Servias Ministries Blog

It is written by THE SPIRIT in Hebrews chapter 11:

1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony (a good report).

3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

Before the worlds were manifested in the physical, did they exist?  Yes for they resided in the invisible state, not yet observable except in THE SPIRIT.  FATHER’S Divine Intent is reality even before the manifestation occurs in the lower state of the natural.  Jesus made it abundantly clear in the Gospels.  FATHER spoke to Jeremiah in chapter 1:

​5 ​​“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you;

​​Before you were born I sanctified you;

​​I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”

Did Jeremiah exist before his body began to form in the womb?  Absolutely.  FATHER knew all of us in the same manner.  As we proclaim HIS Word in our lives, we are effecting change not only in our physical state but also in circumstances around us.  This is what faith does.  Abram was childless and Sarah was barren when FATHER changed his name to Abraham (the father of many nations).  Every time Abraham’s name was spoken, faith expressed itself in his life and The Word grew in Abraham and changed his circumstances as well as that of Sarah.  It all began when FATHER spoke in Genesis chapter 17:

4 “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations.

5 No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations.

6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you.

7 And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you.

8 Also I give to you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.”

Had FATHER’S Words already manifested in the natural when HE spoke them to Abraham?  No, it was a number of years before the manifestation came forth but nevertheless it did.  Once FATHER’S Word was spoken and received by Abraham, it was simply a matter of time.  This is true for you and me as well.  Once we hear FATHER’S Word directed to us and receive it in our hearts, it is only a matter of time before it is manifested in the natural.  However, we have a responsibility to guard that Word in our hearts and not allow the enemy to plant unbelief in us and choke the Word.  Jesus explained the parable of the sower to His disciples in Matthew chapter 13:

18 “Therefore hear the parable of the sower:

19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside.

20 But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy;

21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.

22 Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.

23 But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”

What is good ground?  Jesus tells us who has “good ground” by telling us who doesn’t.  A person with no understanding or one who allows the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches to be the focus of his or her life.  As we focus on the Truths found in Scripture and seek FATHER’S wisdom and understanding to enlighten us, our faith will properly produce results and bear good fruit in notable quantities.  We must fix our eyes on Jesus Christ Who is the first begotten Son of FATHER and embrace His teachings.  Above all, we must embrace and walk in the commandment of Love.  Without Love, our faith will not be pure nor will the ground be deemed totally “good.”  In the 70’s and 80’s, faith was taught without any emphasis on Love.  In many cases, Love was never mentioned.  How do I know?  I was there at the meetings, watched the TV shows, read the books, and listened to the audio tapes.

We must not worry about what others think when we are proclaiming The Word in our lives.  The world would try to pressure us into staying in the muck and mire of their state, but FATHER intends for us to flourish and walk in faith perfected by Love.  How can I proclaim The Word in some areas and be “faithless” in other areas FATHER addresses in HIS Word?  Let us study to show ourselves approved and know that FATHER will supply all our needs relating to our individual callings.  If I get sick, I expect to recover.  If I need resources for my calling, I expect to acquire them.

Paul wrote to the Philippians in chapter 4:

16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.

17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.

18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.

19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Paul’s necessities for his calling were supplied by the Philippians out of Love, and he knew FATHER would bless them in response.  He gave FATHER all the glory as we should.

Until we are perfected, all of us have to deal with error in our beliefs.  I look back at my early years and see that even though I was sincere in my beliefs, I was sincerely wrong.  My actions reflected my error as well.  The apostle Paul admitted his past error as well and his actions had a substantial negative impact on many believers while he was known as Saul.  In Galatians chapter 1, Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT:

1 Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead),

2 and all the brethren who are with me, To the churches of Galatia:

​3 Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ,

4 who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,

5 to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

We often skim through the salutations at the beginning of each epistle but here we see Who selected Paul to be an apostle.  He was not selected by the casting of lots but by Our Lord Jesus Christ AND GOD the FATHER.  Paul knew that Jesus only spoke those Words FATHER directed Him to speak to Paul at his conversion.  Paul knew THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY as FATHER thus he had the revelation of Love and wrote to the church at Corinth about this revelation.  Paul had firsthand experience of being taught the error of another gospel.  He was in error before his conversion, and his zeal was very destructive toward believers, yet FATHER forgave him, and he became a vessel of honor.  He was then able to see problems arising in the churches:

6 I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel,

7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.

