Servias Ministries Blog

Today’s writing contains a serious warning to all of us because many of us think we are more mature than we really are.  We must be careful about who we listen to, what we read, and who we follow.  We must pay close attention to our heart when we receive teaching because it may be off the mark with FATHER’S Word.  Such teachings may be subtle in their error and we simply tend to overlook them because we assume the writer to be correct because of his or her background, education, of prior writings.  Let us not make such assumptions when it comes to our walk with FATHER.  My writings are also up for scrutiny as well.

The word teknion means little child(ren) and the word teknon means son(s).  The difference between the two is the level of maturity and the Beloved Disciple uses both terms in teaching us about the necessity of Loving our brother.  In 1 John chapter 3 it is written by THE SPIRIT:

10 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest (revealed, exposed, apparent, evident, known, plainly recognized): Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.

Is there a more obvious and critical differentiation or comparison than what is provided here?  Love embraces but without Love our intent causes division.  Followers of Christ are not concerned about protecting their doctrine because it is one of inclusion but those who see a need to defend their belief system when challenged are missing Agape Love as their central purpose and focus.

11 For this is the message (precept) that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another

A precept is a general rule intended to regulate behavior or thought thus John is emphasizing the Truth as the fundamental foundation of being a Son of GOD.  Many who profess to be Sons have yet to embrace this central focus but have instead overlooked its importance and moved toward the search for some hidden doctrine in Scripture that only a few are able to uncover thus attempting to exalt themselves as “elite” Sons.  They use their logic and reasoning or their reliance in their teacher’s mental prowess to support their path.  Without a foundation and fruitfulness of Love, their doctrine is only an exercise of futility.

16 By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

17 But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?

The Beloved Disciple discloses a key outworking of Love: giving.  Immature sons and daughters will not pursue a life of giving or if the topic comes up they rationalize why they don’t need to participate in FATHER’S flow of blessing.  I am sure that John’s message has met much resistance by those who in the depths of their hearts have self-interest at the center, well hidden from all except FATHER.  Ananias and Sapphira in Acts chapter 5 are excellent examples of attempting to walk in Love but yet in midst of their hearts was greed:

1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession.

2 And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?

4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”

While it has become easy for those with resources to appear generous, FATHER knows their hearts which ultimately reveals their Spiritual maturity.  If Love is not found as the foundation, the winds will surely blow and shake one’s foundation and put their “house” at risk.  The name Ananias means "whom Jehovah has graciously given" and Sapphira mean "a sapphire, a precious stone".  Both names reflect great value but greed ruled the couple from within.

5 Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things.

6 And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.

That was quite a day of reckoning for the couple.  Why do you think great fear came upon all those who heard of the event?  They realized the seriousness of those who project a façade of Love and giving but instead have greed in the midst of their hearts.  I am sure it caused everyone to assess their heart condition in response to the news.  When we allow greed to motivate our acts, Satan will fill our heart with lies which ultimately leads to death and destruction.  This will not happen to a mature Son according to John’s prerequisite of walking in the fullness of Love.

If a ministry’s foundational focus is not maturing the believer in the revelation of Agape Love, will the people ever mature as Sons and Daughters?  Does knowing the 613 commandments and statutes qualify us to think of ourselves as mature in Christ?  Does casting out devils qualify us?  Jesus Himself spoke in Matthew chapter 7:

21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.

22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’

23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock”

Jesus has warned us to be careful in following those who prophesy, cast out demons, and have done many apparent wonders in His Name.  Jesus gave us one commandment which is centered around Love and any ministry without this fruit is deemed lawless and will ultimately reap judgment.  Those who follow and support such ministries are also subject to the same reward.  The time of ignorance and excuses is ending and FATHER will correct us in whatever manner is necessary to insure the integrity of HIS Divine Intent of Love.  If a ministry and its followers fail to meet the clear intent expressed by Jesus in the above passage, judgment will arrive.  As John recorded Jesus’ words in the Gospel chapter 15:

5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.

