Servias Ministries Blog

My friend Alan wrote:

KJV Genesis 30:7 And Bilhah, Rachel’s maid conceived again, and bare Jacob a second son.  As I, too, have ‘wrestled’ with trying to continue the progression of this writing series on the twelve sons of Jacob/ Israel, several ‘new’ thought processes have been haunting me, and won’t stop harassing me. Over the decades I have come to recognize this ‘haunting’ as the prodding of Our Father’s Holy Spirit, but that doesn’t make finding a viable way through the maze of obstacles any easier. As a friend was fond of saying, “Sometimes you just have to jump, and build your wings on the way down”. I’ve never been one to be a ‘daredevil’, but occasionally you just have to follow your gut instinct. As an apology for a personal narrative, I hope that makes sense.

I am 68 years of age, and have never yet met the woman that was comfortable with ‘her man’ having sexual relations with another woman. Sharing ‘your man’ with another woman is not a very sensible path to take when your life is already in ‘security failure’, as was the case of Rachel.  And yet, we seem to find this casual attitude throughout much of the Old Testament narrative; men having sexual intercourse with women other than their spouse, but always for an honorable cause, ‘don’t ya know’. We wouldn’t do it for any other reason than an honorable cause.

I see several implications in these scenarios of ‘sex swapping’, most of which seem to be justifiable on the surface of the narrative, but none of these explain away, or supersede, the basic human instinct of ‘marital fidelity’ and personal loyalty.  Devotion to a mate is a primordial requisite, and any violation of that fidelity is cause for brewing trouble in the relationship. I know how naïve that sounds, but attractive distractions to an intimate personal relationship with a mate/spouse are disastrous to a stable relationship, and history has proven that to be true, multiple millions of times. This ‘truth’ seems to also be relevant in our own personal relationships in God. Spiritual ‘distractions’ (spiritual adulteries?) have a detrimental effect on our relationship with God, and consequently on our Godly relationship with others.

I believe Rachel understood the implications of this spiritual compromise, and was in torment to find a solution to what she saw as a lethal threat to her life as the wife of Jacob; the curse of failing to produce a son. Can we not all also identify with the nagging curse that tells us that we have failed to produce the Son? The life of Jacob is a visible example of the chaos created when ‘man thinking’ directs the course of our Spiritual journey. This is God’s Pageant, and not man’s.  KJV Genesis 30:8 And Rachel said, “With great wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister, and I have prevailed (overcome; accomplished; gained the victory)”: and she called his name Naphtali.

The Hebrew language of this verse gives a veritable discourse on the complexity and competition of the relationship between Rachel and her older sister Leah. Leah, as the elder sister, resented having to share her husband, Jacob, with a younger sister. Leah was fully aware that her husband loved Rachel, and initially wanted her as his wife. Leah was fully aware that she was forced into marriage with Jacob by her father, Laban. Nowhere in scripture can I find where Laban had any sons, so we assume that Leah was the firstborn. Laban had much political and financial interest at stake when he forged the marriage of his two daughters to the son of his sister, Rebecca. The incestuous inter-marriage among families still prevails today among many, particularly those that believe themselves to be ‘royals’, and want to keep the ‘royalty’ in the family. Few motives are as destructive as the greedy lust for power and wealth.

The name ‘Naphtali’ reveals a seething environment of aggressive competition. The Hebrew root verb that gives this name and this scenario such illumination is ‘pah-thal’, which is listed in Strong’s Concordance as # H6617. Strong’s describes this word as “…to twine; to struggle; to be morally torturous; etc.” Gesenius’ Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon adds a little more clarity to this verb by sharing this: “…to act perversely, or deceitfully.” When this verb is recognized as a noun, Strong’s # H6616, Strong’s describes this word as “…twine; bound, bracelet, lace, ribband, line, thread, wire.” Strong’s description of the noun form of this verb tends to recognize the word as having a ‘connective effect’, or as being used to ‘tie’ or ‘bind’ one thing to another.
Strong’s description of the noun form of this verb, pronounced as ‘pah-theel’, conceals the underlying emotional struggle that is going on in the lives of Rachel and Leah. Most would grasp the understanding that twine, or thread, is made from ‘twisting together’ individual fibers of animal hair, or cotton, etc. However, not once in scripture is this word ‘pah-theel’ translated as ‘twine’ or ‘thread’. And we understand that ‘twisting’ together these individual fibers gives thread and twine their customary strength characteristic.

