Servias Ministries Blog

A stronghold is a place or means of safety, protection, or refuge.  Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in 2 Corinthians chapter 10:

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.

4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,

5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

In the Old Testament, strongholds were a place of refuge used by various nations to protect themselves from any potential enemy who would eliminate their way of life.  Today, most of us have strongholds which must be cast down so that we can fully embrace the knowledge of FATHER in our lives.  Preconceived notions given to us at a young age often prevail in later years.  Thoughts which do not line up with FATHER’S Word must be taken down and removed as THE SPIRIT reveals them to us.  This revealing might take place in a dream or in the aftermath of a disappointment.

There is no need to argue about the Truth but to simply study FATHER’S Word and find the applicable Truth to our situation.  When two people argue, division arises and unity is gone.  One of both have a stronghold which needs to be cast down for there is some thought exalting itself over The Word.

We have the ability to take thoughts captive so let us not dwell on any thoughts contrary to FATHER’S Word.  The more you dwell on whatever is exalting itself, the greater the stronghold being created.  The Internet is not helping in this matter but is a source for creating strongholds.  We must be vigilant in protecting our eyes and ears from malicious content accessible on the Internet.  The primary problem isn’t the Internet but our weakness in areas yet to be strengthened by studying and meditating on FATHER’S Word.

Let us shape our life around Christ.  There are times when we should disconnect from technology and observe the reality around us.  Sometimes we just need to innocently perceive what is going on without working our mind and creating issues to solve.  When a major storm blows through the area, consider that it is simply doing what FATHER designed it to do- deposit rain and prune branches.  Men build things which can be blown down and then assign FATHER with the responsibility of protecting those things even though they never sought HIS advice or wisdom to begin with.

The world is going through much change in all areas whether it be social, political, or economic in nature.  The complexities are well beyond man’s ability to manage and thus the systems have become weak by their very nature.  There are no man-made solutions at hand even though the strongholds in people’s minds are propelling them in certain unsustainable paths.  The only true solution is to pull down strongholds, cast down arguments, and every high thing exalting itself above FATHER and HIS Word.  Love is the answer to the current myriad of problems and its implementation can only be achieved through the obedience of Christ.

Matthew wrote by THE SPIRIT in chapter 3:

16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.

17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

It please FATHER for the Spirit to come upon Jesus just as it pleases FATHER for us to receive the Holy Spirit… HE is well pleased.  We must never forget the importance of The Holy Spirit in our lives.  This event is described in all four Gospels so there would be four difference inspired witnesses to this event.  John The Baptist was the current authentic priest under the Old Covenant and performed his duties accordingly.  He had not been compromised as others had been thus he could conduct the baptism in its purity.

FATHER allowed HIS Voice to be audibly heard by those who were to witness the event so there would be no question of the validity of Jesus’ ministry.  What a Holy moment for all in attendance!  There would be no question of Jesus being led by THE SPIRIT as He was to be tested and tempted in the wilderness by the wicked one.  There would be attempts to re-interpret the Word but Jesus would see through those attempts and quote the appropriate Word backed by its Divine Intent.

More about John the Baptist being the priest under the Old Covenant.  By THE SPIRIT it is recorded in Luke chapter 1:

8 So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division,

9 according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.

10 And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense.

11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense.

12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.

14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.

15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.

16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.

17 He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

John was the only priest in history whose birth was announced by an angel in the sanctuary of priests.  The highest ministry of the priesthood was to cleanse the people of their sins and that is exactly what John’s ministry was fulfilling in the Jordan river.  John represented the Aaronic priesthood and the ending of that priesthood occurred in the Jordan that day as the High Priest of the New Covenant was ordained.  The Aaronic priesthood bore witness of the New when FATHER proclaimed “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

John acknowledged Jesus’ superior priesthood in Matthew 3:

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him.

14 And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?”

15 But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him.

The Blessing was spoken and the priesthood was passed from the Old to the New.  Everything was done lawfully and in proper sequence.  This became the focal point in the beginning of the new priesthood and we should take our calling by FATHER with the same seriousness as that fateful day when the priesthood was transferred to our High Priest.

Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in Romans chapter 8:

11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

As true believers we have the life-giving Holy Spirit dwelling in us as we should encourage the sensitivity to this reality.  Listening to loud music or other distractions does not encourage the ability to hear The Holy Spirit within us.  Jesus often separated Himself to spend time with FATHER and the Holy Spirit in full communion.  We should do the same for He is our example.  HIS Spirit dwells in us so we don’t have to travel to some distant location to hear HIS Spirit.  Our prayer closet is always close at hand no matter where we find ourselves.

12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.

13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

Our promise is simple- the more time we spend being led by THE SPIRIT of FATHER, the more mature Sons we will be.  Some may get off track by pursuing tradition and doctrines of men.  Others may be taken in by deceitful lusts or crafty schemes of the wicked one.  How do you protect your self from these rabbit trails?  By doing nothing until THE SPIRIT directs you.  The story of Lazarus provides us an excellent example in John chapter 11:

1 Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.

2 It was that Mary who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.

3 Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.”

4 When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”

5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.

6 So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was.

Everyone knew Jesus had the power and authority to heal Lazarus but yet He did not immediately go to him.  FATHER told Jesus of the plan to raise Lazarus from the dead thus He waited two days as instructed by FATHER.  This made no sense to the disciples, Martha, or Mary but it did not matter, Jesus was being led by THE SPIRIT.

17 So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb four days.

18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles away.

19 And many of the Jews had joined the women around Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.

20 Now Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him, but Mary was sitting in the house.

21 Now Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.

22 But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.”

23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”

Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead at the appropriate time.  There is now no question Jesus has power over death and is able to give life to our mortal bodies through His Spirit Who dwells in us.   It is our responsibility to become more sensitive to THE SPIRIT in us so we walk and are led by THE SPIRIT and not by our own logic and reasoning.  If Jesus was required to wait two extra days, don’t be surprised if FATHER has us wait beyond our expectation in any given circumstance.  We must trust The Holy Spirit and know that our best interest is first and foremost in the eyes of Our Heavenly Father Who Loves us.

By THE SPIRIT Paul wrote in Ephesians chapter 4:

17 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind,

18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart;

19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

20 But you have not so learned Christ,

21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus:

22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts,

23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind,

24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

Your understanding can be darkened and that is a warning we all must pay close attention.  Additionally, you can grow corrupt by giving into deceitful lusts.  The responsibility squarely lies with us to protect ourselves from the world’s deceit and empty logic.  Jesus stated Himself that He is the Way, The Truth, and The Life and there is no other door to lawfully enter through.

We must put off the former conduct and do so in an active manner.  We must be renewed in the spirit of our mind.  We must put on the new man and not sit around waiting for some date for it to suddenly come upon us.  Why do you think FATHER provided us with HIS Word over these centuries if It were not to guide us into all Truth?  It instructs us on the path to take and warns us against all other alternative paths.  HE did this because HE Loves us and wants us fully restored and perfected.

We should not settle for mediocrity in our spiritual lives but instead become vessels for HIS use and to be a blessing unto all of mankind.  That is true inheritance.  The Truth is found in Jesus thus let us read His Words and embrace the intent behind those Words and we will become as He is.  Selah!

By THE SPIRIT Paul wrote in Ephesians chapter 6:

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Are we prepared for the cunning arts, deceit, craft, trickery of the devil?  This issue is tied to chapter 4:

13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;

14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,

Trickery is the practice of deception.  Every one of us has been deceived by someone who wants to take something in our possession.  Whether it be money, trust, or vulnerability they took something precious.  There are some who simply want us to stroke their ego by becoming their follower in some manner.  Yet others simply want to steal our innocence.  We must protect ourselves from their trickery, but how?  As we become sensitive to The Holy Spirit Who resides in us we will get a witness about those who are our enemies and will be moved to keep our distance.

There are those who have become very skillful in their scheming to do us harm.  Their intent is to plot to extract something we have.  They will lie without blinking an eye straight to your face and use any means necessary to persuade you to submit to their scheme.  Once again we must be led by THE SPIRIT to defend against such scheming.  We must be perfected and matured in Christ to be fully equipped to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Knowing the Truth is the first step in protecting ourselves against trickery and deceit.  Jesus spoke of The Holy Spirit being our source for Truth in John chapter 16:

12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.

13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.

14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.

15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.”

