WHY WE ARE AN ESSENCE OF GOD

WHY WE ARE AN ESSENCE OF GOD

There are numerous Bible scriptures and verses that somehow never seem to make their way to being spoken of in the pulpit and Bible Study gatherings of modern churches and temples. There are many reasons for this. 

I have taken a few moments to extract just a few of these verses that I speak of. The Bible and many other ancient writings are filled with beautiful Truth presented in allegory and metaphor. There are deeper meanings contained under and beyond the surface stories.

For the benefit of people who I know that use the Bible as an owners manual for their Soul and the way to live their Life, I will discuss these verses and try and show their non-literal, and non-historical metaphysical intent. Let it be known, there is nothing in the OT and NT Bible that hasn't been said before by earlier civilizations and previous religions. The OT itself tells us "there is nothing new under the sun." These stories are a plan for living our own Life, not just historical documentation of other people and places.

Isaiah 45:7

"I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things."

Lamentations 3:38

"Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both calamities and good things come?"

Amos 4:13

"For, lo, the former of mountains, and creator of wind, And the declarer to man what is His thought (Logos/Word)."

1 John 4:17

"By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment (decision); because as Jesus is, so also are we in this world."

Matthew 9:4

"Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, "Why do you have such evil thoughts in your hearts?"

Galatians 4:19

"My little children, of whom again I travail in birth, till Christ may be formed in you."

John 14:12

"In most solemn truth I tell you that he who trusts in me - the things which I do he shall do also; and greater things than these he shall do."

1 Corinthians 12:27

"Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it."

Luke 17:21

"Neither will they say, 'Look, here!' or, 'Look, there!' for behold, the Kingdom of God is within you."

John 1:1

"In the beginning was the Logos, and the Logos was with God, and the Logos was God."

The LOGOS (or loosely translated as "Word") is from the Greek and has been used for hundreds of years prior to Jesus' times by philosophers to mean "the active reason pervading and animating the universe." This Greek word Logos is also translated traditionally as word, thought, principle, or speech." The active reason pervading and animating the universe was found specifically defined in Psalms 33:6-9, as the breath of God’s mouth: what He speaks, His words ... the Mind of God manifest in form. 

This LOGOS concept also dates back to ancient Egypt with the God "Hu," who spoke the world into existence. Remember also, the ancient Sanskrit word for man or mankind and for Mind was "manu." Combine these two, and we find the word 'HU-MAN. Are you beginning to see the connection? Hu-man literally means to have the Mind of God. 

Consciousness, the very basis of existence, thinks before it acts. The physical world of matter, which is in actuality, vibrating electrical energy is brought into form and made manifest by thought. By speaking the word. We are all not only ONE consciousness, and ONE Spirit ... but we are ALL co-creators of this world. The future unfolds with every thought and word and action that WE decide from NOW. 

It is mankind ... US, through the Life Source of Spirit Energy ... which we call God, that creates good and evil. Love and abuse. Order and chaos. WE are the ONE. When you come to the realization, in fact when we ALL come to this realization, then we can create a world of love and compassion rather than war, disease, famine, and abuse.

Just a thought ... 

~Justin Taylor, ORDM.

WHEN POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE BECOME ONE

WHEN POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE BECOME ONE 

One of the Universal Laws is Polarity. It is a "range" of one principle. For example, hot and cold are ranges of temperature. Smooth and rough are a range of texture. Day and night are a range of light. There are many others, good and bad, black and white, happy and sad, all extremes of one principle. Nothing escapes this Law. So, if you are in darkness, you are in the absence of the other end of the spectrum ... light. So darkness is the absence of light. Somewhere along the way, as with the use of a dimmer switch, there is a range dial of sorts. As you turn the dial, you go from darkness to light, and from light to darkness. But where is it that we decide what is light, and what is dark. Where is it along that dial that makes one change from the other. It is simply a range, a position, it is a gradual transition from one to the other. But there is a dial ... a catalyst to use as a tool for the actual transition.

