Servias Ministries Blog

Samuel recorded by The Holy Spirit in 1^st Samuel chapter 10 concerning the anointing of Saul as king:

3 Then you shall go on forward from there and come to the terebinth tree of Tabor. There three men going up to God at Bethel will meet you, one carrying three young goats, another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a skin of wine. 4 And they will greet you and give you two loaves of bread, which you shall receive from their hands.

5 After that you shall come to the hill of God where the Philistine garrison is. And it will happen, when you have come there to the city, that you will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place with a stringed instrument, a tambourine, a flute, and a harp before them; and they will be prophesying. 6 Then the Spirit of the LORD will come upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man.

7 And let it be, when these signs come to you, that you do as the occasion demands; for God is with you. 8 You shall go down before me to Gilgal; and surely I will come down to you to offer burnt offerings and make sacrifices of peace offerings. Seven days you shall wait, till I come to you and show you what you should do.”

9 So it was, when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, that God gave him another heart; and all those signs came to pass that day.

FATHER uses musical instruments in bringing forth the anointing for change.  The prophets in the above passage returned from Bethel, the House of GOD, playing their instruments and prophesying.  It is clear from this passage that the music had an important part in changing Saul’s heart and allowing the anointing to flow else it would not have been mentioned.

David learned to play the harp at the same time he became proficient with a slingshot.  Where did he get his harp?

Servias Ministries with the help of the band teacher has identified two girls, each in need of an instrument in order to further their giftings given to them before they were formed in the womb.  We have purchased a flute and a clarinet based on the recommendations of the teacher.  Without our assistance, the girls would have no means to acquire these instruments.  They belong to families in serious need.

The instruments are intended for intermediate students and are brand new.  We will continue to assist kids in developing their gifts and callings as THE LORD leads.  Your contributions allow us to be blessings to these families by meeting the needs of the kids.

When I played bass guitar in church, the anointing for ministering by The Holy Spirit came typically during the music ministry and FATHER would move upon me hundreds and hundreds of times to give a message in Tongues immediately after a song ended.  The interpretation came through others.  FATHER would often tell me which song we would play to bring forth that anointing.  Music prepares the people for hearing and responding TO HIM. 

When FATHER is the Source, musical instruments carry an anointing.  Let this be confirmed when these girls advance in their giftings.  FATHER moved upon us to do this for HIM thus we responded.  We will continue to plant HIS Seed into the lives of the kids in need, knowing that FATHER takes on the responsibility to bless those who give to HIS kids in need.

Thank you for your financial support!

Faith requires expression.  It is not enough to simply ponder a revelation, we are to speak it forth by faith for manifestation to occur on earth.  This is first revealed by THE SPIRIT in Genesis chapter 1:

1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

3 Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. 4 And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day.

6 Then God said, “Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.” 7 Thus God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament; and it was so. 8 And God called the firmament Heaven. So the evening and the morning were the second day.

If FATHER found it necessary to speak forth HIS revelation then we should not be hesitant to speak for the revelation HE gives us.  HE expects us to walk in faith when we speak forth the revelation.  Speaking it forth may be during prayer but HE will guide us in who else should hear the revelation.

As FATHER develops our character and we become trustworthy, greater revelation will come forth according to our individual callings.  Revelation is all about Jesus and not about us.  We are to point to HIS Glory and not bring attention to anyone else.

Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in Hebrews chapter 1:

1 Throughout our history God has spoken to our ancestors by HIS prophets in many different ways. The revelation HE gave them was only a fragment at a time, building one Truth upon another. 2 But to us living in these last days, God now speaks to us openly in the language of a Son, the appointed Heir of everything, for through Him God created the panorama of all things and all time.

FATHER will minister to you and me concerning the status of our character and whether it is time to publicly share revelation concerning our individual callings.  Joseph shared his dream and incited his brothers to get rid of him.  However, FATHER used their actions to move Joseph into his character development phase.  I can relate.

We are now in times where past revelation is being brought forth to the forefront though once thought to no longer apply to our situation.  Sometimes the seed needs to die in order to bring forth life and fruitfulness.  However, FATHER is WHO provides the life-giving power to the seed.  In the parable of the soils, the seed was never the issue, it was always the soil (the heart).  Once our heart is truly ready and mature in character, the seed will germinate and begin its manifestation.

We may have to deal with family, friends, or acquaintances who attempt to dig up our seed but we must protect it and not take it personal.  There are many who are sincere but they are sincerely wrong.  When FATHER speaks to me, I know it and I am unwilling to let anyone talk me out of what HE said specifically to me.  I urge you to do the same.  Great faith only comes by exercising it and not restricting HIS Word in any way.

