Sunday, September 25, 2011

Legion

 There are periods of our life when things may seem dismal. It may be a day when you awake to a flat tire and are in a hurry. That same day your employer gives you a demanding amount of work and deadlines that seem impossible. You run into a rude person at a convenience store and forgot your wallet or purse being in a hurry . Your spouse or friend may not be understanding or caught up in their own priorities. Some can fall apart under this kind of pressure but as a  Christian , we learn it is just another lesson in life. 
 When swimming in the ocean , I encountered a school of fish. Often this is a good thing if you are a fishermen, having one of those fish finders it can help to spot these fish and can produce a good catch. Why do fish travel in schools and so close together. You may already know this but it is to appear as a very large fish , so they are protected. The illusion is that all the tiny fishes are seen as a very large fish in the ocean they are safe (except from those fish finders). 
 How does this relate - it is the time when a person has a multitude of problems they are most vulnerable, not necessarily big problems but a bunch of little ones. When in prayer sometimes the total sum of these little issues surface. A trick of little fishes is often used by other forces.
 In Matthew 8:28-34 , Luke 8:30 and Mark 5:9 We see Jesus encountering fierce forces , they called themselves Legion because they were many. They would not let others pass but Jesus recognized the forces and cast them into a herd of swine who ran into the water and drowned.  This may seem strange to the carnal mind. Why would this be written about in multiple gospels, it obviously is a significant lesson to be learned. First they were Legion , Second no one could pass but Jesus, and Third they were terrified of Jesus because the Lord had knowledge of them even making them expose themselves.
 We get a lot of messages about Love and Peace - these are the easy, welcome sermons often preached about in church. Once, in a chapel in which I was ministering overseas an elder came up to me and said. just preach on Love, do not mention the other things in the bible the natives are superstitious and afraid of demons. It seemed to make sense, I did not want scare anyone away from church, especially if they are superstitious. Then God spoke to my heart and I gave a sermon on Legion , how Jesus overcame the many. We as Christians have that same authority and power over the many. Why should we let them block our path to righteousness, why should we live in fear. The natives overcame their fear and came back the next Sunday for more. 
 My desire is to  open the path to righteousness and face our problems though they may seem small can add up. Jesus would not have it any other way - defeat superstition and those imps that get in the way of our path. Some times it is the little things in life that can bring us down. Praise God, when you are having one of those days just think how Jesus would have faced them. Peace unto you.


http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/pebbles-5/




Saturday, September 24, 2011

Thought

 Though it may seem hard to understand Thought often follows Word. We hear Gods speak through scripture or inspiration , sometime even through a burning bush. My experience is through ministering angels and through his people. I have studied Thought and broken it down into three basic planes.

1. Self (self gratifying , material attachment, virtual - escapism, fear, self preservation.)

2. Meditative ( opposite of self, material detachment, inviting the Holy Spirit, conquering fear, inner peace)

3. Creative ( Following Word , Thought -creative thought leads to Deed. Sometimes it may be a song or writing a book or poem-quotation original, inspiration an invention or planting.) Planting is a part of creative thought , God will plant seeds from a creative mind. God dwells in this plane. He will not force us into it, but invites us.