Positive and negative are frequently cast as good and bad. But they are not seen that way in the Law of Polarity. They are simply opposites of the same principle. When you look at a battery, there is a positive side and a negative side. But there is no good side or bad side to a battery. The same for magnets. Positive and negative, but not good and bad. Just polarity ... measurement across a scale. Even our calendars are positive and negative based on the acceptance of the year zero. This means everything forward of zero is plus, and everything backwards of zero is minus. For example the year 2,ooo is +2,000 or 2,000CE. The year 2,000BCE is then -2,000. The reference point is zero. Like the needle on a gauge. If you're using a metal detector, there is a needle (or beeping) that is the indicator of getting closer to metal. The closer you get to one side of the dial, the needle moves closer to that side. The further you get, the needle moves to the other side. It is the needle ... that is the indicator. Just as zero on a weight-balancing scale uses a center position needle when items are properly balanced. 

The Law of Polarity gives us a range of the same thing. They are two extremes of one thing. Positive and negative are merely steps and measurement along the path of one principle. Whether you're experiencing a good day, or a bad day ... what you are truly experiencing is a day with the potentiality of good or bad (un-good) events. Everything is potential. We create the world around us through our thoughts, decisions, beliefs, and actions. There are immutable Laws that guide the universe. They can be used for benefit, or for consequences. It is up to us how to use them. We have our own inner needle or pointer that helps guide our way through the various polarities of every situation we think about or experience. Listen to your internal GPS, to guide you through the negative and positive polarities on your way to discerning the intended position along the way of the principle you are experiencing. 

Just a thought ... 

~Justin Taylor, ORDM.

DISTURBING THE PEACE

DISTURBING THE PEACE 

Let's start off this writing with the etymology (word origin) of the word "disturbance." It has several definitions: "mental distress, disruption of peace or unity, to stop or hinder, to throw into disorder, to frighten, and to stir up and agitate." 

And as for the word "peace." It also has several meanings. "reconcilliation, silence, absence of war, safety, welfare, prosperity, and quiet." 

There are multiple ways that people are able to "disturb the peace." Of course, one way is through municipal laws - making too much noise at late hours, causing fights and riots, etc. But I am much more concerned with disturbance of our Inner Peace. Because once we become a "peacemaker," then all else falls into place. 

In the New Testament Bible "Sermon On The Mount" Jesus is quoted as having said: "blessed are the peacemakers." A very important statement ... and much deeper than one would think. Because we cannot force peace on anyone else. We can intercede and become peacekeepers between two countries, neighbors, employees, or children; but they still may hate each other. All we do as peacekeepers is keep them at bay from attacking each other. But a "peaceMAKER" is one who has made peace WITHIN himself. Just as you cannot make two people love each other, you cannot make two people live in peace with each other. It simply cannot be accompished from the outside in ... it must travel from the inside out. And it is a personal accomplishment.

There are numerous ways that disturing the peace inwardly can affect us. Opinions, noise, traffic, politics, multiple conversations, ambience, loud music, abusive relationships, and an endless host of distractions aimed at disturbing our peace. If we cannot be at peace within, then we cannot be at peace without. As above, so below ... as within, so without, etc. We all must find ways to connect to the Divine realm of inner peace - even if it's just for 10 or 15 minutes a day. Whether it is centered prayer, meditation, contemplative prayer, or just sitting in the peaceful surroundings of nature. 

When we do this, we greatly minimize our base animal nature fight or flight ... the same as stress. The stress that affects our body in a stressful working environment, does the same things to our bodies as if we were running from a hungry bear. It is meant to be used for short bursts ... a means of protection from danger. But in most work environments, you are in that condition all day, and then you bring it home with you. 

All of us must find a way to stop "disturbing the peace" within, and find tranquility, balance, and joy at some point in our daily lives. It is imperative to our mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health. Remember, most illness and disease begins in Mind, before it manifests into form and makes your body sick. Go on a nature hike once in a while. Listen to a running stream. And ... stay thirsty for knowledge my friends ... but above all, do not disturb the peace within you.

Just a thought ... 

Justin Taylor, ORDM.

DOME OF ETERNITY

DOME OF ETERNITY 

Once we have all come to the Truth and realization that all of Life is experienced INSIDE our heads, through our sensory centers, and that we're never "outside" of ourselves, we can understand the connection of Oneness. Nothing ever happens, unless it happens in our heads. And the only limitations we have, are those that the ego has sold us. In fact, even our organic brain, is in our brain. 

