Showing posts with label spiritual practices. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spiritual practices. Show all posts

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Religious Use of Crystals and Other Stones: Part 2 of 2



As we learned last week, most cultures have used crystals and/or other stones religiously/spiritually for a very long time. This week we will seek to answer the question:  Is crystal healing spiritually acceptable? 

 

The use of crystals and/or other stones in spiritual healing, is an ancient Spiritually-based modality which utilizes Vibratory Spiritual Energy (Universal Life Energy, Prana, Chi, Ki, Holy Spirit, etc.).

 In 1150, Saint Hildegard documented how the vibrational energy in crystals works; crystals store energy in their molecules and magnify/radiate electromagnetic energy which vibrates to one, or more, of seven specific light ray frequencies found in the universe.  Each of the seven different colors of light rays (blue, yellow, pink, white, green, red, and purple), vibrate at a different energy frequency in the universe.  

Angels, like crystals and/or other stones, also vibrate to the different color/light ray frequencies in the universe.   

Many people use crystals and/or other stones, to invoke help from the spirit world.  Throughout history, people have used crystals and/or other stones, to help them connect to the Spirit Realm; e.g., angels.  Most people use crystals and/or other stones that correspond to the energy frequencies of a specific angelic being and prayerfully invoke the assistance of this angelic being, to help heal another. 

"Crystals, like angels, are a thread that unites all cultures across the planet throughout time. If angels are the golden thread that pulls all religions together, then crystals are the silver one that, if we hold onto it tightly, will pull every person and culture on mother Earth together as God intended it to be. ... Each soul on this Earth has an ancient crystal knowledge buried within them that enables them to communicate with the elemental kingdom and re-connect themselves with the powerful rhythm of life that pulses around us in cosmic and divine alignment."  (Claire Robertson, The Angel Within.)

The Bible, the Torah, and the Qur’an warn us to be very careful though, as we might connect with dark, fallen angels, instead of holy angels of light. They are not alone in their warning to us.

“The Shadows are out there: They exist, in the invisible world that parallels our own, living creatures. . . . The terms ‘Imp’, ‘Evil Spirit’ and ‘Demon’ are fairly accurate. They are very strong. . . . The most intelligent variety . . . are capable (if someone is helpful enough to open a doorway for them) of entering our world. . . . They can enter your body . . . , even asserting a degree of control over you. Yes, this is exactly like the old stories of Demon possession.” (Anonymous promoter of witchcraft).

In an effort to reduce our light, the dark does it's best to slip through the smallest of pinholes.  Its’ goal is to distract and mislead us from developing a personal relationship with the Creator/God.

When using crystals and/or other stones for healing purposes, there is no need for us to be afraid of the dark; we simply need to be aware enough to notice it, if it shows up, and stop it from succeeding in its' mission. 

A small percentage of crystal healers are involved in what is known as the occult; the occult refers to what is hidden from the physical senses, and is usually viewed as being outside of the realm of traditional scientific observation. 

Some people, hoping to gain knowledge, especially about the future, have gazed into crystal balls, hoping to find divine answers to their questions.  This is a form of divination, and is often viewed as being spiritually dangerous, and something to be avoided.  

"Many legends and tales speak of its use. Its practice is found in Greece, Rome, and throughout Mesopotamia. The Druids of England utilized gazing, as did people in Scotland, France, Germany, and elsewhere throughout Europe. Egypt, India, Babylon, and Persia also had their crystal-gazing practitioners."  (Ted Andrews.  Crystal Balls & Crystal Bowls: Tools for Ancient Scrying & Modern Seership.)

In the bible, divination is not forbidden for those who were anointed by the Creator/God; e.g., the priests.  They were exempt and performed divination rituals inside the temple, during times of sacrifice and to divine the Creator’s/God’s will. 

As noted last week, Aaron’s breastplate contained the crystals known as the Urim (lights) and the Thummim (perfections), and were used to help him discern answers, from the Creator/God, for the people.  Exodus 28:30

In Tibetan Buddhism, “the motivation for performing divinations must always be pure - done solely to bring relief for the suffering of all beings and not for one's own personal gain or fame.”  Lama Dawa Rinpoche

In the Bible and Torah, those not of the priestly class, are cautioned to never try to learn about anything in the future, as this is a form of divination.