8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.

9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.

We must be vigilant to protect ourselves when we study or hear teachers preaching what appears to be the Gospel.  When the Gospel is perverted in some manner, we will get a “check” in our spirit, and we must not disregard that check but search the Scripture to see where the problem lies.  We must not let the high regard we hold for people to cause us to overlook errors in their teaching.  Even a reported supernatural encounter must be validated even though we all long for such an encounter.  Paul knew his writings might not be popular and would go against those who were attempting to defend their gospel and associated actions:

10 For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.

I only answer to My Lord Jesus and FATHER and am willing to expose teaching in error to protect the flock from taking the wrong path.  I do it out of Love for the brethren just as Paul found it necessary to correct those in Galatia.  If I was taught in error and suffered judgment associated with that error, then it is incumbent upon me to share this with the brethren.  Paul shares this reality in his writings:

13 For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it.

14 And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.

It is up to each of us to seek out the Truth and not allow man’s teaching to be the final word in our lives.  We were given The Holy Spirit to help us when we are exposed to teaching in order to determine its validity.  As we seek to be sensitive to The Holy Spirit, our ability to quickly discern Truth will improve.  If our ego gets stroked by the teacher, our sensitivity decreases because our ego begins to overpower that still small voice.  As we mature, we will not allow men’s accolades affect our discerning of their spirituality and as a result we will not be moved away from the Truth.

Once we correct the error of what we have been taught, we must let FATHER deal with those who taught us in error rather than take it upon ourselves to evoke some sort of judgment.  HE will deal with them in the appropriate manner while we go about doing FATHER’S business.  It is up to each of us to guard hearts so that we can receive greater revelation from Above.

Prior to receiving the impartation of The Holy Spirit recorded in Acts 2:4, Peter had determined that Judas Iscariot needed to be replace.  In Acts chapter 1 it is written by THE SPIRIT:

1 The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,

2 until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen,

3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.

4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me;

5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”

7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.

8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

9 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.

Jesus spent forty days with the disciples and did not select a replacement for Judas yet Peter determined to replace him after Jesus’ departure.  Wouldn’t Jesus have made the selection before He departed if it was FATHER’S perfect plan, Will, and purpose?  I am sure Peter’s intent was good but yet Jesus made no mention of it during the forty days of instruction.  Peter took charge:

15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty), and said,

16 “Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus;

17 for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry.”

…

21 “Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,

22 beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”

23 And they proposed two: Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.

24 And they prayed and said, “You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen

25 to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.”

26 And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

After that day we hear no more mention of Matthias.  Why didn’t Peter wait until the Day of Pentecost or wait upon FATHER to instruct him?  Instead, he said a prayer requesting FATHER to endorse the casting of lots.  It all sounded good but there is no observable fruit of Matthias after being designated as the twelfth apostle.  Men continue to use physical means in order to get spiritual direction and answers.  Gideon did so and FATHER answered him because of HIS great grace and mercy.  However Gideon had already received the directive and simply wanted confirmation.  Peter initiated the plan to replace Judas without any directive from Jesus.

A physical sign or use of physical means to discern FATHER’S Will was used in the Old Testament but since we have The Holy Spirit, any use today can lead one into the area of divination and witchcraft.  False prophets used divination to foretell the future and FATHER expressly forbid its use (Lev. 19:26) as well as witchcraft (Deut 18:10).  Any alternative to access the spiritual versus hearing FATHER places a person at risk of judgment.  FATHER’S grace and mercy will prevail for those who are immature but at some point we must refer to Scripture to determine the validity of any teaching, prophecy, or method of receiving answers.

