Servias Ministries Blog

Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in Colossians chapter 3:

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Isolation does not promote unity and people in this day and time are being oriented more and more toward isolationism.  People of all ages are now focusing more on their cell phones than on the people around them.  When I go into restaurants individuals, couples, and families each have their cell phone and are checking emails, facebook, playing games, or texting instead of actively promoting unity among those in their presence.  How can you communicate the attributes of Love to people who keep their face buried in their phone or Ipad?

Televisions are now becoming the mainstay in most casual restaurant chains so you can watch sports/commentaries rather than look at the person opposite you, eye to eye.  We are being de-socialized by technology and that is affecting our mandate to actively Love one another.  Each of us is responsible for where we focus our attention and cannot blame anyone else for the lack of true fellowship among the saints.

If the aspiring overcomers are going to be a fully functioning bride of Christ this must change.  Our focus must be on people and not technology.  We must change our priorities in order to minister life to those in need.  Many who have retired from their jobs have taken up playing games on their phones and computers rather than focus on the needs of others.  What excuse would be acceptable to FATHER if HE were to reconcile the “books” today with each of us?

Paul also wrote in Philemon:

4 I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers,

5 hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints,

6 that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

7 For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.

In order to share our Love and faith we must interact with others and residing in isolation does not promote any interaction.  Are you waiting for someone to call you?  Instead, why don’t you pick up the phone and call them?  We should not forsake the fellowshipping of the saints but should become proactive in our walk with FATHER.  It is time for us to become active in our unity with the brethren.

My wife and I took a couple of days off to “re-create”, rejuvenate, and relax.

Wisdom wrote in Proverbs chapter 3:

1 My son, do not forget my law, ​​but let your heart keep my commands;

2 ​​For length of days and long life and peace they will add to you.

​3 ​​Let not mercy and truth forsake you; ​​Bind them around your neck, ​​Write them on the tablet of your heart,

4 ​​ And so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man.

​FATHER is the Lawgiver and no one else can claim this title.  We are to keep the Law in our heart, not just comply with it in our mind.  The heart is the issue.  The Truth is only found through FATHER’S eyes thus we must maintain our relationship with HIM in order to know the Truth and to be set free from the persuasive technics of manipulation by man.  Man’s law continues to be modified, added to, and deleted to suit the ever-changing values of society independent of FATHER.  If Love were to prevail in the hearts of men, we would need no other Law but HIS.

5 ​​Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;

6 ​​In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

​Since Love would dictate our thoughts and actions, our trust in FATHER would guide our steps even though we may not fully understand the overall plan.  This is where trust is of paramount importance.  Who else should we fully trust with our future other than the ONE who created us to fulfill a unique purpose which spans our entire existence on earth?  We have a responsibility in this matter to think and act according to HIS Word:

7 ​​Do not be wise in your own eyes; ​​Fear the LORD and depart from evil.

8 ​​It will be health to your flesh, ​​And strength to your bones.

​This may be one of the most critical statements we must heed in order to walk fully IN HIM.  As we mature we have a tendency to be wise in our own eyes.  Many teenagers think they know everything as they transition into their teens but we know better.  FATHER’S wisdom and understanding are infinitely greater than ours therefore none of us should claim to be the epitome of Wisdom.  We must maintain humbleness in our heart which ultimately expresses itself in the physical.

9 ​​Honor the LORD with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase;

10 ​​So your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.

How do you honor the LORD with your possessions and the firstfruits of your increase?  You give to those who are called by FATHER to minister to you and are promoting your maturity.  You also give to those who are in need when HE instructs you to do so.  Love gives and as you give according to FATHER’S expectation, you are humbling yourself with your finances.  To honor FATHER means to give him the rightful place of authority by rendering to him gifts of gratitude, respect, and admiration.  One way to acknowledge FATHER in one’s ways (v. 6) is to honor him with one’s wealth (v.9).  This is a stumbling block for those who have yet to fully trust in FATHER’S Word to us.  One could say that giving is a barometer of our level of trust IN HIM.  HE tells us the effect we should expect when we honor HIM with our resources.  When we overcome our orientation to scarcity then we have taken major steps toward being humble in our heart.

27 ​​Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,

​​When it is in the power of your hand to do so.

28 ​​Do not say to your neighbor,

​​“Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it,”

​​When you have it with you.

It is written by THE SPIRIT in Hebrews chapter 6:

10 For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end,

12 that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Many of us view each feast day with anticipation that it might be the day when FATHER enacts a major change in the earth.  We have listened to the “prophetic voices” who have interpreted the Scripture, stars, and planets in order to predict FATHER’S next major move but we find they have once again missed it.  The day after the expected event is usually the toughest for those who place their faith in man’s opinions rather than simply continuing on doing FATHER’S work.  Our focus should be on ministering in our calling each day no matter what is being anticipated.

13 For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself,

14 saying, “Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.”

