We will have our Sunday afternoon Bible Study at 3PM CDT in Bethany. Bob will be directing the discussion today. We will continue Chapter 7 and proceed to Chapter 8.
To participate live or watch this Bible study as a recording afterwards, go to http://www.ustream.tv/channel/the-baptism-of-love The chat room will be open again today for your comments. We look forward to your participation during our live broadcast.
My parents lived through “golden” economic times. Both were born in 1929 and lived through the Great Depression, but at a young age. Grandpa Henley worked at the flour mill during the week, played fiddle at the Saturday night dances, and broke ponies no one else would attempt. His skin was always black and blue with bruises. The kids just thought that was normal skin for him. Those were tough times. But after WWII, the U.S. became the place to be. Sustained economic growth and reasonable expectations allowed the average person to plan for their future. Interest rates were stable and hard working people could save money for retirement with a reasonable amount of certainty. 5% saving rate became the norm and except for the early 1980’s when rates soared to double-digits in order to control inflation, life was rather predictable. Not so much now.
The global economic system is in the midst of being shaken to its core. Greed has infiltrated every major market. A few in control have been able to methodically steal from the masses. Their reward will be temporary at best. The kings of the East are rising up and will defy the old order. The principles that America once stood for are still being touted but the actions speak differently. Hiding behind the “greater good” philosophy will no longer be tolerated. The truth has begun to peak out from behind the curtain.
At the same time, Our Heavenly Father is raising a standard of Love and Truth. HIS Word is by which everyone and every act will be judged. We must embrace this standard at all costs. We must be unwavering as we pursue the full maturity associated with HIS standard. Love must arise in order that alternatives can be judged. Truth must be known in order to fully expose the lies. The Law must be expressed in order to judge the lawless. With that in mind, 1 Corinthians 13:7 should be meditated upon:
We have had 580 different viewers of our Passover Conference Discussion Video. I am very excited about this year’s conference. Our Heavenly Father has already given me a very specific topic to cover in the 2nd session on LOVE. Normally I do not get a topic this early. Evidently HE deems it important enough for me to do extra study and additional meditation on this Word.
We hope that the technology holds up well and that everyone’s Internet connection is nice and steady during this three day conference. By having hosting sites spread across the country and abroad, this provides us an opportunity for greater unity than in times past. Ultimately, we need to all be in one accord with HIM and each other. Servias Ministries will continue its part in promoting unity and Love among the brethren.
![CropperCapture[231]](http://www.servias.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/CropperCapture231.png "CropperCapture[231]")
Time frame: last 7 days
113 total earthquakes on map.
40 in Oklahoma. Is there something prophetic happening here? There’s a whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on.
We may be selling beachfront property here before long.
John Williams lives and breathes government statistics. He is an expert in the macroeconomic arena and is independent of government influence. His latest warning is ominous to say the least. His latest headlines read:
> – Extremely Difficult Circumstances in the Year Ahead: Confluence of Economic and Systemic Crises Should Intensify
> – With Global Confidence in Dollar Rattled by Uncontrollable Fiscal and Monetary Excesses, U.S. Government and the Federal Reserve Have Limited Options to Address Panics
> – Heavy Selling of U.S. Dollar Remains Likely Proximal Trigger for Inflation Pick-Up
> – Developing Hyperinflation Would Push Ongoing Recession into Deep Depression
> – Physical Gold Remains Primary Hedge for Preserving Wealth and Asset
Subscription: Web-page: http://www.shadowstats.com
These are his opinions based on the raw statistics the government provides. Government agencies massage the raw statistics to fit a political agenda whereas John calculates “apples to applies” with historic formulas once used by the government. He believe those historic formulas provide an honest representation of the economic conditions. I agree.
Stay nimble. Get your Spiritual house in order.
The following graph suggests that Peak Oil did occur around 2005. Even though there is not much said about it, the issue still remains. Fracking is only pulling what oil exists out of the ground faster and at a much higher cost.
Habitual, un-repented sin is a major block to your full maturity as a Son or Daughter to Our Heavenly Father. It is also a block to your healing. When you seek wisdom from Above, you have taken the first step to correct this roadblock to your training and preparation. My responsibility to you is to tell you like it is according to the revelation given to me, knowing that I don’t have all the revelation. But Our Heavenly Father knows my heart and knows that I will ultimately take the necessary action, speak the words needed for the time, and/or write the required blog to address issues among the brethren. Your responsibility is to Love me whether you have a witness to what I am writing or not. If you get offended then you need another dose of HIS Love. Are you “all in” or not?