We are under the impression that the entire universe is coming AT us, when in reality, it is coming FROM us and THROUGH us. And we are tied together in the fiber of the vast Matrix of unconsciousness that is the network - the Field. How else would I see the same things as you see, hear the same things you hear, or be in the same place as you are? Life ... is in our heads ... experienced in the skull. Science has proven what the ancients knew all along, that there is no such thing as matter as we believe it to be. Matter (Latin for Mother) is simply the lowest level of vibration and frequency that we can experience. Nothing more.

Everything is energy ... electrical energy. When you think you are touching something, it is experienced in your head ... in the Mind and brain sensors. You're never really touching anything. It's simply vibrational frequency electrical energy transferring awareness energy from one center to another in your organic brain. We are not born INTO this world ... we are born OUT of it. As a leaf comes from out of a tree, and a tree out of the Earth. This has been a continuous process since the very first seed. The apple seed contains within it, all that is needed - not just for another tree - but for an entire orchard. But before it can grow, it must be buried within the earth, and then grown from within the Earth Mother. As above, so below. 

The universe is limitless. It is a dome of eternity ... vast and never ending because everything is energy, and energy cannot be created, and cannot be destroyed. It just IS ... and it is everywhere. And this is what WE are ... energy, having what we call a physical experience. But we are NOT the experience. We are NOT  the body. We are NOT the Mind. We are the watcher, the witness, the experiencer. What you are looking for ... is what is looking. We are as the bright white light projecting from the back of the room in the movie theatre. We believe what is seen on our movie screen/life is real. It all seems to be real. But it is nothing more than a projection from who we are within. And we see Life the same way ... as moving still pictures/images. Our Mind captures billions of still images and converts them to fluid motion, adds colours/hue and depth of field (dimension), and even labels everything according to what has been programmed. 

Past, present, and future are all here right now. Where else would they be? The dead and the living are right here, right now. Where else would they be? Where else is there for them to go but somewhere in the vast universe ... which is INSIDE of us and existent in a place called NOW. The past has passed, but we carry it around with us NOW. The desires we have that we wish to experience, we carry with us NOW. When a child is born, we are that child and that child is us. There is no separation of things. There are no things. There is only ONE thing, and it is ALL things. You may call this God, Allah, Source, Absolute, Universe, Almighty, or any other hundreds of labels, titles, and descriptions. We are the great re-arrangers. There is nothing new, and there won't ever be. Because everything we make, we make out of the stuff that was already here. All we do is re-arrange it into something else. We have all we will ever desire and need right here among us, st this moment. All we have to do is attract it to us, receive it, and learn the ancient secrets from the Wisdom of the Ages as to how to do it. 

You and I are the center of the universe. Everything emerges FROM us. Everything emanates from us. We are a collective, though individualized essences, of the One that is ALL. When you come to this understanding and Truth, Life throughout the world will improve for ALL LIFE, and eventually we will bring Heaven to Earth. When we realize that what we do to other, we do to ourselves, because there is no "other" ... then we will have come to the awareness of our Higher-Self ... our Christ-Consciousness. Our Inner Mystery which binds everything together as One. Even rocks are alive at a cellular level. They have consciousness just as we do. Our mitochondria energy factories in our cellular biology are the power centers of all thing(s) found in this universe of amazing inspiration. Go forth and multiply knowledge. 

Just a thought ... 

~Justin Taylor, ORDM.

PAGAN AND CHRISTIAN SYMBOLISM

PAGAN AND CHRISTIAN SYMBOLISM 

Early mankind's first "Saviour" was the sun. This glowing orb in the sky above was clearly the "Giver of Life." As belief systems grew, mankind eventually established the early stages of what would later become Christianity, or teachings of the Krestiani. Among early Gnostic and Essene traditions, these teachings were originally about something much deeper than they are today ... something that lay beyond, and beneath the surface stories. By taking these stories as only literal, modern day Christianity has renamed, revised, and re-written these ancient symbols and metaphors to suit their an entirely different agenda. Stay with me. There is much to explain. 

In the outward and literal Biblical story, Jesus has taken the place of a sun god of old, and literally became the "Light of the World." Biblical references to light and darkness now make perfect sense, when we look within the layers for the deeper message. “Jesus walking on water,” for example, symbolizes when the sun light is reflecting off the surface of water. We are not dismissing the Jesus narrative, just looking deeper into the symbolism and the allegorical interpretations ... the place where much Truth and symbolism can be found. 