Faith is an act.  The Holy Spirit will tell you of things to come which establish expectations in your life.  When you put expectations and acts of faith together, you bring forth a transfer from the spiritual realm into the physical realm.

Faith does not create “what is” or the substance that is being hoped for.  That substance already exists in the spirit realm.  Instead, faith brings it into the physical realm.  We need to get over the scarcity or lack mentality as though FATHER is low on resources and we need to hoard them until a new shipment arrives.  HIS creative power is more than enough to insure we have the resources we need.  Jesus proved that Truth when He fed the multitudes.  We need to expect the same.

There are those who have established a comfort zone which will satisfy their personal requirements but are doing nothing for those in need.  Did Jesus have this mindset?  Absolutely not!  He was ready to provide when He saw the need arise.  We should be the same way.  We are meant to walk in great faith and this will require us to move on to a deeper level of Agape Love and fully trust FATHER to bring forth the revelation we need to walk in a higher state.

As Paul prayed on our behalf by The Holy Spirit in Ephesians chapter 1:

19 I pray that you will continually experience the immeasurable greatness of God’s power made available to you through faith. Then your lives will be an advertisement of this immense power as it works through you!

Amen!

FATHER wants us to develop our character so that we will become trustworthy.  HE wants to get us to the place where HE can trust us.  Once that occurs, HE can and will use us as a carrier of HIS Glory, not just an instrument of HIS gifts.  When our character is developed, we can and will be partakers of HIS Divine Nature.

Are you trustworthy to be a steward of a revelation from FATHER?  Each of us needs to prepare and develop this characteristic in order to receive greater revelation.  Be assured, we will be tested and the results of the test will determine our maturity and expansion.  Will FATHER have to revisit a past revelation that has not been acted upon or will we enable HIM to move on to a higher revelation to be implemented through us?

The purpose of the devil is to get you to respond outside THE SPIRIT.  When revelation comes, it provides the solution but it does not eliminate spiritual warfare.  We must have the character to handle warfare in order to fully embrace and walk in the revelation.  The adversary comes immediately to steal The Word and we must not allow that to happen!

Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in 1 Thessalonians chapter 2:

17 But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire. 18 Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us. 19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? 20 For you are our glory and joy.

We must realize that satan will use whomever he can to be a hindrance to our walk and we must be aware of his devices and not allow the hindrance to deter us from our walk.  Until the Word of GOD comes to pass, we will be tested… just plan on it!  This is where mature faith is required and will not be denied.

Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in Ephesians chapter 1:

15 Because of this, since I first heard about your strong faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and your tender Love toward all His devoted ones, 16 my heart is always full and overflowing with thanks to God for you as I constantly remember you in my prayers.

The Holy Spirit refer to both Agape Love and strong faith found among those Paul is writing to in this letter.  What impartation should they expect from his prayer?

17 I pray that the Father of glory, the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, would impart to you the riches of the Spirit of Wisdom and the Spirit of revelation to know Him through your deepening intimacy with Him.

18 I pray that the light of God will illuminate the eyes of your imagination, flooding you with light, until you experience the full revelation of the hope of His calling—that is, the wealth of God’s glorious inheritances that He finds in us, His Holy ones!

19 I pray that you will continually experience the immeasurable greatness of God’s power made available to you through faith. Then your lives will be an advertisement of this immense power as it works through you! This is the mighty power 20 that was released when God raised Christ from the dead and exalted Him to the place of highest honor and supreme authority in the Heavenly realm!

We are meant to be advertisements of His immense power as we walk in the fullness of revelation of the glorious inheritance in us.  To what end?

21 And now He is exalted as first above every ruler, authority, government, and realm of power in existence! He is gloriously enthroned over every name that is ever praised, not only in this age, but in the age that is coming!

22 And He alone is the Leader and Source of everything needed in the church. God has put everything beneath the authority of Jesus Christ and has given Him the highest rank above all others. 23 And now we, His church, are His body on the earth and that which fills him who is being filled by it!

Joseph was given the revelation concerning his calling.  However, he needed to have his character developed in order to walk in the fullness of his calling.  Satan was well aware of his calling and the adversary even used his family against him.  What they meant for harm, FATHER meant for good.  In Psalm 105, The Holy Spirit recorded:

11 He said to them, “I will give you all the land of Canaan

    as your inheritance.”

12 They were very few in number

    when God gave them that promise,

    and they were all foreigners to that land.

13 They were wandering from one land to another

    and from one kingdom to another.

14 Yet God would not permit anyone to touch them,

    punishing even kings who came against them.