 When I think of Thought it can be philosophical such as practiced by a religious holy person where the second level is obtained. The meditative level leads to inner peace , which is what Christ had promised to his apostles, my peace I leave unto you.
  Enoch walked with God but was not, in Thought what does that mean. Enoch was a dwelling place for God he was not himself. He was eventually  taken from this world, I do not know how- whether he crossed dimensions or a divine chariot came as some proposed. In the Creative thought anything is possible or can happen. Sometimes a person can have an out of body experience or once I experienced an encounter with a messenger and thoughts were encrypted into my mind, almost like a data transmission. Later I tried to find out what happened, it was instantaneous , bits and pieces later became decompressed and understood. It was not prophetic futuristic visions but volumes of information. I think this was something others have experienced throughout history, many probably kept it secret - not wanting to be mocked. Edgar Cayce was said, to enter a dream state and obtain knowledge on healing , practical living and future events. I only had one dream of a future event and it came true after 30 years, so I know seeing in the future is possible just not something that happens every day. Mine was related to a family member and was not earth shaking.
 The Creative Thought is one where, let this mind be in you that was also in Christ Jesus. Jesus had wisdom , since a child was a student that impressed his teachers. He often spoke in the parables to bring things of depth to a simple understanding. The Creative mind is not just built around stories but truth, we see various prophets in history that had foregone the material world for the creative. Jesus was able to multiply the food to feed the multitude at a gathering with just a few items. Is healing possible today - Yes , I have seen various members of my family healed by prayer at home. It was not something we thought extraordinary we still went to doctors and medical professionals for surgery not thinking it was a lack of faith, we just accepted the blessings as they came.
 You hear of out of body experiences - our Thoughts can project us into another place, perhaps thousands of miles or maybe just a few feet. Creative thought is amazing - many are exploring this phenomena and writing books on astral projection. Habakkuk was transported to Babylon , Daniel was and Isaiah were both transported - Isaiah  to heaven for a glimpse. We even see Enoch was transported and never returned. All this seems like an episode of Doctor Who -an imaginary figure who traveled time. I believe God put us in this place and time for a reason, we are a stone in time for others. I am content to be here and now- it is where my journey begins and ends.
  Is the modern church adept to handle spirituality, NO- most churches were created by divisions and will say that the bible and liturgy is all there is. They will refuse to fast or pray beyond the expected daily devotion or pew time. We have hindu and buddhist monks that will fast for weeks but very few pastors believe in fasting. My take on this is fasting is required to purify the mind , so Thought can be put on track with Gods will. It does not need to be practiced often but at least once a year or more. My fast is with water for three days but no food, sometimes I will fast eating just one meal for weeks or a particular type of food Quaker oats bar and a glass of water.
  I only speak about fasting as a way to get your mind off the material world and purify your thoughts.Coupled with prayer a powerful tool to enter the meditative and if blessed the creative thought stream.
  I am sure inner peace will carry you through this life, and that is enough but if you are in need of a spiritual awakening or perhaps a burden is upon you, you should not be afraid to try to take your christian experience to a creative level. You will still maintain a sound mind, if the cup is filled to the tup with goodness , evil cannot enter.  Peace be with you.











Monday, September 19, 2011

God Speaks

 We read in the bible the story of Adam and Eve - a story so ancient we can only theorize the origins. We do know it was worth recording in the scriptures. Adam was supposedly of superior intellect able to categorize all the plants and animals. He had knowledge of animal husbandry, preservation and survival in a jungle of vegetation in a garden atmosphere. Where did Adam gain all this knowledge - he was not raised as a child , there were no schools or humans before him. Adam was not a computer or android because he had free will was not programmed. It was said in Genesis Adam had conversations with God but where did he learn Gods language or was it a transmitted thought directly to his mind.
 It may seem strange when the bible states in Timothy 2:5  For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.  This can be understood in new covenant times, since Enoch , Abraham and many have spoken to God in ancient times and God had also spoken through the prophets. Hebrew 1:1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets- God also speaks through angels-Hebrews 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?  We read of the Angel of the Lord whom spoke to Hagar about giving birth to Ishmael also to Abraham of his promises to his descendents. In psalms it is written God speaks from his dwelling place.
 The notion that God no longer speaks from his dwelling place or does not use prophets today is only perceived by those who believe God left us in apostolic times. God is the same today , yesterday and forever, he still speaks from His dwelling place. He still walks with us and sends angels to minister to his people. Some believe God only uses the written word and that is all in their capacity to understand. 1 Corinthians 2:14 But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. 15 But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. 16 For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ.
 It is my belief Adam was a spiritual person of God before he fell into sin. He therefore had knowledge imparted as he had the need, he was not given permission to eat directly from the tree of knowledge. There is a reason for this because knowledge imparted by God is used for good, knowledge obtained otherwise can be used for evil. It is like atomic power it can destroy or be used in peaceful means to supply energy. Medicine can be abused and destroy us or used in healing. There are multitudes of such examples of knowledge used for the right holistic value or abused.
 I will say this God will speak from His dwelling place, the Holy Spirit is God. He will speak from those who are filled with the Holy Spirit. He also has recorded in scripture writings by men who were inspired by the Holy Spirit. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  My belief has always been God is Love, Hope and Forgiveness leading to Word , Thought and Deed. The Word will lead us just like in Revelations 19:11-13 where the rider on the white horse was the Word soaked in blood. In the book of Isaiah it explain his blood being spilled over us , like a wine press. From the old testament to the new the theme is the same God's Word would become flesh and was alive in the person of Jesus Christ. We are to carry on message as the Holy Spirit dwells in us.
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them,
and they follow Me.”
John 10:27