"Let no one be found among you who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to God."  Deuteronomy 18:10-12

The Qur’an also cautions us to avoid divination practices.

"O ye who believe! Intoxicants and gambling, (dedication of) stones, and (divination by) arrows, are an abomination; of Satan's handwork: eschew such (abomination), that ye may prosper."  Qur’an: Surah V. 90

The power of the Creator/God is far greater than the power of the Occult.  Developing and maintaining a direct connection with the Divine Light/Christ Consciousness, and a personal relationship with the Creator/God, is our greatest protection from the influences of the dark forces. 

“Subject yourselves, therefore, to God; but oppose the Devil, and he will flee from you. Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you ….”  James 4:7-8

Crystals and other stones are created by the Creator itself. There is nothing dark or evil about crystals and/or other stones, themselves. When they are used to bring glory to the Creator/God by helping and healing other people, they can, with the Creator's/God’s help, stimulate spiritual growth, bring about positive personal transformation and lead to a healthier state of being. 
  
Let us develop and/or maintain a direct connection with the Divine Light/Christ Consciousness.  Let us develop and/or maintain a personal relationship with the Creator/God, and if we are guided to use crystals and/or other stones, let us glorify the Creator/God by prayerfully invoking the assistance of the holy angels of light, on behalf of others, not ourselves.

So it is, sealed in trust, faith and truth, in the Sacred Divine Light/Jesus. Amen.

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Sunday, March 10, 2013

This Little Light of Mine …




This Little Light of Mine …

Was written around 1920 by musical composer and teacher, Harry Dixon Loes. Although many think of it as a Negro spiritual, it has never been found in any 19th century jubilee or plantation collection.  In 1939, the song entered the folk tradition. In the 50’s and 60’s, it became the anthem for the Civil Rights movement.

No one seems to know for certain, the true history behind the lyrics.  It has been speculated by many/most to be based upon one or more of the following scriptures:

"You are the light of the world. A city cannot be hid when situated upon a mountain.  Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Likewise, Let your light shine before men, that they may see your fine works and give glory to your Father who is in the heavens."  Matthew 5:14-16  

"After lighting a candle, a person puts it, not in a vault nor under a bushel, but upon a lampstand, that those stepping in may behold the light." Luke 11:33 

In the song, we shine our light so bright that all the world can see, every day, in every way; we are not hiding our light from the world under a bushel basket; we are not letting it dim or go out.

Sometimes though, without our even noticing it, our light begins to dim. When this happens, we often want to retreat from the world, and hide our light.  If we allow ourselves to get to this point, we often begin to feel that we are alone in the dark.

It is universally agreed upon that any/all of the following have the ability to dim our light.

  • People who are negative/Criticize us
  • Negative/critical self-talk
  • Being over-tired
  • Over committing ourselves to anything
  • Agreeing to do things our heart isn’t in
  • Acting like a martyr
  • Overindulging in junk food, sex, drugs and/or alcohol, etc.
  • Being false to our true spirit
  • Being stuck in clutter, disorganization and/or confusion.

Keeping our light shining brightly requires personal dedication and commitment.  Once we become aware of our own inner light, we need to respect it and honor it, by keeping an eye on it and cherishing it; we need to put the welfare of our inner light above any/all other things.  If we do not do this, unwanted dimness has a way of creeping in.

Allowing for some individual variation, here are some things we can do if we find our light starting to dim. 
  • Listen to Motivational music.
  • Watch Motivational videos
  • Read Motivational books, articles, etc.
  • Spend time with Inspiring, positive people
  • Engage in Positive self-talk
  • Eat Healthy nutritious food
  • Get enough Sleep
  • Exercise regularly
  • Get plenty of fresh air
  • Engage in hobbies/activities that are fun
  • Stimulate the Creative part of our brain
  • Help someone with something … ANYTHING
  • Make a difference
  • Move forward on a goal
  • Work toward making our Dreams … our Reality
  • Live authentically

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence our LOVE automatically liberates others." Speech by Nelson Mandela, written by Marianne Williamson 

We can keep our own personal, little light lit and shining brightly, every day, every way.  We do have a choice. 