15 He said to them, “Don’t you dare lay a hand on my anointed ones,

    and don’t do a thing to hurt my prophets!”

16 So God decreed a famine upon Canaan-land,

    cutting off their food supply.

17 But HE had already sent a man ahead of his people to Egypt;

    it was Joseph, who was sold as a slave.

18 His feet were bruised by strong shackles

    and his soul was held by iron.

19 God’s promise to Joseph purged his character

    until it was time for his dreams to come true.

20 Eventually, the king of Egypt sent for him, setting him free at last.

21 Then Joseph was put in charge of everything under the king;

    he became the master of the palace

    over all the royal possessions.

22 Pharoah gave him authority over all the princes of the land,

    and Joseph became the teacher of wisdom to the king’s advisers.

23 Then Jacob, with all of Joseph’s family,

    came from Canaan to Egypt and settled in Goshen.

24 God made them very fruitful, and they multiplied incredibly

    until they were greater in number than those who ruled them.

We need to embrace the necessity of our character being purged.  FATHER had to develop Joseph to the point where he could successfully walk in the fullness of his calling.  In Joseph’s case, it took 13 years and under extreme circumstances.  Each of us will have our own timing associated with the purging/testing process.  Embrace it and everything will turn out fine.

The following passage is the one place where FATHER says to “test HIM” (based on a Hebrew scholar’s research of this particular phrase in the Old Testament).  This challenge requires us to have faith in HIS Word. 

As I have written in the past, Abraham and Jacob specifically and immediately tithed after their direct encounters with THE LORD.  They had the revelation of being blessed through the obedience of tithing.  I too can attest to this reality.

FATHER spoke in Malachi chapter 3:

8 “Would anyone rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, ‘How have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings.

9 You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing Me, the entire nation of you! 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and put Me to the test now in this,” says the LORD of armies, “if I do not open for you the windows of Heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.

A mature believer will grasp the importance of tithing and will subdue any soulish attitude that tries to rationalize away this test.  If we are not fully submitted to walking in the entire Word of GOD, how can we expect to be classified as part of the Remnant?  FATHER makes a commitment once we begin tithing:

11 Then I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruit of your ground; nor will the vine in the field prove fruitless to you,” says the LORD of armies. 12 “All the nations will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land,” says the LORD of armies.

Would you rather personally deal with the devourer or allow FATHER to deal with the devourer on your behalf?  How long will it take to see fruitfulness return (or begin, whichever the case may be)?  I can’t tell you but I know it has worked in my family’s finances for decades. 

Unexpected opportunities have opened up and provided for us.  We no longer pay interest to financial institutions since we are now debt free.  Did all this happen immediately as we began to tithe?  No, it took time for the seed to grow and begin production.  Each of us has a uniqueness about our situation so results cannot be determined by some formula.  Faith in FATHER’S Word is the primary criteria.

Did I have to get over the emotions connected to giving when I felt that I needed the money for my family?  Yes.  Did I try to rationalize why this passage didn’t apply to me?  Yes.  I had to overcome the soul and respond to THE SPIRIT.  At first it was difficult but as I exercised my faith IN HIM, fruitfulness came forth and I observed FATHER rebuking the devourer for my family’s sake. 

FATHER wouldn’t ask us to test HIM if HE wasn’t confident of the outcome.

The Sons of GOD are meant to be distribution centers for the rest of the world.

Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in Ephesians chapter 1:

19 I pray that you will continually experience the immeasurable greatness of God’s power made available to you through faith. Then your lives will be an advertisement of this immense power as it works through you!

What is a distribution center?  It is a collecting place for resources which are then sent to specific areas of need.  A treasury is one such example of an intended distribution center.  Jesus had a treasurer (Judas) thus He had a treasury which was intended to give to the poor.  The Beloved Disciple confirmed this and recorded by The Holy Spirit in John chapter 13:

29 Some thought that Judas, their trusted treasurer, was being told to go buy what was needed for the Passover celebration, or perhaps to go give something to the poor.

When Jesus was confronted by the rich young ruler, He gave the young man a directive in Luke 18:

22 “Ah,” Jesus said, “there’s still one thing you’re missing in your life.”

“What is that?” asked the man.

“You must go and sell everything you own and give all the proceeds to the poor so you will have eternal treasures. Then come and follow me.”

23 These words devastated the rich leader, for he was extremely wealthy.

Notice that Jesus did not suggest that the proceeds go into HIS own treasury but instead was intended for the poor.  Jesus was the Source of provision and encouraged others to become sources as well.  Eternal treasures precede physical treasures.  Jesus tested the rich young ruler to see where his priorities were at: Spiritual or physical.  The young man did not pass the test.  If he had planted the financial seed as Jesus suggested, he surely would have reaped a harvest in like manner based on Jesus’ own parables.

