Servias Ministries Blog

Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Our Lord Jesus Christ. It is also known as Holy Friday but I would suggest that it might be called Agape Love Friday since the culmination of Jesus’ sacrifice occurred on this day which is the ultimate act of unconditional Love toward all of mankind.
On this day, the disciples’ expectations were not met for they expected Jesus to establish the Kingdom in a different manner. They relied heavily on His guidance for three and a half years and saw many miracles including the raising of the dead yet they did not expect Him to submit to death Himself.
Jesus warned the most intelligent and well educated men of their trust and reliance on the familiar. In Mark chapter 7, Jesus spoke to the Pharisees and some of the scribes:
9 He said to them, “All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition.”
And:
13 “you are making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do.”
Tradition results from man applying his logic to develop a formula expecting to achieve a desired outcome equivalent to a past event. If we do steps 1, 2, and 3 then we should expect the event to occur again. However, this path relies on the lower physical laws rather than the higher, spiritual realm. A past revelation is converted to tradition by man’s logic and blindness.
As for us, we should expect the unexpected. Jesus healed many people using different means so that the disciples would not think there is any specific formula for healing. Whether dipping oneself in the river or applying mud to the eyes, the healing resulted from obedience to The Word of faith.
No one expected FATHER’S Love to culminate on Good Friday, also known as Passover. No one expected Jesus’ death to produce life but FATHER confounded the wise with HIS plan for our redemption. Jesus spoke in Luke 21:
25 “There will be signs (attesting miracles) in the sun and moon and stars; and on the earth [there will be] distress and anguish among nations, in perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea and the waves,
26 people fainting from fear and expectation of the [dreadful] things coming on the world; for the [very] powers of the heavens will be shaken.
27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with [transcendent, overwhelming] power [subduing the nations] and with great glory.
28 Now when these things begin to occur, stand tall and lift up your heads [in joy], because [suffering ends as] your redemption is drawing near.” AMPL
The world systems are teetering on collapse which will cause many to faint from fear as they expect dreadful things to happen. What are we to do? Jesus tells us not to fear but to look up for our redemption is drawing near. We should expect the unexpected with great joy!

My friend Alan wrote in response to a recent blog:

Yesterdays ‘word’ emphasized the reality that Yashua likened us “…to trees, especially fruit trees.” More like ‘nuts’? Just kidding. Some years back I noticed how the emphasis in Genesis 2 and 3 focused on ‘adam’ eating only from trees. To eat from a tree, one must be upright, standing up, reaching up (Philippians 3:14) and well aware of the surroundings. That is what prompted me to investigate the Hebrew word translated as ‘tree’, which is the Hebrew word ‘gaytz’, Strong’s # H6086. That same word is also translated as ‘wood’, and also as ‘counsel’. All the ways this word is translated have to do with substances or situations or counsels that empower ‘adam’ to stand upright, stand against the disrupting ‘winds of doctrine’, and to walk uprightly ( straight; righteously; in harmony with Our Father’s Words). Adam was instructed to eat from the trees of the garden, and not from the herbs of the field, or grass of the earth. All three of those ‘food sources’, trees and herbs and grass, are spiritual metaphors for ‘adam’ to understand, and then focus upon. Gen. 1:29 discusses these three levels, with the emphasis for ‘adam’ to choose ‘vegetation’ which has the ability within itself to bear its own ‘seed’, while providing “every green herb” as food for all other life forms. ‘adam’ is later told to eat “…of all the trees of the garden”, and specifically from “…the tree of life (lives)”. Gen. 2:9.

FATHER instructed us to eat from trees (men and women) which only produce good fruit and to stay away from the tree which produces death. This particular tree which produces “winds of doctrine” centers around the knowledge of good and evil. This tree causes man to question FATHER’S Word, HIS judgment, and HIS Divine Intent.

When we question FATHER’S Word, we are relying on our own logic and common sense developed through the sense realm which is completely inferior to the spiritual realm. We rely on lower laws and become subject to them rather than FATHER’S higher Laws promoting life and fruitfulness.

FATHER’S unconditional Love allows us to make the decision in which realm we will honor in our own walk just as HE did with Adam and Eve. In one realm we are covered by HIS Glory and the other realm we walk in nakedness, needing our own devices to protect us.

It is written by THE SPIRIT in Deuteronomy chapter 28:

1 “Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the LORD your God will set you high above all nations of the earth.

2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the LORD your God

Over the last forty-seven years, I have taken FATHER at HIS Word concerning HIS blessings. I opted not to dilute HIS Word by looking for some underlying intent other than HIS expressed promises to me and my family. Why challenge HIS Word as Eve did when the adversary posed an alternative meaning to HIS expressed and exact command? When we do, are we not trying to exalt our knowledge, skill, understanding, and wisdom above HIS?