The Beloved Disciple John was totally silent in Peter’s decision to replace Judas and we hear of no mention of Peter’s decision later.  There was simply no fruit produced.  Could it be that Paul was meant to be counted as the twelfth disciple?  After all, he did pen two-thirds of the New Testament after his conversion from Saul to Paul.  In Acts chapter 9 Jesus spoke to Ananias:

15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.

16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”

Jesus clearly chose Paul to be an apostle and I suspect Peter may have repented once he heard Paul’s testimony and saw the fruit of his ministry.  It appears that Peter missed the mark but it did not prevent him from fulfilling his calling.  I too have missed the mark countless times in the past but FATHER has continued to deliver me from death and destruction because of HIS Son’s perfect sacrifice and HIS great grace and mercy.  We have all missed the mark from time to time and it is comforting to know that even the disciples were not yet perfected even though they spent 3 1/2 years with Our Lord Jesus Christ.  There is hope for us all!

We thank each of you who have given to Servias Ministries this year.  We are truly grateful for your financial support as we purpose to spread the truly Good News to all who follow the writings on our site.  May FATHER bless all that you set your hand to in the coming year!  The following is a list of countries representing the people who have read our posts in 2017:

We are spreading The Good News throughout the earth and you are a part of it!

A diversion is an instance of turning something aside from its course; a deviation; a distraction.  Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in Galatians chapter 4:

8 But then, indeed, when you did not know God, you served those which by nature are not gods.

9 But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage?

10 You observe days and months and seasons and years.

11 I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain.

12 Brethren, I urge you to become like me, for I became like you. You have not injured me at all.

…

16 Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?

17 They zealously court you, but for no good; yes, they want to exclude you, that you may be zealous for them.

Verse 17 is also translated “Those heretical teachers go to great lengths to flatter you, but their motives are rotten. They want to shut you out of the free world of God’s grace so that you will always depend on them for approval and direction, making them feel important.”

Paul warned the Galatians of teachings that focus on events associated with the calendar which by definition includes the Feast days.  Those whose teachings focus on calendar events often divert our attention from the “now” which is where you and I live each day.  When great emphasis is placed on a dramatic future event to take place on a specific day, there is a tendency to spend our time and focus on that event rather than going about doing FATHER’S business today.  I have personally seen this happen where so-called experts in Biblical prophecy predicted the “Return of Christ” in 1988, 1993, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2005, etc.  I have read of earlier predictions as well.

Each time a prediction is missed the expert finds some hidden verse that justifies the postponement.  In some cases, people have sold their houses and possessions awaiting the event only to cry in their pillows when nothing happened.  The expert simply continued predicting another year based on the latest revelation.  Clearly, the expert did not hear FATHER.  People who continue to support and follow these experts are referred to in Paul’s warning mentioned in the above passage.

People who are seeking FATHER want to believe in a major event where FATHER shows HIMSELF mighty to the world because their focus is on the external.  Paul himself once focused on the times and seasons but has been freed from the Law.  Paul knew that the change must occur on the inside rather than the outside.

Paul warns us of the bondage we subject ourselves to when we focus on certain days and months and seasons and years.  I saw myself become of no value in days and weeks leading up to a supposed major event.  I asked myself “Why start anything new when everything is getting ready to change on earth?”  Of course, I missed it as everyone else who was following the teaching of the expert missed it as well.  Jesus summed it up in Matthew chapter 6:

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Let us focus on today’s events and challenges where we can make a difference in other people’s lives.  When FATHER decides to bring forth a major event let us be found in the midst of doing HIS business rather than sitting around waiting and producing no fruit whatsoever.  In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) the servant found doing nothing was cast into the outer darkness which is the farthest point from the presence of FATHER.  Let us not join him but instead let us hear the words ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

One last point.  In Acts chapter 1 the disciples asked Jesus:

6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”

Jesus’ response:

7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.”

There are times when the most mature believer should get back to the basics.  There is so much deception in this world that even those who have walked according to The Word are subject to being deceived in some subtle manner.  Our ego will attempt to usurp The Holy Spirit’s leading.  Gaining knowledge without the fullness of wisdom and understanding can alter our course by one degree.  This alteration can grow over time and then one day we find ourselves in unintended consequences of being in error.  It has happened to me and I suspect I am not alone.  That “still small voice” must not be muffled at any time.

