Servias Ministries Blog

Is there pride to be found in me?

James wrote by The Holy Spirit in his Epistle, chapter 4:

3  And if you ask, you won’t receive it for you’re asking with corrupt motives, seeking only to fulfill your own selfish desires.

4 You have become spiritual adulterers who are having an affair, an unholy relationship with the world. Don’t you know that flirting with the world’s values places you at odds with God? Whoever chooses to be the world’s friend makes himself God’s enemy!

5 Does the Scripture mean nothing to you that says, “The Spirit that God breathed into our hearts is a jealous Lover Who intensely desires to have more and more of us”?

Anyone who seeks to exalt himself in comparison to others moves toward pride and it is very insidious by nature.  Its roots can and will run deep which makes it more difficult to ultimately remove.  I can personally attest to that!  When we become performance-oriented, pride will dictate our actions rather than being led by The Holy Spirit.  Sports and scholastic achievements promote pride at an early age.  Adults become rabid fans and can become violent.  Simply go to a child’s soccer game and observe!

6 But He continues to pour out more and more grace upon us. For it says,

“God resists you when you are proud but continually pours out grace when you are humble.”

7 So then, surrender to God. Stand up to the devil and resist him and he will flee in agony.

8 Move your heart closer and closer to God, and He will come even closer to you. But make sure you cleanse your life, you sinners, and keep your heart pure and stop doubting.

9 Feel the pain of your sin, be sorrowful and weep! Let your joking around be turned into mourning and your joy into deep humiliation.

10 Be willing to be made low before the Lord and he will exalt you!

Wisdom recorded in Ecclesiastes 4:

4  I have seen that every [effort in] labor and every skill in work comes from man’s rivalry with his neighbor. This too is vanity (futility, false pride) and chasing after the wind.

“Competitive sports” creates pride which ultimately leads to idol worship.  The adversary has infiltrated the entertainment media to the point where you can hardly go to a restaurant where there are no TV’s streaming multiple sports.  That environment along with cell phones reduces fellowship with the person across from you.  That is the ploy!

It is recorded by THE SPIRIT in Job chapter 33:

14   For God speaks again and again, though people do not recognize it.

15 He speaks in dreams, in visions of the night, when deep sleep falls on people as they lie in their beds.

16 He whispers in their ears and terrifies them with warnings.

17 He makes them turn from doing wrong; He keeps them from pride.

18 He protects them from the grave, from crossing over the river of death.

19 “Or God disciplines people with pain on their sickbeds, with ceaseless aching in their bones.

20 They lose their appetite for even the most delicious food.

21 Their flesh wastes away, and their bones stick out.

22 They are at death’s door; the angels of death wait for them.

23 “But if an angel from Heaven appears- a special messenger to intercede for a person and declare that he is upright-

24 he will be gracious and say, ‘Rescue him from the grave, for I have found a ransom for his life.’

25 Then his body will become as healthy as a child’s, firm and youthful again.

26 When he prays to God, he will be accepted. And God will receive him with joy and restore him to good standing.

27 He will declare to his friends, ‘I sinned and twisted the truth, but it was not worth it.

28 God rescued me from the grave, and now my life is filled with light.’

29 “Yes, God does these things again and again for people.

30 He rescues them from the grave so they may enjoy the light of life.

The question each of us must answer:  “Am I focusing on the short-term, worldly things or the long-term Eternal life and Light?”

FATHER instructed me to cleanse my home of all past achievements for they only served to promote soulish pride.  I did not delay because I do not want there to be any resistance to being led by THE SPIRIT.

I am smiling at you.

 Beloved, when the whole world is busy and chaotic, close your eyes and find My Face. I’m smiling at you. When things feel out of control, and you don’t handle things correctly, I’m still smiling at you. Can you feel My Heart for you? You move Me in a way no one else does. You are the one I Love.

Even when you’re weak and feel disconnected from My Presence, I’m still here, still smiling at you. I still see you through the Eyes of Love. Even in your mess, I still Love you. I know you and believe in you, because I know who you’re destined to be. You are beautiful in the very depths of your being. Sometimes you get so caught up in everything that’s happening around you—the things that fight to be noticed. But I want you to stop and see My Smile. And then I want you to smile with Me. I want you to be so fixated on My joy for what is to come that nothing can shake you.

Jesus is warning us to carefully listen to THE HOLY SPIRIT!

We are all on a learning path that requires us to change our mindset.

Jesus spoke in Revelation 3:

19   All those I dearly Love I unmask and train. So repent and be eager to pursue what is right.

20 Behold, I’m standing at the door, knocking. If your heart is open to hear My Voice and you open the door within, I will come in to you and feast with you, and you will feast with Me.