Sunday, September 18, 2011

The Tornado Test

 We recently had gone through major flooding in my home state. I was stranded in the area where we live there are only a couple major routes all flooded. It reminds me of another time we were hit with a tornado, my house was severely damaged the roof gone, most of my worldly possessions destroyed. I remember pulling my children out from the drywall they were young at the time but were not harmed except a few scratches. After the storm I expected family and friends to show up as I had done many times. Surprise of the many only (2) came to help, the rest just came to see the devastation like it was a tour. The two that came with hammers and equipped , one was a black friend of many years Ben. The other was a neighbor Jim with a heart of gold. Perhaps because I live in a rural isolated area- but did not stop to ask if either were Christians , they were just good people.
 I always reflect back to this time and call it my tornado test. When we need help the most who will show up. It did not stop me from continuing to give and help others but I do this with no expectation of a thank you or return. My returns will not all be in this lifetime.
  Luke 6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.


  http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/tornado-test/


Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Homer

  Homer was one of the greatest writers and poets of all time. I read the Iliad and Odyssey at least a couple times with the understanding  it was myth, I also read the holy bible cover to cover a few times. Even drudging through the book of Numbers , not often quoted. Homer in his story of calypso to his perception of elves and many other creatures is purely fictional in his writings with a mix of philosophical truths. His stories of the Greek gods and their adventures , the poetry that captivates throughout his writings of thousands of pages , so vast that many believe Homer was actually a society not a single person.
  Homer was never dated exactly some say around the time of the great Trojan wars other place him in Athens during Olympic fame. Understanding Homer was not alone, it was popular in ancient times to write of historical events in poetic form. Many of these poems are factual but slightly romanticized to enhance readership. If you read of ancient papyrus asserted to Homer it seems he was seeking answers in his dreams, perhaps his prolific mind would record all his whimsical literature to please an emperors child. He was a teacher foremost and my belief a professor for one of the earliest universities of learning - giving him also the means to write freely.
 I think if Homer was alive today he would be writing for Marvel comics alongside Stan Lee in a plush Manhattan studio overlooking the bay. His ancient heroes remind me of some of the characters found in hero comics. That is just my take not to offend any of Cupids fans a valentine favorite. Those arrows shot so accurately into a lovers heart to remain forever an image in our minds attributed to Homer. Another character named Psyche was Homers later evolved into the study of psychology. How could such a brilliant mind not have found God. He invented imaginary heroes by the dozens yet the closest he could come was - Zeus.
 This is the mindset of the world today- we see millions of fans of war games - virtual reality. Homer was the father of virtual reality what we know as mythology. I can say it is the most distracting force today and acceptable by even Christians who may unknowingly are being distracted from God. Role playing in virtual reality can captivate even replace religion. What is evolving is even more devastating than television  and sorcery combined. You will be exploited , desensitized, demoralized and introduced to sorcery in this new phenomena.
 I pray Lord open the eyes of your people , make us aware to put no other gods before us. I believe these are the vain imaginations spoke about in the scriptures. It was not until this time it was understood because these things did not exist till now. May our minds be renewed in Christ and not subjected to the darkness and demonic forces hidden in virtual worlds. God have mercy on those that have fallen into this deception, forgive me Lord also for being unawares. The antichrist that disguises as an angel of light distracting us from your presence. -amen
 