As a matter of fact, when the disciples questioned Him about giving up everything for the Kingdom, Jesus responded:

29–30 Jesus replied, “Listen to My Words: anyone who leaves his home behind and chooses God’s kingdom over wife, children, parents, and family, it will come back to him many more times in this lifetime. And in the age to come, he will inherit even more than that—he will inherit eternal life!”

There were no more questions about giving to the poor by His disciples.  Those who have been impoverished by the world’s system hold a special interest to FATHER.

The following Scriptures express FATHER’S Agape Love for those in need:

Psalm 41:

1 God always blesses those who are kind to the poor and helpless.

    They’re the first ones God helps

    when they find themselves in any trouble.

Psalm 112:

5 Life is good for the one who is generous and charitable,

    conducting affairs with honesty and truth.

6 Their circumstances will never shake them

    and others will never forget their example.

7 They will not live in fear or dread of what may come,

    for their hearts are firm, ever secure in their faith.

8 Steady and strong, they will not be afraid,

    but will calmly face their every foe

    until they all go down in defeat.

9 Never stingy and always generous to those in need,

    they lived lives of influence and honor that will never be forgotten,

    for they were full of good deeds.

Proverbs 19:

17 Every time you give to the poor you make a loan to the Lord.

    Don’t worry—you’ll be repaid in full for all the good you’ve done.

Proverbs 22:

9 When you are generous to the poor,

    you are enriched with blessings in return.

Servias Ministries continues to be a financial distribution center to benefit those in need as well as those who give.  We then become bonafide advertisements of the immense power that works in us.  It’s all about Love!

Peter wrote by The Holy Spirit in 2^nd Peter chapter 1:

1 This letter is from Simeon Peter, a loving servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I am writing to those who have been given a faith as equally precious as ours through the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ. 2 May grace and perfect peace cascade over you as you live in the rich knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

Peter wrote this letter to you and me to encourage us to live in the RICH KNOWLEDGE of FATHER and Our Lord Jesus.  This richness is attainable and we are urged to walk in it daily.  If we do, perfect peace and grace will overflow in us and begin to affect others around us.  This overflow is an aspect of the Living Waters flowing out of our bellies and satisfying the thirst of those who sense an emptiness in their lives.

3 Everything we could ever need for life and Godliness has already been deposited in us by His Divine power. For all this was lavished upon us through the rich experience of knowing Him who has called us by name and invited us to come to Him through a glorious manifestation of His goodness. 4 As a result of this, He has given you magnificent promises that are beyond all price, so that through the power of these tremendous promises we can experience partnership with the Divine nature, by which you have escaped the corrupt desires that are of the world.

Jesus knows us because He knew us before we were formed in the womb.  He was involved in creating our gifts and callings (Psalm 139:16).  The angels have access to our books and they are aware of their appropriate ministry on our behalf.  We all  have riches deposited in us awaiting our use.  Why let those riches sit in a dormant state when they can be used to benefit not only us but those around us?  What does it take to access those riches?  Our devotion to walk according to The Word in Holiness.

5 So devote yourselves to lavishly supplementing your faith with goodness,

and to goodness add understanding,

6 and to understanding add the strength of self-control,

and to self-control add patient endurance,

and to patient endurance add Godliness,

7 and to Godliness add mercy toward your brothers and sisters,

and to mercy toward others add unending Love.

In the final analysis, we are to express Agape Love to others.  These virtues are fully attained as we devote ourselves to them.  To devote means: to wholly focus, direct attention, to set apart, to dedicate.  This is what I call “being all in”.  These virtues are already deposited in us because we have The Holy Spirit living inside us awaiting our devotion.  When we finally appreciate their importance, we will begin living life more abundantly and produce good fruit in all areas.  This fruit will become observable to others and they will seek answers from us rather than the world.  Peter continues:

8 Since these virtues are already planted deep within, and you possess them in abundant supply, they will keep you from being inactive or fruitless in your pursuit of knowing Jesus Christ more intimately. 9 But if anyone lacks these things, he is blind, constantly closing his eyes to the mysteries of our faith, and forgetting his innocence—for his past sins have been washed away.

We are all innocent because the Blood of Jesus washed our sins away.  We must embrace this Truth and let go of the past once and for all.  The adversary would like to keep us in the past where he was using us to promote his kingdom of darkness.  He definitely does not want us to access what is on deposit within us.

