Servias Ministries Blog

In Matthew chapter 8, it is written:

16 When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick,

17 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying:

​​​“He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses.”

Over the course of my life I have witnessed and can attest to many healings by the power of Our Heavenly Father, myself included.  Thus no one can convince me that HE is no longer in the “healing” business.  One must ask why are there so many who are now afflicted in some manner? 

I believe in general that our focus has been redirected to rely on other lesser means of healing and we have placed our faith in those areas instead of seeking the higher realms.  This is not meant to cast any blame on anyone and it is not intended to make anyone feel guilty.  However, let us expose the problem so it can be openly dealt with in accordance with HIS Word.

Do we believe the Scripture or not?  Are we willing to pursue the answer or will we allow our minds to justify why HIS healing power is not first and foremost in our lives?  I am saddened as I hear of my brothers and sisters who are going through pain and suffering due to serious illnesses.  I know for a certainty that FATHER can fully heal and restore them yet HIS power to heal is not being accessed in many cases.

I believe that we have been subjected to so much “noise” that it has become difficult to hear HIS Voice in the area of healing.  There are persistent advertisements for symptom management and we have been convinced by those outside influences to seek immediate relief rather than discovering the root of the problem.  Mankind has tampered with the genetics of food sources to the point where our bodies are being overloaded with toxins without us knowing.  Our immune systems are being overcome by excessive toxins.

I believe we must effectively clear the slate and return to the basics of The Word.  We must return to the simplicity of what Jesus spoke and reestablish our faith IN HIM.  Walking in faith is not just a one-time event but instead it is a daily walk and requires us to renew our minds.  I believe Paul understood this specific issue I am writing about today when he was led by THE SPIRIT to write 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.

Jesus healed ALL who were sick and that continues to be FATHER’S expressed Will today.  Jesus left no doubt about where FATHER stands on healing and restoration.  Jesus is our example and confirmation so there can be no debate what is the Divine Intent concerning this matter.

Have we been subtly led to be conformed to this world with all of the “noise” being directed toward us?  I believe so.  If we are unwilling to simply look at what is happening all around us, how will we be willing to take action and turn back to The Word as our standard?  We are told to “prove” the Word as it applies specifically to our own situations.  Let us each press in and place priority on the area of our need and not allow the world to enter into our minds and influence us to the point where we become forgetful hearers.  In James chapter 1 we find:

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

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

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

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

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

Are you afflicted?  Don’t be offended by these words but instead be encouraged that FATHER is wanting to redirect your attention to HIS answers and solutions rather than man’s.  Let these writings encourage you to turn back to the basics of HIS Word and renew your mind.  Let it begin today for now is the time to do so.

We appreciate your letters of encouragement as well as the contributions to Servias Ministries.  Thanks again!

We should treat each day as precious and be grateful no matter what life presents to us:

Psalm 118:24 ​​This is the day the LORD has made; ​​We will rejoice and be glad in it.

As we become mature, more will be required of each of us and with maturity comes greater responsibility and accountability.  Can FATHER count on you to do HIS bidding?  HE knows you better than anyone and HE instilled within you all the qualities necessary for you to overcome any circumstance presented before you.  We are to become HIS outward expression on a daily basis.  Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians chapter 4:

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.

8 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—

10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.

Consider that His Life is to be manifested in you and me.  What a privilege!  If life had no issues and challenges then we would have no need to “overcome” but instead life is filled with a myriad of challenges and some appear to be overwhelming at times.  During these times of stress and pressure we must remind ourselves of the Truths FATHER has presented us as our assurance HE is with us in all situations.  We do have a treasure within us that cannot be taken for this Life of Jesus can and will overcome any and all enemies.  Paul goes on to say:

16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.

17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,

18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 

We must not look at the temporary situation we are in as anything but a light affliction.  I know that this can be challenging to you as it has been with me but we must trust FATHER and not lose heart.  We must adjust our thinking and expect FATHER to deliver us out of our afflictions:

Psalm 34:19  Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the LORD delivers him out of them all.

Everywhere we turn are indications of substantial turmoil ahead.  It isn’t the end of the world but some would have you believe otherwise.  FATHER is fully aware of the devices of men and the divisions among the cultures.  Our trust must be IN HIM rather than in man as the events unfold.  Everybody has an opinion of the solutions to the world’s problems and many of those solutions will be implemented and will eventually fail.  The only true solution will come from Heaven above and we should place our focus in that direction.  As men’s hearts fail, they will become desperate for answers and I believe that will be the turning point for the full appearance of the overcomers to rise up and bring forth Heaven on earth.  Until then, we should simply live in a state of gratitude each day no matter what life presents us.

In Revelation 3, Jesus spoke:

19  “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.”