7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.

8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.”

We must be careful in who we align ourselves when it comes to ministries and what they promote.  John differentiates those who are immature versus those who are truly mature Sons.  A mature Son will not follow the teachings of men who are not truly beneficial to the maturing process.  Bypassing the foundation of Love is a sign of their priority.  Unless Love is at the center, we risk becoming exposed to Satan’s subtle devices.  It is up to each of us to guard our heart so we must not take Jesus’ Words in this area lightly.  Men who prophesy, cast out demons, and do wonders are not necessarily in FATHER’S Divine Intent and purpose.  Immature believers can be taken in by the reasoning and logic associated with “signs”.  Beware!

The Beloved Disciple wrote to us in 1 John chapter 3:

1 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called Sons of God, and indeed we are!  Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.

2 Beloved, now we are Sons of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.

3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

We who have the revelation of being “Sons” confirm this reality by our desire to purify ourselves until we have become pure as He (Jesus Christ) is.  The intent of these daily writings is to promote the purification process by focusing on The Word and Its application in our lives.  Purification comes by hearing and meditating daily, not by occasional study.  I am subjected to the world’s influence on a daily basis thus I intend to keep myself pure by daily study and meditation of The Word and I urge you to do the same.  I have seen certain people who were once committed to walking this path of purity allow themselves to become influenced by the world’s view.  Their Love for mankind has grown cold and ineffective.

In chapter 2:

3 Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.

4 He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.

6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

The word “abide” indicates a close, intimate (and permanent) relationship between the believer and FATHER.  As we study, meditate, and ponder HIS Word we become closer to FATHER and HIS redemptive nature.  As we take on HIS nature we begin to genuinely and unconditionally Love our neighbor and ultimately all of mankind.  We can truly forgive them for they know not what they do.

Every person acts according to their true level of revelation so how can we expect them to walk according to our expectation?  Only by ministering FATHER’S Word in Love will their revelation increase to a higher state.

9 He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now.

10 He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him.

11 But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

This is the test of our maturity and purity: do we hate anyone?  Hatred reveals that a person is in darkness and he has no direction due to his blindness.  Are we promoting and known for our unconditional Love or would we be described with some worldly attribute associated with self interest?  As our purity increases shouldn’t we become more Christ-like?  My desire to to be like Him and see Him as He is and His purpose should become my purpose in life.  John wrote in chapter 3:

7 Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.

8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.

9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.

Love conquers all and the enemy is defeated as we walk in unconditional Love toward others.  FATHER’S redemptive nature becomes real to others as we minister HIS Love toward them resulting in their eyes being opened.  Our purpose should be fully aligned with FATHER’S Divine Intent as expressed in HIS first begotten Son Jesus Christ.  As John wrote by THE SPIRIT “My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.”  We know if our works reflect unconditional Love then we are walking according to HIS purpose.

With the understanding of FATHER’S redemptive nature as revealed in HIS seven Names we can now see the path to the state of full maturity as Sons and Daughters.  It is not by our power or persuasion that we are able to attain this state but by our faith in FATHER’S redemptive nature of Love.

Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in 1 Corinthians chapter 15:

50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption.

51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—

52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”

How does the corruptible put on incorruption?  By FATHER’S healing power to restore!  HE has the power to remove any corruptible aspect found in us and cleanse us from the sinful nature.  This act of full and complete redemption totally removes death from our midst and we are able to live in a pure, eternal state with Our Heavenly Father.  The temporary has been replaced by the permanent or eternal.

FATHER sent HIS Son to seal this victory over incorruption which was first manifested at the Holy conception of Mary.  In Luke chapter 1 the angel of THE LORD spoke to Mary:

30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS.

32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.