The Holy Spirit is prepared to deal with every situation we find ourselves in.  We must not let the pressure of time or men’s devices prevent us from seeking the Holy Spirit to confirm our intent, actions, or response.  If we are not at peace, take no action.  The Holy Spirit will give us peace concerning anything we are pursuing if it is intended by FATHER.

Often the Truth can be uncovered by asking more questions.  People who are deceptive will typically attempt to give the minimum information and apply pressure for us to decide.  That in itself will take the peace away.  As we develop our sensitivity to The Holy Spirit we will be able to spot the wiles of the devil quicker.

Jesus made it clear that The Holy Spirit would guide us into all Truth.  Shouldn’t our focus of being led by THE SPIRIT be the highest priority against the wiles of the devil?

These blogs are intended to teach, encourage, and prepare those who will be faithful to read and meditate on what is written.  FATHER provides the topics and content and I simply convey what HE wants us to focus on.  Some topics clearly require additional emphasis and thus HE may have me write several blogs in a particular area.  Our responsibility is to be faithful to what is being emphasized and purpose not to skim over the Scriptures HE includes for there is life in HIS Word no matter how many times we have read it in the past.  Preparation often requires repetition on our part until it becomes a part of us.  Let us embrace the routine for it is needed to prepare us for the future.

What is the point of being given power and authority if you never acknowledge, embrace, and walk in it? 

Why would we be given armor if there was no need to use it in some manner over our lifetime?

In Luke chapter 10 Jesus spoke:

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.

20 Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

The enemy is out there to this very day and we must not be ignorant of the cunning and crafty devices used by the enemy to steal, kill, and destroy.  Let’s face it, we are the targets of the enemy thus we must be equipped to deal with whatever comes our way.  There is not a demon behind every rock nor is every person we encounter demon-possessed.  This is why we must maintain a close relationship with FATHER and walk in the anointing and power HE conveys to us.  We will then have the discernment of spirits and know when to cast out demons versus simply praying for the sick.  We must not alienate people by flaunting some perceived “deliverance” ministry when in fact FATHER wants to bring forth unity.

Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in Ephesians chapter 6:

13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints

FATHER has made it very clear that our weapons are spiritual in nature thus we need to be strong in THE SPIRIT in the area of each aspect of the armor mentioned above.  If we walk not in the Truth then we open ourselves up for failure.  It is true for the other parts of the armor as well.  We must be well-balanced in our Spiritual preparations so that when called upon, we will be ready to respond.  We must be faithful in the course of our daily walk and preparation.  There will be many uneventful days where we will spend time focusing on some aspect of The Word.  We need to consider each day as an opportunity to prepare for the next big thing FATHER wants to include us in.  If we become lax in our preparation then why would FATHER choose us to participate.  We need to be instant in season and out of season.  The marathon runner spends many lonely days running without any fanfare in preparation for race day.  The runner knows the importance of preparation in order to cross the finish line on the day of the race.  Our mandate is of much greater consequence thus we must have even greater focus and commitment than the runner.  If FATHER asked us the question concerning our preparation for being activated for HIS use, how would we answer?

The Beloved Disciple wrote by THE SPIRIT in 1 John 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.

The Beloved Disciple John understood that Love overcomes the works of the devil.  Sin and lawlessness are not found among those who walk in Love and Our Elder Brother was given the direct purpose to destroy the works of the devil.  Those who aspire to be mature Sons will embrace the same purpose for Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

There is no question that sin is abounding in the world today so how much more important that the Sons and Daughters focus on the intense Love required to destroy the works of the devil found throughout the land.  He who sins is of the devil thus we should have no problem in identifying those who need Love in their lives.  We need not isolate ourselves except when we are in our prayer closets receiving instructions for the day.  The works of the devil is the issue, not the person who is enslaved by the devil.  Let us draw near unto FATHER and allow The Holy Spirit to draw men unto us so that we too might destroy the works of the devil.

2 Beloved, now we are children 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.

Our responsibility is to purify ourselves just as Jesus is pure.  We are to be a spotless bride when presented to Him.  By THE SPIRIT it is written in 1 Peter chapter 1:

22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,

Paul wrote in Ephesians chapter 5:

25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,

26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word,

27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.