When FATHER makes a promise we can be assured that HE will fulfill HIS promise to us.  Often, the only question is “when?”.  If we are truly embracing our calling then we should not be concerned about future promises and events but we should passionately embrace what we are called to do today.  Many people try to live their life in the future which frustrates them in the “now” because they have no plan of action for today thus they produce no fruit.  Our elder brother Jesus ministered each day according to what FATHER instructed and we should purpose to do the same.

James wrote by THE SPIRIT in chapter 4:

13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”;

14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.

15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.”

16 But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.

17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

If we will focus on receiving our daily directives from FATHER then we will fulfill all that HE has called us to do.  We must not concern ourselves with the future at the expense of the present.  We are all called to Love our fellow man and minister life on a daily basis.  Let each of us be a blessing to those around us today.  Those who withhold from doing good today because they want to focus on the future are at risk of sinning.  Let us not be counted among those who fall into this classification.  Love for today knowing that tomorrow will take care of itself.

The blessings of obedience are written in Deuteronomy chapter 28 which begins with:

1 “Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the LORD your God will set you high above all nations of the earth.

2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the LORD your God:

3 “Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country.

4 “Blessed shall be the fruit of your body, the produce of your ground and the increase of your herds, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks.

5 “Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl.

6 “Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out.

HIS blessings should bring forth joy in our hearts which result in laughter.  If anyone should be joyful, it should be the aspiring overcomers who have the revelation of Love.  Yes, there will be days of challenges and today may be included but we should rejoice even in the midst of our trials and tests for Our Heavenly Father is on the Throne and HIS enemies will ultimately scatter.  In verse 47 of the curses we are effectively told that if we had served THE LORD we would “serve the LORD your God with joy and gladness of heart, for the abundance of everything,”

Our trials and tests are temporary in nature but our salvation is forever.  If nothing else we ought to be overjoyed given that reality.  We should be grateful for what FATHER has given to us and that HIS Love far exceeds the challenges of any situation we find ourselves in.  In the parable of the talents found in Matthew chapter 25 Jesus spoke of the faithful servant:

21 His lord said to him, ‘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.’

As we are faithful in our walk, we should expect to enter into the joy of OUR LORD.  Our gratitude for HIM and HIS creation should fill our hearts to overflowing.  We should be the ones celebrating life and our joy should infect those around us.  We should be full of joy as we succeed in overcoming the obstacles placed before us.

Do you think the world will be attracted to those who are somber, solemn, and gloomy?  Our confidence in FATHER should be expressed by our emotions and as people see our positive attitude, they will be attracted to us and want to know what we have that brings forth that joy.  In the parable of the lost coin found in Luke 15 Jesus reveals:

10 “Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Heaven is joyful thus we should be joyful.  Be assured that when Heaven fully comes to the earth that our joy will be full and there will be no more tears to wipe away from those who failed to receive the revelation of Love.  In John chapter 15 Jesus spoke:

9 “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.

10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.

11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.

12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”

Jesus is full of joy and we will be full of joy as we come into full maturity and it will be a time of celebration.  If you are not joyful, consider what FATHER has done for you in the past and begin to praise HIS Name.  Let joy fill your soul and let the laughter rise out of your belly.

TRUST ME HERE AND NOW. YOU ARE IN RIGOROUS training—on an adventurous trail designed for you alone. This path is not of your choosing, but it is My way for you. I am doing things you can’t understand. That is why I say, “Trust Me!” The jungle is thick, and you cannot clearly see what is before you, behind you, or beside you. Cling to My hand as you follow this trail in shadowy darkness. Although you cannot see Me, My Presence with you is rock-solid reality. Find hope in Me, beloved, for I am taking care of you. Focus on enjoying Me and all that I am to you—even though your circumstances scream for resolution.

Refuse to obsess about your problems and how you are going to fix them. Instead, affirm your trust in Me; wait hopefully in My Presence, and watch to see what I will do.

By THE SPIRIT it is written in James chapter 1:

2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,

3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.

7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

As FATHER prepares us for the fullness of our calling we must be patient.  Our preparation includes things we need as well as other things we need to get rid of from our lives.  The various trials are meant to expose our current state in relation to that perfected state which will accommodate our calling.  These trials will cause us to exercise faith and trust in FATHER’S directives as we go through them and some may be extreme in order that we walk in “great” faith IN HIM.

Our flesh does not want to be tested but instead wants a life without any significant trials.  It would like to coast through life bypassing hardship and external challenges.  As overcomers we must be able to “overcome” something or someone in order to be fully qualified in the area of faith and patience.  These trials are meant to bring us into a singular focus of trusting FATHER in all aspects of our life and our tests will include the spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical.  We can expect intense pressure as we move toward perfection so we can either embrace the tests or attempt to run from them.

FATHER will give us wisdom to deal with each trial if we will only ask HIM.  HE is not withholding wisdom but will give to us without reluctance or reservation.  As we move closer to perfection it becomes vitally important for us to be singular in purpose and thought for we cannot move on to perfection in a double-minded state.  FATHER is purifying our hearts and all the dross must be removed in order to walk in HIS fullness which will allow our lights to shine brightly for all to see.

