Servias Ministries Blog

In John chapter 12, the Beloved Disciple wrote by THE SPIRIT:

1 Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead.

2 There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him.

3 Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.

4 But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said,

5 “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?”

6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it.

Jesus had a thief among His twelve disciples which happened to be the treasurer, the proverbial fox in the hen house.  Was Jesus aware of what Judas was doing?  FATHER knew thus we must conclude Jesus was aware of it also for He had already told the disciples the parable of the rich fool and spoke “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” (Luke 12:15)

One of the reasons people don’t give into ministry is because they judge according to what they believe will be the use or misuse of the funds to be.  Jesus knew Judas was pilfering from the treasury yet He did not prevent people from supporting the ministry.  He knew that FATHER would bless those who gave no matter what the use of the funds.  FATHER blesses based on the intent of the heart, not the result by the recipient.  Unconditional Love gives even though there is a risk of misuse.  The issue is one of stewardship while we are walking out this life.  Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in 1 Timothy chapter 6:

6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain.

7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.

9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.

10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Those with the ability to give are tested in their willingness to fund the Gospel.  If you are waiting for the perfect organization to give into, you are simply rationalizing why you should hold on to your temporary wealth.  Some would say they are hoarding their funds as an inheritance for their children.  Let the children learn to trust in FATHER rather than trust in some future inheritance which could become worthless overnight by one stroke of a government pen.

Jesus was not moved by Judas’ thievery.  He could have exposed it at any time yet Judas’ greed played a part in fulfilling the salvation of the world.  We must focus our attention on walking according to FATHER’S Divine Intent and we will have sufficiency in all things.  Let us not trust in money for it has wings and can fly away at any moment.  If FATHER says to give, then give.  If FATHER says to give to a particular person or organization then do so cheerfully even though you have no assurance of its use.  FATHER is looking for obedience to HIM.  HE knows who can be trusted and who is a thief.  After all, HE did use a thief as an instrument in fulfilling the Plan for mankind.

John chapter 14 Jesus spoke the following assurance:

25 “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you.

26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

28 You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I.”

Our peace and contentment originates from Above, not our bank account or our possessions.  They are temporary in nature whereas our relationship with FATHER is eternal.  Let us keep our focus on the right priorities.

In a previous writing I cited three examples of people giving directly into Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry.  Here we have the Son of THE CREATOR of the universe being supported by those who have yet to receive the fullness of Christ for He had not yet gone to the cross.  We must dare to ask the question “Why?”.  I would say to you that most people really don’t want the answer for if they did, they would then be accountable to FATHER.  “Out of sight, out of mind!”

If you ever want to truly ascend to the next level of maturity, you must become a cheerful giver.  We can dance all around this subject but it still does not change the reality.  If you are not a giver what it says deep down inside is that you really don’t believe FATHER will supply all your need.  Further, Jesus would see you as having little or no faith rather than great faith.

When FATHER told me to start Servias Ministries, HE told me to fund its organization costs which I gladly responded.  HE and I have a history in this area.  There have been times when HE would direct me to give a sizable donation or gift and there would arise much discomfort in my mind… as expected.  My logic would attempt to talk me out of responding to HIS Word yet over the years I have taken command over my mind and not yielded to those soulish thoughts.  FATHER has rewarded my wife and I many times over.  I am grateful for all HIS blessings.

Many people will shut down when they hear any discussion of giving into the ministry for they don’t want to be “fleeced” or taken advantage of again.  Has the government fleeced us in the past?  Has the current system taken advantage of us many times over?  Has the legal system taken advantage of the disadvantaged?  The answer is a resounding “YES” to those questions.  Many of us who have been around awhile understand their intent and the mechanics of their deceiving practices.  We must place our trust in FATHER to ultimately reconcile the Truth and “the books”.

In John chapter 13 Jesus and the disciples were eating the Passover supper and He was revealing the betrayer Judas (the treasurer):

26 Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it.” And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.

27 Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him, “What you do, do quickly.”

28 But no one at the table knew for what reason He said this to him.

29 For some thought, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus had said to him, “Buy those things we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor.

30 Having received the piece of bread, he then went out immediately. And it was night.

How appropriate that the betrayal centered around money.  Greed is so subtle that it matters not whether one is rich or poor, greed is often the issue men must deal with.  To those who are willing to embrace the fullness of the Kingdom, this area must be addressed.  You can rationalize why you should not give but it won’t pass the test of FATHER’S willing to give HIS first begotten Son for a world of sinners.  Insignificant giving is simply a method by which people avoid this issue. (See Mark 12:41-44)

I had to personally overcome the issue of giving many times in the past.  It is not something that you overcome once and you are done.  I would over-analyze the Word given me until I could rationalize why I shouldn’t give.  FATHER would show me what I was doing then I would repent and write the check.  I share this not to exalt myself in any manner but to show you how challenging being a “cheerful giver” can be to all of us no matter what our station in life.