When we listen to trees who promote their common sense and logic without the life of THE WORD, we subject ourselves to the lower laws tied to the physical realm. What is the result?

15 “But it shall come to pass, if you do not obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments and His statutes which I command you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you” …

I can attest that experience is not the best teacher, listening to The Holy Spirit is!

In Luke chapter 19, Jesus spoke:

11 Now as they heard these things, He spoke another parable, because He was near Jerusalem and because they thought the kingdom of God would appear immediately.

12 Therefore He said: “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return.

13 So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Do business (Occupy) till I come.’

14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We will not have this man to reign over us.’

15 “And so it was that when he returned, having received the kingdom, he then commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.

16 Then came the first, saying, ‘Master, your mina has earned ten minas.’

17 And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.’

18 And the second came, saying, ‘Master, your mina has earned five minas.’

19 Likewise he said to him, ‘You also be over five cities.’

20 “Then another came, saying, ‘Master, here is your mina, which I have kept put away in a handkerchief.

21 For I feared you, because you are an austere man. You collect what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.’

22 And he said to him, ‘Out of your own mouth I will judge you, you wicked servant. You knew that I was an austere man, collecting what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow.

23 Why then did you not put my money in the bank, that at my coming I might have collected it with interest?’

24 “And he said to those who stood by, ‘Take the mina from him, and give it to him who has ten minas.’

25 (But they said to him, ‘Master, he has ten minas.’)

26 ‘For I say to you, that to everyone who has will be given; and from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.

27 But bring here those enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, and slay them before me.’ ”

The word occupy in verse 13 means: to be occupied in anything; to carry on a business; to carry on the business of a banker or a trader. In the above passage, it is clear we are to be productive with the gifts FATHER has bestowed in us and produce tangible fruit on behalf of HIS Kingdom.

“Occupy” denotes productive action with a focus on producing results very specific to FATHER’S directives found in HIS Word. Some will fully embrace their gifts and callings thus they will produce a ten-fold return of what they were given. This pleases Our Lord Jesus Christ and He will declare “Well done, good servant! Because you proved yourself faithful and trustworthy in a very little thing, you shall now have authority over ten cities [in my kingdom]”.

One who is somewhat productive is still rewarded. There are those who will be less productive but still embraced their gifts and callings. They too will be rewarded because they at least responded to FATHER’S Word with some level of action.

The third servant is one who did not know Our Lord Jesus Christ and His Agape Love for us. This servant focused only on the Laws other than the most important commandments of Love thus he lived in fear. He was so focused on what not to do, he ended up doing nothing. This is one issue with those who focus solely on prophetic words concerning world events. There is a tendency to do nothing because the expected world event will change everything anyway so, what is the point!

We need to focus on Jesus’ command to occupy till He returns, no matter what day, month, or year. Let us not be afraid but know that FATHER’S Love for each of us placed us here at this time with specific gifts and callings to conduct business on behalf of the Kingdom. As we are led by HIS SPIRIT, we will accomplish what is expected of us and will be rewarded accordingly. Remember, faith without works is dead, so occupy!

James wrote by THE SPIRIT in chapter 2:

14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?

15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food,

16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?

17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!

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

21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar?

22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?

FATHER expressed the Truth that faith without works is dead, inoperative and ineffective.  If we have no works as a direct result of our faith, then we are foolish and immature in our walk no matter what we project to others.  We can believe in GOD but if we don’t follow HIM according to HIS Word, we have no true faith in HIM or HIS power and authority.

It may be difficult to many who have not personally dealt with physical weakness to appreciate the faith of Abraham.  I am sure his body challenged FATHER’S Word concerning his ability to bring forth a son.  Sarah’s apparent inability to have a child added to the challenge to believe for both of them yet Abraham and Sarah came into agreement concerning FATHER’S Word.  Both of them disregarded the state of their bodies and continued to walk according to the promise given to Abraham.

As years passed, they did not waver even though their bodies had not yet responded to FATHER’S Word.  Would not man call them foolish whereas FATHER would call them faithful?  How long would you stand on FATHER’S Word in this time while the world demands instant gratification?

The Beloved Disciple wrote by THE SPIRIT in 1 John :

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.

Love with works is inoperative and ineffective as well.  Those who idly sit by and do nothing are not maturing in their walk with FATHER.  Does knowledge by itself produce good works?  Absolutely not!  Peter was an unlearned man by the world’s standards yet FATHER used him mightily.  Paul was full of ineffective knowledge and Jesus had to correct all of Paul’s conclusions on the road to Damascus.

