Servias Ministries Blog

Jesus stated in John chapter 14:

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

That is a bold statement and Jesus knew such a statement would require confirmation in a manner so compelling that no one would be able to question His integrity.  Otherwise, He would be just another promoter of some religious sect.  How did Jesus confirm His Word?  He performed miracles, wonders, and signs.  In Act chapter 2, Peter spoke by THE SPIRIT:

22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know—”

Jesus’ birth was a miracle, His ministry was one of miracles, and His resurrection was a miracle.  What separates the Truth from the religions of the world are miracles confirming the Truth sent to us by FATHER through His Holy Son.  The Beloved Disciple wrote by THE SPIRIT in 1 John chapter 3:

8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.

How did Jesus destroy the works of the devil?  By performing miracles and reversing the curse brought on by the deception of the devil.  This is exactly why Jesus proclaimed “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”  The miracle-working power of the Gospel restores mankind to FATHER and we must no longer settle for anything less.  Jesus expects us to believe and trust in Him and His Word concerning miracles.  In Mark chapter 16, Jesus spoke:

15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;

18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

The early church embraced this commission and we see the results throughout the Book of Acts.  There have been moves of The Holy Spirit in the 20th century where ministries fulfilled this Great Commission.  Isn’t it time for us to rise up and press in to continue this Great Commission?  Are we willing to believe the Words of Jesus and walk according to His commands?  Did His commands have a time limit or restriction attached?  Not in any manner.  Those of us who seek to mature in Christ and fulfill the call to sonship must not let Jesus’ commands go unanswered in the time we live in.  We must remember that Love acts on behalf of FATHER and the only way we will have true credibility with the lost is by signs following.

Our faith should grow to the point where we expect miracles.  We should expect FATHER to confirm HIS Word.  We should expect Jesus to be with us as we preach the Gospel.  In Matthew 28, Jesus stated:

18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Let us expect the Truth to come forth and be with us as we go forth in His Name.  Let our faith grow to the point where we expect Jesus to be with us as miracles confirm His Word.  Those miracles will be a testimony to The Truth.

Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in Ephesians chapter 2:

1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,

2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air (Satan), the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,

3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.

Paul identifies Satan as the one who motivates the children of disobedience which included you and me when we were separated from FATHER.  The devil used our mind and flesh against us when we were among the sons of disobedience.  Knowing this, we must be careful to not allow logic and reasoning to supersede FATHER’S Word in our lives.  Common sense is “common” in the world, not in the Heavenlies, so we must be led by THE SPIRIT in all matters in order to walk according to FATHER’S perfect will.  FATHER through HIS Son Jesus has made us alive and able to walk according to THE SPIRIT but it is up to each of us to draw near to HIM.

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,

5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

We must understand the reality that we are FATHER’S workmanship and were created in Christ for good works.  FATHER intends for us to walk in those good works so it is up to us to embrace this Truth on a daily basis.  HIS great Love made us alive in Christ so we should not think it difficult to walk according to HIS SPIRIT.  FATHER is kind toward us so we should not think it impossible to rise up and sit together with Christ Jesus.  Though common sense would challenge this reality, we must not allow our minds to restrict us in this manner.  Our faith should expect results in what the world calls impossible.  If FATHER was willing to provide us the gift of grace by HIS great Love, HE is also able to raise us up if we are willing to believe.

HE expects us to grow in faith so that we will walk in the fullness of good works.  He prepared us beforehand which means HIS Divine Intent was imparted into each of us as we were formed in the womb.  HE then gave us HIS Word so that we would be able to embrace HIS Divine Intent here on earth.  HIS Great Plan of redemption was implemented and included each of us so that we now can fulfill our individual, unique callings.  By THE SPIRIT James wrote in 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.

Though we have been redeemed by the Blood of The Lamb, the devil will continue to challenge us in our daily walk.  We must resist him and he will depart our presence as we draw near to Our Heavenly Father.  As we draw near to FATHER, our hearts become pure and we also become one with HIM.  Our minds become our servants as we command our focus to be on FATHER’S Divine Will for our lives.  As we meditate on HIS Word, our hearts and minds are cleansed of any worldliness keeping us from fulfilling our mandate.  We are no longer walking according to the course of the world, but are now alive IN HIM and bringing forth good works on behalf of The Kingdom.