From an an ancient Astrotheology view, the literal/outward story of Jesus mimics the story of the sun’s travels across the sky and through the Zodiac. The twelve disciples represent the 12 signs of the zodiac, or 12 months of the year. His story is the story of this annual precessional. Jesus is the Sun (in the center of the Zodiac circle) and the 12 houses/signs/disciples accompany him everywhere he goes. 

The actual word “Jesus” comes from the Greek "Iēsous," the Ancient Greek form of the Hebrew and Aramaic name Yeshua or Y'shua (Hebrew: ישוע) (Joshua in English). “Iesous” is adapted from the name of the Greek goddess of recuperation from illness - healing. Iesos/Iaso, was the daughter of Apollo, the Sun-deity. It is important to note that the English letter "J" was not in use until after 1600CE. Before that, a "Y" and an "I" were used in its stead. The original King James Bible refers to Jesus as “Iesus” and his father as “Ioseph.” No letter "J" to be found until later re-prints. 

Moving on symbolically, "Sunday" was set aside in the Mithra (Roman) cult as its official day to worship its Sun-deity. Instead of Saturday (Saturn-day), the sabbath or day of rest ... Roman Emperor Constantine legislated Sun-day to now be the day of rest and dedicated it to the Greek and Roman Sun-god, Helios. Constantine worshipped Christos Helios as well as Mithra. ”Christos Helios" in the Greek (Χρήστος ήλιος) means “Christ-The-True-Sun.” Ultimately, the Roman Catholic Church (Holy Roman Universal Church) chose Sun-day as its sabbath, and Protestantism then adopted it. The Greek word for "Universal" is "katholikos." 

More symbolism can be found here: Obelisks, spires, steeples, and church towers; all come from the pagan worship practices of Babylon and Egypt called sun-pillars. An obelisk or sun-pillar still stands at the entrance of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. These objects represent the masculine (Father/God) symbol penetrating the feminine (Mother/Goddess) to bring forth the child from the womb of the universe. So it is with the Egyptian Ankh (a cross symbol) ... representing the intersection of Spirit/Matter, and the masculine penetrating the female womb of the universe as a means of creation. Symbolism can be found everywhere in Vatican City, if you know where to look and how to identify it. 

The Winter Solstice (Christmas-time) is the actual "reason for the season." The solstice is a metaphor for the sun’s birth, death, and resurrection. The sun appears to die as it reaches its lowest point in the winter sky, remaining motionless for three days. The sun is then resurrected, or born again, as it begins to slowly rise. And then the annual cycle begins once again. Bringing renewal, and a soon to be life-giving harvest of food once again. 

Everything in modern day Christianity has it's roots in the Ancient Wisdom of the Pagan world. These beliefs were brought into the formation of Christianity in Rome in order to bring more of the pagan believers into Constantine's new universal religion of Rome, officially launched at the First Council of Nicea in 325CE. Further, many ancient religions had also a triune god. Solar triune gods represented the three stages of the Life of the Sun, and lunar triune goddesses represented the three phases or Life of the moon. The Sun is the masculine energy, the moon is the receptive feminine energy receiving her light from the sun.

The Christian Trinity is as a solar triune: one, the young son at sunrise (God the son); two, adult at noon (God the Father, the most high); and three, dying when the sun sets at day’s end (The Holy Ghost/Spirit). Three different aspects, but one god - the SUN. The reason that only four gospels were chosen in the official canon is because they represent the four seasons. Remember also, there are deep esoteric symbols to be found. The mythology goes far back in time. 

As another example of symbolism, and in the realm of the metaphysical, the Kingdom of God represents the right hemisphere of your brain. You can activate it by doing what Jesus said in John 21:6 by “casting your net to the right side”. Our right brain is where our limitless potentiality, creativity, and imagination are found. It is also EAST. The Sun of God rises in the east (East-er). Most churches and temples among the ancients faced east. When early Christians prayed, they prayed to the east. The sun “sets” in the west. It figuratively dies each nightfall. Among other ancient figures was “Set” the evil twin. Every night, he would kill the sun … hence SUNSET. Horus represented the sky during the daytime, while Set represented the night-time sky. Set was also the basis for the development of Satan later in Hebrew lore, and ultimately Christianity's Devil. 