33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”

Mary simply submitted by faith to FATHER’S Word and receive HIS Pure Word in her.  It has been reckoned that this event of conception took place on the evening of December 24th which are the first hours of December 25th according to the Hebrew calendar.  Jesus was then born in September at the Feast of Trumpets in September of the next year.  See: https://gods-kingdom-ministries.net/teachings/books/when-really-was-jesus-born/chapter-1-when-really-was-jesus-born/

So the question is when did our final victory manifest, at conception or at birth?  I celebrate the conception of Christ on December 25th because this date is reckoned to be His physical entrance (the door) to the world.  He then developed cell by cell according to FATHER’S mandate of physical growth.  Life begins when the seed is planted which is a metaphor of death to life.  The word “abort” means to halt, stop, end, ax, call off, cut short, discontinue, terminate, arrest, cancel, scrub.  FATHER’S Divine Intent of Love and Life could not be aborted by man.

We celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and birth begins at conception.  His conception led to our victory over corruption and death thus what better gift for us to receive than eternal life!  Giving out of unconditional Love is a beautiful way to celebrate such a wonderful day.  Have a blessed Christmas!

By THE SPIRIT James wrote in chapter 1:

16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.

17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.

There is One Constant in this ever-changing world and it is Our Heavenly FATHER.  People who strive for perfection in their own lives should simply follow Jesus Christ and be led by The Holy Spirit.  All other paths will only result in frustration, death, and destruction.  Each of the seven Names of FATHER require us to have faith in HIS ability and willingness to impart each aspect of HIS character toward us today.  Man’s logic and reasoning will dilute our walk if we allow it.  The enemy wants to hinder us from walking in faith with the expectation of the good fruit associated with FATHER’S redemptive Names.  James both encourages us and at the same time warns us:

12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.

14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.

15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

Why did FATHER reveal HIS seven redemptive Names?  HE knew mankind would face trials, tribulation, and enticements because of the fallen state of the world.  The word “redeem” means to regain possession thus we are regaining the state of being able to walk with FATHER in a glorified state and we are giving up our fallen state.  When you dwell on the brevity of this redemption, only words of praise, gratitude, and adoration are truly appropriate responses to the realization of what Jesus accomplished at the cross.  Why do we lose focus of this overwhelming act in our daily lives?  It can only occur when we are drawn away and enticed.  Don’t you think that Abraham and Moses built altars as memorials to keep FATHER’S redemptive nature before them at all times?

Isaiah speaking by THE SPIRIT wrote in chapter 53:

​1 Who has believed our report?

​​And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?

Only those who have heard the “report” could believe it since faith comes by hearing.  Only those who have seen the arm of THE LORD has HIS power been revealed.  Each of us accepted Jesus Christ into our hearts by hearing The Word and we each saw the change in us.  Is it more difficult for FATHER to heal us or deliver us than when we received salvation by HIS mighty Hand?  Our minds would draw us away from this reality if we allow it.  Men would try to use their worldly logic and reasoning to convince us of other doctrines that rationalize away the power associated with FATHER’S redemptive Names.

Consider what Jesus did on the cross for us as we read Isaiah’s report:

​​Surely He has borne our griefs

​​And carried our sorrows;

​​Yet we esteemed Him stricken,

​​Smitten by God, and afflicted.

5 ​​But He was wounded for our transgressions,

​​He was bruised for our iniquities;

​​The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,

​​And by His stripes we are healed.

Jesus took away our griefs, sorrows, afflictions, transgressions, and iniquities replacing them with peace and restoration.  This act did not simply change one day of our lives but was instead an eternal work on our behalf.  Let us walk in the fullness of Love and gratitude for the redemptive work of Jesus Christ on the cross for there He fulfilled the redemptive nature of FATHER.

In Exodus chapter 15 FATHER spoke to Moses:

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 (Yĕhovah rapha’).”