Faith is expressed in action once The Word resides in our heart.  Those in unbelief may acknowledge the existence of one of FATHER’S promises to us, but they do not trust and fully rely on HIS Word.  Their minds have a greater trust in their senses and what the world says to them.  James wrote by THE SPIRIT in chapter 1:

22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror;

24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.

25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

We are given a key to walking in faith- continue in The Word.  In the Amplified Version of verse 25, “But he who looks carefully into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and faithfully abides by it, not having become a [careless] listener who forgets but an active doer [who obeys], he will be blessed and favored by God in what he does [in his life of obedience].”

I cannot overemphasize the importance of meditating on The Word each day.  When in the wilderness, the children of Israel had a daily reminder of FATHER’S promises when they looked at the pillar of smoke during the daytime and pillar of fire at night.  They received manna for each day’s consumption thus they were given the opportunity to build up their faith in preparation of entering the Promised Land.  The younger ones were more receptive since they had little of the world’s ways to be removed.

In chapter 2 of James:

20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?

Once we receive the Word in our hearts, there must be corresponding action to complete the work of faith.  Some people will hear a message on faith, mentally agree with it, and then act out an action resulting in failure.  They fail because The Word was not yet in their heart and they were attempting to “work the system” rather than truly walk in faith.  We must hear, dwell, and meditate on FATHER’S Word in order for it to be firmly planted in our hearts.  Sometimes it occurs quickly and other times it takes longer, depending on the condition of our heart.  Jesus explained the issues of receiving The Word in our heart in Matthew chapter 13:

18 “Therefore hear the parable of the sower:

19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside.

20 But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy;

21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.

22 Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares (and distractions) of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.

23 But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it (and grasps it), who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”

It is my deepest desire for all who read these writings become fully established in faith by Love.  The world is in desperate need of the good fruit produced by those who have matured in Christ.  There is no other solution to the issues at hand, whether they be personal or worldwide in nature.  Our success in resolving issues set before each of us depends on our commitment to growing our faith to the point of having “great” faith.  The proof is in our actions.

In Genesis chapter 15, FATHER spoke:

1 After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.”

2 But Abram said, “Lord GOD, what will You give me, seeing I go childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?”

3 Then Abram said, “Look, You have given me no offspring; indeed one born in my house is my heir!”

4 And behold, the word of the LORD came to him, saying, “This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir.”

5 Then He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.”

6 And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.

Abraham was in his mid eighties when FATHER spoke to him concerning Isaac.  Sarah’s womb was dead but that did not keep FATHER’S promise of a son from coming forth.  Abraham heard The Word from FATHER and was willing to exercise his faith in The Word despite what he experienced with his five physical senses.  Paul wrote of Abraham’s faith In Romans chapter 4:

16 Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all

17 (as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”) in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did;

18 who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.”

19 And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb.

20 He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory (, praise, and honor) to God,

21 and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.

22 And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.”

Abraham considered not his own body nor was he moved by Sarah’s age and condition.  He spent years confessing FATHER’S Word and giving FATHER the glory, honor, and praise before the manifestation of FATHER’S promise arrived.  Abraham’s body responded to his faith first for he fathered Ishmael at the bequest of Sarah.  Over the next thirteen years, her faith grew until the restoration of her womb was manifested.  She heard FATHER’S Word often as Abraham gave FATHER the glory for HIS promise of a son with Sarah.  She went from little or no faith to great faith.

We must not consider our current circumstances to be permanent but allow FATHER’S Word to work in us and produce great faith.  There is no better day than today to begin building our faith.  Let us consider not our five physical senses but let us stand on the integrity of The Word and the redemptive act of Our Lord Jesus Christ as our foundation for building our faith.  Let us not waver at the promises found in The Word concerning our situation.  Let our mouth be filled with praise, honor, and glory directed to Our Heavenly Father and expect the manifestation of HIS promise to come forth, nothing wavering.