I know that if I don’t give to the need, FATHER will find someone else to respond.  After all, HE really doesn’t need my money but what HE is really looking for is obedience to HIS Word in what is probably the most sensitive topic of today.  Those who truly want to be included in the Elect or “called-out ones” must deal with this area.  Jesus was willing to give His Life for us, what are we willing to give to others?

PS: Don’t shoot the messenger.  Philippians 4:10-20

In John chapter 14 Jesus spoke:

21 “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”

Jesus makes an emphatic statement to those with ears to hear.  Everyone wants to have a most intimate relationship with Our Savior and He tells us exactly what it takes to enter in to such a relationship in this one simple declaration.  Not only do we have such a relationship with The Son but also with FATHER.

When we truly focus on reading the Gospels with a clear mind and no predetermined emphasis in mind, new vistas open up as though they had just been added to the Scripture.  Suddenly certain verses gain importance and add additional meaning to our lives.  As we are cleansed and purged of the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things, our eyes are open to a greater extent allowing us to see Truths which were hidden in plain sight.  As we realize the Words of Jesus are directed specifically to each of us then the following which Jesus spoke becomes personal:

12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.

13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.”

Do you really believe these Words Jesus spoke?  He Himself told us where His Words originate from… Our Father in Heaven.  These Words contain the greatest Wisdom to be found yet men and women look elsewhere for answers to their problems even though other avenues prove to be insufficient at best.

Some would have you believe that all the promises in Scripture refer to some future event and thus we need to be satisfied with our current state of insufficiencies in our life.  In Hebrews chapter 13 by THE SPIRIT it is written:

8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Those who keep your attention drawn to some future event at the expense of the “here and now” do so out of pride.  If they are not living a fruitful life they want to rationalize it away in their mind by convincing others to remain in the same state of mind with them.   “Misery loves company.”  Let us not settle for our current circumstances but let us look up and ascend higher.  By THE SPIRIT James wrote in chapter 1:

16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.

17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.

FATHER does not change, Jesus does not change, thus we must not submit to those who are constantly changing and attempting to sway us with every wind of doctrine.  Jesus is the Chief Cornerstone by which our entire foundation is laid.  The Cornerstone is by central point where all else is measured and compared.  Why put your trust in someone or something temporary?  The ultimate relationship is one where there is no question or hidden agenda.  Is is based on bringing forth the best in a person and promoting life.  Men will fail you and ultimately die.  FATHER is with us for eternity as is Our Elder Brother Jesus and THE MOST HOLY SPIRIT.  Our ultimate relationship surpasses time and space and this is one you can truly count on.

Have you ever considered how Jesus was able to minister for 3 1/2 years with no mention of Him working as a carpenter or other such vocation?  He and His entourage of at least twelve disciples always had sufficiency.  There is no mention of Him having to do miracles to supply their daily food and hotel accommodations.  We have a few passages providing us the answer. By THE SPIRIT Mark wrote chapter 15:

40 There were also women looking on from afar, among whom were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the Less and of Joses, and Salome,

41 who also followed Him and ministered to Him when He was in Galilee, and many other women who came up with Him to Jerusalem.

This word “minister” is defined as:

1. to minister i.e. supply food and necessities of life

2. to minister. to attend to anything, that may serve another’s interests, to minister a thing to one, to serve one or by supplying any thing

This group of women financially supported His ministry by providing whatever necessities were needed.  Another example of persons supplying resources to Jesus is found in Luke chapter 19 where Jesus spoke:

29 And it came to pass, when He drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mountain called Olivet, that He sent two of His disciples,

30 saying, “Go into the village opposite you, where as you enter you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Loose it and bring it here.

31 And if anyone asks you, ‘Why are you loosing it?’ thus you shall say to him, ‘Because the Lord has need of it.’ ”

32 So those who were sent went their way and found it just as He had said to them.

33 But as they were loosing the colt, the owners of it said to them, “Why are you loosing the colt?”

34 And they said, “The Lord has need of him.”

Did the owners hold back or complain about their animals being taken?  I am sure Jesus knew their hearts and willingness to support the Gospel and chose them to supply this important event.  A third example is found in Luke 22 when Jesus instructs the disciples concerning the Passover supper:

7 Then came the Day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover must be killed.

8 And He sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat.”

9 So they said to Him, “Where do You want us to prepare?”

10 And He said to them, “Behold, when you have entered the city, a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him into the house which he enters.