21 And to the one who conquers I will give the privilege of sitting with Me on My Throne, just as I conquered and sat down with My Father on His Throne.

22 The one whose heart is open let him listen carefully to what the Spirit is saying now to the churches.

What did Jesus mean by “unmasking” us?  He wants to expose any deception that prevents us from fully pursuing what is right.  This requires us to carefully listen to The Holy Spirit and quickly respond and is usually tied to repentance, that is, turning away from a path, event, or a belief.

We are to avoid deception!

Jesus spoke in Luke chapter 21:

8 And He said: “Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My Name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time has drawn near.’ Therefore do not go after them.

We are not to exalt anyone but Our Lord Jesus Christ.  I am not a follower of such and such, neither should you.  Over the last five decades, I have seen my share of ministries get off the path and fall into the ditch.  We must be vigilant to protect ourselves from deception from any source.

Satan has a plan for your life and so does Our Heavenly Father.  Ultimately, you decide which plan you will follow.

Precision in the use of terms/words will keep us from being deceived.  FATHER said precisely what HE meant and so should we.  When we study The Word, we need to pursue HIS Divine Intent behind the passage.  This is why I use multiple versions when writing to you.

FATHER does not use synonyms.  A synonym is a word having the same or nearly the same meaning as another word in certain contexts.  A synonym is imprecise.  The Holy Spirit will correct me when I am writing and attempting to convey what He wants to be said.  A politician will make use of synonyms to deceive his audience.  As an example, a U.S. president attempted to use the word “is” to divert attention away from his sin.

Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in 1^st Corinthians chapter 15:

33  Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”

34 Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.

In other Words:

So stop fooling yourselves! Evil companions will corrupt good morals and character. Come back to your right senses and awaken to what is right. Repent from your sinful ways. For some have no knowledge of God’s wonderful Love.

The Word of GOD is:

True

Infallible

Trustworthy

GOD-breathed thus It is unique!

Secular-based (worldly) words should not be confused with The Word of GOD.  A perfect example is our use of the term “UFO”.  UFO’s are not aliens but are demons who traverse the spiritual into the physical.  They are disembodied spirits who originated before the flood.  They were genetically modified humans who were not allowed on the ark.  Only Noah and his family were “perfect” in their genetics.  The so-called prehistoric animals were genetically modified as well.  The world would try to convince us otherwise.

Do you really think that FATHER did not account for such phenomenon in HIS Word?  Man’s speculation is often a source of deception.  That is why I prefer to wait to hear what The Holy Spirit is saying versus developing a speculative opinion.

James wrote by The Holy Spirit in his Epistle, 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 infallible Word of Truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.

19 So then, my Beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;

Listen to The Holy Spirit and you won’t be deceived.

Giving to the poor in secret promotes humility!

Jesus responds in Mark chapter 10:

17  As Jesus started on His way, a man came running up to Him. Kneeling down in front of Him, he cried out, “Good Teacher, what one thing am I required to do to gain Eternal life?”

18 Jesus responded, “Why do you call Me good? Only God is truly good.

19 You already know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give a false testimony, do not cheat, and honor your father and mother.’ ”

20 The man said to Jesus, “Teacher, I have carefully obeyed these laws since my youth.”

21 Jesus fixed His gaze upon the man, with tender Love, and said to him, “Yet there is still one thing in you lacking. Go, sell all that you have and give the money to the poor. Then all of your treasure will be in Heaven. After you’ve done this, come back and walk with Me.”

22 Completely shocked by Jesus’ answer, he turned and walked away very sad, for he was extremely rich.

23 Jesus looked at the faces of his disciples and said, “How hard it is for the wealthy to enter into God’s Kingdom realm.”

24 The disciples were startled when they heard this. But Jesus again said to them, “Children, it is next to impossible for those who trust in their riches to find their way into God’s Kingdom.

25 It is easier to stuff a rope through the eye of a needle than for a wealthy person to enter into God’s Kingdom.”

The rich man needed to be humbled so Jesus gave him the choice to show him what or who he really trusted in.  If we humble ourselves, we allow FATHER to bless us AND others at the same time.  We don’t hoard but rather we disburse as The Holy Spirit leads us.  Some people have a financial ministry and are willing to support others on a consistent basis.  These people understand the concept of “don’t eat your seed.”

Jesus also expressed this Truth in Luke chapter 6:

37   Jesus said, “Forsake the habit of criticizing and judging others, and you will not be criticized and judged in return. Don’t condemn others and you will not be condemned. Forgive over and over, and you will be forgiven over and over.