Are we worthy to reign with Christ in this hour or do we need some further refining?  Are we being fully led by HIS SPIRIT or by our own subtle agenda?  FATHER knows our hearts and can see through the outward perceptions and illusions.  HE knows our heart.

Out of the intent of Love He corrects us.  If HE didn’t Love us we would be left to our own devices that promote death and destruction but instead HE intervenes and moves us toward the abundance of life.  When HE rebukes us HE exposes our fault or error in order to correct it.  If FATHER didn’t expose the issue, how are we to realize what we have done wrong?  The ego does not like to have any weakness revealed because it does not want to admit vulnerability rather it wants to personify strength at all times.  Acknowledging error is the first step to recovery.

In Hebrews chapter 12, the need for correction is also explained:

7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?

8 But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.

A father’s responsibility is to correct his son out of Love.  Chastening is the whole training and education of children which relates to the cultivation of mind and morals, and employs for this purpose commands and admonitions, reproof and punishment; It also includes the training and care of the body.  Would you want to live your life with some core belief in error which kept you from achieving the fullness of your purpose?  If you are constantly living without peace, you probably need some form of correction.  Your willingness to be corrected will bring forth peace in your life for you are no longer fighting against the flow of the Holy Spirit.  Does this mean you will have no issues?  Not necessarily, but you will be at peace as you are being confronted with challenges and difficulties.

There is a balance to FATHER’S chastening just as there should be a balance in correcting our children.  FATHER encourages us by blessing us even while we are in need of further correction.  HE knows we need assurance as we mature.  When I was a young man, I had much to learn from HIM yet HIS Hand was upon me as I grew professionally.  Even though the list of issues were long with my spiritual walk, it did not prevent HIM from blessing what I set my hands to do.  HE would direct my path while at the same time my heart was in desperate need of purification.  HIS grace and mercy prevailed in my youth.

As you grow more mature, HE expects more from you.  You must accept accountability and responsibility for your actions and if you don’t you will suffer some form of judgment.  I have experienced such judgment and it wasn’t pretty.  Rather than defend an indefensible position, we must be zealous to change.  Once I perceived I was under judgment, I quickly and fervently sought forgiveness and I repented of my actions.  I had to be willing to expose the error and correct my thinking.  One of the biggest hurdles for people to overcome is being willing to admit they are wrong.  If something is repeatedly not working in your life due to your conviction, challenge your own position.  Ask FATHER to reveal the Truth of the matter rather than clinging to an illusion.  Get back to basics and start from the beginning in order to find where you went wrong in your assumptions.

In order to become fully mature Sons, we must be willing to change and accept correction in whatever form it takes or from whatever source brings it forth, even if it is a jackass (Numbers 22:28).  We all have need for correction and as we mature in our revelation of Love we will embrace any and all correction FATHER brings forth.

One of the biggest challenges we all face is to think outside the proverbial box.  In essence, our thinking tends to limit us from grasping deeper Truths FATHER intends to reveal to HIS Sons and Daughters.  By accepting traditional thinking we limit ourselves and our walk with HIM.  For example, most of us were brought up thinking that most of mankind would suffer in hell for an eternity and that there was an avenging God Who was simply waiting for us to mess up so HE could throw us in “the fire”.  Until we could begin to understand Divine Unconditional Love and the power of the cross, restoration of all mankind was outside “the box” of our square thinking.

Paul wrote in Ephesians chapter 6:

19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,

20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

The mystery of the Gospel would indicate there are many things we have yet to uncover and Paul understood this as he wrote to the various individuals, churches and fellowships.  Some mysteries are hidden to those who are found to be good stewards and will speak and act accordingly.  Other mysteries are set aside for certain times in history according to FATHER’S Plan and purpose.  We must not assume that not all mysteries have been revealed to us and we must be willing to set aside our square thinking and think outside the box where FATHER really is.

In Matthew 5, Jesus spoke:

17 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.

18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.

19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Jesus had to correct the thinking of those hearing His Word.  He did not come to destroy the Law but to correct the people concerning their traditional thinking.  Little did they realize that He would conquer by going to the cross which was just the opposite of their expectation.  He had to explain and describe the error of their thinking.  Their reasoning and analysis kept them from seeing the mystery unfold before their eyes.  Jesus had to open they eyes of their understanding so that they could think outside their box.

In Ephesians chapter 1, Paul prayed:

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

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

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

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

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

In order to expect the unexpected, you must think outside the box for this is where FATHER is.  HE is not limited to your box or anyone else’s but instead HE is without any limitation.  HIS ways are higher than our ways and HIS Thoughts are higher than ours.  Ask yourself the question- “Am I willing to receive revelation that shatters my current doctrine and/or understanding?”  There are those who hold fast to some preconceived notion who will never grow to a higher state.  Allow FATHER to open your eyes so that you will be enlightened beyond the square thinking others would have you remain contained therein.  Yes, there is life outside the box.