11 Then you shall say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, “Where is the guest room where I may eat the Passover with My disciples?” ’

12 Then he will show you a large, furnished upper room; there make ready.”

13 So they went and found it just as He had said to them, and they prepared the Passover.

In all three examples the supporters were generally unnamed: the women of Galilee, the owners of the colt, and the master of the house with the guest room.  Do you think FATHER blessed them for their willingness to support the Gospel?  Did Jesus or His disciples have to plead with them to get them on board with the plan?  No, these were all cheerful givers willing to be a part of FATHER’S plan.  These givers are once again mentioned after two thousand years for their giving is not forgotten by FATHER.

Many people give based on conditions.  In their hearts they ask “What’s in it for me?” when they consider giving.  FATHER gave HIS Son even for those who are rejecting HIS Love to this day.  As we come to give unconditionally we also reap fruit given to us unconditionally.  What a blessed surprise when that fruit comes forth for it is the sweetest one could ask for!

In Hebrews it was written by THE SPIRIT in chapter 2:

14 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He (Jesus Christ) Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,

15 and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

We are no longer slaves to sin consciousness for Jesus destroyed the power of the devil and should no longer accept the law of sin and death in our consciousness.  In the Revelation of Jesus Christ chapter 1, Jesus spoke:

18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.

Our consciousness whether it is focused on sin or righteousness will impact our words and deeds.  As we learn to trust FATHER and walk in faith we no longer expect failure.  Likewise, if we walk in sin consciousness, we don’t expect success IN HIM.  We must purge or wash away anything contrary to FATHER’S Divine Intent by reading, studying, meditating on The Word day and night.  As we pursue a personal relationship with FATHER and respond to HIS Word by action, we will begin to walk and think in righteousness and develop our faith.  The devil’s ability to captivate our thought life has been paralyzed and no longer has any power except that which we give him.  Paul instructs us by THE SPIRIT to give no place to the devil.  If that were not an issue FATHER would not have had Paul reveal the need.

Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in Colossians chapter 2:

15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.

Jesus overcame all principalities and powers which previously had dominion over man.  Let us no longer allow anyone or anything to impact our consciousness but let us take command over our thought life.  Paul further wrote in Philippians chapter 4:

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

Just as the Law can be summed up in the two Commandments of Love, so can our consciousness be directed toward righteousness by guarding our thought life with Love.  Simply focus and meditate on the pure rather than any thought not meeting the criteria in verse 8.

We are a new creation thus we must accept the reality that our past has been blotted out and we are no longer subject to it.  Being a new creation, we should direct our focus and consciousness toward the present rather than drudging up past acts and thoughts of failure.  If you and I were perfect we would not have needed a Redeemer and salvation.  We need to let the past go and move forward.  Your consciousness will ultimately manifest in action.  If you dwell on sin, you will ultimately be sin-oriented.  If you dwell on righteousness, you will see a change in your outlook and you will draw others to you who are looking for answers to their problems.  As Christ is in the restoration business, you will be as well.

In John chapter 5, Jesus spoke:

30 I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.

Jesus’ consciousness was solely focused on FATHER’S Will and Divine Intent.  As we move toward walking in the same manner, we will produce similar fruit in our lives.  In Him there is no darkness and there should be none in us as well.  We must take command over our thoughts and reject anything that is contrary to Love and purity of The Word.  There are times when a contrary thought comes to me and I simply speak to that thought and reject it.  I now do this even in my dreams for I know the importance of what I dwell on.  Let your mind no longer control you but take command of it and be determined to have your mind serve the new man.  Detach and purge yourself from the old man and former life.  It is our individual responsibility to deal with the state of our consciousness.  To the pure all things are pure.  Likewise, to the impure all things are impure.  Think about it.

FATHER spoke in Deuteronomy chapter 30:

15 “See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil,

16 in that I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply; and the LORD your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess.

17 But if your heart turns away so that you do not hear, and are drawn away, and worship other gods and serve them,

18 I announce to you today that you shall surely perish; you shall not prolong your days in the land which you cross over the Jordan to go in and possess.

19 I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;

20 that you may love the LORD your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.”

You are either going to be a servant of righteousness or unrighteousness… it is your choice which path you pursue.  A servant of righteousness is a privilege in that we are commissioned, instructed, and led by Our Heavenly Father Who created the universe.  When put in this light, why would anyone want to serve another master?  Those who are drawn away by their own lusts have effectively chosen to serve death rather than life.  Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in Romans chapter 6:

16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?