Knowledge of the Word without works is dead.  Mental agreement with Agape Love does not make one pleasing to FATHER.  We are to act on FATHER’S Word in some manner.  If nothing else, minister to those who are destitute of daily food.  Let us be pleasing to FATHER by acting on HIS Word for this is walking by faith and Agape Love.

The Beloved Disciple wrote by THE SPIRIT in John chapter 14:

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

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

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

As maturing Sons and Daughters of Our Heavenly Father, shouldn’t we expect to glorify HIM in all that we say and do?  Isn’t this meant to be our deepest desire?  If not, we must reassess our motives.

There are many believers who isolate themselves from those who do not share their beliefs yet Jesus had no problem in being around those who were living contrary to the principles He was teaching.  Jesus walked in full assurance of His relationship with FATHER and knew that those He came in contact with would not shake His beliefs in any manner.

Having relationships with others should not depend on whether or not their beliefs align themselves with yours.  Jesus died for the ungodly because He expressed FATHER’S Agape Love for all.  We should not be timid around the ungodly but expose them to the Light that is in us which glorifies Our Heavenly Father.

In Matthew chapter 7, Jesus spoke:

15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.

16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?

17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.

18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.

19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

Jesus likened men to trees, specifically fruit trees.  Does a fruit tree protect its fruit from those who are not mature Sons or Daughters?  Did Jesus restrict His fruit from the sinners?  No, the good fruit is meant to be consumed by all so that they are impacted by the unconditional Love of Our Heavenly Father.

Jesus warned us of false prophets because of their bad fruit.  We must be careful and protect ourselves from their teachings.  A false prophet is one who, acting the part of a Divinely inspired prophet, utters falsehoods under the name of Divine prophecies.  Those who prophesy without being Divinely inspired distract us from the Truth and often cause us to take away our focus from the here and now.  We then slowly but surely discontinue producing fruit ourselves because we are so focused on their false prophecy.

How many times have we been led to believe that there would be some major supernatural event in a certain year during a certain Feast Day only to find out that nothing out of the ordinary occurred?  The false prophet will then look for some event which did occur except it had little overall impact.  They may even back peddle and claim a justifiable delay.

If you look throughout history, the return of Christ was prophesied many times without results.  I recall one family was so convinced that Jesus would return in 1996, they sold all their possessions and waited for that day yet nothing happened.  They were devastated because of believing the false prophecy.  It is clear that they had no direct communication from FATHER and allowed themselves to eat of the bad fruit.  This is one reason why we continue to focus on hearing FATHER’S Voice rather than deferring to others who present themselves as being superior in being “divinely connected”.

Each of us should purpose to be a true light unto the world and do no harm to others as we continue in our maturing process.  Let us focus on producing good fruit for all to eat of rather than just those who we think fully align with beliefs.  Jesus’ disciples did not fully align with His revelation yet He continued to feed them good fruit.  We should do the same.

Jesus spoke in Luke chapter 7:

26 “But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet.

27 This is he of whom it is written:

‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face,

Who will prepare Your way before You.’

28 For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”

The greatest of prophets was John the Baptist and his ministry focused solely on being a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe [in Christ, the Light] through him. John was not the Light, but came to testify about the Light.

There has been much taught concerning the Old Testament prophets and the “mechanics” of their ministry but we should not lose sight of the ministry of the greatest prophet.  He was called to direct our focus to the Light of the world, Jesus Christ.

32 And John 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.”

John was called to bear witness of Jesus Christ.  Aren’t we to do the same?  John the Baptist did not plead with FATHER to bring forth the Light of the world nor did he battle the devil as though he was an advocate for Jesus.  He simply walked in his calling preparing the way for the Light of the world.

Jesus prepared the way for us to also be lights unto the world.  His work on the cross prepared the way for the Holy Spirit to be given unto us with an empowerment similar to His.  Jesus spoke in John 14:

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.   AMPL

One of The Holy Spirit’s responsibilities is to call into remembrance every Word Jesus spoke.  This is why I always write “by THE SPIRIT” in addressing passages in the Scripture for our review.  The Holy Spirit is our Advocate and Intercessor so we do not need to be focused on matters that require a “heavenly attorney”.  Who better to represent us than The Holy Spirit!

Jesus further spoke in John, chapter 15:

26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of Truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.”

The Holy Spirit within us has the primary responsibility of testifying of Jesus Christ within us and to provide us with the exact Truth from FATHER.  As we mature and become fully led by THE SPIRIT, we will boldly testify of this Light unto the world and present the Truth without any additions or subtractions… simply the Truth.  Jesus spoke in John, chapter 16:

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.