We must overcome our emotions as we are being tested.  Our emotions will challenge the Wisdom from above by rationalizing why we should not have to go through the various trials and tests.  We may feel guilty or embarrassed as these trials arise because we get concerned about what others think as they try to assign some type of judgment to our trial.  Do they secretly believe we have some major spiritual flaw which would explain why we are being subjected to such a harsh trial?  Paul suffered for Christ and he listed the various events in 2 Corinthians chapter 11.  He was anointed to write two thirds of the New Testament so we must conclude his trials were to prepare him for the fullness of his calling.  We must not let our emotions dictate our response to trials but let Wisdom from above guide us through to the conclusion of the tests.

The passage in James chapter 1 is meant to encourage us as these trials arise.  Let us take on a fresh perspective concerning our walk toward perfection and view the trials in a positive manner.  As we fully trust in FATHER’S Love for us we will be able to endure all things that rise up against us.  The greater our trust the greater our stability and faith IN HIM.  Each test and trial has an end.  Our responsibility is to stay strong in THE LORD as we walk out the test and let patience have its perfect work.

Bitterness is anger and disappointment at being treated unfairly; resentment.  People who are bitter look at others being the problem without considering the need to look in the mirror and assessing their own actions.  It is written by THE SPIRIT in Deuteronomy chapter 29:

18 so that there may not be among you man or woman or family or tribe, whose heart turns away today from the LORD our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations, and that there may not be among you a root bearing bitterness or wormwood;

19 and so it may not happen, when he hears the words of this curse, that he blesses himself in his heart, saying, ‘I shall have peace, even though I follow the stubbornness of my heart’—as though the drunkard could be included with the sober.

People who walk around in bitterness will poison those around them by redirecting the issue away from the true source of the problem.  Often they claim to be the victim as though their past actions were pure and righteous yet to everyone else it is obvious that they contributed to the issues which led to their bitter state.  It is written in Hebrews chapter 12:

12 Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees,

13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.

14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:

15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;

16 lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright.

17 For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.

We must not allow the root of bitterness to grab hold in our hearts and defile us as well as those around us.  Those who turn from FATHER and serve other gods are susceptible to bitterness taking root.  Their trust is not found in their relationship with FATHER and the stubbornness in their heart causes them to make poor decisions and alienate others.  Can you imagine selling your birthright for a morsel of food?  No one in their right mind would do this yet we see people make poor decisions of this nature all the time.  If we truly trust FATHER to watch over us then we will not become bitter when trials and tests come our way.  In Romans chapter 8 Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT:

26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

We must allow The Holy Spirit to minister to us when we are weak an susceptible to error.  We must trust in the reality that FATHER is working all things out for our good even though we cannot see the big picture.  If we have been wronged by another we must trust FATHER to deal with the other person and not allow ourselves to become bitter toward that person.  If we are to Love our enemies as well as our friends then we cannot hold a grudge against anyone for any reason.  We must not allow ourselves to have a stubborn heart and we must guard our heart for out of it springs forth the issues of life.

If you are bitter towards someone, it is time to pluck that root out and repent.  Get over it and place your trust in FATHER to lead and guide you according to HIS Divine Intent of Love.

Let us express our gratitude to Our Heavenly Father on this day.  Psalm 147 provides us with a template:

1 Praise the LORD. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him!

2 The LORD builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the exiles of Israel.

3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

4 He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.

5 Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.

6 The LORD sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground.

7 Sing to the LORD with grateful praise; make music to our God on the harp.

8 He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills.

9 He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call.

10 His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of the warrior;

11 the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.

Each of us has much to be thankful for and we should openly express our gratitude toward FATHER, not out of duty but out of Love.  Some of us are facing challenges we have never before encountered.  FATHER is not unaware of these challenges but uses them to prune away those things which are no longer of any importance or consequence to our future.  There is so much perverted behavior and actions being perpetuated by the enemy, we must not let the enemy dictate how our day will proceed.  Let us sing to THE LORD with grateful praise.

FATHER is in the restoration business so let us not look at any apparent loss as being the final conclusion to the matter.  If FATHER can raise the dead then HE can restore relationships as well for Love never fails.  We should become proactive toward others who have no revelation of preserving relationships.  Why sit passively by while the brokenhearted are in need of HIS Love expressed through us?

FATHER takes great pleasure in those of us who actively acknowledge HIS majesty, power, and authority.  We do not place our trust in man, resources, or technology but instead we look to Our Heavenly Father for all our wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and skill.  In the Book of Daniel chapter 1 we find the key to the children’s success:

17  As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.

In Psalm 9:

1 I will praise You, O LORD, with my whole heart; ​​I will tell of all Your marvelous works.

2 ​​I will be glad and rejoice in You; ​​I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.

If you are going through tough times, sing!  Acknowledge what FATHER has done for you in the past by expressing your gratitude.  This physical life on earth is a small aspect of our eternal life so we should not focus our attention on the temporal issues but instead focus on Our Deliverer.  Let our adoration be expressed for all to hear.  Let us write down those past acts of deliverance by FATHER if need be in order that we never forget the benefits of being HIS children.  We are walking testimonies of HIS goodness so let us be grateful and express it to others.