Servias Ministries Blog

The Holy Spirit is our Advocate!

An advocate is defined as a person who takes any action that speaks in favor of, recommends, argues for a cause, supports or defends, or pleads on behalf of others.

Jesus spoke in John chapter 14:

16 And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever—

17 the Spirit of Truth, Whom the world cannot receive [and take to its heart] because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He (the Holy Spirit) remains with you continually and will be in you.

18 “I will not leave you as orphans [comfortless, bereaved, and helpless]; I will come [back] to you.  AMP

It is vital that we understand Who The Holy Spirit is in our individual lives.  We are not left to our own devices in dealing with adversity.  If we will truly rely on and trust in The Holy Spirit, He will counsel, strengthen, and stand by us in everyone and everything we confront.

25 “I have told you these things while I am still with you.

26 But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My Name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you.

27 Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]

Are you at peace when circumstances present themselves before you?  If not, you should assess your trust in The Holy Spirit.

I was unexpectedly sued in a frivolous lawsuit several years ago involving a business transaction.  I had to hire a law firm to represent me.  My lawyer instructed me to keep absolutely quiet and she would represent me in dealing with the court.  I was livid due to the needless time and money required to defend myself.  However, I kept my mouth shut and allowed the expert advocate to represent my interests.  The judge dropped the suit and the person who brought the suit later apologized.  I forgave him.  Even when we purpose to live a problem-free life, adversity happens.

Jesus again spoke in John chapter 16:

7 But I tell you the Truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him (the Holy Spirit) to you [to be in close fellowship with you].

8 And He, when He comes, will convict the world about [the guilt of] sin [and the need for a Savior], and about righteousness, and about judgment:

9 about sin [and the true nature of it], because they do not believe in Me [and My message];

10 about righteousness [personal integrity and Godly character], because I am going to My Father and you will no longer see Me;

11 about judgment [the certainty of it], because the ruler of this world (Satan) has been judged and condemned.

12 “I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear [to hear] them now.

13 But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all the Truth [full and complete Truth]. For He will not speak on His own initiative, but He will speak whatever He hears [from the Father—the message regarding the Son], and He will disclose to you what is to come [in the future].

14 He will glorify and honor Me, because He (the Holy Spirit) will take from what is Mine and will disclose it to you.

When you understand the importance of the ministry of The Holy Spirit, you will come to fully rely on Him in all that you do.  What would be the result if all believers on earth at this time fully relied on The Holy Spirit?  Would we be involved in endless wars?  Would our economy be in better shape?  Would there be a decrease in crime and hunger?  Can you see why the adversary is against the ministry of The Holy Spirit just as he was with Jesus when He walked the earth?

The Holy Spirit is a Person of THE GODHEAD and not to be ignored!

Jesus spoke in John chapter 16:

5 “But now I go away to Him who sent Me, and none of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’

6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart.

7 Nevertheless I tell you the Truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.

Jesus was referencing The third Person of THE GODHEAD Who was yet to be sent to the earth for an earthly ministry accessible to all.  In essence, Jesus planted the “seed” on a limited basis, but The Holy Spirit was to minister The Gospel to all the earth without restriction, both Jew and Gentile alike.

8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me;

10 of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more;

11 of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

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 leads us to the Absolute Truth in all areas of our lives, without exception.  Jesus declared that when the Truth-giving Spirit comes, He will unveil the reality of every Truth within us. He won’t speak on His own, but only what He hears from the Father, and He will also reveal prophetically to you what is to come.

Everyone wants to know the future.  The Internet is full of those who give continuous predictions whether they are found to be true or false.  Why would anyone disregard the ministry of The Holy Spirit Who is The Spirit of Absolute Truth?  Why go through life blinded by what the world tries to predict?

People who trust in Jesus and His Words should fully embrace the Words He spoke in John chapter 16.  Why resist the help of The Holy Spirit in your everyday activities?  If The Holy Spirit is intimately involved in your daily activities, the adversary has no place in your walk.  You cannot be manipulated by his minions when you are being led by The Holy Spirit.  Can it be any clearer than this?