If there is one topic that people really don’t want to be convicted of, it is their money. Over the years, I have seen families come apart over “potential” inheritance. When an elderly parent dies, the children typically want to know what their inheritance is… now. I have seen adult children comb through the parent’s house looking for cash stashed in books and other subtle places. Times like this quickly reveal the character of a person. Everyone wants a windfall of cash.
Are you robbing Our Heavenly Father in tithes and offerings? Is HIS storehouse full or empty? Do you care if it is empty? Does it upset you for me to even ask the question? Of course, I am not thrilled about writing a blog on what is probably the most sensitive topic among the brethren. The good news is that my family doesn’t rely on your tithes or offerings, HE has sufficiently provided for us. Those who do rely on contributions will typically stay away from this topic for fear of losing donors. At any rate, our hearts must be exposed to the subtleness of this sin. Until the topic of money is dealt with, we can’t expect to reach the fullness of maturity as a Son or Daughter. Paul was willing to deal with this topic in 2 Corinthians 9:
6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
What is your fruit saying to you? Sparing or bountiful?
7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
If you respond grudgingly to this writing then “forget it”, don’t write the check. Do us all a favor and keep your money. Our Heavenly Father doesn’t actually need the money anyway. The fact is, you need to get the revelation of giving. One who gives grudgingly doesn’t have the revelation of blessing from Above. That person doesn’t think that Our Heavenly Father will act on his or her behalf. That lack of revelation is a hindrance to the fullness. In this Scripture, Paul is revealing a revelation to those who have ears to hear. A cheerful giver is blessed by Our Heavenly Father:
8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 9 As it is written:
“He has dispersed abroad,
He has given to the poor;
His righteousness endures forever.”
10 Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, 11 while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.12 For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God
Servias Ministries now has an eight year track record as a storehouse for Our Heavenly Father. HE had me set this organization up for you, not me. We will continue receive HIS tithes and offerings and distribute as directed by HIM. HE is the One who supplies seed and bread, not us. We are simply one of HIS means for you to give and overcome the “love of money”.
Cheerful givers may contribute to this storehouse at:
Servias Ministries, Inc.
PO Box 1471
Bethany, OK 73008
or give by credit card at: www.unity153.net
Obviously, we are not the only storehouse HE is using. Do you still Love me?
In Mark 2, Jesus returned to Capernaum and healed the paralytic men. The faith of the four men carrying him provided the basis for his healing:
1 And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house. 2 Immediately many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door. And He preached the word to them. 3 Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men. 4 And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying.
5 When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.” (NKJV)
Capernaum is a reference to the Feast of Pentecost, it’s name infers “home of the Holy Spirit”. Capernaum is a compound Hebrew word. Kaphar means “atonement, covering, shelter” and can be applied to a town, a place of shelter. Nacham means “comfort, consolation” with all of its Hebrew implications in the prophecies of the Holy Spirit and His work. Pentecost is the “faith” aspect of hope, faith, and Love mentioned by Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:13-
And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. (NKJV)
In the progression of maturity, your faith must grow to a level of exceeding great faith. Jesus made it quite clear that no faith, little faith, and great faith all existed in men. Your level of faith is directly influenced by your ability to hear and respond to Our Heavenly Father’s words. In this story, Jesus was preaching the Word directly received from Our Heavenly Father. Surely the four men heard the Word and responded in faith by leaving and then returning with the paralytic man. That in itself was an act of Love for the man. They were convinced of the power of the Word to the point that they knew the man would be healed if they could get the attention of Jesus. They went to extreme measures to make this happen. Their faith was backed up by their actions, they were doers of the Word.
The scribes in attendance questioned Jesus’ ability to forgive sins. They understood the letter of the Law but did not understand the Divine Intent of the Law- Love. The Law was given to provide a path to restoration, no matter what the circumstance. Are you reasoning in your heart based on facts or are you listening to Our Heavenly Father’s words of revelation. Knowledge without understanding does not produce healing and restoration. Love provides the path to revelation in the works of the Holy Spirit. Your reasoning can become a hindrance to the power and authority imparted by Our Heavenly Father to HIS remnant.
Our Bible study continues to focus on the maturity of the Remnant. Paul spoke of this Remnant:
Romans 9:
5 Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 6 And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.