Every one of us needs healing and restoration in some manner whether it be spirit, soul, or body.  Once sin entered into Adam, his body began to die and we see how long it took to shorten the lives of subsequent generations.  Neither Sickness nor disease was an issue with Adam as he walked with FATHER.  As we walk in HIS Presence, we too will be healed of sickness and disease.  FATHER’S Presence expresses HIS power and redemptive nature.  Just as the woman with the issue of blood knew that simply coming in contact with the hem of Jesus’ garment had sufficient power to heal her, we should also realize as we move closer to FATHER anything  in need of restoration by HIS redemptive nature will be addressed as well.  The woman had sufficient faith to believe in the redemptive power of healing manifested in Our Lord Jesus Christ.

It is well documented in the Gospels of FATHER’S Divine Intent to heal.  Jesus healed all manner of disease as it is written in Matthew chapter 4:

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.

Not one time did Jesus ever deny healing or put any manner of sickness or disease on anyone.  He fully expressed the Loving redemptive nature of FATHER in all areas but especially in this seventh redemptive characteristic of FATHER.  This particular characteristic is an observable testimony of FATHER’S power toward those who walk in unbelief.  Those who doubt cannot deny or explain away the physical manifestation of FATHER’S healing power.  In Mark chapter 16 Jesus spoke:

15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

17 And these signs will follow those who believe (pisteuō): In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;

18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

The word “pisteuō” is derived from the word translated as “faith”.  Those who have faith and trust in the Name of Jesus (representing the redemptive nature of FATHER) will have signs of healing, restoration, and protection following them.  As we fully embrace the redemptive nature of FATHER in our lives we too will have good fruit come forth.  We must press in and allow FATHER to purge anything preventing us from receiving the fullness of HIS nature in us.  HIS redemptive power is greater than any sickness or disease.  Our grief and our sorrows should be handed over to Our Lord Jesus Christ Who willingly went to the cross for our benefit as Isaiah chapter 53 revealed:

4 ​​Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows;

​​Yet we esteemed Him stricken, ​​Smitten by God, and afflicted.

5 ​​But He was wounded for our transgressions, ​​He was bruised for our iniquities;

​​The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, ​​And by His stripes we are healed.

Each of the seven redemptive names of FATHER are revealed in order to address the needs we all face.  FATHER knew we would require healing due to sickness and disease so HE allowed for us to have a perfect and appropriate solution to every problem or issue confronting us.  It is up to each individual to believe and receive because FATHER desires to show HIMSELF mighty in each person’s life.  FATHER would not ask us to achieve the unattainable thus HE reveals the method by which we can mature IN HIM as Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in Romans chapter 12:

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

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

Let us present ourselves to HIM in a righteous manner, keeping ourselves from conforming to the world’s logic, reasoning, and traditions.  As we study FATHER’S Word It has the power to renew our mind and as Jesus said “The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life”.  We must be patient as HIS Word renews our mind and promotes life in every aspect of our being.

In Jeremiah chapter 23 FATHER spoke:

5 ​​“Behold, the days are coming,” says the LORD,

​​“That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness;

​​A King shall reign and prosper, and execute judgment and righteousness in the earth.

6 ​​In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell safely;

​​Now this is His name by which He will be called:

THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. (Yĕhovah tsidqenuw)

There is no way in the world that I could be in right standing before the Throne of THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY based on HIS 613 commandments and statutes except by The Blood of Jesus Christ My Lord.  We have all fallen short in this area and require an advocate Who is righteous and can stand before FATHER continually on our behalf.  Without His eternal state of righteousness we would be destined to death and destruction.

Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in Romans chapter 5:

17 For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.)

18 Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life.

19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.

20 Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more,

21 so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

I am forever grateful of Jesus Christ’s obedience to the cross and FATHER’S expressed Love in raising Him from the dead to be our Example and our Advocate.  One only has to look around to see the results of one man’s offense.  The moral fiber of nations continues to spiral downward where a vacuum of believers exists.  Schools were once a safe haven for children but no longer.  Social media has replaced the family structure in many cases as defining morality or lack thereof.  It is only by FATHER’S grace will a person’s life be turned around from the current state of lawlessness and humanistic thinking that has infiltrated society.