10 For this reason, Beloved ones, be eager to confirm and validate that God has invited you to salvation and claimed you as HIS own. If you do these things, you will never stumble. 11 As a result, the Kingdom’s gates will open wide to you as God choreographs your triumphant entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Messiah.

We are urged to confirm and validate our walk with HIM.  I purpose to do this daily as I begin the day praying in Tongues.  This tells my soul and body WHO is in charge and it further activates those virtues inside of me.  We must keep these deposited virtues before us and not allow ourselves to forget who we are in Christ.

12 I won’t hesitate to continually remind you of these Truths, even though you are aware of them and are well established in the present measure of Truth you have already embraced. 13 And as long as I live I will continue to awaken you with this reminder.

Life’s challenges can direct our focus to activities which are temporary in nature but demand our immediate attention.  However, we must not allow ourselves to become lax in our commitment to walk in the virtues listed above.  They are the solution to addressing all activities confronting us.  We can either toil on our own or we can be led by The Holy Spirit and be totally fruitful in accomplishing our daily activities.  It all depends on what we devote ourselves to on a daily basis.  Our devotion will open the gates of Heaven on our behalf and we will walk in the fullness of FATHER’S eternal Kingdom.  Those virtues on deposit will be fully activated for our use so there is no need to wait for some future event to occur.  Now is the time!

The Beloved Disciple recorded by The Holy Spirit in John chapter 21:

1 Later, Jesus appeared once again to a group of his disciples by Lake Galilee. 2 It happened one day while Peter, Thomas (the Twin), Nathanael (from Cana in Galilee), Jacob, John, and two other disciples were all together. 3 Peter told them, “I’m going fishing.” And they all replied, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and fished through the night, but caught nothing.

In Luke 24:49, Jesus told the disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the day they would be clothed with power. Led by Peter, these seven apostles were not following what they had been told, and for this reason they caught nothing until Jesus joined them. He became the eighth man.  They toiled all night but were totally unsuccessful when they followed their soulish mindsets… all seven.

4 Then at dawn, Jesus was standing there on the shore, but the disciples didn’t realize that it was Him! 5 He called out to them, saying, “Hey guys! Did you catch any fish?”

“Not a thing,” they replied.

6 Jesus shouted to them, “Throw your net over the starboard (right) side, and you’ll catch some!” And so they did as he said, and they caught so many fish they couldn’t even pull in the net!

From total failure to an overabundance of resources, we must grasp this Truth when we hear from FATHER.  No matter how many times we have failed in the past or thought it was too late to walk in the fullness of GOD, one critical Word will change it all.  Embrace this Truth and you will see your life change in a moment.

7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Peter heard him say that, he quickly wrapped his outer garment around him, and because he was athletic, he dove right into the lake to go to Jesus! 8 The other disciples then brought the boat to shore, dragging their catch of fish. They weren’t far from land, only about a hundred meters. 9 And when they got to shore, they noticed a charcoal fire with some roasted fish and bread. 10 Then Jesus said, “Bring some of the fish you just caught.”

Jesus was not reluctant to feed them from the fish they caught.  He also provided the “manna” from Heaven.

11 So Peter waded into the water and helped pull the net to shore. It was full of many large fish, exactly one hundred and fifty-three, but even with so many fish, the net was not torn.

12 “Come, let’s have some breakfast,” Jesus said to them.

And not one of the disciples needed to ask who it was, because every one of them knew it was the Lord. 13 Then Jesus came close to them and served them the bread and the fish. 14 This was the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after his resurrection.

The number “153” has multiple facets to it.  It is the numerical value of “Sons of GOD” but the number 153 is the numerical total for the Hebrew phrase Ani Elohim, which means “I am God”.  Both point to the same Truth, The Sons are the image of “I AM” on earth.

After their breakfast and Jesus restored Peter as a true disciple to feed the sheep.  What was the physical purpose of the 153 large fish?  It would fund their ministries for an extended period of time as well as allow them to prepare in the upper room for the coming of The Comforter.  Financial pressure was removed from them.

As Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in Colossians chapter 1:

26 There is a Divine mystery—a secret surprise that has been concealed from the world for generations, but now it’s being revealed, unfolded and manifested for every Holy believer to experience. 27 Living within you is the Christ Who floods you with the expectation of glory! This mystery of Christ, embedded within us, becomes a Heavenly treasure chest of hope filled with the riches of glory for His people, and God wants everyone to know it!

As we embrace FATHER’S willingness to provide us with all the resources we need to fulfill our individual callings, we will seek to hear which side of the boat to fish on.  Our unproductiveness will cease and be replaced with an overabundance.

Correction deals with where you are versus where you should be according to your calling.  If you are in sin, correction may be harsh in your eyes yet it is necessary to save your soul.