38 Give generously and generous gifts will be given back to you, shaken down to make room for more. Abundant gifts will pour out upon you with such an overflowing measure that it will run over the top! The measurement of your generosity becomes the measurement of your return.”

Consider what the rich man gave up when he hoarded his wealth versus being generous.  FATHER has no problem in blessing us as we submit to HIM in all areas.  Humbling ourselves includes our finances.  FATHER expressed HIS position in Deuteronomy chapter 28:1-12 and hasn’t changed.

King David wrote by THE SPIRIT with a repentant heart in Psalm 51:

17  The fountain of your pleasure is found in the sacrifice of my shattered heart before You. You will not despise my tenderness as I bow down humbly at Your Feet.

Repentance from pride brings forth humility.  Our mindset is drastically changed as we serve others without fanfare, including the poor.

If you take matters into your own hands, you will feel the pain of not being humbled.  Yes, I speak from experience.

Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in Hebrews chapter 12:

3  So consider carefully how Jesus faced such intense opposition from sinners who opposed their own souls, so that you won’t become worn down and cave in under life’s pressures.

4 After all, you have not yet reached the point of sweating blood in your opposition to sin.

5 And have you forgotten his encouraging Words spoken to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t underestimate the value of the discipline and training of the Lord God, or get depressed when He has to correct you.

6 For the Lord’s training of your life is the evidence of His faithful Love. And when He draws you to Himself, it proves you are His delightful child.”

7 Fully embrace God’s correction as part of your training, for He is doing what any loving father does for his children. For who has ever heard of a child who never had to be corrected?

8 We all should welcome God’s discipline as the validation of authentic Sonship. For if we have never once endured His correction it only proves we are strangers and not Sons.

No pain, no gain!

Walk in humility!

FATHER spoke in Micah chapter 6:

8 O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what He requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with Your God.

9 Fear the LORD if you are wise!

Evil spirits will push you to promote yourself.  You will push yourself to achieve success rather than be led by THE SPIRIT.  Evil spirits will try to speed you up past what The Holy Spirit is directing or, slow you down.  I have personal experience in this area.  Self-promotion is simply pride and can be so subtle.

THE LORD spoke through Jeremiah in chapter 6:

16 This is what the Lord says: “Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, Where the good way is, and walk in it; Then you will find a resting place for your souls.”

HIS ancient paths are simple and straightforward.  The world’s path promotes complexity and is filled with uncertainty.  FATHER’S path for each of us was determined before HE formed us in the womb.  We are given the charge to seek that path and stay on it.

Jesus spoke in Luke chapter 6:

39  Jesus also quoted these proverbs: “What happens when a blind man pretends to guide another blind man? They both stumble into a ditch!

It is vital for you and me to pay close attention to what and who we embrace as far as teaching is concerned.  We must let The Holy Spirit be our witness to the veracity of what is being taught.  I have stumbled into a ditch before and thankfully, Jesus pulled me out.  The lesson was painful and costly!

40 And how could the apprentice know more than his master, for only after he is fully qualified will he be at that level.

Never assume your current level of revelation and understanding is totally complete.  Revelation is progressive, line upon line, precept upon precept.

41 Why do you focus on the flaw in someone else’s life and fail to notice the glaring flaws of your own life?

42 How could you say to your friend, ‘Here, let me show you where you’re wrong,’ when you are guilty of even more than he? You are overly critical, splitting hairs and being a hypocrite! You must acknowledge your own blind spots and deal with them before you will be able to deal with the blind spot of your friend.”

Generally speaking, those under 40 years old are “legends in their own minds” and will not listen to seasoned, mature counsel.  They are destined to make the same mistakes as the wise elders.  I finally accepted the reality that “I don’t know, what I don’t know.”  In other words, “I don’t know the proper question to ask.”  This is why we must be led by The Holy Spirit and ask Him questions we need answered. 

Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in Romans 12:

16 Live happily together in a spirit of harmony, and be as mindful of another’s worth as you are your own. Don’t live with a lofty mind-set, thinking you are too important to serve others, but be willing to do menial tasks and identify with those who are humble minded. Don’t be smug or even think for a moment that you know it all.

You become like the company you keep.  If you associate with those who are prideful, you will subject yourself to that same mindset.  We must be careful who we fellowship with for they may lead us into that proverbial ditch.  Once again, I speak from experience… regrettably.

James wrote by The Holy Spirit in his Epistle, chapter 4:

6  But He continues to pour out more and more grace upon us. For it says, “God resists you when you are proud but continually pours out grace when you are humble.”