As we focus on righteousness and our Advocate, our priorities are established in walking according to “The Way” and we produce good fruit of righteousness.  Jesus is the Branch of righteousness spoken of in Jeremiah.  The purpose of a branch is to produce good fruit to be consumed thus promoting life.  We are to likewise be a branch in the same manner as our Elder Brother Jesus Christ.  In areas where we are lacking we must allow FATHER to prune away the dead, unproductive stems protruding out from our individual branch.  As this pruning occurs, resources are redirected to life-giving stems which in turn produce the desired fruit of righteousness.

Who but FATHER could determine what righteousness is?  HIS Law of Love is the ultimate determinant of righteousness so as we comprehend what HIS Love is and isn’t, we are able to correct our ways toward others.  Jesus’ words and actions are the perfect examples of how to measure our own words and conduct.  Our thought life must be scrutinized as well since our actions originate from our thoughts.  As we dwell on HIS Word our thoughts become established in a righteous manner.  What we dwell on will eventually manifest in our actions… good or bad.

FATHER knows the challenges facing us and has provided the means to redeem us from the wrong path and it starts at the cross.  HIS redemptive nature is expressed so eloquently by HIS Son’s willingness to bear the cross on our behalf.  What greater Love can be express than Jesus’ willingness to die on the cross and FATHER’S willingness to allow HIS Son to suffer in this manner.  We must never allow ourselves to forget the importance of this act of Love.

In Exodus chapter 17 FATHER spoke:

14 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Write this for a memorial in the book and recount it in the hearing of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.”

15 And Moses built an altar and called its name, The-LORD-Is-My-Banner [or Victory] (Jehovah nissi)

Why would FATHER instruct Moses to write this victory for a memorial in the book?  We are to never forget the revelation that FATHER is The Source of our victory.  Moses went further and built an altar for all the Israelites to see and be reminded of this day when FATHER revealed another aspect of HIS Character.  Though we do not have altars reminding us, we are in a position to keep this Truth before us by placing it in our hearts and minds.

The name Amalek means "dweller in a valley" where we find the shadow of death.  FATHER has given us victory over death which was consummated at the cross.  Little did the Roman soldiers realize this Truth when they placed the inscription on the cross as a banner in Luke chapter 23:

38 And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew:

THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Though the soldiers’ intent was to mock Our Lord Jesus Christ, in fact they described what was about to manifest on the cross- the power of the Name Jehovah-nissi, THE LORD is My Victory.  Paul understood this revelation as he wrote by THE SPIRIT in 1 Corinthians chapter 15:

56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.

57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Let us be ever mindful of the victory at the cross for that victory applies to you and me in every aspect of our life.  This victory is attained by faith in FATHER’S Word given to us by HIS Love.  The Beloved Disciple expressed it by THE SPIRIT in John chapter 1:

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

15 John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ ”

16 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.

17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

18 No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.

If we want to make a declaration, let us declare “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us and we have beheld the glory of Jesus Christ Our Lord and Savior”.  His victory at the cross assured our victory over our enemies, sickness and disease, depression, anxiety, worry, and death.  We need not hide from those who would try to do us harm but walk in faith expecting FATHER to disperse them and remove them from our midst. 

When we truly know in our heart that FATHER is our victory, we will be in complete peace as the adversary attempts to convince us otherwise.  Just as Jesus was not moved by the mockery of others, neither will we.  HIS Victory is our testimony of HIS power so let our faith grow and mature so that our walk and testimony reflect the reality in FATHER’s redemptive name- THE LORD-Is-My-Banner [or Victory].

The fourth of the redemptive Names is found in Genesis chapter 22:

1 Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!”

And he said, “Here I am.”

2 Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.”

