Servias Ministries Blog

Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in Philippians chapter 4:

15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only.

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.

FATHER directed me to this sensitive topic: giving.  Over the years I have heard a multitude of reasons for people not giving to the ministry.  Most reasons originate out of judgment rather than hearing FATHER.  People will look for reasons to withhold their funds because they were able to identify “error” in the ministry yet they are unwilling to look into the mirror themselves.

When you give with pure intent, FATHER rewards you whether or not the funds are used properly.  Your promise is “My GOD shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” and it has nothing to do with the recipient’s performance.  My wife and I learned that Truth years ago.  Your obedience is what FATHER is considering.  Jesus Christ gave His life which is worth far more than any gift you or I could bestow to benefit the ministry.  All the wealth we have is but temporal in nature except for the riches in Heaven.

In 1 Timothy 6, Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT:

17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.

18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share,

19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

If FATHER wasn’t interested in our giving, HE would not have placed these passages in Scripture.  HE wants no hindrance to our spiritual growth and greed is once such hindrance.  We must overcome this most subtle issue as we continue our growth to become mature Sons and Daughters of FATHER.

Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in Ephesians chapter 2:

14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation,

15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace,

16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.

17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near.

18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.

By His act on the cross, Jesus created a new man made up of both Jews and Gentiles.  With that event the Law was perfected by His act of Love and thus He eliminated the significant sacrificial requirements the Jews had to follow.  The Gentiles were joined together with the Jews because of the cross yet there is still notable division among the two groups today.  Instead of looking for disqualifications we should embrace the unity with our brethren.  Love is what will break up the division between the two groups, not debating the Word or one’s heritage.

Jesus came and preached peace, not confrontation.  As we seek to be led by THE SPIRIT we will pursue and walk in that same peace that Jesus walked in with Jews and Gentiles alike.  He had no issue in ministering to anyone in need no matter what their heritage.  The Roman Centurion was described as a man with great faith.  Jesus was not divisive against the Romans or the Samaritans.  We should not place people into stereotypes so that we can isolate them from our ministry.  As we are led by THE SPIRIT we will be able to discern those who are ready to receive Love and Life.  This is what conversion is all about.

We all have access by one Spirit to FATHER so let us not let this access remain dormant.  FATHER is ready and willing to be integral in our lives as we come to the realization that HE is truly available at an individual level.  Which is more important, to seek this access or to do your next “word” study?  HE will provide us knowledge and understanding of HIS Word if we will simply pursue this connection Paul mentions.

Jesus removes separations so we should not build any ourselves.  The ego wants to separate in order to be in control.  On the other hand Love removes separation in order that there be fellowship and unity.  We must critically assess our actions to see if we are “wall builders” or “wall removers”.

Love is the only answer for the world today.  The walls of separation are everywhere for they are built by men who want to subject others to their control.  Only by FATHER’S Wisdom and understanding will those walls be removed properly.  Let us access HIM rather than rely on man’s soulish wisdom for the true answers to our problems.  When we do, unity will spread to all of mankind.

In Genesis chapter 50 it is written by THE SPIRIT:

15 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “Perhaps Joseph will hate us, and may actually repay us for all the evil which we did to him.”

16 So they sent messengers to Joseph, saying, “Before your father died he commanded, saying,

17 ‘Thus you shall say to Joseph: “I beg you, please forgive the trespass of your brothers and their sin; for they did evil to you.” ’ Now, please, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of your father.” And Joseph wept when they spoke to him.

18 Then his brothers also went and fell down before his face, and they said, “Behold, we are your servants.”

19 Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God?

20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.

21 Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

Most believers are familiar with the story of Joseph.  The above passage concludes the 13 year trial and testing period Joseph was called to suffer on behalf of mankind.  FATHER knew a famine was coming upon the earth when HE began preparing Joseph for his ministry.  We would like to think that there would be no adversity we must endure in our own callings but that is not the case.  Love requires us to learn patience and it is often learned through such adversity.  Sometimes that adversity will hit close to home and we must not be moved by the circumstances but instead trust in FATHER and HIS steadfastness.

The attributes of Love did not start in the New Testament but were present in the Old Testament as the above passage shows.  Joseph matured to the point of realizing that his brothers’ actions were all part of the plan.  We must look at our adversaries in the same manner in order to broaden our understanding of FATHER’S plan for us.  Who better to teach you patience than your enemy?

Joseph had the power to punish his brothers and no one would blame him.  Instead, he learned that Love is kind.  Though they acted as adversaries to him, he forgave them of their sins against him and restored fellowship with them.  We are to do the same.