Let us choose to be a beacon of light for those who are stumbling or lost in the darkness.   Let Your Light Shine (youtube video)


So it is, sealed in trust, faith and truth, in the Sacred Divine Light/Jesus. Amen

Sunday, March 3, 2013

The Lost Art of Discernment: Part 2 of 2



The formatting is acting up again; this week we seem to have some color ... lol

In a nutshell, it could be said that discernment is the “mindful consideration” of a subject. It is the conscious act of going beyond our individual, pre-conceived views, judgements and perceptions. 

Discernment is cyclical and consists of an external and an internal component. 

The external component of discernment pertains to actively researching a topic, to gain understanding. It is the practice of comparing and analyzing what we already believe we know, with information we read, see or hear.  

The internal component deals with comprehension and personal integration of our research, via meditation and personal reflection.  It is an interior search, it is the process of determining the Creator’s/God's will for us, and the ability to carry it out. 

(Discernment is) “Knowing what to do, how to proceed, and how to respond when the issue is not visible to us.”   Peggy Moerbe

King Solomon emphasized the importance of practicing discernment.  
My son, if you will receive my sayings and treasure up my own commandments with yourself, so as to pay attention to wisdom with your ear, that you may incline your heart to discernment; if, moreover, you call out for understanding itself and you give forth your voice for discernment itself, if you keep seeking for it as for silver, and as for hid treasures you keep searching for it, in that case you will understand the fear of God, and you will find the very knowledge of God.  When wisdom enters into your heart and knowledge itself becomes pleasant to your very soul, thinking ability itself will keep guard over you, discernment itself will safeguard you, to deliver you from the bad way, from the man speaking perverse things, from those leaving the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness. Proverbs 2:1-5, 10-13
Discernment helps us:
·        determine the value and quality of our individual views, judgements and perceptions
·        perceive subtleties (grasp and comprehend that which is not obvious)
·        discard any old or new information that is misleading or irrelevant
·        recognize truths that resonate within our hearts
·        practice humility
·        self correct
·        set our priorities straight
·        exercise good judgement
·        gain wisdom by making wise decisions, especially during stressful/trying times
·        cultivate a close relationship with the Creator/God

Discernment requires time and personal effort. As mentioned earlier, discernment is cyclical; there are many steps to take to complete a discernment cycle.  The process is the same, regardless of how many times we have gone through the cycle.  

Here is the process:
·        Abandon the notion that we always know what is best.  
·        Pray to the Creator/God for an open, receptive mind and heart: Because truth is constantly changing, it is important to have an open mind so we can let go of old knowledge that is no longer valid.
·        Ask the Creator/God for the help of the Holy Spirit.
·        Actively dig for information, as if searching for a buried treasure. 
·        Isolate and focus on the main points presented in our research; this will help us understand the development of the subject at hand.
·        Ask the Creator/God to help us understand/comprehend information found in our research.
·       Analyze new information: Put information received to the test; see if it is truthful.  How does this new information apply to us, individually?  Do the results of our research resonate as truth within our hearts?  If  not, do not automatically assume that it is false; we may simply not be ready to receive it yet.  Instead, continue researching and meditating on the subject at hand; in time, the truth will be revealed. 
“Beloved ones, do not believe every inspired expression, but test the inspired expressions.”  1 John 4:1

·        Pay attention to intuition; it does not lie.  Intuition is the spark of light within each of  us that provides us with an innate knowing/sense of awareness that comes to us without explanation or proof.
·        While digging for answers, wait for the Creator/God to respond.   
·        Meditate upon how new found information relates to the Creator’s/God’s purpose.
One who is trying to make spiritual progress should attempt to … see things objectively … without being influenced by  emotions or passions. Discerning whether something is the Creator’s/God’s will, or the (D)evil’s will, requires calm, rational reflection.  The Creator’s/God’s will brings us to peaceful, joyful decisions. The (D)evil’s will leads us to make quick, emotional, conflicted decisions. Paraphrase, St. Ignatius of Loyola 
·        Meditate upon how to integrate and apply new ideas into our lives
·        Practice honest self-evaluation: Do we need to make personal adjustments in our thinking/beliefs? 
·        Abandon our personal views/judgements/perceptions when it becomes obvious that we are wrong.
·        Integrate our new found truth(s) into our hearts.   

When we consistently practice discernment, integrate our new found truths into our hearts, and apply new ideas into our lives, we grow spiritually. Over time, we take on a new personality, and the current cycle of discernment is complete. Each completed cycle brings us closer to the truth. 