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.”

Jesus summarizes the ministry of The Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit will guide us into all Truth and will tell us of things to come.  These “things” are not based on man’s attempts to bring them forth by following some type of “mechanics” found in Scripture.  These “things” are various aspects of FATHER’S Divine Plan and will occur according to FATHER’S Intent.  FATHER isn’t waiting for us to perform in order complete HIS plan as though HE is sitting on the throne waiting for our next move.  HE is moving upon those who are led by THE SPIRIT to carry out HIS Divine Intent.

The greatest prophet prepared the way for Jesus Christ and Jesus prepared the way for us by giving us The Holy Spirit.  Let us accept the work of The Holy Spirit and cooperate with this ministry without attempting to add any other doctrine which we have held in the past.

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

9 There it was—the true Light [the genuine, perfect, steadfast Light] which, coming into the world, enlightens everyone.

10 He (Christ) was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him.

11 He came to that which was His own [that which belonged to Him—His world, His creation, His possession], and those who were His own [people—the Jewish nation] did not receive and welcome Him.

12 But to as many as did receive and welcome Him (Our Lord Jesus Christ), He gave the right [the authority, the privilege] to become children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name—

13 who were born, not of blood [natural conception], nor of the will of the flesh [physical impulse], nor of the will of man [that of a natural father], but of God [that is, a divine and supernatural birth—they are born of God—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified].  AMPL

FATHER specifically intended for you and I to become HIS Sons and Daughters to further the Kingdom and were placed on earth at this time for a very specific purpose.  Only FATHER can truly appreciate how each calling fits together to further HIS Divine purpose and none of us can truly fathom the intricacies of our impact on the world.  This is why it is so important to walk in faith and be led by THE SPIRIT rather than to overanalyze every step we take.  Our logic and reason cannot begin to comprehend HIS wondrous plan and all its moving parts.

Our trust in HIS Word to us must be protected from man’s attempts to distract us from the Truths revealed by HIS SPIRIT.  When we become challenged or weary, simply recount the blessings of the past and be refreshed in FATHER’S unfailing reliability to deliver us from harm’s way.

Paul wrote in Titus by THE SPIRIT in chapter 3:

3 Remind people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready and willing to do good,

2 to slander or abuse no one, to be kind and conciliatory and gentle, showing unqualified consideration and courtesy toward everyone.

3 For we too once were foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various sinful desires and pleasures, spending and wasting our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.

4 But when the goodness and kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared [in human form as the Man, Jesus Christ],

5 He saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we have done, but because of His own compassion and mercy, by the cleansing of the new birth (spiritual transformation, regeneration) and renewing by the Holy Spirit,

6 whom He poured out richly upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior,

7 so that we would be justified [made free of the guilt of sin] by His [compassionate, undeserved] grace, and that we would be [acknowledged as acceptable to Him and] made heirs of eternal life [actually experiencing it] according to our hope (His guarantee).

There is much division being promoted in the political arenas around the world.  The vessels of dishonor are attempting to negatively impact the vessels of honor.  It is clear that many people are becoming blood thirsty and are actively seeking extreme judgment against their adversaries.  Let us refrain from being affected by these divisions, for we too once were foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various sinful desires and pleasures, spending and wasting our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another!  Be careful and not allow yourself to waste time, focused on the hate being spread by those vessels.

Let our walk be acceptable to FATHER and be ready to do good by listening intently to The Holy Spirit, knowing that FATHER will bring forth judgment by those whom HE chose as HIS instruments.  We are to be kind and conciliatory and gentle, showing unqualified consideration and courtesy toward everyone.  Let us not abuse our right and privilege as Sons and Daughters.

Many believers are enamored with prophecies, related time cycles, and other indicators of future events.  However, if we are not personally prepared for such events then what is the point of focusing on the future?  I found that when I focused so strongly on the prophetic, I lost sight of the here and now and my daily walk suffered.  I could be the exception, but I think not.

By THE SPIRIT, Paul wrote in Romans chapter 4:

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 (Abraham) did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory 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.”

How often did Abraham glorify FATHER?  I would suggest daily since Abraham was reminded daily of the apparent state of his body as well as Sarah’s womb.  Abraham did not waver at the promise of a child even though he had daily reminders through what he saw and felt.

Each of us wants to please FATHER and it is written by THE SPIRIT in Hebrews chapter 11:

6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Will a mature Son or Daughter be displeasing to FATHER?  Of course not! Shouldn’t our daily focus be centered on walking in Agape Love and in faith?  I am not against the prophetic ministries at all but we must not lose focus of our daily walk.  We are to be fruitful today, not some day in the distant future.  Jesus did not allow Himself to be distracted from the needs of the people who were in His presence.  He did not allow the cross to consume His attention as He was ministering to the needs of the people.