We are familiar with Ecclesiastes 4:12 that tells us “…a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” And yet the word ‘cord’ is not once in scripture translated from this word ‘pah-thal’, or its noun form of ‘pah-theel’. This word ‘pah- theel’ is, however, used to describe the ‘bracelets’ worn by Judah which he used to pay his daughter-in-law Tamar for sex. [Gen. 38: 13-26] So, what is going on in this story of the struggle between Rachel, and her older sister Leah? And, what was so special about the ‘bracelets’ worn by Judah, except they ‘tied’ Judah to the pregnancy of his daughter-in-law Tamar?

The first use of this word ‘pah-thal’, which is an action verb, is in Gen. 30:8 where Rachel describes the naming of ‘Naphtali’, the second born son of Bilhah to Jacob, and she describes her experience as ‘wrestling’ with her sister. But a more descriptive understanding of this verb can be had in Psalm 18:26 and Proverbs 8:8, where in both verses this verb ‘pah-thal’ is translated as ‘froward’. In Psalm 18:26 the English word ‘froward’ appears twice, but only in the last use of this word ‘froward’ do we find the Psalmist using the Hebrew ‘pah-thal’. The first Hebrew word translated ‘froward’ in this verse is ‘iq-qesh’, Strong’s # H6141, which also means to be twisted, distorted and of a perverse and crooked nature. The use of the two words, ‘pah-thal’ and ‘iq-qesh’, seems to indicate a ‘cause and effect’ scenario. Both verses, as well as others that confirm this, are showing that when anyone manifests a crooked and perverted nature, an ‘adversarial wrestling’ (pah-thal), or struggle goes on within them, and/or in their relationships with others. Psalm 18:26 is a classic example of this idea. A perverted or crooked nature (iq-qesh) produces ‘adversarial wrestling or struggle’ in relationship to others.

KJV Psalm 18:26 With the pure (bah-rahr Strong’s H1805) thou (God) wilt shew thyself pure (bah-rahr); and with the froward (iq-qesh) thou wilt shew thyself froward (pah-thal). A more literal English translation of this Hebrew verse is this: “In manifesting purity, you will produce purity; and in manifesting perverted actions (iq-qesh), you will produce struggles (pah-thal)”.  This seems to be saying that when we behave ourselves in a pure and benevolent manner, we have a pure and benevolent relationship in and with God, and consequently with others. And when we manifest ourselves as perverse or crooked, we have an adversarial and struggling relationship with God, and thus with others. It seems, at least to me, we are being shown that we reap according to how we sow.

What, now, does all of this have to do with Rachel? In Gen. 30:6 we hear Rachel naming the first son of Bilhah by Jacob as Dan. Rachel seems to be declaring that God has ‘judged’ (dan) her, and found her guiltless. Now, in Gen. 30:8 we hear Rachel proclaiming that she has had to ‘wrestle’ with her sister, and she has prevailed in the ‘wrestling’. And yet throughout all of this judging and wrestling, Rachel’s experience and demeanor does not reflect the victorious boasting of her rhetoric. Rachel, as well as her sister Leah, is going through trials and testings of their character. Throughout this pageant, we are hearing the evidence of these trials and testings, of both Rachel and her sister Leah, brought forth in the naming of these ‘sons’ of Jacob. Are we also seeing a pattern of trials and testings in our own journey to God, a journey that is determined to bring us to our Christ identity? As the progression of these ‘sons’ comes forth, we detect a pattern of identity and response revealed in the names of these ‘sons’.

Reuben; to see a son. Simeon; to hear, or be heard. Levi; to be joined to by loaning, or borrowing, indicating a non-permanent relationship. Judah; to become a praise to others, and consequently a praise to God. Dan; to be judged and discerned of God. Naphtali; to wrestle with contradictions. Does any of this sound familiar in your own journey into Christ?  If this pattern of progression of the names of the sons of Jacob has any validity or merit, it must be one in which we can personally identify. Otherwise, this is only a Bible story about ancient characters from an ancient time and an ancient place. I contend that this pattern of progression of names is ultimately the blueprint of our own individual progression from ‘adam’ to Christ. And Christ is the intended destination of us all. We all have ‘wrestlings’ that challenge our journey, but the victory is had in Christ. Christ is the fulfillment of all.
To be continued?

I always like to thank those who are able to send us Love gifts supporting Servias Ministries.  These funds support the ongoing expenses and Love gifts we are led to give.  We have taken no salaries since the ministry was formed in 2006 and are thankful that FATHER blesses us through other means.

May FATHER’S blessings overtake those who are cheerful givers!

