wealthy:

17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. NKJV

FATHER is warning the wealthy not to trust in their riches, and if we should heed any warning, this is the ONE in which we should pay close attention. Everyone else has an opinion about the future, but FATHER knows what lies ahead.

What is the point of accumulating wealth in this age? We are told those who do should do good and be ready to give and share. Those who are anointed to acquire wealth must realize that every person in the Kingdom is important to FATHER and we must not let others suffer as we are enjoying the fruitfulness of our particular calling. After the believers were baptized in the Holy Spirit in Acts chapter 4 we see a notable change of heart:

32 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. 33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. 34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35 and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need. NKJV

Suddenly their possessions were no longer a priority in their lives for they were now of one heart and one soul. They now had revelation of the temporary value of worldly goods and understood the need to minister to those who lacked. As the Kingdom draws near on earth, I expect to see a similar change of heart among believers and as a result, the personal storage industry will begin to shrink. Hoarding will become a thing of the past. If we are no longer have a need for some item, then we will look for someone who now has a need rather than store the item based on some expected need in the future.

A person’s willingness to give is often determined by their level of faith and trust in FATHER’S willingness and ability to bless them. Throughout Scripture FATHER assures us that HE will supply all our need to according to HIS riches in glory by Christ Jesus yet people often prefer to trust the world’s methods of supply rather than FATHER even though HE uses the current system to move supply in our direction. It really gets down to who you trust to supply your need. The world wants us to exercise faith in their system which is based on scarcity and FATHER wants us to exercise faith in HIS Way which is based on abundance and sufficiency. To establish a pattern of giving, we should focus on increasing our faith and trust in FATHER, and for that to be totally fulfilled, we must get the revelation of Agape Love, HIS primary characteristic.

Paul warned Timothy in 1 Timothy chapter 6:

5 … men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of (financial) gain. From such withdraw yourself.

6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Paul urges us to withdraw from those who are destitute of the truth for light cannot fellowship with darkness. Men and women accumulate wealth and possessions in order to assure their remaining days on earth are to be lived in comfort. Some focus on providing an inheritance to their sons and daughters yet if they are also destitute of the truth, the wealth will be of no lasting value and will not guarantee future success. Often, the inheritance is squandered and the inheritors are worse off than before they received the proceeds.

The ego of the wealthy demands attention and thoughts of grandeur abound. They must have the best seats when being entertained and they thrive on the attention their wealth brings to them, often at the expense of those in need. They demand respect based on the size of their bank account rather than the fruitfulness of their life or lack thereof. Their path is headed toward destruction but they are unable to see what lies ahead because of their blindness.

When people become more focused on greediness because they no longer trust FATHER for HIS provision, they end up with regretting the path they have chosen. The world’s monetary system is designed to extract wealth from the individual for the benefit of the institution controlling the system thus the wealth is temporary by its very nature. On the other hand, FATHER’S wealth is enduring and designed to be a blessing because it is not corrupted by man’s manipulative efforts. FATHER’S wealth transcends our physical existence, unlike the world’s temporary wealth. When we become cheerful givers, we break the bondage which arises from greed.

How willing are you to forgive debt? Greed demands payment of every last cent whereas those with a giving heart are willing to forgive the debt when it cannot be repaid. The same question must be asked concerning interest on debt. The greedy demand the debtor pay interest on the money borrowed but the cheerful giver does not further burden the borrower with interest payments. If you really trust FATHER to be your provider then you know that HE will bless your finances as you bless others in theirs.

FATHER gave Moses ten commandments and included among those commandments is "Thou shall not covet". The word "covet" means to delight greatly in something or someone because of their perceived preciousness. When we move our focus and priority away from FATHER and redirect our attention toward a person or thing, then we may become guilty of coveting. Once we covet someone or something, idol worship may not be far behind. This is why we must keep the ego in check as we mature as Sons and Daughters of Our Heavenly Father. Becoming a cheerful giver is a form of resisting the ego.

Pursuing and embracing Agape Love solves many of the problems believers face today for it is the standard by which all actions can be compared. There are many alternative paths one can take which will ultimately lead to death and destruction, but FATHER gave us the clear path to take in order to become fully mature. Only through HIS Son can the path be found and only through Jesus’ example are we to overcome greed and truly be known as a cheerful giver. The means and the method have not been hidden from us, and the only hindrance to success is whatever we are unwilling to deal with once we have been given the Word. It is our choice whether we are to be known as givers or takers and doing nothing ultimately leads to hoarding, another subtle form of greed. Our actions will confirm our stated choice.

Jesus provided us with a parable referring to hoarding, and it is found in Luke chapter 12:

16 Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. 17 And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ 18 So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.” ’ 20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’

21 “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”

There is no difference between one who hoards and one who is known as a "taker." Both people are more concerned about self-preservation than others in need. I acknowledge there is a need to save and store up as we are led by The Holy Spirit. Joseph is an excellent example when he was given the directive to store grain for seven years in specific preparation for the coming famine. This is why it is important to hear FATHER’S voice when it comes to dealing with your resources. We must be open when FATHER says to give and trust HIM in meeting our future needs. HE knows when we will pass from this life to the next so why not let HIM guide us in our finances and resources?