When talking about myth, symbols, and ancient philosophy, there is always one question that people will always ask: Who designed the designer? Who created God? Since all gods and holy books are man-made, it is man who is this designer. God is Spirit, and writes no books here in a physical world of form. "Sun Worship" was more about an esoteric understanding that there was a higher power behind and beyond (meta) the sun and all it's glory and Life giving energy. Very early man believed that the night sky was a veil, and that the stars were piercings in the veil that let the light of God shine through even in the darkness. The unreachable God far beyond any manifestation here in this world. 

Today, there are billions of people who believe in Jesus as God, so the Christian populous says he must be God. However, belief doesn’t make something true. Many believed the earth was flat. It is clearly not. Modern science and reason have been able to explain what would have been unexplainable to primitive man. If you were able to travel back in time with a cigarette lighter, mankind would've made you a some type of god as well. There were nature gods, weather gods, gods for everything. Jesus represents something far more esoteric and symbolic. In many ways, HIStory, is also OURstory. But in a spiritual way.

There is plenty to be found in ancient scripture to confirm my words. When we take this collective document as merely literal and historical content, it holds much less value than it does when you read between the lines ... the stories beneath and beyond the ink and paper. Many of the events didn't happened in the way that we've been told. They are meant to be collective metaphors and allegories of a much more spiritual nature. These stories were never intended by their writers to be only taken literally. Symbolism was used to conceal the inner Truths contained within the stories. 

What about the Ten Commandments you say? I say which ones? The Protestant, Catholic or Hebrew? They'll all different. Check and you'll see this to be true. In fact, they were all extracted from King Hammurabi's Laws (the negative commandments) during the times that the Hebrews lived among Babylonian rule. There are also two different sets of commandments. The Roman Catholic Church deleted the second Commandment and changed God's Sabbath to Sunday, and then split the tenth Commandment into two to get back to Ten Commandments in total. 

The wandering in the desert for 40 years, the crossing of the Red (Reed) Sea, the floating Ark of Noah, the walking on water, stilling the seas, resurrecting from the dead, etc. These stories are all spiritual allegories explained using surface stories and parables to deliver a deeper message for those with eyes to see, and ears to hear. There were Outer Mysteries (assumed literal events) presented to the masses of followers, and there were Inner Mysteries (Truth behind the spiritual nature of the stories) revealed to those who were inspired to go deeper into the text. 

Only a few initiates were privy to the Inner Mysteries. Even still today, the Vatican holds many mysteries that the general public will never be told. Rather than releasing the Truth to the people and possibly recovering the ancient spiritual pre-Roman Christian/Krestian teachings to the people, and empowering them through the spiritual strength that they teach, they choose to hide the Inner Mysteries and continue the secrecy that has taken thousands of years to build. Reveal the Truth, and the world would be empowered immediately. Positive change would be the result, and mankind's Saviour, would be the Truth of who and what they really are. "You shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall make you free." 

Just a thought ... 

~Justin Taylor, ORDM.

THINK ON THESE THINGS

THINK ON THESE THINGS

There's a New Testament scripture found in Philippians 4:8 that is of great importance, not just from a Biblical view, but from a metaphysical and esoteric world view. Let's begin with two translations in English:

KING JAMES TRANSLATION

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

 AMPLIFIED BIBLE TRANSLATION

Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].

The key takeaways of this verse are of a positive polarity, and we are told specifically to think continually on these things ... to center our Mind on them and implant them into our heart: true, honest, just, pure, lovely, good, virtuous, admirable, excellent, peaceful, and praise-worthy. We are also reminded in Proverbs 23:7 "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he." Now expand this: As a man focuses his thought on good things, and holds those thoughts in Mind, he can implant these good thoughts in his heart. 

Where our focus goes, our energy grows. This is Universal Law. For every cause, there must be an effect. What we set our Mind on, is what will manifest in our physical reality. What we constantly think about, is what will come about. Even more, is that our focus must utilize all of our senses. We must not only think, but feel, touch, smell, see, and hear that which we desire to manifest. We must guard the Mind's Gate, as a watchman, a shepherd, and at times ... like radar and sonar. What comes at us, and what comes from us, must be beneficial to not only ourself, but to everyone. 