Jesus was leaving the earth so The Holy Spirit could come forth in further ministry and expansion of The Kingdom on earth.  Jesus said, “It is to your advantage that I go away”.  It was and is advantageous for us to fully embrace the ministry of The Holy Spirit in our individual lives.  We must not resist this God-given advantage spoken specifically to us by Jesus own Words!

James wrote by The Holy Spirit in his epistle, chapter 4:

5 Does the Scripture mean nothing to you that says, “The Spirit that God breathed into our hearts is a jealous Lover Who intensely desires to have more and more of us”?

6 But He continues to pour out more and more grace upon us. For it says, “God resists you when you are proud but continually pours out grace when you are humble.”

7 So then, surrender to God. Stand up to the devil and resist him and he will flee in agony.

8 Move your heart closer and closer to God, and He will come even closer to you. But make sure you cleanse your life, you sinners, and keep your heart pure and stop doubting.

How do you fully surrender to GOD?  Fully embrace the ministry of The Holy Spirit which allows you to come closer and closer to GOD!

Our access to GOD THE FATHER is by way of The Holy Spirit!

The Holy Spirit is here on earth to connect us with Heaven.  If we disregard the ministry of The Holy Spirit, it is our loss.

Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in Ephesians chapter 2:

22 In Whom you also are being built together for a Dwelling Place of God in the Holy Spirit.

In other Words, This means that God is transforming each one of you into the Holy of Holies, His Dwelling Place, through the power of the Holy Spirit living in you!

Our access to GOD is totally dependent on The Holy Spirit.

Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in 2^nd Corinthians chapter 3:

1 Do we begin again to commend ourselves? Or do we need, as some others, epistles of commendation to you or letters of commendation from you?

2 You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men;

3 clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of The Living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.

The Holy Spirit of The Living GOD communicates to our hearts.  Why would we as believers not fully embrace the entire ministry of The Holy Spirit?

Paul continues:

4 And we have such trust through Christ toward God.

5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God,

6 Who also made us sufficient as ministers of the New Covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives Life (zōopoieō).

The Greek word zōopoieō means: to produce alive, begat or bear living young,

to cause to live, make alive, give life, by spiritual power to arouse and invigorate,

to restore to life, to give increase of life: thus of physical life, of the Spirit, quickening as respects the Spirit, endued with new and greater powers of life.

The Holy Spirit is the Facilitator of all aspects of life here on earth.  He is the One Who hovered over the earth and initiated form to the void.  He initiated physical life over the entire creation.  Why do so many churches ignore His overall ministry on earth?

Paul continues:

7 But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away,

8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious?

9 For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory.

10 For even what was made glorious had no glory in this respect, because of the glory that excels.

11 For if what is passing away was glorious, what remains is much more glorious.

Moses received but a taste of THE SPIRIT when he communicated with GOD THE FATHER.  The Glory on his face was temporary because The Holy Spirit was yet to come in His fullness.

In other Words, the fading ministry came with a portion of glory, but now we embrace the unfading ministry of a permanent impartation of glory.  The Holy Spirit was sent to impart permanent glory if we will totally accept His ministry.  We are not meant to live with 2/3 Gospel, but instead the Full Gospel which includes the ministry of The Holy Spirit.

Paul recorded by The Holy Spirit in 1^st Corinthians chapter 12:

4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.

6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God Who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:

8 for to one is given the Word of Wisdom through the Spirit,

to another the Word of knowledge through the same Spirit,

9 to another faith by the same Spirit,

to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,

10 to another the working of miracles,

to another prophecy,

to another discerning of spirits,

to another different kinds of tongues,

to another the interpretation of tongues.

11 But One and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

How many of you have seen the operations of The Holy Spirit listed above in a church service?  Most churches are so structured to appease their members, The Holy Spirit is not welcome to take over the service.  Members want to hurry and get to the local restaurant in time to eat and then watch the latest sports event… sadly.  It is disappointing for so many ministers to ignore such a vital ministry when they gather.

James wrote by The Holy Spirit in James chapter 3:

1 My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.

All of the fivefold ministry must heed this Word.  Failure to include the ministry of The Holy Spirit in Its totality will have consequences!  We should embrace the full access of GOD through the ministry of The Holy Spirit.