7 What then? Israel has not obtained what it seeks; but the elect have obtained it, and the rest were blinded.
The Remnant is chosen by grace, not works. The rest of the people are blinded to the revelation of the Remnant. They continue to receive their consolation in other areas. Their unwillingness to take on the sufferings of Christ is one such consolation. Be warmed, be filled…
As we mentioned in our Bible study yesterday, when the tests and trials come, you should not ask Our Heavenly Father to remove you from the trial, but instead you should seek HIS Wisdom to take you through the trial to the other side. That act will mature you. Removal delays the maturing process. Jesus dealt with adversity throughout His earthly ministry. The Remnant will be subjected to the same in preparation for its full commissioning. The rest will simply walk out their lives in some state of blindness.
2 Kings 19:
30 ’And the remnant who have escaped of the house of Judah
Shall again take root downward,
And bear fruit upward.
31 For out of Jerusalem shall go a remnant,
And those who escape from Mount Zion.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.’
Zeal is defined as: great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective. Our Heavenly Father is raising a Remnant who have been “taking root downward”. Deep roots of wisdom, understanding, and knowledge are preparing those who are fully committed to establishing HIS Kingdom on this earth. HE is directing the steps of those who have ears to hear and eyes to see. Those are the ones who have removed all resistance to HIS training and preparation. They have given up their worldly citizenship in order to become citizens of the Kingdom.
Much has been said of the 15 year Hezekiah factor:
2 Kings 20:
1 In those days Hezekiah was sick and near death. And Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, went to him and said to him, “Thus says the LORD: ‘Set your house in order, for you shall die, and not live.’ ”
2 Then he turned his face toward the wall, and prayed to the LORD, saying,3 “Remember now, O LORD, I pray, how I have walked before You in truth and with a loyal heart, and have done what was good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.
4 And it happened, before Isaiah had gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him, saying, 5 “Return and tell Hezekiah the leader of My people, ‘Thus says the LORD, the God of David your father: “I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the LORD.6 And I will add to your days fifteen years.
Several of us celebrated the 2000th Birthday of Jesus at Port Austin, Michigan on September 11th, 1999. It was at the time of the fall feasts. We are now 15 years later and the Remnant is being prepared. Could this year be the year of commissioning and full manifestation? If so, great! If not, we will continue the path to maturity awaiting Our Heavenly Father’s further instructions.
Romans :8:5 For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. (NASB)
How simple is it to make a determination of where you are in your walk! Simply look at what your focus is: things of the flesh or things of the Spirit. Your focus moves you toward where you will spend your time and resources. What is the focus of your casual conversation? What are your preferences? Even when you are working, are you serving mankind or are you grudgingly doing the minimum to get a paycheck? Do you focus on presenting yourself as a humble but joyful representative of Our Heavenly Father or do you project an air of entitlement, expecting others to exalt you in some manner?
8:6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,
The ultimate result of placing your focus on the Spirit is life and peace and it will keep you sustained in the times ahead. Jesus taught us about progression in our area of focus:
Mark 4:24 Then He said to them, “Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given. 25 For whoever has, to him more will be given; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.” (NKJV)
If you say you are too busy to focus on the Kingdom, you are half correct- you are too busy with things that ultimately don’t matter. Those things will probably wither away or be burned up at some point anyway. My neighbor built a workshop and filled it full of tools. Now his disease has made him too frail to work in the shop. This summer, he expects to have an auction and sell all the tools. Was it worth it? Only if he ministered life to others. Otherwise, it was simply a waste of time and money. Was working in his shop the essence of a temporal reward in lieu of the greater reward in Heaven? Only he and Our Heavenly Father know for sure.
8:7 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so,
The carnal mind, ego, or “false self” is hostile toward Our Heavenly Father and HIS Laws of Love. It can’t love because it is filled with self-preservation and self-satisfaction. There is no focus on others. It can’t promote life because it has taken you down the path of death. Love overcomes this alternate path and our foundation must be on Love. Wisdom without Love is a worldly wisdom and is temporary and fleeting at best.
8:8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
Whether a servant or a son, you should be interested in pleasing Our Heavenly Father. A mature son takes on HIS nature which is the essence of pleasing HIM. That is the son who will be given the inheritance to continue to promote the life of the family. The Kingdom on earth will be established by mature sons and daughters who are not serving their flesh by have their focus firmly directed to the things of the Spirit. By the way, you can be focused on these things as you carry out your daily duties. You will be blessed with greater productivity as you do.