17 But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered.

18 And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.

19 I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness.

I thank FATHER for enabling me to be a slave of righteousness, freeing me from the law of sin and death.  I choose to obey the Author of righteousness knowing HE always has my best interest at heart.  As I face challenges I no longer have to deal with them alone but now have HIM and HIS Wisdom to guide me through those challenges and burdens in my life.  Without HIM I could easily be overwhelmed with the multitude of issues confronting all of us these days.  Having now lived longer than many who read this, I have the benefit of looking back at decades of HIM guiding me through the challenges of life.  At critical points in my life FATHER provided the Wisdom and understanding I needed to choose the right path for me and my family.

I have personally experienced miracles in my life which have protected me from harm, even unto death.  I am compelled to share the Gospel of Christ and the Love of FATHER with all who will listen.  Having been a slave to sin and then being redeemed unto Christ I can compare the two firsthand.  A slave of righteousness has all the benefits and fruitfulness we all seek.  The man who is troubled is in desperate need of peace.  The man who is sick is in desperate need of healing.  A man on his deathbed is no longer interested in his bank account but if he had only realized what was important before he arrived at death’s door!  Priorities are relative to our own situation.  We can either choose to face them alone or with FATHER as our guide.

Each of us constantly deal with issues of life which are temporary in nature.  Let us serve righteousness by walking in Love toward mankind.  Let not the burdens overshadow the blessings for the burdens are temporary and much lighter than those of the slaves of lawlessness.  As for me and my house, we will serve FATHER!

By THE SPIRIT Paul wrote in Ephesians chapter 4:

25 Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another.

26 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath,

27 nor give place to the devil.

28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.

29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.

32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

We are told to grieve not the Holy Spirit.  In order to do this we must not give place to the devil by our words and/or actions.  Be assured that people will attempt to incite behavior that requires us to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving.  We can expect to be used and abused because of our willingness to forgive others.  When someone steals from a righteous believer they are in  danger of judgment from FATHER and thus we must not become bitter toward the thief.  We may be called upon to expose the theft but we must not let bitterness enter in.  A thief is typically in lack to the point of being desperate.  If the person had the revelation of FATHER being his or her Provider then there would be no theft.

It’s not that we can’t be angry, we must not let that anger fester into bitterness, wrath, malice, or evil speaking.  We must trust in FATHER to rectify the situation on our behalf in HIS Wisdom, not ours.

Are you working so that you are able to give to him who has need?  Greed is such a subtle issue in people’s lives that it requires our frequent attention.  Do we see ourselves of being generous on a daily basis or are we simply attempting to meet “minimum requirements” of Kingdom giving?  How would you like FATHER to only focus on meeting your minimum requirements in all areas of your life?  Let us give with the Divine Intent of Love which is oriented toward abundance, not scarcity.  Let your giving be prophetic in that you are planting good seed now in order that you reap good fruit in the future.  In this manner we are all seen as “prophetic”.

In Matthew chapter 10, Jesus commissioned the twelve to go out. He spoke:

7 “And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’

8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.

9 Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts,

10 nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food.”

We are to be workers for the Kingdom and as we have received, we are to freely give as well.  Jesus set this expectation with the disciples and they were not disappointed in the results.  Paul instructed us in our walk so that we don’t grieve the Holy Spirit.  It never hurts to take an assessment to determine if we are walking accordingly.

Everybody wants to be blessed but how many are willing to accept the burdens associated with being lifted up to a higher state?  Can FATHER trust you when the challenges come?  Are we willing to accept the burdens and have FATHER count on us with whatever is coming forth this year?

Enduring hardships is part of the straight and narrow path.  Early morning and late nights may be required as we walk out the blessings we seek.  Physical exhaustion is only temporary and a small price to pay for walking in the fullness of our individual callings.  In 2 Corinthians chapter 4 Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT:

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.

8 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed

Did FATHER know Paul could handle the pressure associated with the revelation of Jesus Christ and his calling to spread the Gospel throughout the known world?  Absolutely!  Paul understood the cost associated with the blessing.  We often want to be promoted to a higher level but can FATHER trust us to walk responsibly at the higher level?  Paul further wrote:

16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.

17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,

18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

We must not lose heart when the burdens seem to outweigh the blessings at any particular time.  We must accept the burdens along with the blessings else FATHER would not have raised us up to our current level of responsibility.  We must trust FATHER in that HE knows our abilities AND our limitations.  HE would not allow us to rise beyond our capacity to deal with the burdens.  We must focus on HIM and not the current “light” afflictions.  Everyone gets excited about a promotion until the weight of the office is realized.  We casually read how Mary was favored by FATHER to birth HIS Son yet how many of us can comprehend the burden she endured when He was on the cross?