The Beloved Disciple wrote by THE SPIRIT in John chapter 16:

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.

‘All Truth”, isn’t this the deepest desire for all Sons and Daughters?  There are many voices and opinions out there today which express their viewpoint of what the Truth found in Scripture seeks to convey.  The ego plays a part in some of these views.  It seeks to gain notoriety by finding the latest mystery which has been hidden from all of mankind until now.  Why can’t we be satisfied with simply hearing the Holy Spirit in our daily walk and minister to those as THE SPIRIT directs?

The ego wants to exalt itself and perpetuate its agenda by using man’s logic and mental prowess.  I prefer to be simply led by THE SPIRT according to FATHER’S perfect will.  I am satisfied to live in such simplicity rather than the pressure to find out the next “big thing” in the spiritual arena.

If we sought to spend more time focused on simply hearing FATHER rather than seeking out the next “big thing”, we would rest in FATHER’S Presence and know that HE would tell us only those things which we truly need to know in order to fulfill our individual callings.

Jesus spoke in Matthew chapter 24:

23 “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it.

4 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

Jesus revealed the fact that man has a tendency to look for signs and wonders which can easily deceive.  The false signs and wonders are intended to take us off course and steer us away from FATHER’S Divine Intent.

We must remain vigilant within ourselves to not allow the various deceptions to lead us astray from the exact Truth provided by The Holy Spirit.  Let us take the Words directly from Jesus Christ as an encouragement and warning in our daily walk.  Let The Holy Spirit guide us in what we read and watch!

The Beloved Disciple wrote by THE SPIRIT in 1 John chapter 2:

1 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate (paraklētos) with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

An advocate (paraklētos) is one who pleads another’s cause before a judge, a pleader, counsel for defense, legal assistant, an advocate.

Several years ago, a business I was involved in, was a defendant in a frivolous lawsuit.  Our contract which explicitly described our relationship in great detail was challenged.  Clearly, I was not happy about having to defend my interests after spending much time and money on the contract.  My law firm appointed one of their attorneys who is an expert on contract law to defend our business.  I was ready to vigorously defend myself and present my case.  Instead, she took the documentation from me and told me to keep silent for she would provide the necessary defense and be my advocate.  In the end, the lawsuit was dropped and I never entered the courtroom or even saw the judge.  She handled it all.  Emotionally, I wanted to take charge but instead I deferred to the expert working on my behalf.

Who better to go before FATHER on my behalf than My Lord Jesus Christ!  He is my Advocate and has presented His Blood before the Judge of Heaven and earth.  Do I need to go before FATHER and plead my own case?  Do I need to go before FATHER and plead your case?  When I was a child and declared Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, did I know how to plead any case?

Is it recorded where Jesus had to plead the case for every deliverance He performed in healing the sick or delivering the oppressed from demons?  Or did He simply do what He was instructed by FATHER?

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 (paraklētos) will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.

And:

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.

Is it better to defend yourself or to have an Advocate who has perfect wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and skill to be your advocate?

PS:  Paul who was an expert in The Law did not see fit to promote “self-defense” but instead deferred to the true Expert, Our Lord Jesus Christ.

The word appetite means the desire to satisfy a bodily need, especially for food: craving, longing, passion, lust.  By THE SPIRIT, it is written in Genesis chapter 3:

6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.

7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings.

The adversary appealed to the appetite of the woman in order to convince her to eat of the forbidden fruit.  The five physical senses are tied to our stomach and impacts our decisions to succumb to the flesh.  Wisdom wrote in Proverbs chapter 23:

1 When you sit down to eat with a ruler,

Consider carefully what is before you;

2 And put a knife to your throat

If you are a man given to appetite.

3 Do not desire his delicacies,

For they are deceptive food.

Wisdom warns us of being moved by our fleshly appetites, no matter what form they take.  Isn’t this the source of drug addiction by the masses today?  Isn’t this the method used by drug dealers to further their nefarious intent?  Consider the pharmaceutical companies who promote pain killers.

Matthew wrote by THE SPIRIT in chapter 4:

1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

2 And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry.

3 Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”

Notice that the devil appealed to the appetite just as he did in Genesis chapter 3.  Just as mankind became separated from FATHER in the beginning by succumbing to the appetite, Jesus began the restoration process by overcoming the appetite.  It is imperative that we do the same in order to allow FATHER’S power and authority to flow through us in an unhindered manner.

Jesus took full command over His appetite by fasting.  He overcame His body’s cravings to be satisfied for He knew FATHER’S Word was to be preeminent in His life in order to fulfill His calling on behalf of mankind.