Let us acknowledge and embrace the full ministry of The Holy Spirit on earth!

Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in Ephesians chapter 2:

14 For Jesus Himself is our peace, Who has made both (Jew and non-Jew) 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 (Jesus) we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.

All Three of the GODHEAD are involved in our collective citizenship in the household of GOD.  We have access to THE FATHER by The Holy Spirit.  It is imperative that we understand this Truth for us to walk in total peace and fruitfulness.  The Holy Spirit energizes our words to THE FATHER by the authority given to us through Jesus Christ.  Nobody approaches GOD except through The Holy Spirit!

19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,

20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone,

21 in Whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a Holy Temple in the Lord,

22 in Whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place (habitation) of God in the Spirit.

In other Words, this means that God is transforming each one of us into the Holy of Holies, His Dwelling Place, through the power of the Holy Spirit living in us!

We are meant to acknowledge, embrace, and act on the reality of the power of The Holy Spirit so that we have unhindered access to walk in such power thereby ministering life, health, and healing to those in need.  This is the Great Commission!

Paul reveals the process: it goes upwards, then comes downwards; through Jesus by THE SPIRIT to THE FATHER; from THE FATHER by THE SPIRIT in The Son.  It is very important to see this because our access to GOD and the reality of GOD in our lives is totally dependent on The Holy Spirit!

It is not just a religion, it is not just a set of rules, it is not just a doctrine.  We have a relationship with The Holy Spirit.  The strength of that relationship is determined by our own acknowledgement and acceptance of such a relationship.  If you ignore this relationship, you will hinder the operation of The Holy Spirit in your life.  He will not force Himself on you.

A major problem in the Christian church is that they ignore and belittle the vital work of The Holy Spirit.  Shouldn’t we seek an intimate relationship with The Holy Spirit Who is here on earth in the same manner that we seek such a relationship with GOD THE FATHER and Jesus Christ?

Many Christians want to focus on the future in going to Heaven to spend eternity in the Presence of GOD THE FATHER and Jesus Christ when they should focus on the here and now in the Presence of The Holy Spirit!

In Paul’s ministry, he made it abundantly clear the importance of The Holy Spirit in his life and ministry.

He wrote by The Holy Spirit in 1^st Corinthians chapter 14:

14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.

15 What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.

16 Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say?

17 For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified.

18 I thank My God I speak with Tongues more than you all;

The Holy Spirit was essential to Paul’s ministry and it should have the same priority in our walk as well.

The answer to chaos is the ministry/work of The Holy Spirit on earth!

Moses recorded by THE SPIRIT in Genesis chapter 1:

1 When God created the heavens and the earth,

2 the earth was completely formless and empty, with nothing but darkness draped over the deep. God’s Spirit hovered over the face of the waters. TPT

Before the work of The Holy Spirit began, the earth was formless and empty.  Those who do not have The Holy Spirit experience the same emptiness at a personal level.  When they find that the world cannot fill that emptiness, they will seek the spiritual.

Luke recorded by The Holy Spirit in Acts chapter 10:

34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In Truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.

35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.

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 THE FATHER 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.

The participation in the earthly ministry of Jesus included all Three in THE GODHEAD.  What was the result?  He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil.  Good overcomes chaos, uncertainty, death, and destruction.

The Father, the Son, and The Spirit are all united in helping humanity, healing the sick, and in working against the devil.  In the end, the devil has no chance.

Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in Hebrews chapter 9:

14 how much more shall the Blood of Christ, Who through the Eternal Spirit (The Holy Spirit) offered Himself without spot to God (THE FATHER), cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Once again, all Three are all united in helping humanity.  Christ The Son offered Himself through The Spirit to The Father.

In reference to the Resurrection, all Three were involved.  The power of the Resurrection occurred through The Holy Spirit, the One Who operates in creative power here on earth!

Paul also wrote by The Holy Spirit in Romans chapter 1:

3 concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, Who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh,

4 and declared to be the Son of God (THE FATHER) with power according to the Spirit of Holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.

The power that raised Jesus from the tomb was The Holy Spirit.  GOD THE FATHER raised THE SON by THE SPIRIT.