Monday, September 12, 2011

The Dwelling Place

 The star led them to a manger , there was no room at the inn for the young couple Mary and Joseph. Mary had given birth to the Lord in amongst the domestic animals and hay. I pondered on this and my mind was as the manger. It was full of animal and hay when the baby Jesus came to be born. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus. A mind born as a child - a dwelling place, this was the beginning of salvation.
  Later the mind became a temple built not with hands but with the guidance of the Lord. Then the Holy Ghost came unto me to fill the temple - a dwelling place. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus. The mind that begins to see reality as it is , the presence of the living God dwells in Christians from the manger to the temple. This is the Great Mystery - The excellence of the tabernacle, both in its materials and its workmanship, was a reflection of the excellencies of God. The tabernacle was also a holy place, because abiding in it was a holy God. We are such a place a tabernacle where God resides - his Holy Spirit dwells in us.
 Some would say this was conjecture but  "The kingdom of God is within you, and all around you." Luke 17:21 - this is the mystery revealed in the tabernacle of your mind. What was once a a tent like structure each separated by a partition or veil , a holy place then the Holy of Holies.
 THE HOLY OF HOLIES
We now come to the Holy of Holies, a small room 10 cubits x 10 cubits (15' x 15') separated from the Holy Place by the veil. It housed one piece of redemptive furniture, the ark of the Covenant, with its mercy seat. There was no created light like the sun and no artificial light but Gods own "Shekinah" glory that lit up the Holiest Place.
There was no seat for man but here Jehovah sat alone on the throne of glory and righteousness. As the high priest entered once a year, he entered with bowed head, unsandalled feet, and bells. No human voice was heard, only the voice of God.
 There was also a rope and a bell tied to the high priest should he not perform the sacred duties, the bell would ring and they daring not enter the place would pull him out by the rope. Obedience so important in every detail, yet we under grace forget how this all began. God is  holy - in the presence of the Holy Spirit you will feel like filth not able to bear the presence of the Shekinah glory will beg for forgiveness because he is holy. He will touch you and cleanse the dross from your soul. Then you will forever be the Lords - a dwelling place. Not in another time but now in the present, some say this is enlightenment others may call the experience being filled.
 Lord help us to be your dwelling place, a place where the Holy Spirit can reside without distraction of virtual realities and the worries of this world. Let this mind be in us that was in Christ not to judge but to share the love and joy that we have been given. Praise you Lord and keep us in the palm of your hand. - amen.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

We are One

 We sometimes feel isolated or alone in our faith, perhaps in a moment of tiredness or confusion in our personal lives. The truth is - we are never alone. The Holy Spirit or comforter is with us always, he will never leave or forsake us. Beyond even that there are millions of like-minded persons just like you in this present world. I once lived on an island - actually a couple years of my life. On an island there are no malls , coffee shops and sometimes no church. No television, news, sporting events just water surrounding a small piece of land. Yet- I was never alone, the Holy Spirit was with me. I enjoy the company of other believers , of Christ. I never take for granted the many gatherings available in the modern society where I live today. My most frequent desire was to be with other believers, I prayed every day for a christian friend in which to share the gospel.
  It is exciting for me to gather with others in church- perhaps because of the years of isolation it made me appreciate this more. My only contention is we never take this for granted, a natural or political change could make the church as we know it a memory. We are One, one church without mortar or walls between us. Throughout history the meetings were often held outdoors in picnic areas, stadiums and in fields. We the people are the church - it could be in your home or neighbors yard the unity of faith has always been where two or more are gathered in Christ's name.
 I will say it is sometimes mesmerizing to be in a huge cathedral , having been in a few in my life time. You can feel in a natural sense it was created out of love and perhaps can be over whelming. I also contend the temple of my body is just as sacred. We are a temple to God - if anything years have taught me to present myself as a living temple to the Lord.Throughout the book of Corinthians we see the apostles taught this. I believe since the Holy Spirit needs a holy place to reside, my temple should be free from distractions of virtual reality games, television that I watch is limited to news. I read as often as possible many sorts of books and poetry, often study history or nature.
 Is is possible to be a christian and still live in the modern world, YES- apparently millions do and we are One. Just because my beliefs vary slightly does not mean I do not enjoy the company and spiritual communion with others of like minded faith. We are all unique but yet all connected , when I sometimes speak to a congregation- actually my mind is more on them than on the bible. They are my church each one special and I feel Gods presence in them all. Some get so caught up in their message , they should take a moment to take in some of that reflection in the congregation. It is truly more overwhelming than the cathedral or building. - peace to you.