If we chart our journey through Life in this way, all will benefit from right-thinking. For it is wrong-thinking that is sin. Wrong-thinking is missing the mark of Truth. When we miss the mark, we work on improving our aim. We catch a negative thought and cancel it out with a positive one. We "think on these things" and we improve out Life experience, and the experience of those around us ... near and far. We are all tied to the infinite Field of Consciousness ... the Matrix ... the unseen realm of thought. The more we think about good things, the more they will manifest in this world. Ultimately, we can eradicate all the negative thoughts, emotions, and actions; and build a better world for all who are in it, now and for the future as it unfolds. 

Just a thought ... 

Justin Taylor, ORDM. 

MAY THEIR MEMORY BE ETERNAL

MAY THEIR MEMORY BE ETERNAL

As we spend time reflecting upon those who have left us, there is a common phrase repeated by many that says "may their memory be eternal." In the Greek, when someone passes, they say “αιώνια η μνήμη” (ay-oh-nee-ah ee mnee-meen) which means “memory eternal”, a reminder that as long as we remember someone, they will always be with us.

Looking deeper into what this means, we must understand that each of us is eternal energy and an individualized essence of the whole of universal consciousness. Like a ray of sunlight, emanating from the same source. In the same way that a ray of light cannot be separated from it's Source, we cannot be separated from ours. And it is that Source that we are one with ... eternal, and ever existing. 

Like sound waves, vibrations, UV light ... there are aspects and principles that are unseen. These are the ties that bind. All things are one with the universe. Our ego desires separation and self-centered control of ourself and others but this is an illusion. There are no things ... there is only one ... and collectively, we are that One.

u·ni·verse

/ˈyo͞onəˌvərs/

"all existing matter and space considered as a whole; the cosmos."

Modern science has now taken the ancient path of Plato who put it this way: "The universe is a single living creature that encompasses all living creatures within it." The Greek Philosopher Pythagoras first used the term cosmos (κόσμος) for the order of the universe. Also, from the Greek: κόσμος (Kosmos) means world, people, cosmos, universe. 

The memory of our loved ones will never fade. It is forever woven into the fiber of consciousness ... the Field, or Matrix. Our physical existence will fade away and to the earth our bodies and our ego will return, but our Spirit will always live on. Life is the 360 degree never ending circle of I AM. I EXIST. 

In the beginning, was heaven and earth translates as Spirit, and Matter. Father and Mother, as seen by the ancients. Energy was never created, and can never die. It always was, and always will be. 

When our loved ones are re-membered, we honour these loved ones who have passed (passed over) ... know they are right here with you. In the unobservable realm of the higher dimension of Spirit. Nothing ever goes away. 

May you find peace and acceptance when facing the loss of a loved one. And may their memory be eternal.  

Just a thought ... 

Justin Taylor. ORDM. 

MIRACLES AND WONDERS

MIRACLES AND WONDERS 

According to the etymology and definition of the word "miracle" - it comes from the Greek "thaumasion" and the Latin "miraculum" - as that which causes wonder and astonishment, being extraordinary in itself and amazing or inexplicable by normal standards. 

Because that which is normal and usual is also considered to be "natural," miracles have occasionally been defined as "supernatural" events, but this definition presupposes a very specific conception of nature and natural laws and cannot, therefore, be generally applied. 

The significance of a miraculous event is frequently held to reside not in the event as such, but in the reality to which it points - thus, a miracle is also called a sign - from the Greek "sēmeion" signifying and indicating something beyond itself. 

Extraordinary and astonishing occurrences become specifically religious phenomena when they express, reveal, or signify a religious reality, however defined. Belief in miraculous happenings is a feature of practically all religions, and the incidence of miracles (i.e., of belief in and reports regarding miracles) is universal, though their functions, nature, purpose, and explanations vary with the social and cultural - including theological and philosophical - context in which they appear. 

However presented, all "miracles" have an explanation in the sense that they are accounted for and categorized in terms of the religious and cultural system that supports them and that, in turn, they are meant to support. Stay with me, I'm going somewhere with this I promise.

Without the intervention or consideration of religious catalysts, these "miracles" are but only unexplained phenomena. Or are they? Anything that is able to happen, and does ... is obviously natural in that it was able to occur in the first place. Using the list of Immutable Universal Laws, there can be no way of transgressing or transcending these Laws because they are immutable. For example, for every effect, there must be a cause. Period. No other way around it. This is Universal LAW. 