Recall how The Holy Spirit descended on Jesus. The Beloved Disciple wrote by The Holy Spirit in John chapter 1:

32  And John The Baptist bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from Heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him.

33 I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’

34 And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God (THE FATHER).”

Luke recorded by The Holy Spirit in Acts chapter 2:

1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

2 And suddenly there came a Sound from Heaven, as of a Rushing Mighty Wind, and It filled the whole house where they were sitting.

3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and One sat upon each of them.

4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Peter explained the event to the crowd who witnessed this:

32 This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses.

33 Therefore being exalted to the Right Hand of God The Father, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.

At Pentecost, The Son received from The FATHER The Spirit and poured out The Holy Spirit on the waiting disciples.  Every major stage in the whole plan of redemption from beginning to end is FATHER, Son, and The Holy Spirit.

Are we hindering the work of The Holy Spirit here on earth?

As I wrote yesterday, the first Person of THE GODHEAD we encounter is The Holy Spirit yet many place little or no importance of the ministry of The Holy Spirit.  The first Person Who contacts us is not THE FATHER, not THE Son, but it is the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit introduces us to The Son.  He influences us in the way we begin to think.

Paul recorded by The Holy Spirit in Romans chapter 1:

20 Opposition to Truth cannot be excused on the basis of ignorance, because from the creation of the world, the invisible qualities of God’s nature have been made visible, such as his eternal power and transcendence. He has made His wonderful attributes easily perceived, for seeing the visible makes us understand the invisible. So then, this leaves everyone without excuse.

The Holy Spirit is active on earth to the point where there is no excuse for not perceiving GOD’S nature.  The Holy Spirit is the Communicator to our spirit man.

Jesus spoke in Revelation chapter 2:

7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Revelation 3:

6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Jesus reiterated seven times to focus on what The Holy Spirit is communicating to the church.  Jesus emphasized the importance of hearing The Holy Spirit if you are to be fully acceptable in His sight.  The Holy Spirit plays an essential part in every major transaction of redemption.  We see this from the beginning of GOD’S plan of redemption found in Genesis 1, to the culmination in the Book of Revelation.  It is THE FATHER, The Son, and The Holy Spirit all working together. 

Matthew recorded by The Holy Spirit in Matthew chapter 1:

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.

19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.

20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.

21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”

22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying:

23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

It was The Holy Spirit Who formed Jesus in her womb.  Luke provides additional details as he recorded by The Holy Spirit in Luke chapter 1:

26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,

27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.

28 And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”

29 But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was.

30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS.

32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.

33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His Kingdom there will be no end.”

34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?“

35 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.

36 Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren.

37 For with God nothing will be impossible.”

38 Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Once again, the creative power of The Holy Spirit referenced in Genesis 1, impregnated Mary just as He did with Elizabeth.  His power brings for manifestation in the physical world.

Are we hindering the work of The Holy Spirit here on earth?

What are the ministries of The Holy Spirit?  Much of the church ignores the importance of The Holy Spirit in our lives… sadly.  The Holy Spirit in the most difficult aspect of GOD because we fail to associate Him as a separate person in the GODHEAD.  It is not difficult to associate with GOD The Father and GOD The Son.  Both can be “seen” in Scripture.  For most people, GOD The Holy Spirit is difficult to comprehend because The Holy Spirit is without a body. 

Our mind has difficulty in conceiving or describing The Holy Spirit.  We know that GOD The Father is a person, and we know that Jesus is a person.  It is vital to understand The Holy Spirit is as much a person as both THE FATHER and Jesus, the Son.

We need to relate to The Holy Spirit as a person!

Moses recorded by THE SPIRIT in Genesis chapter 1:

1 In the beginning God (Elohim, plural) created (singular) the heavens and the earth.

2 The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

In verse 1, GOD is both plural and singular.  The noun is plural, yet the verb is singular.  3 = 1.  This concept goes against mathematics in the physical realm.  In the first three Hebrew words of Genesis reflects this Truth.

rē’šîṯ             In the beginning

‘ĕlōhîm         GOD (plural)

bārā’            created (singular)

The first three Words reveal the plurality of GOD.  The first actual person of THE GODHEAD being individually introduced is The Holy Spirit in verse 2, not THE FATHER or The Son!