Paul spoke by The Holy Spirit in 1^st Corinthians chapter 4:

14 I’m not writing this to embarrass you or to shame you, but to correct you as the children I Love. 15 For although you could have countless babysitters in Christ telling you what you’re doing wrong, you don’t have many fathers who correct you in Love. But I’m a true father to you, for I became your father when I gave you the Gospel and brought you into union with Jesus, the Anointed One. 16 So I encourage you, my children, to follow the example that I live before you.

What was the issue at Corinth?  He explained this in chapter 3:

3 Brothers and sisters, when I was with you I found it impossible to speak to you as those who are spiritually mature people, for you are still dominated by the mind-set of the flesh. And because you are immature infants in Christ, 2 I had to nurse you and feed you with “milk,” not with the solid food of more advanced teachings, because you weren’t ready for it. In fact, you are still not ready to be fed solid food, 3 for you are living your lives dominated by the mind-set of the flesh. Ask yourselves: Is there jealousy among you? Do you compare yourselves with others? Do you quarrel like children and end up taking sides? If so, this proves that you are living your lives centered on yourselves, dominated by the mind-set of the flesh, and behaving like unbelievers. 4 For when you divide yourselves up in groups—a “Paul group” and an “Apollos group”—you’re acting like people without the Spirit’s influence.

As I have written many times in the past, our mindsets must change if we are to become fully mature in The Holy Spirit and fulfill our callings.  We first must focus on Agape Love and embrace all that The Holy Spirit instructs.  He is speaking only what FATHER directs specific to our life, not the “Paul group” and an “Apollos group” or whatever teacher you have exalted in the past. 

The Holy Spirit will test all teachings and provide you a witness to the veracity of what is being taught by those who claim to have revelation.  If you disregard The Holy Spirit, it is at your peril!

We are not to tolerate “sin in the camp.”  Paul brings up this very issue with the immature church at Corinth.  Paul spoke by The Holy Spirit in 1^st Corinthians chapter 5 AND by Agape Love:

1–2 It’s been widely reported that there is gross sexual immorality among you—the kind of immorality that’s so revolting it’s not even tolerated by the social norms of unbelievers. Are you proud of the fact that one of your men is having sex with his stepmother? Shouldn’t this heartbreaking scandal bring you to your knees in tears? You must remove the offender from among you!

3 Even though I am physically far away from you, my spirit is present with you. And as one who is present with you, I have already evaluated and judged the perpetrator. 4 So call a meeting, and when you gather together in the name of our Lord Jesus, and you know my spirit is present with you in the infinite power of our Lord Jesus, 5 release this man over to Satan for the destruction of his rebellious flesh, in hope that his spirit may be rescued and restored in the day of the Lord.

This is a tough Word, especially when it applies to a loved one.  However, we must not let an opinion surface and compromise The Word.  We are to let him suffer the consequences of his actions.  FATHER tolerates no sin in The Holy of Holies, neither should we.  We cannot have a totally intimate relationship in the Secret Place if we allow sin amongst us.  We cannot fellowship with rebellious flesh and expect the power and authority to flow through us.

Apparently this man learned his lesson and repented, for Paul instructs the Corinthians in 2^nd Corinthians chapter 2 to forgive and comfort him:

1 So until these issues were settled, I decided against paying you another painful visit. 2 For if I brought you pain, you would be unable to bring me joy. 3 And this was the very point I made in my letter, for I didn’t want to come and find sadness filling the very ones who should give me cheer. But I’m confident that you will do what’s right so that my joyous delight will be yours.

4 I wrote you previously sobbing and with a broken heart. I was filled with anguish and deep distress. I had no intention of causing you pain but to convey the overwhelming measure of my Love for you. 5 For the one who has caused me grief has not only grieved me but, to some extent, has caused you all grief as well. 6 I believe that your united rebuke has been punishment enough for him. 7 Instead of more punishment, what he needs most is your encouragement through your gracious display of forgiveness. 8 I beg you to reaffirm your deep Love for him.

9 You see, I wrote previously in order to see if your hearts would pass the test and if you were willing to follow my counsel in everything. 10 If you freely forgive anyone for anything, then I also forgive him. And if I have forgiven anything, I did so for you before the face of Christ, 11 so that we would not be exploited by the adversary, Satan, for we know his clever schemes.

Paul’s deep distress was expressed in his emotions.  However, this did not prevent him from urging them to remove the sin in the camp.  Yes, we may take an emotional hit when we express the requirement for separation but in the end, it is critical to our calling.