The Beloved Disciple expressed the Gospel of John from the revelation of Love.  He recorded the Words of Jesus in a manner to lead us into the fullness of walking as mature Sons and Daughters.  In the final chapter of this Gospel, Jesus introduced the 153 fish which happens to represent the Sons of GOD.  Each Gospel depicts a different facet of Our Lord Jesus Christ thus none should be deemphasized.  However, in the Gospel of John we find a progression of who Jesus is in relation to our advancement toward full maturity.

John 6:35 And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.

We are to feed on Him and “eat” His Words so that we will be sustained in our walk.  As we take communion which effectively deals with our hunger and thirst, we reflect on who He is to us.

8:12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

We will no longer be blinded but will be able to see and receive revelation of walking according to FATHER’S Divine Will and purpose.  This will allow us to grow and mature so that we can ultimately fulfill our purpose.

10:9 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.

There is only one way to peace and fulfillment and Jesus proclaimed Himself as that door by which we can enter into true peace.

10:11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.

Jesus expressed His Love for us and His willingness and desire to give His life for us.  This involves His active intercession for our good.

11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.

He has overcome death so that we too will overcome death.  He provided the means for us to have eternal life and be fully reconciled to Our Heavenly Father.

14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

This sixth reference sums up His ministry of reconciling and restoring us to FATHER.  The way is narrow and there are no alternate means of reconciliation.  Because we can see the light of the Gospel, we have the confidence or our restoration.  We rest in the confidence of eternal life and know that death has lost its sting.

15:5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

Once we have progressed into maturity through Christ, we are to bear much fruit.  In order to bear an abundance of fruit, Jesus Christ must be preeminent in our thoughts and actions.  We must not allow ourselves to grow cold in the revelation of these seven “I am’s”.  We received the gift of righteousness because of Christ’s work at the cross so let us exalt Him in all that we think and do as mature Sons (and daughters) of GOD.

Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in Galatians chapter 2:

20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

We have received the greatest of blessings from Our Heavenly Father because Our Lord Jesus Christ first Loved us and gave Himself for each of us individually.  Our challenge is to be fully crucified with Christ and live by faith in the fullness of His redemptive work.  Paul further wrote in Romans chapter 6:

1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?

2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?

3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?

4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection,

6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.

We are no longer slaves to sin thus we should walk accordingly.  Our flesh would attempt to challenge this reality but we are no longer subject to the lust of the flesh.  If my flesh tries to challenge this Truth, then I will remind it that I am redeemed and my old man no longer rules me.  I speak the Word over myself and because of my faith IN HIM, I know this resolves the issue with the flesh.  The adversary will come forth with temptations but we should do as Jesus did and quote FATHER’S Word.  Ultimately, the temptation will depart.

By faith, we walk in the newness of life.  As we build up ourselves in faith we will accept this newness of life as our standard and no longer accept the ways of the old man.  We must embrace the death of Jesus and be associated with it by crucifying our flesh just as we have embraced His resurrection and our acceptance of becoming a new man, old things are passed away.  Our body of sin must be done away with and we must accept the reality of our newness of life.

In Galatians chapter 5, Paul wrote:

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Once we have crucified our flesh, we are able to live in THE SPIRIT and walk in THE SPIRIT.  When this occurs, we will produce the fruit of THE SPIRIT which will testify of our true walk.  Since Love is the first fruit mentioned, it will surely be a barometer of our dying to the flesh.

As we mature in Christ and take on our responsibilities of Sons and Daughters of GOD, our purpose in life becomes aligned with Jesus’ purpose.  As we become increasingly led by THE SPIRIT, our priorities change.  Our old worldly desires and priorities become distant memories and the “stuff” we possess have lost their luster.  We now look at ways to minister life to others and become more compassionate to those who are blinded by the adversary.

The Beloved Disciple wrote by THE SPIRIT in 1 John chapter 3:

7 Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.

8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.

Jesus’ earthly ministry focused on destroying the works of the devil by preaching the Good News of redemption and healing all who were possessed or oppressed by the devil.  Not once did Jesus turn people away who were in need of healing.  Only once did anyone question His will concerning healing and Jesus immediately responded “I will”.