The word hovering suggests that activity of a bird.

Matthew recorded by The Holy Spirit in Matthew chapter 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.

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.”

In two verses, all three of THE GODHEAD were mentioned.  The Holy Spirit once again was described as having bird-like characteristics.  Birds are not confined to the earth.  Doves will not come close to those they don’t know yet this dove was drawn to Jesus.  The third person of THE GODHEAD was moving in creative power on behalf of THE GODHEAD and without restraint.

Back in Genesis chapter 1:

Genesis 1:3 NKJV

Then God (‘ĕlōhîm) said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.

And it is written by THE SPIRIT in Psalm chapter 33:

6 By the Word of the LORD (Yᵊhōvâ) the heavens were made, And all the host of them by the Spirit (rûaḥ) of His Mouth.

The creative power of GOD was channeled through His Word and through His Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit was moving and when GOD’S Word went forth and said the word light, light came into being.  This was the process of creation.  The ministry of The Holy Spirit is absolutely precise and complete.  The heavens and the earth are testimonies of this Truth.

Will you afflict your soul?

Moses recorded by THE SPIRIT in Leviticus chapter 16:

29 “This shall be a statute forever for you: In the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month (Yom Kippur), you shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether a native of your own country or a stranger who dwells among you.

30 For on that day the priest shall make atonement for you, to cleanse you, that you may be clean from all your sins before the LORD.

31 It is a sabbath of solemn rest for you, and you shall afflict your souls. It is a statute forever.

The word afflict means: to be put down, become low, to stoop, to humble oneself, bow down, to weaken oneself.

It is imperative that our spirit man be stronger than our soul and flesh.  This is only done by each of us making the decision to subdue the soul and flesh thereby weakening them relative to the spirit.

Yom Kippur fast day is the Holiest day of the year, when Jews are closest to GOD and to the essence of their souls. Yom Kippur means “Day of Atonement,” as the verse states, “For on this day He will forgive you, to purify you, that you be cleansed from all your sins before GOD.”  This is the day that the Jew afflicted their souls and humbled themselves before GOD.  You and I are called to live a humbled life daily.

We must empty ourselves of pride.  The very first sin was pride that was found in Lucifer when he tried to exalt himself above the Lord God Almighty.  The result was that he was cast out of Heaven and made low.  On the other hand, Jesus humbled Himself and was made low which resulted in Him being exalted to the Throne Room of GOD.

It was recorded by THE SPIRIT in Ezra chapter 7:

10 For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.

It was on Ezra’s heart to restore The Temple in Jerusalem even though there were enemies of the Jews who wanted to prevent this from happening.

And in chapter 8:

21 Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions.

22 For I was ashamed to request of the king an escort of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy on the road, because we had spoken to the king, saying, “The Hand of our God is upon all those for good who seek Him, but His power and His wrath are against all those who forsake Him.”

23 So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer.

Afflicting one’s soul is a consistent theme throughout Scripture.

James wrote by The Holy Spirit in James chapter 4:

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

8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

9 Be afflicted and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.

10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

We must surrender our soul to GOD which allows us to move our heart closer to HIM.  If we are willing to be made low before THE LORD, HE will exalt us.  If our soulish man tries to exalt us, the result is that we will be made low.  It is our choice.

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

Public ministry begins by fasting!

Luke recorded by The Holy Spirit in Luke chapter 4:

1 From the moment of His baptism, Jesus overflowed with the Holy Spirit. He was taken by the Spirit from the Jordan into the wilderness of Judea to experience for forty days the ordeal of testing by the accuser. He ate no food during this time and ended his forty-day fast very hungry.

Even though Jesus was filled with The Holy Spirit, He found it necessary to fast and be tested.  At the end of the testing, He began His public ministry in the power of The Holy Spirit:

14 Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region.

Luke also recorded by The Holy Spirit in Acts chapter 13:

1 Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

3 Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.

First, they fasted and heard The Holy Spirit’s instructions.  Second, they once again fasted and prayed, then sent Barnabas and Saul (Paul) out for public ministry.