When we speak of "supernatural" events or miracles, we frequently take them out of context. For example, we say "it's a miracle that Bob survived that car accident." Why is it a miracle? Why would it have to be "supernatural?" - astonishing and extraordinary perhaps (which is the original meaning of miracle) - but why must it be "supernatural?" We humans short-change ourselves in the department of "natural" ability and phenomena. If we have accomplished it, of we are capable of a task, if we completed a project, then "naturally" ... it can be done. And it can be dome here, in this physical realm. 

Back to Bob and the car accident ... expertly trained first responders and medical personnel did what was necessary to save his Life. Therefore, it was a natural occurrence ... not miraculous. Unless, we go back to the original meaning of the word ... and say it is with "wonder and astonishment" that Bob survived his injuries. But those wonders and astonishments are still natural. 

Let's look up a short definition of "natural" from Merriam-Webster:

"Having a physical or real existence as contrasted with one that is spiritual, intellectual, or fictitious (a corporation is a legal but not a natural person), of, relating to, or operating in the physical as opposed to the spiritual world (natural laws describe phenomena of the physical universe)"

Now, was Bob saved physically, or spiritually? He was saved physically ... in this material physical world of form and matter. Obviously we can consider spiritual, intellectual, intuitive actions at work here but nonetheless ... he was saved physically in a physical world confined to the ways of a material natural event. Therefore, it was NOT a miracle as defined by modern day churchmen - Divine intervention from a Supernatural God - it was was actually a natural event by Divinely inspired natural procedures and processes. 

My whole point here is that of it can happen here in a physical/natural world, then it cannot be "supernatural." What happens in the realm of the body of nature - the physical - is natural. It involves the nature of the beast. What happens "supernaturally" happen in the realm of Spirit - spiritual/supernatural. It involves the Spirit of man. 

So the next time you witness a "miraculous" event ... remember that the meaning of this word is "that which causes wonder and astonishment, being extraordinary in itself and amazing or inexplicable by normal standards." But still ... natural. Do not shortchange the powers of mankind to perform beyond the normal. To be able to raise the non-existent ceiling of endless abilities. We've all heard the story of the Mother lifting a tractor off of her son after he got trapped under it. Was this a miracle? No ... but it was superhuman ... and still natural. It was astonishing, extraordinary, and amazing ... but still not a miracle. It did not break the immutable Laws of the Universe that can never be broken ... not even by God/Source itself. 

Miracles are also not exceptions to the Laws, nor do the Laws not apply to them. The Laws never have exceptions; they never are violated or suspended, immutable and unchangeable, Flying an airplane to someone from the 1400's would be a miracle to them. But it isn't. We learned physics, jet propulsion, aerodynamics, lift, speed, weight ratios, and voila ... we fly airplanes all day every day. Now, the next time you crack an egg for breakfast, and a baby Tiger comes out ... let's talk. 

Just a natural thought ... 

~Justin Taylor, ORDM.

HEBREW CONNECTION TO SATAN

HEBREW CONNECTION TO SATAN

Among the ancient beliefs of Zoroastrianism, the Persian Magi (Astrologers and Zoroastrian Priests) turned some Hindu concepts around, and with them the Asuras were good and the Devas bad. "Ahura Mazda," the god was good, his counterpart "Ahriman" was bad ... the devil of sorts. So there was now evil and good. Therefore, there was between the god and the devil the waging of a perpetual war. And why not?  Man has always been at war with himself, so why not the Gods as well?

 

Read this quote from Author Gerald Messandé: “The early framework of the three monotheisms (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) had been erected. The Devil's birth certificate was filled out by an Iranian prophet (Zoroaster).” Although, this is really only partly true, his full birth certificate was filled out by those who had changed the religion to what many contemporary followers of that faith believe today. And also, mixed in a bit from here and there, along with other religions and philosophical systems to create a conglomerate system. 

 

Now we move forward to the Hebrew Connection to all of this good/evil, god/satan stuff. Many years after all the changes to Zoroastrianism were made by the Magi, the Hebrew people came into contact with Zoroastrianism during the Babylonian rule, from 597 to 538 BCE. This was now a period after they had been exposed to numerous other beliefs and doctrines from other civilizations while under earlier Assyrian rule. Remember also, that the ancient Hebrews, were not always monotheistic. In their earlier times, they were polytheistic as many others before them were as well. 