In order for us to become fully mature, we must have the revelation of Agape Love and walk in it toward our fellow man:

10 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.

11 For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another

If we do not grasp the reality of walking in Love toward our brother, then we cannot fulfill our calling given to us by FATHER.  This is one of the great commandments given to us by Jesus and it does not allow for exceptions.  If FATHER Loved us while we were yet in sin, then we should Love others while they are yet in sin.  We must watch over our words and thoughts toward the ungodly and allow our unconditional Love to minister life to them.  The Holy Spirit will draw people to us when we walk according to Love.

16 By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

17 But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?

18 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.

One test of maturity is whether we will lay down our life for others.  Another test is whether we will joyfully give to those in need.  Our acts are a greater testimony than words only and our Love toward others is fully expressed by corresponding action. 

In recent months, FATHER has had me focus on the ministry of healing which is part of the two-fold redemptive work of Christ.  I know that many who read these writings may be uncomfortable in ministering in this area for fear of failure.  We must not allow fear to overtake us but instead allow Love to overcome any fear that arises.  Besides salvation, what better gift of Love can we give than to minister healing to those in desperate need.  Virtually every family has a member who needs healing in some manner.  Life threatening diseases are becoming more commonplace in the young like never before.  What better way to minister to those in need by ministering life and health to their loved ones!

What does it take to fulfill our purpose?  Much prayer and fasting.  As my friend Kemper mentioned the other night, fasting the flesh is dying to self.  Let us embrace this reality and die to self once and for all.  As Jesus said in John 6:38: “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.”

Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in Ephesians chapter 2:

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,

5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

6 and raised us up together (with HIM), and made us sit together (with HIM) in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

One of Jesus’ redemptive acts was to bring us into FATHER’S presence.  As we reside in HIS presence, we become like HIM and take on HIS traits centered around HIS great Love.  To what purpose?

7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

It is important that we become aware of this reality- we have been raised up to be in FATHER’S presence and reside with HIM through Christ Jesus.  We now have access to the presence of FATHER and can come boldly to HIS throne and ask according to HIS Will.  The Amplified Version further describes verse 10:  For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].

Because we have been fully restored to be in HIS presence, we are now able to walk in the path HE has set before us.  This path is called “The Way”.  Jesus was the manifested Divine Intent of FATHER as He carried out His physical ministry of good works.  Jesus provided many Spiritual and physical blessings to the people.  Salvation, healing, feeding the multitudes, and provisions for His disciples are all examples of good works.  His expressions of Love changed people’s lives for the better and we are to follow in His footsteps because we are the workmanship of FATHER.  The mere fact you are reading this is an indication that FATHER ordained you and prepared you to walk according to HIS Divine Intent and are meant to bring forth good works directed toward others.

Because we have been raised up to sit in Heavenly places, we can and should expect to hear FATHER.  If you are having trouble hearing FATHER, continue to dwell in this passage and ask HIM to improve your ability to hear HIM.  It is HIS desire to commune constantly with us and direct our steps on a daily basis. As we press in and remove the noise of the world, we are able to be led by HIS Spirit in a greater manner.  Let us embrace the Truth that we have been raised up to sit by HIS side just as Jesus sits at HIS right hand.  This reality allows us to hear and do HIS Will rather than our own.  Jesus made us worthy and we must not allow the accuser to convince us otherwise.

FATHER’S Love for us motivated HIM to bring us into HIS presence.  It is HIS gift to us for none of us could come into HIS presence on our accord.  Jesus shed HIS blood so that we could be reconciled and remain in FATHER’S presence.  We are now able to receive instructions to carry out on this earth in order that we be fruitful in good works toward others.  Let us be conscious of this reality as we minister FATHER’S Love to a world in desperate need.

When was the last time there was great joy in your city, a joy announced on the radio and TV as well as presented on the front page of the local newspaper?  I dare say we have not seen an event of this nature in recent memory yet it became commonplace in the Book of Acts after Jesus’ ascension.

It is written by THE SPIRT in Acts chapter 8:

4 Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.

5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them.