Since we have been told that greed is the root of all evil, let us be willing to place our doctrines on the altar concerning this subject. Jesus was willing to give all for us so are we willing to give out of our abundance to others? Let it not be out of duty or coercion that we give but let us become cheerful givers so that the enemy will not gain a stronghold in our life and ministry.

All of us begin building a "Great Wall" of self-preservation at a young age. This wall is built out of fear and to protect self-interest. To walk in the fullness of Love, this wall must come down, and our interest must shift away from ourselves and focused on others’ wellbeing. A wall is meant to divide and as we focus on self-preservation, we build a wall and separate from others in varying degrees. We are unwilling to let others too close because of prior experience of being hurt when we have been vulnerable. The wall is built to defend against pain inflicted by others. Our wall must come tumbling down, the sooner, the better.

Jericho was the first city to be conquered by the children of Israel. The name Jericho means "moon" symbolizing the church which was intended to reflect the light of the sun or Son. Scripture provides us with appropriate examples that apply to our personal growth. Just as parables in the New Testament were a means for Jesus to convey wisdom and understanding for those with ears to hear, the Old Testament provides metaphors that parallel our human condition. These too are given to us to apply to our path towards maturity.

The children of Israel learned to hear and obey Our Heavenly Father in the wilderness. They spent forty years instead of eighteen months due to their unbelief and imbedded self-interest. The new generation who saw the miracles of being sustained by Our Heavenly Father developed enough faith to be led by Joshua into the Promised Land. The old generation could not overcome their trust in the bondage they grew up with in Egypt. Since they had only experienced bondage, they had no courage to walk according to the promises of the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY. Their flesh prevailed, and their own internal walls remained intact.

The new generation was led by Joshua (Jesus) into the Promised Land and the first city to conquer was Jericho, a great walled city. A wall is built to create a division between those who might harm you and those whom you trust to look out for your best interest. The bigger the wall, the better. There was no way for the children of Israel to scale the wall and take the city for THE LORD. Our Heavenly Father sent an angel to lead them. Angels have the assigned power to strengthen us when we are given an obstacle we are unable to overcome in the flesh. The walls of Jericho needed supernatural intervention. Our personal walls may require the same.

Joshua 6: 1 Now Jericho was securely shut up because of the children of Israel; none went out, and none came in. 2 And the LORD said to Joshua: “See! I have given Jericho into your hand, its king, and the mighty men of valor. NKJV

Hearing and responding to Our Heavenly Father, Joshua now had sufficient faith to lead the troops to victory. What brought down the walls?

: 20 So the people shouted when the priests blew the trumpets. And it happened when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell flat. Then the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city. 21 And they utterly destroyed all that was in the city, both man and woman, young and old, ox and sheep and donkey, with the edge of the sword. NKJV

The sound of the trumpets and a great shout were required for the walls to come down. In Scripture, the trumpet sound represents jubilee, the forgiveness of debt and redemption of property (Leviticus 25). Jubilee represents liberty from oppression.

Each of us needs freedom from personal oppression. Each of us has built walls of various sizes, shapes, and heights to protect us from being hurt and/or exploited by others. At various times people have offended us in some manner. Our parents may have abused us in some fashion, verbally or physically, schoolmates may have embarrassed us publicly, or our so-called friends may have compromised our trust in some manner. Nonetheless, we have been hurt by others. The more severe the abuse, the higher the wall. Our old man builds the wall to protect us from further abuse. The problem is that it creates an entrenched division with others and the result causes even greater division.

What is the solution to the wall-building? We must trust in the Love of Our Heavenly Father. We must be willing to let our walls come down. Our Creator will not hurt us, but moreover, HE will lead and guide us into peace:

Psalm 23: 1 The LORD is my shepherd;

​​I shall not want.

2 ​​He makes me to lie down in green pastures;

​​He leads me beside the still waters.

3 ​​He restores my soul;

​​He leads me in the paths of righteousness

​​For His name’s sake.

​

4 ​​Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

​​I will fear no evil;

​​For You are with me;

​​Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

​

5 ​​You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

​​You anoint my head with oil;

​​My cup runs over.

6 ​​Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

​​All the days of my life;

​​And I will dwell in the house of the LORD

​​Forever. NKJV

In order to be willing to let your walls come down, you must believe the above Psalm. Your old man wants to keep you inside your walls of bondage. Your old man wants to keep you convinced that everyone outside those walls wants to hurt you. One of the effects of the wall is to become judgmental. You judge everyone to have a suspicious intent, waiting to find some weakness to exploit. They become an adversary that you must keep at arm’s length. Not to close now!

The problem with the wall is that you don’t let Our Heavenly Father lead you to full maturity. You have placed yourself in a box of protection. Maturity comes with testing, and you have "protected" yourself from being tested.