If we make the conscious effort to fill our minds and hearts with the truth, we will gain wisdom, insight, and discernment.  A humble person who puts forth this kind of effort will indeed be able to get to know the Creator/God.
 
Let us gives serious attention to what is really deep inside of ourselves. Let us use our minds to acquire accurate knowledge of the Creator/God. Let us meditate on these things and seek to apply them. By doing so,

You will know the truth, and truth will set you free. John 8:32

So it is, sealed in trust, faith and truth, in the Sacred Divine Light (Jesus Christ). Amen 

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Where Are YOU Marked?



The Creator/God told the Israelites

“You must apply these words of mine to your heart and soul and bind them as a sign upon your hand, and they serve as a frontlet band between your eyes.” Deuteronomy 11:18  

In the Bible, this was a Law that the Israelites were commanded to keep.   They were to remember it constantly, and allow it to influence all their thoughts and actions. They showed others, by their actions and personalities, to be worshipers  and consecrated spiritual servants of the Creator/God.  Those who had this law in their heart typically spoke of it often, both to help themselves, and to teach others.

And it must serve for you as a sign upon your hand and as a memorial between your eyes, in order that God’s law may prove to be in your mouth; because by a strong hand God brought you out of Egypt. Exodus 13:9

As time passed, the spirit of this law was lost; it was no longer spoken of, nor was the law in the hearts of the most people.  As a result, some began to make and wear phylacteries * on their forehead and/or on their LEFT hand.   These phylacteries were worn as a constant visual reminder of ones personal obligation to the Creator/God; they were always worn when reading the law, and during prayer. 

And it must serve as a sign upon your hand and as a frontlet band between your eyes, because by strength of hand God brought us out of Egypt.”  Exodus 13:16

There are several other scriptures, in the Bible, which speak of symbolic sacred marks/signs of dedication.  All of these marks symbolized dedication to the Creator/God  and served as reminders to continuously serve him.  (Exodus 28:36-38, 39:30,  Deuteronomy 6:6-8,  Isaiah 44:5 , 49:16, Revelation 7:2-5, 14:1)

Not to be outdone, the (D)evil implemented his own law; a law that very closely imitates the Creator’s/God’s Law. To wage war with the holy ones and accomplish his mission, he also uses a mark on the forehead or hand,The demonic mark of the wild beast on the forehead or RIGHT hand symbolizes devotion, giving attention to, and/or active support to the wild beast.

This biblical wild beast has a name, and its name is actually a number: 666.  Some believe that 666 signifies some form of compulsory tattoo; the bible itself tells us that this is untrue.  Under Mosaic Law, Israelites were prohibited from tattooing humans. Leviticus 19:28  

Others believe that it signifies some type of implanted identification, like a microchip.  This also is untrue; however, as we will soon discover via the Obamacare Health Plan, it may, in fact, be utilized in the near future as a tool used by the wild beast to help accomplish the (D)evil’s mission.   


 

These interpretations are very different from what the Bible itself says about the mark of the wild beast.  The Creator/God, the very personification of love and the Source of spiritual light, has not kept his servants in the dark regarding this matter.

All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness.  2 Timothy 3:16

 And this is the message which we have heard from him and are announcing to you, that God is light and there is no darkness at all in union with him. 1 John 1:5

Names serve as a source of identification. The Apostle John says that  the number 666 is a man’s number, not a spirit person; this helps to confirm that the wild beast is from the earthly realm, not the spiritual realm.

In his eighth vision, John sees how the (D)evil maneuvers man-made, political systems (kingdoms) to claim universal jurisdiction over all people, and compels them to do his will.  

“And it puts under compulsion all persons, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free and the slaves, that they should give these a mark in their right hand or upon their forehead, and that nobody might be able to buy or sell except a person having the mark, the name of the wild beast or the number of its name. Here is where wisdom comes in: Let the one that has intelligence calculate the number of the wild beast, for it is a man’s number; and its number is six hundred and sixty-six.” Revelation 13:16-18 


It is generally agreed that the world’s political systems, under the guises of  big politics, mainstream religion and big business (including banks, as well as the insurance and health care industries), wield universal jurisdiction via supreme human rulership/wordly power.  Although full consensus has yet to be attained, it is also generally agreed upon that the world’s political systems, assist the (D)evil by functioning as the wild beast.