Joseph gave 13 years of his life to save mankind from starvation.  It was quite a challenge for him at a personal level but his fruitfulness was multiplied many times over for all of mankind.  How much greater is the ministry of Jesus!  We must never become lax in acknowledging the ministry of Jesus Christ.  His Body and His Blood have been critical to our individual lives so let us acknowledge Him often in our personal communion with Him.  Joseph sacrificed much for mankind by his acts of Love.  How much more did Jesus!

It is written by THE SPIRIT in the Book of Acts in chapter 28:

7 In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island (Malta), whose name was Publius, who received us and entertained us courteously for three days.

8 And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him.

9 So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed.

10 They also honored us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary.

From a practical standpoint, Paul impacted the whole island of Malta once he healed Publius’ father.  The influential need healing just like the rest of us and when one of them are healed the news spreads quickly and many others come forth.  The credibility of Paul’s ministry was soon known throughout the island.  Their support for Paul increased notably since his message was one based on Truth and confirmed by healing miracles.

We are not to go looking for the affluent but instead be led by FATHER to those HE places before us.  It is up to HIM to make any connections necessary to spread the Gospel, not us.  This is why I keep emphasizing to be led by THE SPIRIT in all matters.  Sometimes we may deal with perilous events to get us in position to minister and in those situations we must trust FATHER to protect and sustain us.  The previous chapter gives us a detailed example of being spared:

41 But striking a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the prow stuck fast and remained immovable, but the stern was being broken up by the violence of the waves.

42 And the soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim away and escape.

43 But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, kept them from their purpose, and commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first and get to land,

44 and the rest, some on boards and some on parts of the ship. And so it was that they all escaped safely to land.

All 276 souls were spared when Paul was shipwrecked off the coast of Malta.  Before Paul ministered life to the whole island, he experienced the harrowing event of being shipwrecked.  Do you think the people who were healed on Malta appreciated what Paul went through to end up on their island?  Absolutely!  We often think that being led by THE SPIRIT is without its physical challenges but Paul provides us many examples to the contrary.  Let us be grateful to FATHER no matter what state we are in and let us glorify HIS Name above all.  Let us be equally grateful to Jesus Christ for His submission to the cross for our sins and sicknesses.  Further, let us be thankful to the Comforter Who remains with us in times of testing and training.

Our faithfulness to our calling is tested during the challenging times rather than the times of smooth sailing.  Above all, know that FATHER’S Love for us will see us through as we navigate the rough waters ahead for HE will calm them at the appropriate time.

Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in Philippians chapter 4:

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!

5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

I suspect each generation is exposed to a similar level of anxiety.  Often this anxiety is created by man’s rhetoric as he tries to influence people to his way of thinking.  FATHER’S answer is to think on whatever is true, pure, and of good report for HE is the ONE WHO has the ability to bring forth those things we ought to contemplate.  Man doesn’t.

Most of our fears never materialize and when we look back at those fears, they simply impeded our fruitfulness.  We must trust FATHER to align us with the resources to allow us to fully walk in our calling and then not worry about the rest.  Paul urges us to make our requests be made known unto FATHER.  This requires us to communicate with HIM and then listen for HIS reply.  Why?  We do not want to ask amiss when making our requests.

In every circumstance we find ourselves in, let us look for the positive for FATHER wants to teach us no matter what the situation.  We are urged to practiced thinking on the positive in our current situation.  If we become sick, let us be grateful for our healing.  If we become perplexed, let us focus on FATHER’S answer and dwell on HIS Wisdom and understanding to come forth in our situation.  We must let patience have its perfect work in order to keep “self” in line while waiting on the answer.

Consider what is going well rather than what is not working.  Be grateful for those past interventions by FATHER and share the many testimonies of HIS deliverance.  We don’t have to be subject to the physical but let the physical be subject to THE SPIRIT.  Allow FATHER’S zoe life to flow into and through our bodies to resolve physical afflictions.  We must train our minds that the spirit is greater than the body and the body should line up with the spirit.  Paul continues:

11 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.

12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.

13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

We too must understand where our strength originates from.  We are strengthened from Above, not by using some mental methodology that is absent of Christ.  Jesus (the vine) provides us life to produce good fruit and we must never think that we (the branch) can produce the good fruit apart from Him.  When I am being humbled, I view that as pruning me so that I can produce more fruit after the “dead” is cut away.  My priorities get reestablished and some priorities are totally removed because they only serve to use up resources and produce no fruit.  We all have “chapters” in our lives where we are given priorities to accomplish but once they are done, let us move on without regret.  Jesus was called to minister to mankind in the flesh but for only 3 1/2 years.  He moved on for our benefit so that we could all have eternal life.  Let us embrace change as well and be anxious for nothing.

Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in 1 Corinthians chapter 2:

1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God.

2 For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

3 I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling.

4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,

5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

Neither are these words I write persuasive words of human wisdom but are given to me by HIS SPIRIT.  Beloved brethren has sent encouraging words concerning these blogs and how they are paralleling what FATHER is showing them elsewhere.  This is because The Holy Spirit is not restricted by time or space when confirming FATHER’S Word.  There are those who have dealt with afflictions and family challenges who need personal assurance that FATHER’S Love will prevail on their behalf.

Many times we need HIS Power working specifically on our behalf in our everyday lives.  Jesus was sensitive to individuals’ needs just as FATHER is.  HE focused on each of us before HE formed us in the womb so we must not allow our apparent insignificance to play a part in receiving our answer from HIM.  HIS Power is greater than the summation of all issues which address mankind today and it is not restricted in any manner.

Our faith must be focused on FATHER’S power and ability to bring forth change.  Man’s wisdom by nature is limited in its understanding and access to the Truth.  Men would attempt to persuade us of their position or interpretation in order to justify their thinking (and their ego).  We must not be moved by men’s wisdom.

The power lies with FATHER.  It was HIS power that raised Jesus from the dead.  It was HIS power which has reconciled us to HIM.  Let our faith be based on FATHER’S ability to act rather than man’s ability.

10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.

11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.

12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.

Accessing HIS Power is properly done as we seek the deep things of FATHER.  As we are led by HIS Spirit, we can then properly ask for and in faith seek HIS Power according to HIS Will.  This insures the proper demonstration of the Spirit and of power.  FATHER will not allow misuse of HIS Power by those who try to cut corners and access HIS Power improperly.

HIS Power is meant to further HIS Kingdom on earth and not allow men to build their own mini-kingdoms through use of HIS Power.  Let us access HIS Power through the motivation of Love and FATHER will respond accordingly.

In Matthew chapter 7 Jesus spoke:

15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.

16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles?

17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.

18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.

19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.”

We are not to judge men’s hearts but we are to judge their fruit.  Men will espouse one way of life but their actions may contradict their words and if that be the case, beware.  Yes, there may be isolated incidents where men make mistakes but over the course of time you will know them by their consistency of actions.  This is especially true for those who proclaim to minister to others in the area of prophecy.  People are often swept into the area of prophecy for they want to know the future and seek out those who claim to have this special calling.

Only FATHER knows the future and HE will tell whomever HE chooses.  HE may discontinue the flow with a man who no longer operates according to FATHER’S Will and who has begun to use his gift for personal benefit.

FATHER may direct you according to the future without telling you the details so that you will be at the right place, at the right time.  You simply need to listen daily to HIS instructions, knowing HE is well aware of your future.  That being the case, why spend a lot of time seeking out prophets?

Many bad decisions have been made based on false prophets’ declarations.  In some cases those decisions were disastrous for the families involved.  In other cases people missed opportunities because the false prophet’s declarations put them in “defense” mode where they simply did nothing while expecting a catastrophic event to take place.  They lost time in walking out their calling.

FATHER will lead and guide us when the time comes for us to protect our families.  As we are led by THE SPIRIT, we can trust FATHER to not withhold any good thing from us.  HIS Love for each of us includes our protection and HE will alert us of problems ahead.  In the meantime, we are to produce good fruit for HIS Kingdom without being hindered by the lure of false prophets.

It is written by THE SPIRIT in Hebrews chapter 5:

12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.

13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.

14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Reading and studying the Word without “using” the Word is a determining factor in the maturity of a believer.  You can study and dissect the word “Love” in the Scripture and memorize every verse Agape appears in but if you don’t apply Agape Love in your life then you haven’t matured yet.  Jesus did not sit around in the garden day and night communing with FATHER at the expense of all those in need.  He applied what FATHER showed Him and fulfilled His calling.  We must do the same.

James wrote by THE SPIRIT in chapter 2:

14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?

15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food,

16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?

17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

As we obtain revelation then we have a responsibility to walk and act according to that revelation.  The Word is for the equipping of the saints through the five-fold ministry so that when we are confronted with a situation, we can discern both good and evil thus respond accordingly.  There are many wolves out there who would take advantage of us if given the opportunity.  Our ability to discern is critical when dealing with such individuals.  There are other times where we must choose to be silent in order to discern the situation.  This all centers around being led by THE SPIRIT and only those who are mature will be able to effectively walk in this manner.