Abraham heard the voice of his Great Shepherd and responded.  He took his beloved son up the mountain to offer him up as a sacrifice with the expectation FATHER would raise Isaac from the dead.  His willingness to offer up Isaac was counted as righteous in FATHER’S eyes.  By now Abraham had great faith in FATHER and HIS Divine Intent of Love.  Isaac did not resist his father because he knew of his deep Love for him so both were expecting some form of deliverance to take place but neither knew the details of this deliverance:

6 So Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife, and the two of them went together.

7 But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!”

And he said, “Here I am, my son.”

Then he said, “Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?”

8 And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.” So the two of them went together.

Each step up the mountain was an act of faith for both father and son.  The details of what lied ahead were unknown but they both trusted in FATHER and expected a positive outcome.  As Abraham raised his knife to sacrifice his son, the angel of THE LORD stopped him:

12 And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.”

13 Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son.

14 And Abraham called the name of the place, The-LORD-Will-Provide (Yĕhovah yireh); as it is said to this day, “In the Mount of the LORD it shall be seen (Yĕhovah ra’ah).”

This act of faith by Abraham and Isaac provides a clear picture of FATHER’S provision to those who walk in faith when confronted with the unknown.  Whatever provision is required will be made available by FATHER in the applicable manner.  The fullness of our provision occurred at the cross when FATHER sacrificed HIS unblemished Lamb for our sole benefit.  Jesus did not need to be redeemed but the rest of us did.  We must always be mindful of Jesus’ act of being a willing sacrifice for our provision.  Jesus spoke of this provision In John chapter 10:

17 “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again.

18 No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.”

FATHER spoke to HIS Son about the provision of the power of life to be given as Jesus laid down His life at the cross.  Jesus associated this act of laying down His life with the unconditional Love FATHER had for Him.  As we lay down our lives for our brethren FATHER will provide for us as well.

It is written by THE SPIRIT in Psalm 23:

1 The LORD is my shepherd (Yĕhovah ra`ah); ​​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.

Jesus affirmed this redemptive nature of FATHER as He spoke in John 10:

11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.”

15 “As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.”

The Shepherd is fully trusted by His sheep and they know and hear His voice.  He leads them to safety in all aspects of their life.  The thief on the other hand, does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.  Jesus came as the Good Shepherd that we may have life, and that we may have it more abundantly.

FATHER has given us the ability to hear in THE SPIRIT or else HE would not reveal HIMSELF as a Shepherd.  We have the ability to not only recognize HIS Voice but to comprehend HIS Word to us.  This is one of the seven major benefits we received when Our Good Shepherd gave His life for us at the cross.  It is one thing to mentally acknowledge this Truth but it is another thing to embrace this Truth in our hearts.  We must let this act of Love become alive in us so that we can truly embrace the fullness of the cross in our lives.  It is only when we become truly grateful for His act on the cross can we comprehend the depth of FATHER’S peace in our lives.

Paul wrote by revelation in THE SPIRIT in Romans chapter 1:

7  To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul clearly had the revelation of the Source of our peace- FATHER and Our Lord Jesus Christ.  In Romans chapter 15 Paul further states:

13  Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Our Good Shepherd is the One who restores our soul and has provided “The Way” to righteousness.  There is no other One we should follow and listen to in order to walk in complete righteousness so it is imperative to our well being that we seek to hear HIS Voice to determine our every move.  Still waters are quiet thus we should purpose to move to a quiet state of peace so that we hear that still small voice when all around us is enraged.

It is written by THE SPIRIT in Hebrews chapter 13:

20 Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

21 make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

The above passage provides us the intent of our Great Shepherd:  It is to make us complete in every good work by doing His will by working in us what is well pleasing in His sight.  Anything that contradicts His intent should be removed from our midst.  Knowing His intent should guide us in all matters which no longer requires us to memorize 613 statutes of the Law.  By knowing HIS Voice, HE will lead us to peace and safety.