In 2 Corinthians chapter 6, Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT:

4 But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses,

5 in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings;

6 by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love,

7 by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

8 by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true;

9 as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed;

10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

Paul understood the need to fast in order to walk in the power of GOD, not just once but as he was led by THE SPIRIT.  Luke wrote by THE SPIRIT in chapter 2:

36 Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity;

37 and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

38 And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

Anna was given the privilege to bear witness of Jesus being the redeemer for FATHER knew of her commitment and purity before HIM.  What a blessing!  Let us take command of our appetite and fast as we are led by THE SPIRIT for there will be great reward.

The following passage expresses the intent of our writings to you who are Sons and Daughters of Our Heavenly Father.  If you will dwell and meditate on this passage daily, you will gain an increasing appreciation for the Love of FATHER working in your life.  My gratitude for HIS Love increases daily as HE gives me direction for each of the daily writing presented to you.

It is important to read each verse and take in the Agape Love contained in every word.  So often we tend to quickly read without fully absorbing the content.  Let every word soak in before you continue.

Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in Colossians chapter 1:

9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy;

12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.

13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,

14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.

17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.

18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.

Let Our Lord Jesus Christ be preeminent in your walk today!

When an expert asks me if I have any more questions after having a discussion on a subject related to his or her expertise, I have come to respond with “I don’t know what questions I should ask because I don’t know what I don’t know,”  How can I ask an intelligent question when I am not knowledgeable in the topic being discussed?

Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in 1 Corinthians chapter 1:

18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

19 For it is written:

​​​“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, ​​And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.”

​20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.

22 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom;

23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness,

24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

The world is filled with foolishness because man has failed to seek THE ONE WHO provides us with true Wisdom.  Instead, man continues on the path to sickness, disease, destruction, and death which perpetuates greater darkness.  A multitude of children are being diagnosed with disease and disorders that were virtually nonexistent in past decades, or at least very rare.  Perversion has become “politically correct” in many circles today whereas perverted behavior was not tolerated in times past.  An unbiased person would come to the realization that society is missing “something”.  Society today does not “know what it doesn’t know”.  Only FATHER has the answers!

The power of GOD is only accessible to those who seek HIS FACE and commune with HIM.  I have come to realize that when FATHER tells me something, even though it goes against my logic and common sense, I must embrace HIS WORD over my current understanding.  When I have failed to do so, the results were dismal.  By having faith in HIS WORD, the situations ended in fruitfulness on my behalf.  This has been consistently true throughout my adult life.

The cross and its associated power make no sense to the person who trusts in the world’s wisdom.  Why?  The world has no comprehension of the spiritual because it is not observable and measurable by the world’s means and methods.  Their assumption is that if they can’t see it, it doesn’t exist thus they remain in their folly.

Let us hold fast to our faith in Christ and embrace all that He spoke and did on our behalf for Jesus Christ is the door to accessing the fullness of FATHER’S Wisdom, understanding, and knowledge.  Let us not resist HIS Wisdom but instead fully embrace it and we will increase in fruitfulness and be a blessing to mankind.

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, 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.

FATHER has expressed HIMSELF fully and completely concerning HIS Divine Intent toward us.  HE has given us HIS Holy Spirit to lead and guide us into all Truth.  HE sent HIS Word to fully restore us to unhindered communion with HIM.  What hinders us from accepting this reality?  It has to do with unbelief that originates with our own carnal man who relies solely on man’s logic of natural observation and opinion of others who do not understand the higher spiritual Truths.

FATHER has all the answers to any questions we might ask and so when we fail to seek HIS Face, we are at a disadvantage to move up higher in our understanding of life.  The amount of light we possess is directly correlated to the level of our relationship with THE CREATOR WHO formed us in the womb.  What better use of time and resources than to develop a direct relationship with HIM?

We were created for good works through our relationship with Christ Jesus.  If we discount this relationship, then the level of good works will suffer.  You can spend your life studying other topics in Scripture but if you don’t give Jesus Christ the preeminence in your thought life, you will be limited in your maturity.

Jesus spoke in John chapter 10:

7 Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.

