Stewardship: Part 3 of 3

This is the 3rd of 3 Discourses on Stewardship.  Part 1 was a brief attempt to Inform the Public.  Part 2 discussed The Spiritual Aspects of Stewardship, and Part 3 will provide some action steps we can take to be better Earth Stewards.

Part 3:  Actions Steps to be Better Earth Stewards

From the state of our environment, it would be easy for an outsider to conclude that humans, here on Mother Earth, tend to give a whole lot of lip service about doing the will of the Creator/God; we go to church; we pray; we meditate …

As we discussed last week, all who serve the Creator/God are Earth Stewards.  To tend and take care of Mother Earth and all her inhabitants is a great honor and privilege, as well as a great responsibility. As a whole, humans are not living up to our spiritual responsibility.  Instead, we tend to blame others.  We blame our government; we blame our neighbors; we blame big business; we blame everyone but ourselves. 

We may or may not vote at the polls; we still vote though.  Every time we make a purchase, we cast a very important vote.  You see, we vote with our dollars.  When we purchase, oh say, Styrofoam cups, we unconsciously cast a vote against the Creator/God and Mother Earth.  

As we grow personally and develop spiritually, we consciously take better care of ourselves.  As we take care of ourselves better, we come to be aware of our votes and strive to cast votes in harmony with our inner state of being.  There is no more blame, only harmony. 

 

“… it is who we become that changes the world and our environment not what we do.  Harmony within will create harmony without.  So the true work is learning how to change our thoughts, attitudes and belief systems … We actually have to work with “the alchemy of the soul” to really be able to change our inner environment as our inner state of being is reflected back to us in the outer world. The literal definition of alchemy is “working within and through the dense darkness inside.” This is big work and involves committing to spiritual practices that we must engage in daily and throughout the day.”  Sandra Ingerman

There are many things that we can physically do to help ourselves and the environment.  The following information is not meant to be exhaustive.  If you have a favorite tip or DIY recipe, please share it on our Facebook Page.   Thank You!

 

Personal: Avoid wearing harsh synthetic fabrics, like polyester. Avoid artificial fabric dyes; instead, make your own.  Use organic, renewable agricultural products, like Bamboo and Hemp.  Purchase or make your own natural Health & Beauty products (soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, deodorant, lotions, cosmetics, perfume/cologne, etc.).   Avoid processed foods; instead make your own.  Shop at Farmer’s Markets and get to know the vendors. When leaving a room, turn off lights and appliances. Unplug electronics, and turn down your thermostat, before leaving the house or going to bed.   Pick up your pet's poop and dispose of it properly. Pick up and throw away litter/trash. When it’s hot, gas up vehicle(s) and other gas powered equipment (like lawnmowers) early in the morning or later in the evening, and don't top off the gas tank.   Replace toxic household cleaners with products that have a Design for the Environment (DfE) label.  Better yet, learn to make natural cleansers.  

Practice the three R's:

1.     Reduce how much you buy and use: Buy permanent items instead of disposables.  Buy and use only what you need.  Buy products in bulk.  Buy products with minimal packaging.  Buy products that use less toxic chemicals. Use durable (real) plates, cups, silverware, etc. Use cloth napkins or towels. Mend torn fabric. Repair broken items. Reduce Carbon Footprint (Walk, Cycle, Carpool, Use Public Transit, Work from Home, Shop Online, Consolidate Trips.)

2.      Reuse/Repurpose: Be Creative.  Make crafts and homemade craft supplies using household or recycled materials Use empty jars for leftovers/storage containers. Give Away/Donate useable items.

3.      Recycle:  Aluminum Cans, Batteries, Cardboard, Electronics (cell phones, computers, DVD players, and other electronics),Glass, Paper (newspapers, catalogs, junk mail, etc.), Metal (Aluminum, Scrap Steel, Copper, Gold, Silver, etc.); Plastic (food containers, dry cleaning, newspaper & bread bags; plastic around toilet paper/paper towels, etc.).  Tires, Used motor oil.  

Perform a home audit: Replace conventional light bulbs with compact fluorescent or LED bulbs. Repair leaky faucets.  Insulate water heater and pipes. Install a water-efficient showerhead.  Repair or replace old or damaged fixtures.   When replacing fixtures and/or  other products, look for Energy Star or WaterSense labels.

 

Conserve Water: When using a dishwasher, scrape plates instead of  pre-rinsing them.  When using a dishwasher or washing machine, wash a full load.  Wash clothes in cold water.  When hand-washing dishes or clothes, turn the water off between rinses.  Instead of using a clothes dryer, hang clothes on a line or drying rack. Take Showers instead of baths.   The toilet does not need to be flushed, every time it’s used.   “If it’s yellow, let it mellow.  If it’s brown, flush it down.” Turn the water off while shaving or brushing teeth. Refrigerate drinking water.
 

Lawn & Garden:  Invest in, or make your own compost bin, and compost as much as you can.  When mowing, do not bag grass clippings; leave them on the lawn. Fertilize after, not before it rains. Instead of using pesticides and herbicides, weed by hand, purchase or make your own natural pest control products, attract and utilize beneficial insects in your garden(s). Water the lawn or garden during the coolest part of the day (early morning is best).  Set sprinklers to water the lawn or garden only - not the street or sidewalk. Use a soaker hose or trickle irrigation system to water trees. Install gutters and rain barrels. 

Let us continue to grow personally and develop spiritually; let us consciously take better care of ourselves; let us be aware of our votes; let us cast votes in harmony with our inner state of being;  let us pray: 

Dear Mother, our human species, thanks to the precious gift of awareness, has been able to learn to recognize its own presence and has found its true place in you and in the Universe. We know that we are tiny and insignificant, yet our minds are capable of encompassing three thousand worlds. We now know that our beautiful planet Earth is not the center of the Universe but we can still see that it is one of the Universe’s most wondrous manifestations. We have developed science and technology, discovered reality’s true nature of no-birth and no-death, neither being nor non- being, neither increasing nor decreasing, neither the same nor different. We realize that the one contains the all, the greatest is in the smallest, and each particle of dust contains the whole Cosmos. We are learning to love you and our Father more and to love one another in the light of such insight. We know that this non-dualistic way of seeing things and the teaching of inter-being help us to transcend all discrimination, all fear, jealousy, hatred, and despair. We aspire to transmit this insight to future generations.

We are no longer naive in thinking that humans are the masters of the Universe. Many of us have gone beyond dualistic views of right and wrong and are no longer puzzled about what we used to call the Will of Heaven and Earth.  We have transcended the concept of a creator in human form– we are no longer able to believe that God is an old man with a white beard, sitting in the sky, controlling everything on Earth, or that there is a Goddess on a cloud, finding and helping us every time we are in danger. God, for us, is the Ultimate Reality, the true nature of no-birth, no- death, no-coming, no-going, of all phenomenal manifestations. But some of us, when going through suffering, believe absolutely that whatever brings suffering is evil and whatever brings happiness is good; not knowing that suffering and happiness are just perceptions. All our perceptions are based on our sense organs, which are inherently limited. If our sense organs were differently formed, then our perceptions would be correspondingly different. Thus we see that happiness or suffering, the Pure Land or the mundane world depend very much on our way of perceiving. (Thich Nhat Hanh, Intimate Conversations with Mother Earth)

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

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.