You can be sure that as we ascend to a higher Spiritual state there will be opposition.  Once Jesus was to begin His public ministry then immediately the adversary came to oppose Him.  David was opposed by King Saul.  The disciples were opposed by the church leadership.  There are examples throughout Scripture of opposition to those whom FATHER has raised up.

Proverbs 24:10  If you faint in the day of adversity, Your strength is small.

Let us be strong in our faith and know that FATHER will not allow any burden too great.  Let us each day proclaim “This is the day that THE LORD hath made, rejoice and be glad in it.”  FATHER will expand our ministry as we are willing to accept and deal with the burdens and opposition which will surely accompany such blessings.  People will ridicule and attack us as we walk according to FATHER’S Plan but do not let their spiteful words deter us from fulfilling FATHER’S Divine Intent for our lives.  HE will take care of and remove the opposition in whatever manner HE deems necessary.  Let not our enemies deter us from fulfilling our calling but instead walk out each day in Love and gratitude toward FATHER.

Do not be discouraged but persevere through the burdens and they will soon dissipate.  The burdens pale in comparison to the blessings!

By THE SPIRIT Paul wrote in Romans chapter 3:

19 Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God;

20 because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.

By Love FATHER gave the Law in order that man would know the difference between sin and righteousness.  Enforcement of the Law would modify outward behavior but did not address the intent of men’s hearts.  The Law established accountability of all mankind.  It is important to know and understand the Law but isn’t more important to know and hear the Lawgiver?  If we know only the Law then when unique circumstances arise that are not specifically mentioned in the Law, there may be interpretation needed in order to determine right from wrong.  Man has developed a court system whereby judges deal with such issues.  Do the judges hear FATHER or are their opinions compromising the intent of the Law?

If the Law was given out of Love, then it must be interpreted by those who hear FATHER’S Voice and walk in Love in order to satisfy the intent of the Law.  Would you want anyone else hearing your case or dispute?  The current court system has generally departed from the Law.  Nowadays, the case is often determined by the qualifications and devices of the attorney rather than the truth of the matter.  In the end, the current legal system is accountable to FATHER and will receive its just reward.

Israel was given the Gospel but rejected it just as they were given the Law and rejected it as well as the Lawgiver.  Each and every day we have the opportunity and decision to accept or reject the walk of Christ in our lives.  None who read this can claim they have not had the opportunity to receive the Good News contained in the New Testament.  Never before has it been so accessible to so many.  Jesus very specifically told us the whole Law can be summed up in two commandments which Jesus spoke to a certain lawyer in Matthew chapter 22:

37 Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’

38 This is the first and great commandment.

39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

In Mark chapter 12 Jesus included:

34 Now when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.”

In Luke chapter 10 Jesus also added:

28 And He said to him, “You have answered rightly; do this and you will live.”

If you want to move toward the Kingdom of GOD and live then Jesus laid out the essence by which we should live our daily lives- walk in Love.  We can either accept this very simple and straightforward Truth or reject it.  There is no need to do some exhaustive study to come to such a conclusion for the Truth of the matter is in fact very simple.

In John chapter 5 Jesus spoke:

19 Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.

20 For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel.

21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will.

22 For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son,

23 that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.

24 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.

25 Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live.

26 For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself”

Again in John Chapter 14 Jesus spoke:

12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.

13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.”

If there are any passages that demand our attention these must be included.  I believe we have been held back by our own thinking and logic.  Men have attempted to put FATHER in a box, Our Lord Jesus Christ in a box, and our own understanding in the proverbial box.  During Jesus’ earthly ministry, the leaders of the church could not get out of that box even when the miracles performed by Jesus stared them in the face.  We must not allow ourselves to be kept in the “logic” box but instead press in beyond our own logic and fully accept what FATHER is showing us this day.

What are infallible proofs?  In Acts chapter 1 by THE SPIRIT we read:

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.

An infallible proof is evidence with certainty.  Jesus’ ministry was confirmed and highlighted by Himself being raised from the dead.  This miracle was the final validation of all the Words He spoke concerning the Kingdom.  Until that point, many could claim He was a prophet like Elijah and Elisha who also performed miracles.  His resurrection was the critical point validating Him over all others who were sent by FATHER.  FATHER is still in the miracle working business today and we should remove ourselves from the box and allow HIS power to flow through us.  Jesus expects us to do greater works but do we hold the same expectation for ourselves?