Unless we deal with sin in a righteous manner as explained by The Holy Spirit through Paul, we will be exploited by the adversary.  This is just one of his clever schemes.  He will use someone close to you in order to cause a separation between you and FATHER.  It will become difficult to hear The Holy Spirit and you will cease to mature.  We can no longer tolerate any hindrance to our maturity for it will keep the Living waters from flowing through us.

To reemphasize concerning yesterday’s post, Jesus revealed many Truths in John chapter 7 and spoke specifically concerning the prophetic 8^th day of Tabernacles being fulfilled:

37 Then on the most important day of the feast, the last day (8^th day of Tabernacles), Jesus stood and shouted out to the crowds—“All you thirsty ones, come to Me! Come to Me and drink! 38 Believe in Me so that rivers of Living Water will burst out from within you, flowing from your innermost being, just like the Scripture says!”

39 Jesus was prophesying about the Holy Spirit that believers were being prepared to receive. But the Holy Spirit had not yet been poured out upon them, because Jesus had not yet been unveiled in His full splendor.

We are not waiting for this prophecy of the 8^th Day of Tabernacles to be fulfilled, Jesus clearly pointed to the Baptism of The Holy Spirit being its fulfillment.  There was no other future day other than this being referenced.  We must be careful to pay no attention to man’s opinions about some other future fulfillment… Jesus didn’t.  As a matter of fact, He addressed man’s opinions:

16 So Jesus responded, “I don’t teach My own ideas, but the Truth revealed to me by the One Who sent me. 17 If you want to test My teachings and discover where I received them, first be passionate to do God’s will, and then you will be able to discern if My teachings are from the heart of God or from My own opinions. 18 Charlatans praise themselves and seek honor from men, but My Father sent me to speak Truth on His behalf. And I have no false motive, because I seek only the glory of God. 19 Moses has given you the law, but not one of you is faithful to keep it. So if you are all law-breakers, why then would you seek to kill Me?”

20 Then some in the crowd shouted out, “You must be out of your mind! Who’s trying to kill you?”

An opinion is the judgment which the mind forms concerning any proposition, statement, theory or event.  It does not produce absolute knowledge or certainty.  From circumstances one will form opinions respecting future events.  It relies on current understanding rather than Absolute Truth thus there it is open to uncertainty and error.  Jesus did not teach opinions but only spoke as FATHER directed which is Absolute Truth.

Jesus further spoke in John chapter 14:

15 “Loving Me empowers you to obey My commands. 16–17 And I will ask the Father and He will give you another Savior, the Holy Spirit of Truth, Who will be to you a friend just like Me—and He will never leave you. The world won’t receive Him because they can’t see Him or know Him. But you know Him intimately because He remains with you and will live inside you.

The Holy Spirit only speaks Absolute Truth and lives inside of us.  We are not victims or orphans but we all have a FATHER WHO Loves us and wants to direct our every step.

18 “I promise that I will never leave you helpless or abandon you as orphans—I will come back to you! 19 Soon I will leave this world and they will see me no longer, but you will see Me, because I will live again, and you will come alive too. 20 So when that day comes, you will know that I am living in the Father and that you are one with Me, for I will be living in you. 21 Those who truly Love Me are those who obey My commands. Whoever passionately Loves me will be passionately Loved by My Father. And I will passionately Love him in return and will reveal Myself to him.”

Once again, it is all about Love!  Jesus clearly states that He will live in us as well.  Now, Jesus speaks forth another Absolute Truth to us as well as reemphasizing being obedient to His Words:

23 Jesus replied, “Loving Me empowers you to obey My Word. And My Father will Love you so deeply that We will come to you and make you OUR dwelling place.

Now, FATHER is also included in the Truth that HE dwells in us as well. So, Jesus reveals the reality that all three, FATHER, Jesus, and The Holy Spirit, are dwelling in those who passionately Love THEM.  Not only will they Love All Three, but they will do all that is commanded by THEM.  Opinions have no place in this reality, only the Absolute Truth.

Jesus then addresses those who opt to live by their own opinions and who do not have passionate Love for Him, FATHER, or The Holy Spirit.  They will not obey HIS Words nor will they solely focus on the Absolute Truth.

24 But those who don’t Love Me will not obey My Words. The Father did not send Me to speak My own revelation, but the Words of my Father. 25 I am telling you this while I am still with you. 26 But when the Father sends the Spirit of Holiness, the One like Me Who sets you free, He will teach you all things in My Name. And He will inspire you to remember every Word that I’ve told you.

Walking in Agape Love is critical to us being manifested as Sons and Daughters.  We must only speak Absolute Truth and stay away from any temptation to speak forth opinions.  The world is full of opinions.  You and I are not called to walk in this manner.  If you are uncertain, do not speak.  Instead, seek The Holy Spirit and get your position from The Word.  We can express joy and Love to others but do not get trapped in debates or arguments for they promote personal opinions.