The Midianites (meaning strife, contention) were oppressing the Israelites as it is recorded by THE SPIRIT in Judges chapter 6:

1 Then the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD. So the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian for seven years,

2 and the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel. Because of the Midianites, the children of Israel made for themselves the dens, the caves, and the strongholds which are in the mountains.

Gideon was chosen by FATHER to deliver the Israelites but he definitely needed some reassurance.  They had been under judgment because of their acts and their oppression appeared to have no end in sight.  Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites, and the children of Israel cried out to the LORD.  However Gideon was minding his own business and had become accustom to dwelling in the mountains but this was about to change:

11 Now the Angel of the LORD came and sat under the terebinth tree which was in Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, while his son Gideon threshed wheat in the winepress, in order to hide it from the Midianites.

12 And the Angel of the LORD appeared to him, and said to him, “The LORD is with you (Jehovah shammah), you mighty man of valor!”

13 Gideon said to Him, “O my lord, if the LORD is with us (Jehovah shammah), why then has all this happened to us? And where are all His miracles which our fathers told us about, saying, ‘Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt?’ But now the LORD has forsaken us and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.”

14 Then the LORD turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent you?”

Gideon knew of his calling or he would not have been reminded of it with the question “Have I not sent you?” but he lived in fear of the power of the enemy.  His fear had become greater than his faith in the calling FATHER had given him.  This fear had effectively paralyzed him and he became content living a life in desperation.  Gideon also had known FATHER as Jehovah shammah but it appeared that because of their evil actions, FATHER must have left them.  HE was never far off but found it necessary for them to experience righteous judgment for their actions.  The time of judgment was now over and FATHER would reveal another redemptive characteristic of HIS nature:

23 Then the LORD said to him, “Peace be with you; do not fear, you shall not die.”

24 So Gideon built an altar there to the LORD, and called it The-LORD-Is-Peace (Jehovah shalom).

The word “Shalom” means completeness, soundness, welfare, peace, safety, soundness in body, health, prosperity, tranquility, contentment.  The Israelites were not experiencing shalom but FATHER was going to empower Gideon to bring forth this peace to Israel by delivering them from the Midianites.  The enemy had instilled fear in the Israelites and Gideon was no exception thus in order to build up his faith, the fear had to first be replaced with the revelation of the peace of Jehovah being present. Gideon experienced this peace and in response built an altar denoting this reality.  He was now being prepared to deliver his people.

Faith comes by hearing FATHER’S Word and the angel spoke the faith-filled Word when he spoke to Gideon  “you mighty man of valor!” and “Peace be with you; do not fear, you shall not die”.  After requesting a couple of confirmations, Gideon’s faith grew as his fear subsided.  In the end, Gideon and his three hundred men were used by FATHER to defeat the enemy and peace was restored to the land.  In Judges chapter 8 it is recorded:

28 Thus Midian was subdued before the children of Israel, so that they lifted their heads no more. And the country was quiet for forty years in the days of Gideon.

Luke wrote by THE SPIRIT in chapter 24:

36 Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “Peace to you.”

37 But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit.

38 And He said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts?

39 Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.”

Jesus spoke peace over the disciples who had become fearful after His death and they needed reassurance of their callings.  Jesus confirmed His presence by allowing them to handle His Body.  However they still needed assurance so He ate with them:

40 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet.

41 But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, “Have you any food here?”

42 So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb.

43 And He took it and ate in their presence.

44 Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.”

45 And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.

FATHER’S redemptive nature of peace is necessary to gain clarity of our calling and to fully receive the revelation of HIS Word.  Fear will impair us from the reality of HIS Peace so we should dwell and meditate on the realization of HIS Presence in our lives.  Fear will depart and peace will come forth.  Jesus affirmed this Truth in John chapter 14:

27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Let us embrace these Words Jesus spoke to us as we fully mature as Sons and Daughters.  Let HIS Peace rule in our daily activities.