6 And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

7 For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed.

8 And there was great joy in that city.

Philip embraced the Great Commission given to the disciples by Jesus before His ascension.  The Great Commission is what I call “Love in action.”  Why did the people heed the words spoken by Philip?  First they heard the Word and then they saw the miracles.  The result was great joy in the city.

What is the point of studying and meditating on The Word if there is no corresponding action as a result?  There are hundreds if not thousands of denominations in the U.S. yet how many cities or towns do we hear of great joy coming forth because of the Gospel?  Isn’t it time for us to go before FATHER in an act of pure Love and seek HIS Face concerning the lack of great joy across the country where we reside?

Before Philip ministered in such a notable fashion, he was called to serve tables as recorded in Acts chapter 6:

3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business (of serving tables);

4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch,

6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.

Philip embraced the call to serve tables as an act of Love.  The requirements were: a good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit, and wisdom.  There is no indication that Philip was an expert in the Law and very little is mentioned about him except when he asked Jesus the question in John chapter 14:

7 “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.”

8 Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.”

9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?

10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works.

11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.”

Philip was no different than you or me.  He was not a scholar nor was he particularly singled out as being in the inner circle who were closest to Christ.  We must not discount ourselves when it comes to being used by FATHER.  Now is the time for us to press in and seek FATHER concerning the Great Commission.  Some will be called to preach and some will be called to support those who preach.  Some will be called to intercede from a foundation of Love.  Some may be asked to serve tables.  Whatever the calling, it should be identified as Love in action.  Any other endeavor is simply biding time and is temporary in nature.

Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in 2 Corinthians chapter 5:

21 For God took the sinless Christ and poured into him our sins. Then, in exchange, he poured God’s goodness into us! (Living Bible)

21 He made Christ who knew no sin to [judicially] be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we would become the righteousness of God [that is, we would be made acceptable to Him and placed in a right relationship with Him by His gracious lovingkindness]. (Amplified Version)

When FATHER sees you and me, HE sees HIS Beloved Son.  This act of Love was a gift to us and was not given to us according to our works but was provided by Our Lord Jesus Christ.  Our works could never be sufficient to earn our salvation thus FATHER’S manifested expression of Love provided The Way for us to be reconciled to HIM.  This foundation of Love should be ever present in our consciousness as we proceed in our daily lives.  This is why we should give thanks unto FATHER as we start our day.  Paul also wrote by THE SPIRIT in Roman chapter 4:

5 But to the one who does not work [that is, the one who does not try to earn his salvation by doing good], but believes and completely trusts in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited to him as righteousness (right standing with God). (Amplified Version)

How can we show our appreciation to OUR LORD?  We should pursue greater maturity in Christ on a daily basis as well as express Love to others as a testimony to the free gift of redemption we received through Christ.  What better way to rejoice in our gift than to be a blessing to others and show them the same Love that FATHER expressed to us by redeeming us from death and destruction.

We can be sure that we will be challenged by the adversary who will try to dilute or divert our attention by pointing out our past failures.  Our past is gone and FATHER sees us today through the Blood of Christ thus HE no longer holds us accountable for our past.  Jesus once and for all dealt with our past sins so we should not let them prevent us from moving forward into full maturity.  Jesus did not take on a small portion of our sins, He took on all of them.  His work of Love on the cross is the foundation of our life so we should always keep a fresh awareness of this foundation of Love as we go about our day.

In Matthew chapter 5, Jesus spoke:

14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.

15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

What better was to rejoice in our gift than to be a light to others.  FATHER has enabled us to do good works so we should become HIS expression of Love to the world.  Don’t allow time to cause you to lose the excitement of the gift of Love received from FATHER.  Don’t grow cold and become a hearer only.  James wrote by THE SPIRIT in chapter 1:

22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror;

24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.

25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

Some walk as though they have forgotten the gift of salvation bestowed on them by FATHER through Our Lord Jesus Christ.  Only after a life changing event do they receive their wake up call.  Let us not become lethargic in our daily walk but let us rejoice in our gift of Love and express our gratitude by walking in HIS Love toward others and sharing the blessings bestowed on us.  Let our walk testify of the Good News.