Neither Jesus nor The Holy Spirit do anything on Their own. Should we be any different? A mature Son or Daughter only does what FATHER directs by HIS Divine Intent!

Because you and I have been made Holy in Christ, now there is nothing between us and Father God, for HE sees us as Holy, flawless, and restored to HIM.  In order to move on to the fullness of our individual callings, we must fully embrace this Truth which provides us a firm foundation for our faith to grow.  IF you don’t embrace this Truth, you will not become fully mature and advance to great faith.  It is your choice.

Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in Colossians chapter 1:

23 if indeed you continue to advance in faith, assured of a firm foundation to grow upon. Never be shaken from the hope of the Gospel you have believed in. And this is the glorious news I preach all over the world.

The word preach means to publish, proclaim openly with gravity and an authority which must be listened to and obeyed.  Paul’s willingness to suffer as a servant to the Called-out Ones was one aspect of his commitment to the Truth of the Gospel.

He was once an enemy of Christ but now he is a servant of Jesus Christ for the benefit of the saints.  He was the twelfth Apostle and not Matthias.  Matthias was selected by a “roll of the dice” in Acts chapter 1, but Paul was selected by Jesus on the road to Damascus.  Paul mentions this calling in Galatians chapter 1: an apostle, not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, Who raised Him from the dead.  We need to put the dice away and any other manmade means of attempting to discern FATHER’S perfect plan, will, and purpose.  The Holy Spirit is the One to guide us, not the moon, stars, pendulums, kinesiology, or any other signs preferred by the soul.

24 I can even celebrate the sorrows I have experienced on your behalf; for as I join with you in your difficulties, it helps you to discover what lacks in your understanding of the sufferings Jesus Christ experienced for His Body, the church. 25 This is the very reason I’ve been made a minister by the authority of God and a servant to His Body, so that in HIS detailed plan I would fully equip you with the Word of God.

Paul’s mandate was and is to fully equip us with the revelation of The Word of GOD.  It is my current mandate as well.  Would FATHER have me write over 4,000 blogs if it weren’t?  This is one aspect of fruitfulness which can be inspected by anyone.  I personally benefit first because I get to hear then write what THE SPIRIT is saying for that day. 

Each day my gratitude increases because of what Christ did for me at the cross.  Further, FATHER’S Love is shown to me on a daily basis by the fact that The Holy Spirit lives inside me and guides me as I listen to Him.  I have countless testimonies of His guidance.  It is my desire for you to have the same testimonies.

Paul continues:

26 There is a Divine mystery—a secret surprise that has been concealed from the world for generations, but now it’s being revealed, unfolded and manifested for every Holy believer to experience. 27 Living within you is the Christ Who floods you with the expectation of glory! This mystery of Christ, embedded within us, becomes a Heavenly treasure chest of hope filled with the riches of glory for His people, and God wants everyone to know it!

Are you living with the expectation of glory?  If not, you should.  As I have written often in the recent past, our mindsets have been the restriction preventing us from walking in the fullness of this expectation of glory.  FATHER is not reluctant to empower us for that power lives inside of us.  The rivers of Living water are waiting to flow through us without restriction. 

Jesus spoke of this in John chapter 7:

37 Then on the most important day of the feast, the last day, Jesus stood and shouted out to the crowds—“All you thirsty ones, come to Me! Come to Me and drink! 38 Believe in Me so that rivers of Living Water will burst out from within you, flowing from your innermost being, just like the Scripture says!”

39 Jesus was prophesying about the Holy Spirit that believers were being prepared to receive. But the Holy Spirit had not yet been poured out upon them, because Jesus had not yet been unveiled in His full splendor.

Is The Holy Spirit bursting out from within you?  If not, then it is time to change.  I have heard many teachings on the 8^th day of Tabernacles and that we are waiting for its fulfillment as though it will be some external event for all to observe.  The Beloved Disciple John who had the revelation of Agape Love told us the Words of Jesus concerning the 8^th day.  We need not be observers only but are called to be in the midst of the “bursting out” of the rivers of Living water.

Paul continues by THE SPIRIT in Colossians chapter 1:

28–29 Christ is our message! We preach to awaken hearts and bring every person into the full understanding of Truth. It has become my inspiration and passion in ministry to labor with a tireless intensity, with His power flowing through me, to present to every believer the revelation of being His perfect One in Jesus Christ.

It is time to awaken the hearts with the full understanding of Truth.  Now is the time!