In John chapter 14, Jesus spoke:

6 Jesus said to him (Thomas), “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

Let us consider this progressive statement of fact.  First, Jesus is The Way thus no can come to FATHER except through Him.  We should consider this as a directive and any other path to FATHER would be deemed as lawlessness.  Given this directive, we should pay close attention to the Words and acts of Jesus for our foundation should be built on the Rock.  His Disciples clearly wrote the Epistles based on this foundation and this is why we must filter and assess all teachings based on this very foundation.  Any teaching that conflicts with the Words and acts of Jesus should be rejected.

By focusing on the Words and acts of Jesus and the Epistles we will arrive at The Truth and Its intended revelation.  I am personally convinced that a Truth without Love is actually a partial Truth because you cannot fully know Truth without knowing the intent of FATHER behind it.  I believe it is imperative to read and study Scripture from the perspective of Love.  Even FATHER’S correction is based on HIS long term Intent of Love.  The Truth is meant to set us free from bondage which includes but is not limited to sickness, disease, demons, and death.  Aren’t these things we are to overcome in order to be overcomers?

Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in Galatians chapter 5:

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

And in Ephesians chapter 3:

17  That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love

Jesus gave us one commandment and it is centered around Love.  The Way, Truth, and Life will only be obtained by one who follows Jesus’ one commandment of Love.  Those who teach without this central focus place themselves at risk.  Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in 1 Timothy chapter 1:

3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

4 nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith.

5 Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith,

6 from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk,

7 desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm.

8 But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully,

9 knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,

10 for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine.

Without Love, those who teach us will ultimately attempt to develop and perpetuate followers for themselves in order to sustain “their way”.  They might start a church based on their own foundation of belief however there is truly only one church and it is of Jesus Christ.  All other churches are missing some aspect of Truth.  When we walk in The Way it leads us to all Truth and when we walk in all Truth it leads us to eternal life.  This progression is attainable to all who seek it, not just a few.  Rather than focus on every word that some Vicar, Monsignor, Priest, Reverend, Clerk, Curate, Parson, Father, Doctor of Divinity, Superintendent, Overseer, President, or Bishop speaks, why don’t we focus on every Word Jesus spoke for He is The Way, the Truth, and the Life!

Jesus spoke in John chapter 8:

23 And He said to them (the Jews), “You are from beneath; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.

24 Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”

25 Then they said to Him, “Who are You?”

And Jesus said to them, “Just what I have been saying to you from the beginning.

26 I have many things to say and to judge concerning you, but He who sent Me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I heard from Him.”

27 They did not understand that He spoke to them of the Father.

28 Then Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things.

29 And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.”

30 As He spoke these words, many believed in Him.

31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.

32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

Jesus differentiates Himself from the Jews by telling them “I am from above.”  He also disclosed to the Jews that He only speaks and acts according to what FATHER has instructed.  Though Jesus had performed many miracles and also had established as being well versed in the Law, the Jews were blinded to who He is.  He even disclosed the fact He was going to die for their sins thus becoming the sacrificial lamb for them.  Finally, He revealed that His walk is well pleasing to FATHER and as He spoke these Words many believed in Him.

To the believers, Jesus defined who would be known as true disciples.  His disciples are those who truly abide in His Word.  The word “abide” means to remain, not to depart, to remain as one, not to become another or different, to continue in, to last, to endure, and to act upon.  We would say in today’s slang- we are “all in.”  Those who are truly Jesus’ disciples shall know the Truth and will be made free from bondage of any type.

What happens to those who do not “remain” in the Words of Jesus?  What they once knew as Truth becomes diluted with the world’s logic and reasoning, especially toward Scripture.  Revelation becomes tradition and formulas.  FATHER’S power is sought in the use of worldly means and methods.  Idols are lifted up and attempt to replace the power and authority Jesus gave to His disciples.  Signs become more important than hearing HIS Voice.