Each time we read these anointed Words we are being cleansed of our blemishes resulting in a greater purity.  The spots and wrinkles are being removed by the power contained in the Word.  If we change priorities and set aside the Word then we take on the spots and wrinkles of the world.  We must not let ourselves become “void” of HIS Word in us but constantly plant the pure seed of the Word so that only good fruit come forth, especially Love.  Jesus knew His mission and never let the world’s influence redirect His priorities.  We must do the same.  There will be days when our bodies may ache and we may be emotionally drained but we must become even more determined to embrace HIS Word for us during these times of suffering.  The enemy will attempt to move us toward compromise but we must stand his cunning deception!

In Ephesians chapter 6:

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

The word “wiles” means- cunning arts, deceit, craft, trickery.  We must not underestimate our foe but our strongest defense is first and foremost Agape Love.  Walking in Truth, faith, peace, righteousness, salvation, and being led by THE SPIRIT result because of our Love walk.  If we have the right foundation, we cannot be overcome by the “wiles” of the devil.  It is imperative that Love be our guiding force.

To rebuke means to speak angrily to someone because you disapprove of what they have said or done, it implies strong disapproval.  Luke wrote in chapter 4 by THE SPIRIT:

38 Now He (Jesus) arose from the synagogue and entered Simon’s house. But Simon’s wife’s mother was sick with a high fever, and they made request of Him concerning her.

39 So He stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. And immediately she arose and served them.

Jesus rebuked a spirit of affliction which presented itself as a fever and the spirit responded by departing Peter’s mother.  By the use of the word “rebuke” we know that Jesus showed strong disapproval of the fever which plagued Peter’s mother.  We are also told that she was immediately restored to health with energy enabling her to serve them.  She needed no time to recover!  Jesus recognized the source of the fever and spoke to it demonstrating His operating in the discerning of spirits.

Has FATHER called us to suffer with sickness?  If so then why would Jesus rebuke the fever rather than to let it run its course?  Sickness is an enemy to Christ, an enemy to FATHER, and should be an enemy to the Sons and Daughters being raised up in this hour.  We should no longer set aside the study and understanding of this enemy which plagues much of mankind today.  Billions of dollars are spent on man’s attempt to relieve the symptoms of this enemy with no end in sight.  Why?  The believers have deferred to the current medical system to deal with this enemy rather than actively seek FATHER in this matter.

If sickness is from Our Heavenly Father then we should not attempt to recover by using medical means.  We should not attempt to seek pain relief but accept it as being from Above.  Of course that is not the case for Jesus was called to heal the sick and set the captives free.  We must focus on the Truth about sickness rather than man’s perverted opinions.

When did sickness, disease, and death come on the scene?  When Adam and Eve were deceived by the devil in the garden and cast out, the god of this world began to have an effect on their bodies.  Once separated from FATHER their bodies were no longer glorified but now naked and subject to sickness, disease, and death.  It took many years for this to take effect and the life spans continued to decrease accordingly.  Jesus, the second Adam, has paid the price for Adam’s sin and now FATHER has declared us free from sin and sickness.  We must accept this payment for sin and sickness in order to partake of it.  Jesus offered the perfect sacrifice thus opening the door for us to take command over the enemy.  Our salvation, our healing, and our deliverance has been fully paid and satisfied through Jesus Christ.

Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in 1 Corinthians chapter 6:

20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are GOD’S.

How can we fully glorify FATHER in our body if we don’t take command over the enemy who would attack us at our weakest points?  Let us lead a balanced life which addresses both spirit and body.  Satan and his demons are lawless thus even though they have been legally defeated, there are times we must confront their lawlessness by rebuking them.  The Blood of Jesus as well as the “stripes” He took on must be at the forefront of our confronting the enemy.  We must understand first hand the importance of The Blood and the stripes as we deal with spirits of affliction.  We must have a direct relationship with FATHER in order to operate under HIS power and authority.  In Acts chapter 19, we find an example of men lacking in their understanding:

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.

This passage makes it clear that those who do not have a personal, direct relationship with Jesus Christ and FATHER will have no power over evil spirits.  James wrote by THE SPIRIT in chapter 4:

7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

The simple Truth holds the key to dealing with the devil for it is all about our relationship with FATHER.  With the proper power and authority we should expect to rebuke the fever and expect the same results.

By THE SPIRIT Matthew wrote in chapter 12:

22 Then one was brought to Him who was demon-possessed, blind and mute; and He healed him, so that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw.