In an effort to create maximum human suffering, universal jurisdiction extends to cover all aspects of our everyday lives. Universal jurisdiction includes, but is not limited to:

  • endorsement of abusive indulgences
  • consumerism and materialism
  • violent persecutions and prohibitions
  • food supply
  • employment and finances
  • health care
  • environment
  • ability to buy and/or sell
  • education
  • acts of oppression
  • promoting divisions and maintaining duality 

It (universal jurisdiction) is a spiritual ploy used to draw people away from worshiping the Creator/God, and to subject people to the will and control of this man-made political system.  It’s number one ally is fear.  Making  people support and slave for the wild  beast, is a cruel use of power.  

Those having the mark of the wild beast, whether on the RIGHT hand or on the forehead, publicly identify themselves as one who supports the beastlike political systems of the world, and therefore are as slaves to it.  Oftentimes, when we bear the mark of the wild beast, we look to it (the political system) to protect and save us (from the wild beast itself).  Remember it’s number one ally is fear. 

It is prudent to ask ourselves, will it really save us?  The Apostle John tells us that those receiving the mark of the beast on their forehead or on their RIGHT hand are in line for destruction. Whenever we worship the wild beast, we are in direct opposition to the Creator/God, for the wild beast receives its authority from the (D)evil.

Accepting the mark of the wild beast on our RIGHT hand or upon our forehead is akin to allowing the wild beast to affect our thinking and control our actions.




We are both legally and spiritually obligated to subject ourselves willingly to government authority, other public officials and authority figures (1 Peter 2:13-18, Romans 13:1, 5-7) however, when authorities command us to act contrary to God’s law, we “obey God as ruler rather than men.” Acts 5:29

Throughout history, those who have refused to accept the mark of the wild beast, have faced many problems.  It takes great determination to remain clean and pure, and trust that the Creator/God will protect and save us from the wild beast.  

The world is a difficult place for those who do not have the mark of the wild beast; it takes great faith and self-discipline to endure.  

Despite any hardships we may encounter in carrying out our everyday activities, we should not allow ourselves to be pressured into letting the wild beast rule our lives by affecting our thinking and/or controlling our actions. Those who gain victory over the wild beast glorify the Creator/God. Understanding what the wild beast is, helps us so that we neither follow it with admiration, worship it, or support it.

May One/ALL choose to worship the Creator/God, and refuse to receive the mark of the wild beast.  May we use our lives and assets in support of the Creator’s/God’s government/kingdom, serving its interest, not the interests of an earthly government/kingdom.  Psalm 34:1-3, Romans 14:7-8

Let our hearts be filled with the word of the Creator/God. Lay up these words in your hearts, as in a store-house, to be used upon all occasions. Let our eyes be fixed upon the word of  the Creator/God: Bind them for a sign upon your hand, which is always in view, and as frontlets between your eyes, which you cannot avoid the sight of. Let our tongues be employed about the word of the Creator/God, remind them of their duty, to love and serve the Divine Light/Jesus.  ~ via Anonymous

So it is, sealed in trust, faith and truth, in the Sacred Divine Light (Jesus Christ). Amen 

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

* Phylacteries

It was customary to use phylacteries long before Moses entered Egypt.  It is unknown whether Moses adopted this custom or not.  It is biblically logical to assume, that if he did, he would have explained to the people the difference between phylacteries and amulets. Some modern day Israelites still wear phylacteries; those that do, generally allege this precept as a justification for their continued use.

So, what exactly are phylacteries?  Phylacteries were generally made to be worn on the forehead or the LEFT hand, and served as constant visual reminders of ones personal obligation to the Creator/God.  It is important to remember that the  overall purpose of phylacteries were to enable the wearer to eventually receive the words into their heart and soul, and visibly display their servanthood to the Creator/God, by their own words and actions.

“… apply these words of mine to your heart and soul and bind them as a sign upon your hand, and they serve as a frontlet band between your eyes.” Deuteronomy 11:18  

Phylacteries worn on the forehead (the frontlets) consisted of  a single piece of skin or leather which rested on the forehead, between the eyes, and tied at the back of the head.  One side of the skin/leather, consisted of four individual compartments.  Each compartment held a rolled piece of papyrus or parchment.  One of four, specific Mosaic text were transcribed on each rolled piece of papyrus/parchment.  