7 So then, surrender to God. Stand up to the devil and resist him and he will flee in agony.

8 Move your heart closer and closer to God, and He will come even closer to you. But make sure you cleanse your life, you sinners, and keep your heart pure and stop doubting.

9 Feel the pain of your sin, be sorrowful and weep! Let your joking around be turned into mourning and your joy into deep humiliation.

10 Be willing to be made low (be humble) before the Lord and He will exalt you!

FATHER will exalt those who truly humble themselves before HIM so trust IN HIM, not yourself.

Walk with integrity and be trustworthy!

Jesus spoke in Luke chapter 16:

10  “The one who faithfully manages the little he has been given will be promoted and trusted with greater responsibilities. But those who cheat with the little they have been given will not be considered trustworthy to receive more.

Our trustworthiness is determined by our actions, not just our words.  No matter where you are in life, this is where you start to prove your trustworthiness to FATHER.  HE is interested in your intent!

11 If you have not handled the riches of this world with integrity, why should you be trusted with the Eternal treasures of the Spiritual world?

Integrity is the practice of being honest and showing a consistent and uncompromising adherence to strong moral and ethical principles and values. In ethics, integrity is regarded as the honesty and truthfulness or accuracy of one’s actions.

12 And if you’ve not proven yourself faithful with what belongs to another, why should you be given wealth of your own?

Who does the tithe belong to?  It was never mine and it is a very fundamental indicator of trustworthiness.  This is what the tree in the Garden was all about.  I had to come to grips with trusting FATHER when I gave the tithe, that HE would bless the 90% I kept.  HE did so.  This is why I have no issue with tithing. 

13 It is impossible for a person to serve two masters at the same time. You will be forced to love one and reject the other. One master will be despised and the other will have your loyal devotion. Your choice between God and the wealth of this world is no different. You must enthusiastically love one and definitively reject the other.”

14 Now, the Jewish religious leaders listening to Jesus were lovers of money. They laughed at what he said and mocked his teachings,

15 so Jesus addressed them directly. “You always want to look spiritual in the eyes of others, but you have forgotten the Eyes of God, which see what is inside you. The very things that you approve of and applaud are the things God despises.

16 The law of Moses and the revelation of the prophets have prepared you for the arrival of the Kingdom announced by John. Since that time, the wonderful news of God’s Kingdom is being preached, and people’s hearts burn with extreme passion to receive it.

17 Heaven and earth will disintegrate before even the smallest detail of the Law will fail or lose its power.”

I have been in “Christian” services where the five-fold ministry has coerced people to give in various manners.  You virtually have to pay to get a “word” or prophecy.  You have to pay to get healed.  The list goes on.  Many in the ministry started out with good intentions but got corrupted along the way by money and pride.  This is not a new issue but has played over and over again throughout history.  Money is extracted from the poor and given to the rich.  Jesus told the rich young ruler to do the opposite.

FATHER spoke in Micah chapter 6:

1  Listen to what the LORD is saying: “Stand up and state your case against Me. Let the mountains and hills be called to witness your complaints.

2 And now, O mountains, listen to the LORD’s complaint! He has a case against His people. He will bring charges against Israel.

3 “O My people, what have I done to you? What have I done to make you tired of Me? Answer Me!

4 For I brought you out of Egypt and redeemed you from slavery. I sent Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to help you.

5 Don’t you remember, My people, how King Balak of Moab tried to have you cursed and how Balaam son of Beor blessed you instead? And remember your journey from Acacia Grove to Gilgal, when I, the LORD, did everything I could to teach you about My faithfulness.”

6 What can we bring to the LORD? Should we bring him burnt offerings? Should we bow before God Most High with offerings of yearling calves?

7 Should we offer him thousands of rams and ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Should we sacrifice our firstborn children to pay for our sins?

8 No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what He requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

9 Fear the LORD if you are wise! His voice calls to everyone in Jerusalem: “The armies of destruction are coming; the LORD is sending them.”

FATHER hasn’t changed!

Invite Me into your unbelief.

I want you to be honest with yourself about how much you trust Me. If you say you trust Me and then follow it up with a sigh or walk around with heaviness, it’s a good indication that you’re not trusting Me. I don’t want you to feel guilty about your lack of faith, but I do need you to invite Me into that fear and disbelief. I want you to walk in a higher dimension of trust. That means you must let go of control.

I am God, and you are not. That means I can do what you can’t, and I can do things you haven’t even considered. It’s not your duty to fix everything and everyone. If you truly believe that I am God, then let Me be God for you. Let Me be the miracle-working God that you say I am. When you’re really trusting Me, fear isn’t present. You can say with absolute confidence and a smile on your face, “I’m trusting God to take care of that,” then walk away knowing I will.