8 All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them.

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

10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

If you want to enjoy an abundant life, Jesus Christ must be at the center of your existence.  Each one’s abundance is according to FATHER’S Divine plan and HE will meet our needs accordingly.  Jesus emphatically states that we will be saved (sozo).  This word sozo means:  o save, keep safe and sound, to rescue from danger or destruction; to make well, heal, restore to health.  If we are not embracing the fullness of His abundance in all areas, we must change.  As we cleanse ourselves with The Word on a daily basis, we will accomplish the change required to remove any hindrance from receiving the fullness expressed by the word sozo.   Let us accept beyond any doubt that we are FATHER’S workmanship and accept this reality in all aspects of our being.  Beloved brother and sister, we are intended for good works!

Mark wrote by THE SPIRIT, in chapter 11:

12 Now the next day, when they had come out from Bethany, He was hungry.

13 And seeing from afar a fig tree having leaves, He went to see if perhaps He would find something on it. When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs.

14 In response Jesus said to it, “Let no one eat fruit from you ever again.”  And His disciples heard it.

And:

20 Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.

21 And Peter, remembering, said to Him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered away.”

22 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God.

23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.

24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

There has been much teaching on the prophetic aspect of the fig tree representing Israel.  However, let’s consider other facets of this encounter.  Could this tree represent men who are unfruitful?  In Mark 8:24, men are referred to as trees.  Jesus expected fruit since the tree had leaves but found no fruitfulness at all.  The Law of the fruit trees demanded that unfruitful trees be removed so they no longer took up resources meant for fruitfulness.

Another aspect of this passage is that there is a “life” associated with unfruitfulness.  Sickness and disease has a life of its own and the adversary can oppress people with this unfruitful life.  It is written by THE SPIRIT in Acts chapter 10:

38 how God 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.

Jesus rebuked and removed the life of sickness and disease in a similar fashion to removing the life of the fig tree by its roots.  When the source of the problem was addressed, the sickness withered away for the source of its life was removed.  The result… healing occurred.

Another aspect of the fig tree is found in Genesis chapter 3 after Adam and Eve ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil:

7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings.

Immediately after eating the fruit, fig leaves were used to make coverings.  The fruit brought the curse and later Jesus approached the fig tree which had no life-giving fruit thus He cursed the tree that potentially brought the initial curse to mankind which includes sickness and disease.

There is life from FATHER which brings for health and healing from the moment we are formed in the womb.  There is also a different life from the adversary which oppresses and brings forth sickness, disease, destruction, and death.  We have the authority as Sons and Daughters to rebuke and remove that life from our midst.

Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in 1 Corinthians chapter 2:

1    And when I came to you, brothers and sisters, proclaiming to you the testimony of God [concerning salvation through Christ], I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom [no lofty words of eloquence or of philosophy as a Greek orator might do];

2   for I made the decision to know nothing [that is, to forego philosophical or theological discussions regarding inconsequential things and opinions while] among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified [and the meaning of His redemptive, substitutionary death and His resurrection].  AMPL

In the last four decades, I have been exposed to a tremendous amount of teaching from various sources concerning the Word of GOD.  After inspecting the fruit or lack thereof, I have come to the realization that unless the teaching focuses on Jesus Christ and Him crucified, man’s philosophical or theological discussions enter in and dilute the Word in some form.  The power and authority of Our Heavenly Father culminated at the cross and resurrection of Christ.  All our legal issues concerning redemption and our spiritual walk were satisfied by Jesus being the perfect sacrifice.

The importance of preaching the Words of Jesus Christ cannot be overemphasized!  Spending an excessive amount of time elsewhere will be of limited benefit without keeping Jesus Christ, and Him crucified [and the meaning of His redemptive, substitutionary death and His resurrection] at the forefront of our consciousness.

The ego wants to search out the Scripture for some mystery unknown to the masses in order to exalt oneself above others.  When a perceived mystery is uncovered, a doctrine begins to materialize around it and men look to justify this new doctrine by signs.  Those who are looking for signs will then become followers of this group and their doctrine as though they have been singled out to carry this mystery until its ultimate manifestation.  If FATHER intended us to search out such a “hidden treasure” wouldn’t Jesus be promoting such a venture, especially to the disciples?

In Mark chapter 10, Jesus spoke:

13 Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them.

14 But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.

15 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”

16 And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.

Being led by THE SPIRIT does requires a Doctorate in Theology.  Smith Wigglesworth was an unlearned plumber yet FATHER used him mightily to preach the Gospel and heal the sick.  Smith’s granddaughter reported the Smith read Scripture and took communion daily.  He kept himself focused on the power of the cross.  Don’t get me wrong, studying other topics in Scripture is not a waste of time, just don’t lose the focus on Jesus Christ, and Him crucified .  We must not forget the simplicity of FATHER’S message to mankind.