In Chapter 9:

32 As they went out, behold, they brought to Him a man, mute and demon-possessed.

33 And when the demon was cast out, the mute spoke. And the multitudes marveled, saying, “It was never seen like this in Israel!”

Mark wrote by THE SPIRT in chapter 9:

21 So He asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?”  And he said, “From childhood.

22 And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”

23 Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”

24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”

25 When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!”

26 Then the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and came out of him. And he became as one dead, so that many said, “He is dead.”

27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose.

28 And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?”

29 So He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer.”

Were these issues only specific to the time Jesus walked the earth?  Absolutely not!  FATHER would not have included all these examples if we were not to learn from them.  Demons were not eradicated from the earth in 33 A.D. but the disciples dealt with them as well.  The demons knew their time would eventually come with their final demise was at hand.  The legion of demons revealed that Truth before they were cast into the swine.

Some spirits of infirmity are more difficult to deal with than others.  The disciples asked Jesus why they were unable to cast this deaf and dumb spirit out.  Jesus revealed a key for us to consider- intimate prayer or communication with FATHER  prepares us for dealing with the spirits of this type.  HE is the Originator of the power required to cast our these spirits thus we must receive direction from HIM.

Would the local physician, specialist, or hospital been able to cure the above deaf mutes?  They would have referred to their training and used whatever protocols were approved by the Medical Association and only treated the symptoms at best.  They might have considered a cochlear implant, an electronic medical device that replaces the function of the damaged inner ear.  That person would have to rely on the technology performance rather than FATHER’S perfect design.

Is it going to be easy for the Sons to be anointed to heal the above cases?  We must trust FATHER to bring forth HIS anointing and power at the appropriate time.  In the meantime we must not be ignorant of ministry in this area and shy away from dealing with spirits of infirmity.  Fear not as FATHER prepares us for all situations HE expects us to confront.  The multitudes will marvel just like they did when Jesus healed the one who was demon-possessed, blind and mute.  The Sons will give FATHER the full credit for the healing and not build an institution, following, or doctrine for self-exaltation. 

By THE SPIRIT in Acts chapter 10 Peter spoke:

36 The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all—

37 that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached:

38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.

When many think of demons harassing men and women, they tend to think of them being “possessed” by a demon.  However, Peter explicitly says different.  You can be oppressed rather than possessed and many whom Jesus healed were simply oppressed by the devil.  The key to ministering healing as Jesus did is to be anointed with The Holy Spirit and with power.  Further, “GOD was with Him” would indicate that Jesus received specific instructions, discernment, and Words from FATHER WHOM He was one with.  I believe this Truth has not changed and the requirements remain the same.  There are those who were used by FATHER to heal but many departed from the pure calling and allowed their ego to get in the way.  Their ministries subsided over time.

In Luke 13 it is recorded by THE SPIRIT:

10 Now He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath.

11 And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up.

12 But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him and said to her, “Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity.”

13 And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.

These spirits of infirmity are persistent in their attempt to restrain us from normal activity.  Can you imagine having a spirit oppress you for eighteen years?  Jesus with His anointing and power laid hands on the woman and loosed her immediately from this persistent spirit.  We must not assume anything when we see people with infirmities but intently listen to FATHER concerning them.  We must defer to FATHER how we minister rather than conjure up our own diagnosis of the situation.  In one case Jesus simply said “Go” and the person was healed by faith whereas He laid hands on this woman.  We must not look for formulas for healing.

14 But the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath; and he said to the crowd, “There are six days on which men ought to work; therefore come and be healed on them, and not on the Sabbath day.”

15 The Lord then answered him and said, “Hypocrite! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or donkey from the stall, and lead it away to water it?

16 So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound—think of it—for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?”

17 And when He said these things, all His adversaries were put to shame; and all the multitude rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by Him.

Jesus clearly associated the spirit of infirmity with Satan.  FATHER did not bind this woman but Satan did.  Jesus simply explained the relationship with sickness and disease and its source.  The ruler of the synagogue missed the whole point of the purpose of worshipping FATHER.  He tried to defend tradition over the work of Christ in the area of healing.  FATHER is not restricted by tradition or custom when it comes to ministering Love to HIS children.