Jesus stated, “I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things.“  When we become as He is, we will be able to genuinely state the same reality and know that we are truly walking as His Disciples.  At that point, we will also manifest power and authority in like manner.  Let us not become discouraged in this maturing process for the world will actively attempt to dissuade us from this high calling.  We must simply walk in Love and the revelation we have as we mature.  The works produced by faith will encourage us as we increase in our fruitfulness.  Let us continue knowing that FATHER’S desire is for us to come into full maturity as HIS Sons and Daughters who are also known as the Disciples of Jesus.

There is no instance where Jesus ever agreed with or allowed an evil spirit, demon, or the enemy to take up residence in a man or woman.  On the contrary, in every case He took action and expected the demons and evil spirits to depart from the person because He always acted out of Love for His “neighbor”.  A neighbor is defined as any other man or woman irrespective of nation or religion with whom we live or whom we chance to meet.

In Matthew chapter 10 it is written by THE SPIRIT:

1 And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease.

And in Mark 16:

17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons

And in Luke 10  Jesus addressed the seventy sent out by Jesus:

19 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

As we pursue a deeper revelation of being led by THE SPIRIT like the walk of our Elder Brother Our Lord Jesus Christ, we too will walk in the same power and authority He gave to all His disciples throughout the centuries.  We will be required to walk in greater accountability than those who are still little children and are susceptible to being misled.  This is why Jesus emphasized the commandment to walk in Love thus doing no harm to His sheep.

In Mark chapter 1 it is written by THE SPIRIT:

32 At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed.

33 And the whole city was gathered together at the door.

34 Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him.

Those who are mature Sons will be able to discern which demons are possessing a person and will not allow them to speak.  Jesus was not interested promoting fear by allowing the demons to express themselves.  His authority was clearly greater than theirs and they had to submit to this Spiritual authority.  In Luke chapter 4:

33 Now in the synagogue there was a man who had a spirit of an unclean demon. And he cried out with a loud voice,

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

35 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him in their midst, it came out of him and did not hurt him.

And…

40 When the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and He laid His hands on every one of them and healed them.

41 And demons also came out of many, crying out and saying, “You are the Christ, the Son of God!”

And He, rebuking them, did not allow them to speak, for they knew that He was the Christ.

However, Jesus did ask the demon’s name when He was approached by the man of the Gadarenes in Luke chapter 8.  In this case there was a legion of demons and Jesus addressed one who was in charge. It was not to engage in a lengthy deliverance.  Jesus commanded them all to depart (He said to them, “Go.”) and they entered into herd of swine.  Jesus did not tolerate demons remaining in those whom they possessed nor did He encourage them to inhabit them at all.

In the Gospel of John we find no mention of Jesus dealing with demons.  In the Epistles we find no emphasis of instructing us to cast out demons but we do find in Acts chapter 19:

11 Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul,

12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.

13 Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.”

14 Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so.

15 And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?”

16 Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

17 This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

18 And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds.

19 Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver.

20 So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.

Only by personally knowing Jesus Christ and having the revelation of His power and authority will the demons be cast out.  Otherwise, one is subjected to them in some manner to the point of being overpowered by them.  Paul focused on healing and restoration just as Jesus did.  Paul did not spend time conversing with demons but focused his efforts on teaching and healing.  Shouldn’t we do the same?  Paul then wrote by THE SPIRIT in 1 Timothy chapter 4:

1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,

2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron,

3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.

4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving;

5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

Deceiving spirits by nature will deceive those who are without revelation and will promote their own doctrines.  Our focus should be on the revelation of Our Lord Jesus Christ and not elsewhere.  Jesus was not deceived by them nor did He allow them to deceive those around Him when He cast them out.  We have power and authority over the enemy but we must not allow any deception to enter in.  I find it interesting that John the Beloved Disciple focused no time on evil spirits and FATHER gave him the pen to write (by THE SPIRIT) the last book of the Bible.  That should tell us something about the revelation of Love and the power over the enemy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In chapter 2:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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