Paul wrote in Titus chapter 2:

1 But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine.

2 Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.

3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good.

Our walk is seen by others and should be an example to the younger for they need to have a visible standard when considering their own walk.  Being temperate is walking in moderation in all things and not being given to excess or extremes.  This includes alcohol as well as anything else that might impair our walk.

Dignity is the state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect.  Younger people who are seeking FATHER’S Will should want to emulate your walk rather than being offended by it in some manner.  In Colossians chapter 1 by THE SPIRIT Paul wrote:

10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy.

When a person is being sensible he is seeking to walk in wisdom and prudence, taking care and being cautious about his acts and how they may affect others.  One’s words and actions can have a major impact on others and we should be careful about what we say and do.  Philippians chapter 4 provides us a guide to consider in our walk:

8  Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

As we walk consistently in faith we provide a certain level of stability for others to rely on.  As we maintain consistency in our walk and are reliable in our actions due to our faith, those around us will gravitate toward a similar walk.  People need reliability in their lives.  They need to be able to count on others in a time of need.  They need consistency in deed and word so that when the unexpected happens they have someone they can count on.  If someone you know is in desperate need, would they call you because you have a track record of reliability or would they seek help from another?

First and foremost we should be an example of walking in unconditional Love for all other qualities listed in Titus 2:2-3 are derived from Love.  As we grow older and hopefully more mature, our Love should be developed to the point where we are no longer as children tossed to and fro.  We now have the experience and the wisdom to know what is important and enduring in our lives.  We have seen and lived through many situations and this firsthand experience allows us to counsel the young when they are faced with similar circumstances.  Love wants the best for others and seeks to help in times of need.

Perseverance is being steadfast in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.  As we grow older we know how to work through problems and challenges because we have a better perspective in expecting a positive outcome.  Our past successes and failures combine to broaden our view when presented with notable challenges.  Projects which are overwhelming to the young can be addressed by breaking them up into smaller tasks.

In the end, the older should guide the younger into all Truth.  This can best be accomplished by being a living example of THE WORD and walking in FATHER’S Divine Intent.  Hopefully the young will listen and embrace the wisdom and understanding they lack.

Some definitions are in order.  The word cunning means “skill in achieving one’s ends by deceit”.  Craftiness means “skillful in underhand or evil schemes”.  Trickery is the practice of deception.  Deceitful means “untrustworthy, two-faced, or fraudulent, misleading, tending to lie”.  Finally, plotting means “secretly make plans to carry out an illegal or harmful action”.  When one places all these words together in a single sentence, it is intended to seriously warn us and protect us from people who would seriously impact us and do us harm.

Paul writes in Ephesians chapter 4:

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;

14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,

15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—

16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

The five-fold ministry of Christ are meant to be “gifts” for the purpose of maturing you and me so that we are protected from those who would do us harm by their own self-serving schemes.  Further as we are perfected we will effectively work together and supply others in whatever manner according to our particular purpose.  Our purpose is to cause growth in the body, not keep the body in an immature state.  It will be accomplished by Love’s intent.

There are those who would want us to remain under their control by keeping us in a subservient state.  They use half-truths and skillful means to convince unsuspecting people to follow them on their path toward destruction.  Paul warns us against such people.  This is why it is critically important for us to seek Wisdom and understanding from FATHER in all things.  Over the years I have seen men place their trust in those who were apparent experts and scholars  only to become disillusioned with the Gospel and move toward false doctrines.  These men were enchanted by those whom they esteemed.

We must not be deceived but trust FATHER to guide us through situations where crafty men would attempt to redirect our paths with their outward logic appealing to our ego and attempting to dull our ears to hear.  As my friend Kemper mentioned the other day, the word “serpent” in Genesis 3:1 come from the root word “enchantment” meaning: to practice divination, divine, observe signs, learn by experience, diligently observe, practice fortunetelling, take as an omen.

We are warned about observing signs as a means of direction in our lives.  The adversary will use signs to lead you to any alternative path other than the “narrow” path.  Beware!

In these times, FATHER is warning us of what lies ahead and to prepare ourselves as things intensify.  Jesus warned in Matthew 24:

24  “For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”

Do not fear what is coming for FATHER knew what HE was doing when HE placed you here at this time but simply prepare and be of good courage.  Change is occurring and we should not be caught unprepared.  Part of our preparation is to understand and identify craftiness, trickery, and deceit.

By revelation, Paul wrote in Colossians chapter 1:

15 Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.