We need to exercise our faith on a daily basis and consider not the circumstances each of us face as we confront the challenges to our faith.  We must not allow the symptoms of sickness or disease overpower our faith.  Instead, let us give FATHER the honor and glory for HIS Word is greater than our illness or any other issue we are dealing with today.  Let our Love and faith become strong by exercising them daily rather than lie dormant while we focus on some future event or sign which may or may not confirm such an event.

In our daily walk, FATHER will prepare us for the future by leading us daily.  Let us walk simply and humbly before HIM knowing that HE will be pleased with the results.  As we do, we will be fully prepared for any event which confronts us in the future.

We’re meant to use possessions and love people, not love possessions and use people.

In Matthew Chapter 6, Jesus spoke:

19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal;

20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.

21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

A treasure is a storehouse or depository in which good and precious things are collected and laid up for future benefit.  A treasurer is a person appointed to administer what is in the treasury.

In Luke chapter 12, Jesus spoke:

29 “And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind.

30 For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things.

31 But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.

32 “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

33 Sell what you have (your possessions) and give alms (give to the poor); provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys.

34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Do you treasure things or people?  Isn’t that the real question?  FATHER treasures people and gladly provides for them as they seek The Kingdom.  Unconditional Love focuses on people and not possessions.

How many of us have “stuff” laying around gathering dust when there are less fortunate people who are in need of those things?  The U.S. has a huge number of storage units for people who continue to accumulate possessions and have used up all the storage space in their homes.  Their “treasures” are gathering dust and rust as the poor continue to be in dire need.

FATHER is not against us having a savings account.  The issue is our focus on obtaining excess at the expense of others.  This is where it becomes critical to be led by THE SPIRIT and give according to what The Holy Spirit directs.

Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in 2 Corinthians chapter 8:

8 I am not saying this as a command [to dictate to you], but to prove, by [pointing out] the enthusiasm of others, the sincerity of your love as well.

9 For you are recognizing [more clearly] the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [His astonishing kindness, His generosity, His gracious favor], that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that by His poverty you might become rich (abundantly blessed).  AMPL

Jesus did not lay up treasures on earth but gave Himself that we might become rich.  He is our perfect example of Agape Love when it comes to laying up treasures which cannot be corrupted.  He was not enslaved by possessions as many are today but His focus was on ministering life to others.  Each of us must ask the question: What is more important, “things” or people?  After all, FATHER gave HIS Son for people, not earthly possessions.

Our priorities should be set on simplification for the kingdom of God, not accumulation for our own earthly kingdom!

In Matthew chapter 13, Jesus spoke:

44 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

There comes a joy when we get the revelation of giving to those in need.  We have the satisfaction of being used by FATHER to be a blessing to those who are less fortunate.  Let each of us assess where our treasure is stored.

Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in 2 Corinthians chapter 5:

17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life].

18 But all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ [making us acceptable to Him] and gave us the ministry of reconciliation [so that by our example we might bring others to Him],

19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting people’s sins against them [but canceling them]. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation [that is, restoration to favor with God].

20 So we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us; we [as Christ’s representatives] plead with you on behalf of Christ to be reconciled to God.

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].  AMPL

Jesus Christ knew no sin thus who better to pattern our daily life by than Him!  This is why I continuously emphasize the fact that we must not allow our focus to be redirected to secondary topics at the expense of this fundamental Truth.

Our daily walk is where our battles are won.  Man’s ego will constantly attempt to raise its ugly head in the small things which may be overlooked unless we remain vigilant.  When we become ambassadors for Christ, people look at our actions and words to determine if we truly represent the life of Christ so we should take command over our daily walk and pay close attention to those words and actions that are clearly self-serving and fail to express unconditional Love.

Paul also wrote by THE SPIRIT in Galatians chapter 5:

16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.

18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

FATHER would not urge us to walk in THE SPIRIT if we were unable to do so.  When we walk in THE SPIRIT, we will walk in Agape Love and we will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.  How simple it is once we embrace this Truth.  This is who we are in Christ so we should embrace our ambassadorship without question.  We will no longer produce the works of the flesh as we become mature in this understanding.

The test of our level of maturity in Christ can be assessed in each of us by simple observation of our fruit:

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. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

We are not in competition with anyone and we are not to use this list to exalt ourselves above our brethren.  Let us simply and humbly walk in the light produced by walking in THE SPIRIT as FATHER has enabled us to do.