The result is that you don’t change and your wall grows thicker and higher. You predispose yourself with pastimes that simply make no difference in anyone’s life, including yours. You subtly shun others from getting inside your personal space. You distance yourself from any meaningful relationship. You will not allow yourself to walk as an expression of HIS Love toward mankind. The walls must come down!

How were the children of Israel prepared to take Jericho?

Deuteronomy 31:7 “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”

How was Joshua empowered to take down the walls of Jericho?

Deuteronomy 31:7 Then Moses called Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and of good courage, for you must go with this people to the land which the LORD has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall cause them to inherit it. NKJV

How are we empowered to take down our walls?

Psalm 27:14 Wait on the LORD;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the LORD! NKJV

It takes courage for us to let others into our inner circle. Our Heavenly Father is the first One to let in. Isn’t it ironic that we must decide to let the One who created us into our innermost being? When we do, HE will strengthen our heart. It takes a strong heart to overcome the old man in us. The old man, the ego, has developed much strength through the adverse circumstances of the past. We passively decided to give our old man reign over our life. The spirit of self-preservation and self love has prevailed and ruled us in the past. We have alienated friends who wanted to be intimate with us. Those with spouses have been robbed of precious moments of intimacy the heart longs for. If it weren’t for the Love from others, we might be fully isolated and lonesome. This state leads only to death and destruction.

The solution is to embrace Love. We must turn away from anything that promotes division in our life. Love unifies, Love shares, Love imparts life. Love is the only thing that can break through the walls built for protection. Love melts away the fear the built those walls. Over and over we are told to "fear not".

Joshua was told:

Deuteronomy 31:8 And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed. KJV

To Daniel HE spoke:

Daniel 10:19 And he said, “O man greatly beloved, fear not! Peace be to you; be strong, yes, be strong!” So when he spoke to me I was strengthened, and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.” NKJV

We must overcome our core fears. This fear is where self-preservation gets its strength. When you focus only on yourself, you are not walking out your calling. Be assured that your calling will somehow be a blessing to others. We are likened to parts of the body supplying each other with the flow of life.

Jesus said:

Luke 6: 27 “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28  bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you NKJV

His words challenge the very wall built as a result of your "enemies". The people you are protecting yourself from are the same people you are to minister Love. The old man will argue against this commandment spoken by Our Lord, yet He died for you and me when we were yet His enemy, one of the many ungodly. The whole world was made of vessels of dishonor yet He was sent. Imagine if Jesus had built a wall of protection around Himself. Don’t you think it would have been impregnable? None would have been able to hurt Him.

Legions of angels stood ready to protect him awaiting His command. Instead, He built no walls of protection and openly became vulnerable on our behalf. He is our example.

Your fear of being hurt has been a more powerful influence than your assurance of the Love of Our Heavenly Father. Possibly your earthly father or mother was a poor example of Love of a parent. How long will you use earthen vessels as your excuse to maintain the wall? Yes, the wall requires a lot of maintenance, resource, and time. You will go out of your way to maintain it. You will perpetuate its influence at the cost of friendships and loving relationships. Your path will be littered with failed relationships, judging each one to have been flawed by their suspicious actions and never yourself to blame.

I say it again, it is time for all the walls to come down. It is time for you to change and quit using the past as your excuse to be the way you are. The Apostle Paul wrote:

Romans 3: 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

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. NKJV

Yes, we all fall short of HIS standard yet by HIS grace we are redeemed. We must no longer love our flesh more than we Love Our Heavenly Father. We must take down that wall of isolation and let others see us for who we are- a child of the Most High GOD. We do not need to apologize for who we are. HE designed each one of us to be unique with a unique set of gifts and a unique calling. We must let our light shine forth.

How do you protect yourself from those who want to hurt you? Align yourself with Our Heavenly Father. HIS nature is Love thus your nature is Love. Love formed you in the womb. Love will bring down that wall you built for protection. Quit hiding from others out of fear of being hurt or maligned. Let Love prevail. Abide in HIS Love:

John 15:9 “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love." NKJV

HIS Love expressed in you will overcome your enemies. HIS Love will heal those deep-seated hurts at the core of your being. HIS Love will remove them and replace them with an unending Love for mankind. You will begin to see your enemies as potential brothers and sister who are simply blinded to HIS Love. As you minister Love to your enemies, you will convert them to friends.

Jesus spoke these words that we must embrace:

Matthew 5:44 “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." NKJV

These are the very same people who caused us to build our walls. I strongly recommend that you study, dwell, meditate, and finally accept these words. Until you fully accept this command, your wall will remain intact and your calling will be impaired.

Let the real you shine forth. Let Love flow through your thoughts, words, and deeds. Once your wall comes down, your journey through the Promised Land can continue. We must quit being overly intent to protect our own self-interest and consider others who need our ministry in their lives. Someone must step up and quit focusing on self. Will it be you?

Meditate on the walls you have created for self-protection. Are you willing to tear them down if FATHER asks you too? Do you remember how long those walls have been standing? Do you remember why those walls were built in the first place? Isn’t time to go beyond the hurt inflicted years or decades ago? What really can man do to us?