Those which were designed for the hand, consisted of one piece of rolled papyrus/parchment,  This papyrus/parchment was divided up into four column.  One of four, specific Mosaic texts were transcribed onto each column,  The  papyrus/parchment was then rolled and tied much like a bracelet, on the inside of the LEFT wrist, nearest the heart.   

The first compartment/column consisted of Exodus 13:2-10
 “Sanctify to me every male firstborn that opens each womb among the sons of Israel, among men and beasts. It is mine.”
And Moses went on to say to the people: “Let there be a remembering  of this day on which you went out of Egypt, from the house of slaves, because by strength of hand God brought you out from here.  So nothing leavened may be eaten. Today you are going out in the month of A′bib. And it must occur that when God will have brought you into the land of the Ca′naan·ites and the Hit′tites and the Am′or·ites and the Hi′vites and the Jeb′u·sites, which he swore to your forefathers to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey, then you must render this service in this month. Seven days you are to eat unfermented cakes,and on the seventh day is a festival to God. Unfermented cakes are to be eaten for the seven days; and nothing leavened is to be seen with you, and no sourdough is to be seen with you within all your boundaries. And you must tell your son on that day, saying, ‘It is because of that which God has done to me when I came out of Egypt.’And it must serve for you as a sign upon your hand and as a memorial between your eyes, in order that God’s law may prove to be in your mouth;  because by a strong hand God brought you out of Egypt. And you must keep this statute at its appointed time from year to year.
The second compartment/column consisted of Exodus 13:11-16  
And it must occur that when God brings you into the land of the Ca′naan·ites, just as he has sworn to you and to your forefathers, and when he does give it to you,  then you must devote everyone that opens the womb to God, and every firstling, the young of a beast, which will come to be yours. The males belong to God. And every firstling ass you are to redeem with a sheep, and if you will not redeem it, then you must break its neck. And every firstborn of man among your sons you are to redeem.
And it must occur that in case your son should inquire of you later on, saying, ‘What does this mean?’ then you must say to him, ‘By strength of hand God brought us out of Egypt, from the house of slaves. And it came about that Phar′aoh showed obstinacy toward sending us away, and God proceeded to kill every firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of man to the firstborn of beast. That is why I am sacrificing to God all the males that open the womb, and every firstborn of my sons I redeem.’ And it must serve as a sign upon your hand and as a frontlet band between your eyes, because by strength of hand God brought us out of Egypt.
The third compartment/column consisted of  Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Listen, O Israel: Jehovah our God is one Jehovah. And you must love Jehovah your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your vital force. And these words that I am commanding you today must prove to be on your heart; and you must inculcate them in your son and speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up. And you must tie them as a sign upon your hand, and they must serve as a frontlet band between your eyes; and you must write them upon the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
The fourth and final compartment/column consisted of Deuteronomy 11:13-21
And it must occur that if you will without fail obey my commandments that I am commanding you today so as to love Jehovah your God and to serve him with all your heart and all your soul, I also shall certainly give rain for your land at its appointed time, autumn rain and spring rain, and you will indeed gather your grain and your sweet wine and your oil.  And I shall certainly give vegetation in your field for your domestic animals, and you will indeed eat and be satisfied. Watch out for yourselves for fear your heart may be enticed, and you do turn aside and worship other gods and bow down to them, and God’s anger does blaze against you, and he does shut up the heavens so that no rain will occur and the ground will not give its produce and you have to perish speedily from off the good land that God is giving you.
And you must apply these words of mine to your heart and your soul and bind them as a sign upon your hand, and they must serve as a frontlet band between your eyes.  You must also teach them to your sons, so as to speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up. And you must write them upon the doorposts of your house and on your gates, in order that your days and the days of your sons may be many on the soil that God swore to your forefathers to give to them, as the days of the heavens over the earth.


 

 

Sunday, January 27, 2013

FORGIVENESS: Part 1 of 2


Forgiveness involves the act of pardoning an offender, letting go of any resentment (based on judgment, revenge, persecution and/or anger), brought upon by a perceived wrong doing to us, by another, and giving up all claim to re-compensation.  The Greek term a·phi′e·mi literally means “let go of.”