Monday, September 5, 2011

Little Acorns

 We just had a re-union with my wife's family in Maryland. There were all sorts of activities for the children but interesting enough the kids came up with their own. They decided they would collect all the acorns  and whoever had the most was the winner. The host thought this was funny but they had a great time with the acorns , one little girl even took her acorns home in a baggie. Interesting with all the toys and prizes nature provided the best treat.
 The theme of the acorn stuck in my head , and being the poet wrote a poem about the acorns kippah. I have some friends who are jewish and it seems they always have to convince the children to wear the prayer caps or kippahs. It may seem odd but many of my friends are of a  variety of faiths and I love them all. They all have different customs which I try to learn , so as not to offend them. God has always blessed me with decent friends throughout life. Some are reformed jews which are very considerate of others beliefs. Sometimes we need to expand beyond our self imposed armor and let others in. When a child is in the play yard , they usually will play together unless some have been indoctrinated with prejudice.
 My children sometimes would pick things up from school. It seems like there are a lot of leftovers from the Archie Bunker generation of our parents that need to be weeded out.

Lord I pray let religious, racists and social prejudice be defeated - that all children can grow into mighty oaks without fear or judgement. - amen.

http://poemhunter.com/poem/the-acorns-kippah/

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Stealing Thunder

 We had a violent storm recently in the natural realm this often is accompanied by thunder. In the spiritual realm we can easily be deceived by an entity that will steal God's thunder. This is often done by making the one true God through the use of fantasy or myth seem like many gods. An example of this is in greek mythology we have the god of thunder - Zeus. We also have in ancient hindu beliefs the notion of many gods. What are these many gods? The second commandment is thou shall have no other Gods before me.  It makes God upset when other gods are made of stone or golden calves are man made and presented to worship. I am going to call this stealing thunder, actually it is false worship and takes praise away from the one God.
  For a long time we have struggled in the christian faith to explain our beliefs , we believe in one God actually have always done so. We do however know he is inside of us , just as he is omnipotent and omniscience in everything. Yet , he does not want to be identified as a single object or mythological being because he is real. We are also led by some in feminist circles to believe he is female , another insult. Jesus said , he was our Father - who art in heaven. Although I believe God is spirit , so cannot be explained, in the Lakota beliefs he will always be the Great Mystery. We will never fully understand or comprehend God. The more we think we know , the more we realize we do not.
  Ecclesiastes 8:18 then I saw all that God has done.
  No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun.
  Despite all his efforts to search it out, man cannot discover its meaning.
  Even if a wise man claims he knows, he cannot really comprehend it.
Even a wise man cannot comprehend all that God is. I love the book of Ecclesiastes probably because it tells us there is a time for everything and also that it is impossible for a human to fully understand God, even if enlightened as some prophets were as perhaps the buddha no one can ever comprehend fully God. If they say so it is contrary to scripture. There are many beliefs in the world but as Jesus taught , he did not come to judge but to save the world from their iniquities and ignorance. Ignorance is not bliss as some may say, it is blindness. Because we cannot see the snake , does not mean it is not there. Because we cannot see truth does not mean it doesn't exist, some may want to hide from the truth because it may be they are controlled by spiritual forces not of God. In the end God does not even glory in thunder, actually he prefers silence. He just does not want us stealing his thunder either, all glory under heaven belongs to God.Psalm 115:1, 3.

http://www1.poemhunter.com/poem/stealing-thunder/