17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.

18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.

Preeminence is the state of superiority, surpassing all others especially in noble or excellent qualities.  It is imperative that you and I look to Jesus Christ as our daily example of full and complete maturity for He is our standard by which we measure ourselves in our pursuit of being perfected.  If we are yet to be perfected, why spend an inordinate amount of time and resource in areas that don’t matter?  Why focus so much on the temporal and let that which is eternal become second place in our lives?

Jesus is the expressed image of Our Heavenly Father and thus we should focus on emulating His walk and take His narrow path of life and Love.  As you focus on His Words and actions you are able to discern what He would do in any situation and that should be the standard of our actions as well.  If it isn’t then we are in further need of maturity.

Jesus was not enamored with “things” but lived a rather simple life for He knew that the true riches are found in Heaven.  The parables He spoke contain many facets of wisdom and understanding applicable to us today.  Over the years based on my level of maturity at the time, a parable would address a certain aspect of my life whereas at another point in my walk the parable would apply as well but from a different facet.  That is the beauty of the words Jesus spoke.  His few words address a multitude of issues thus we must never allow His Words and actions to become “distant” from our current focus.

If you want to know the intended purpose of anything, you should ask the Creator rather than get the opinion of an observer.  FATHER created life and thus we should inquire of HIM rather than search out opinions of men for our answers.  Do you place preeminence on any man’s words or writings?  The television is full of “talking heads” who want you to believe they have the answers to your problems.  Their credentials may include past success, doctorates from the ivy league colleges, or they may simply be charismatic in their delivery.  None of them have the slightest idea of how life truly operates in this vast universe.  Be aware of the words found in Hebrews chapter 13:

7 Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.

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

9 Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines.

We must know the words and ways of Jesus Christ in order that we do not get off track.  This is why FATHER has me spend so much time in the New Testament and specifically reference the words of Jesus.  HE is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  Be not a follower of any man or woman for you will only mature to his or her level but instead focus on the Preeminent Christ Who will bring you and I up to His level of Spiritual maturity where His power lies.  We will be known as Love manifested and will bring Heaven to earth.  What a blessing to mankind!

West of Bethany, Oklahoma:

Multiple Vortex Tornado in Southern Oklahoma:

Paul wrote in 2 Timothy chapter 3:

1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:

2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,

4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,

5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

This is quite of list of those people who would be classified as vessels of dishonor.  Paul warns us that there will be an increase of these various classifications of people and we should prepare for the times ahead.  The times will be difficult but not impossible to deal with and we must prepare ourselves in order that we are able to handle these times in a GODLY manner rather than a fleshly response.

It will take FATHER’S wisdom and understanding to navigate through these perilous times but FATHER knew this when HE formed each of us in the womb at this point in history.  Out of Love for mankind HE has and is raising up HIS remnant to be a standard of Truth for these last days.  Only by walking Christ-like in their presence will these men and women be convicted of their lawlessness.  I believe it is imperative we align our thoughts and intents with FATHER’S.

There is an old saying “You become like the company you keep.”  I have seen this play out time and time again throughout the years and it is important to be careful in the selection of friends and relationships.  You are not looking for perfection, simply compatibility.  Those who share common moral values and will not ask you to compromise yours make for great friends.

One test of a relationship is after you have spent time with a person or a couple, do you feel a sense of joy or are you drained?  Friendship grows as both parties give into the relationship rather than one always being in need.  Those who are in need require ministry and will draw from others consistently.  They will look for ways to extract resources no matter what form those resources take.  This differs from fellowship where both parties provide meaningful interaction to the other and they both want to be a blessing and give into the relationship.

Those whom Paul mentions are lovers of self, selfish, self-absorbed, and will suck the life out of anyone who will allow it.  They are known as takers rather than givers and Paul warns us to turn away from such people, avoid them, or stay clear.  Light has no fellowship with darkness and we should be cautious in these encounters except when FATHER sends you to such people to minister HIS Word specifically to them.  Often this Word is for reproof and correction,  It is not given to exalt one’s self but out of necessity for the recipient.

What is on the other side of the perilous times?  It is all about restoration of mankind.  We are urged to become “that the man of God who is complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work”.  The result of our preparation is to do good work rather than sitting around in a passive state.  Those people in Paul’s list are the ones who will benefit from the remnant’s willingness to:

10 Walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy;

12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.

13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love. (Colossians 1)

We must turn away from the path of those who are lawless and be a standard of Truth.  When their eyes are opened, they will see their wicked ways and repent so that they can be reconciled to FATHER through Jesus Christ Who is our Example.  Only those who are mature in Christ will be used by FATHER is such perilous times whereas others will simply watch the external events unfold.  Which group will you be in?