Everyone has to start somewhere and there are those who have spent years studying without “doing”.  Others have done the opposite.  It is up to each of us to find our own balance going forward.  As we spend time with FATHER, HE will guide us into all Truth and HIS SPIRIT will provide the necessary balance if we are willing to listen and respond accordingly.  There are times when FATHER wants me to hear a message by an evangelist who happens to have a Word for me that day.  Other times HE will direct me to read a passage about some event in Scripture.  Later, those Words become applicable to a situation I am in and often are used to guard me from the wrong path another wants me to take or provide instruction to those I come in contact.

We are called to become mature Sons and Daughters in Christ so that we can be most effective in bringing forth the Kingdom to earth.  Let us not be lacking in any area.

In John chapter 15 Jesus spoke:

1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.

2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.

3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.

4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

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.”

FATHER is making it quite clear that we must understand the source and flow of zoe life.  I do not choose these daily topics but instead I am given them by HIS SPIRIT for our benefit, me being the first to receive since I am recording it.  This theme of zoe life flowing from Heaven through Jesus to us must be discerned like never before.  Yes, many of us have read these passages over the years but there is a fresh revelation to be received.  It requires a deeper understanding and relationship with Christ Jesus than what we have found acceptable in the past.

The life force that flows through Jesus must be permanently connected by Love through us so that we bear not only some fruit, but much fruit.  Those who are found not abiding IN HIM will be removed and cast into the fire for purging.  What fruit did Jesus bear in His earthly ministry?  Salvation, healing the sick, recovery of sight to the blind, and raising the dead.  He did this through His motivation of Love, a core expression of FATHER.

In the Revelation of Jesus Christ, the tree of life is once again mentioned in chapter 22:

2 In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

Since this tree is mentioned as part of the Revelation of Jesus Christ, we can focus on the purpose of the tree- bear much fruit and healing.  We can certainly look at other facets within this verse but simply put, it is all about zoe life.  Jesus is our connection with FATHER and He declared “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly”.  Jesus is the Life Source and we must insure that we are fully connected with Him for He is the only Way to FATHER and the fullness of Agape Love.  Let not the temporal redirect our focus away from this reality.  Let us not become too busy with life’s issues and challenges to allow this Truth to fade away.

As we focus on producing much fruit as a result of being connected with the True Vine, our individual issues will come to resolution in some manner.  Our troubles may be simply used to move us into the position FATHER wants us in so that we can increase our fruit.  As we embrace what FATHER places before us and HE will surely provide us the understanding of why we have been put into the various situations.  Look at it as pruning so that more fruit will come forth.  We should look forward to HIS life force being maximized in us.

The Greek word Zoe is the absolute fullness of life, both essential and ethical, which belongs to GOD.  In this life there is no death, sickness, disease, or destruction.  The zoe life will restore and heal any body back to its normal use.  In Matthew chapter 7 Jesus spoke:

13 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.

14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

This life force originates with FATHER and is accessible to us through Jesus Christ.  This life force in Jesus healed the sick, restored sight to the blind, and raised the dead.  It is superior to any affliction you or I may have.  The closer to the Source of this life force, the greater the impact it will have in restoring you and me.  At some point each of us will need access to this life force for healing and/or restoration so it simply makes sense to maintain the closest of relationships with the ONE WHO originates this life force.

FATHER Loves us so HE sent Jesus to us for our benefit.  Jesus said Himself in John chapter 10:

10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life (zoe), and that they may have it more abundantly.

This life comes as a result of a relationship, not as the primary goal.  We don’t use some formula to get zoe from Jesus.  His Love for us gives zoe to us.  No sickness or disease, or even death, could exist when zoe is present.  Jesus went about healing the sick and raising the dead to express this very point.  In Luke chapter 8 Jesus perceived the power of life flowing forth:

43 Now a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any,

44 came from behind and touched the border of His garment. And immediately her flow of blood stopped.

45 And Jesus said, “Who touched Me?”  When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, “Master, the multitudes throng and press You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’ ”

46 But Jesus said, “Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me.”

47 Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately.

48 And He said to her, “Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”

Her belief in Jesus and His zoe resulted in full restoration.  She accessed “the tree of life” whereas the “tree of knowledge of good and evil” could not heal her… food for thought.

Paul understood zoe as he wrote by THE SPIRIT in 1 Corinthians chapter 11 concerning the Lord’s Supper:

27 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.

29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.

30 For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep (death).

If our relationship with Jesus is not right and we fail to understand what He did for us in exchanging His stripes for our sicknesses and diseases, this zoe life will not flow forth on our behalf.  Let us discern this relationship between Jesus and us individually so that we understand the magnitude and importance of “by His stripes we are healed”.  Our quality of life depends on it.