And in Acts chapter 10:

1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment,

2 a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always.

Cornelius demonstrated the three “When’s” from the Words of Jesus in Matthew chapter 6: When you give to the poor, when you pray, and when you fast.

3 About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, “Cornelius!”

4 And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, “What is it, lord?” So he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God”.

FATHER recognized the prayers and generosity to the poor as an Eternal offering.  As a result, FATHER dispatches an angel to Cornelius in preparation for sending Peter to his household. 

5 Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter.

6 He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do.”

7 And when the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier from among those who waited on him continually.

8 So when he had explained all these things to them, he sent them to Joppa.

Cornelius’ fasting and prayers initiated Peter’s ministry to include all of mankind.  Peter was given a vision of the men that were sent to bring him to the house of Cornelius.

22 And they said, “Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was Divinely instructed by a Holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you.”

Fasting opens up the supernatural!

Peter arrives at the house.

28 Then Peter said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

29 Therefore I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. I ask, then, for what reason have you sent for me?”

30 So Cornelius said, “Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of God.

32 Send therefore to Joppa and call Simon here, whose surname is Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea. When he comes, he will speak to you.’

Cornelius fasted until 3 PM.  Was it to be an all day fast?  I don’t know, but does it really matter?  The important thing is that Cornelius fasted and prayed… and he feared GOD.  As a result, he had a major impact on the public ministry of Peter.

The moment you and I interact with anyone, this too is a public ministry opportunity.  Think about it!

We humble ourselves through fasting!

Moses recorded by THE SPIRIT in Leviticus chapter 16:

29 “This shall be a statute forever for you: In the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict your souls by fasting, and do no work at all, whether a native of your own country or a stranger who dwells among you.

30 For on that day the priest shall make atonement for you, to cleanse you, that you may be clean from all your sins before the LORD.

31 It is a sabbath of solemn rest for you, and you shall afflict your souls. It is a statute forever.

This day is known as Yom Kippur and the Jewish brethren have observed this day no matter where they were located.  When GOD said to afflict your souls, HE meant “fast”. 

Luke recorded by The Holy Spirit in Acts chapter 27:

9 Now when much time had been spent, and sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was already over, Paul advised them,

Yom Kippur was known as “the Fast” even in Paul’s time.  Fasting is going without food for Spiritual purposes. 

To afflict means to subdue, to humble, to humiliate.  GOD requires that we humble, subdue and humiliate our souls.  FATHER attaches tremendous importance to this act.

The soul is where “I” is located, also known as the ego.  It is made up of the mind, will, and emotions.  It says: I think, I will, I want.  It is very arrogant and self-assertive in every one of us.

Arrogance is overbearing pride or haughtiness. It is the opposite of being humble.  If exaggerates one’s own worth or importance, often showing an offensive attitude of superiority.  This clearly describes the ego.

FATHER tells us if we really want HIS blessing, we must subdue that arrogant, self-assertive ego in every one of us.  This necessitates us to fast.

King David wrote by THE SPIRIT in Psalm chapter 35:

13 But as for me, when they were sick, My clothing was sackcloth (in mourning); I humbled my sou with fasting; And my prayer would return to my own heart.

David understood the need to fast, especially when his enemies were at hand.  He learned to humble his soul.  Every successful servant of THE LORD must learn to humble his or her soul.

Peter wrote by The Holy Spirit in 1^st Peter chapter 5:

5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”

6 Therefore humble yourselves under the Mighty Hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,

7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

It is vital that we humble our souls if we are to completely fulfill our individual callings.  If you are unsure about your calling, fast and pray which will allow you to hear from FATHER concerning your calling.  If you seem hindered in fulfilling your calling, fast and pray.  FATHER will direct your steps so that HE may exalt you in due time.  Exalt you to what? To the fulfillment of your calling!

When David heard of Saul’s death, what did he do?

It is written by THE SPIRIT in 2^nd Samuel chapter 1:

11 Therefore David took hold of his own clothes and tore them, and so did all the men who were with him.

12 And they mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and for Jonathan his son, for the people of the LORD and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.

Before Israel could recover from defeat, David and his men fasted.  This set the stage for Israel’s recovery, reunion, and victory.