Forgiveness is a gift that we give to ourselves; there is a strong relationship between forgiveness and mental health; forgiveness lightens our load and helps us maintain our own inner peace.  Forgiveness is essential, if we are to maintain peaceful relationships with others.  Through forgiveness, the bonds of personal relationships are strengthened.  When we forgive, our relationship with the Creator/God is strengthened and we are blessed with peace and contentment.

When we harbor feelings of judgment, revenge, persecution and/or anger, we slowly poison ourselves with toxic thoughts and emotions. As a result, we repeatedly suffer from poor health, broken relationships, stress, and/or communication difficulties. We lower our vibrational frequency to a level which limits: our ability to ascend to a place of inner peace, love and gratitude, as well as our re-connection with the Creator/God and the Divine Light/Jesus.  

Though we may have suffered at the hands of another, what has happened has happened ~ Let us not allow the behavior of others, to rob us of our happiness, by dwelling on negative thoughts and mentally ruminating over how we have been mistreated.  Let us not allow such thoughts to control our thinking.  Let us move on so we can be at peace, and heal.

Do not let yourself be conquered by the evil, but keep conquering the evil with the good.  Romans 12: 21

Some people with whom we are in personal relationship with, are repeatedly unkind to us.  Forgiveness does not mean that we approve of their behavior or minimize any damage created by their behavior.  Having said that, it is in our best interest to maintain a positive relationship with this person, by not keeping track of any wrong doings this person may have already done to us.  We all stumble in word and in deed on a regular basis. 

For we all stumble many times. If anyone does not stumble in word, this one is a perfect man, able to bridle also [his] whole body. James 3:2  
   
The offender, like each of us, is a victim of human imperfection.  With this realization, we can then allow ourselves to imagine the motivating pain and/or suffering behind the perceived wrong-doing behavior.  When we can imagine this, we can forgive more easily.   

One of the greatest things that any of us have, is prayer.  It is hard to stay angry with someone, for very long, when we are praying for them, so pray for the offender.  

“Continue to love your enemies and to pray for those persecuting you.”  Matthew. 5:44.

If a person asks for forgiveness, it will serve us well to keep in mind that, if the shoe were on the other foot, we would want the other person to forgive us.  It will also serve us well to do the same for our offender, no matter how often it happens.  Forgiving others for personal offenses, regardless of the number of times involved, is a Christian requirement; there is no arbitrary limit on forgiveness.

Then Peter came up and said to him: “Lord, how many times is my brother to sin against me and am I to forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him: “I say to you, not, Up to seven times, but, Up to seventy-seven times.”  Mathew 18:21-22

Pay attention to yourselves. If your brother commits a sin give him a rebuke, and if he repents forgive him. Even if he sins seven times a day against you and he comes back to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”  Luke 17:3-4

There are times when a person might intentionally hurt us; there are also times when an offender may not be remorseful or ask for forgiveness.  The Creator/God prescribed a way for seeking and receiving his forgiveness. A person must acknowledge and confess his/her wrong-doing, recognize that it was an offense not just to another person, but also against the Creator/God, feel deep heartfelt sorrow and remorse, be determined to change his/her ways, and to the best of his/her ability, fix any damage done. It matters not how far one falls, but the strength of his/her determination to set matters right, rise above the wrong-doing, and move forward.

When we encounter a non-remorseful offender, it is in our best interest to lovingly release the person to the Creator/God, leave the relationship, and move on with our life.  Although divine forgiveness is expansive and generous, the Bible states that we should not pray for those sinning against the Holy Spirit, with no repentance, as this is a deliberate practice of malicious, willful sin, for which there is no forgiveness. 

On this account I say to YOU, Every sort of sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the spirit will not be forgiven.  Matthew 12:31 

It is important to remember, that when we release a person to the Creator/God, and walk away, that we do so lovingly, and without judgment.  By imitating the Creator’s/God’s attitude toward forgiveness, we step out of the picture and allow the Creator/God, to examine the offender’s thoughts and heart and guide us on our path. 

Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5  

Return evil for evil to no one. Provide fine things in the sight of all men.  If possible, as far as it depends upon YOU, be peaceable with all men. Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but yield place to the wrath; for it is written: “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says Jehovah.”  Romans 12:17-19

So it is, Sealed in Faith in the Divine Light/Jesus ... Amen