 

It is from this Babylonian exposure to Zoroastrianism, that Judaism acquired the belief in a dualistic cosmos being torn between the forces of good and evil. It was here that Judaism acquired the concept of angels and, more specifically, their seven Archangels (the Seven Attributes of Ahura Mazda). It was here also, that the Hebrews were exposed to the idea of the evil entity Ahriman (Satan/ha-satan) working directly against God and a Saoshyant (Messiah/Christ) who would come at the end of time (Frasho-kereti) to assure and guarantee the restoration of Divine Law to the entire world.

 

It is worth noting that the Hebrew word for "angel" is malach, meaning “messenger.” Also note, the same is true for the English word Angel, derived from the Greek word "Angelos," which also means “messenger.” Throughout the Bible, an Angel, is a messenger of God/Source who carries out the Divine will of the Almighty.  There is not one example in the Hebrew scriptures where any Angel, Satan included, "opposes" God’s will. “Satan (or ha-satan)” in Hebrew means “adversary.” (or opposer/accuser) 

 

Now, shortly after Satan's “birth,” the idea of Hell gained wide acceptance. Prior to this, the official doctrine was that all Hebrew people who died went to Sheol. Sheol was a place of shadows where the world still existed but remained forever out of grasp. Everyone went to Sheol whether or not they were wicked or holy. Our modern idea of ghosts emerged from this belief. But, technically, Sheol was ultimately "the grave."

 

The Persians are also responsible for the doctrines of a "final battle," a "final judgment," and the "resurrection of the dead." From them, the Hebrews developed a scheme of world history, new beliefs about the end of time, and a more extensive set of beliefs concerning Angels. Frankly, the Hebrews had few original ideas, and thats ok. They were defining they own belief system based upon what they had encountered from other peoples. 

In fact, all of what you will find in Old Testament scripture (allegory and metaphor) was nothing new or original. It had all been said before, and long before the Hebrews came along. They merely customized earlier stories with their own symbolism, rituals, geography, and names. The same goes for the Roman New Testament as well. The Roman Church did the very same thing. 

So, returning to where we were, "Satan" gained a established place in late Hebrew and early Roman Christian thought to explain the sinister reality of sin and suffering in a world whose faith, was believed to be under the wise and beneficent guidance and command of the Almighty God/Source. Biblically speaking, this concept of Satan, was one of being a Prosecuting Attorney, under employ of the Court of God. 

The conception of "the evil one" in his dual aspect of being the enemy of God, enemy of man ... even a "fallen Angel" can be traced way back to its origins in much earlier religions, and is based entirely upon mythology. Just remember, under all of the stories, fables, metaphors, allegories, parables, and myth ... is hidden much deeper lessons for the spiritual advancement of man. The ancient Greek root word "mythos" is not as we see the word "myth" today. Today, we see "myth" and it means it never happened, or it's just a meaningless fable, or urban legend. But that was not the original concept by the Greeks. There was always something hidden under the guise of a myth that was much more important than the story itself. I will wrap this up with one of my favourite quotes from Joseph Campbell:

"A myth is something that never was, yet always is."

Just a thought ... 

~Justin Taylor, ORDM.

EVENING THEN MORNING

EVENING THEN MORNING

For this topic, I am going to focus on some biblical scriptures that have some deep allegorical, metaphorical, and symbolic meaning beyond just paper and ink. Let’s start at the beginning, Genesis. 

Genesis 1:5 (KJV)

"And God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day." 

The words which we find in the contemporary English Language Bible that translators interpret as "morning" and "evening" in Genesis 1, do not actually equate with our English words for those occurrences. In Hebrew, they actually mean "chaos/disorder" and "order" respectively.

When the sun goes down, vision becomes blurry and disordered, and with the break of day it clears. After all, what can be seen in darkness? The light pushes darkness out of the way and brings clarity into our lives in so many ways. This is true physically, and metaphysically. 

In the creation account of Genesis, the light existed BEFORE the sun and the stars were ever set in place. Wait ... BEFORE the sun and stars were created? Yes, and this was the light … of consciousness. We were brought out of the darkness, and into the light. Now lets move forward towards several other books contained in the Bible. 

Revelation 22:16 (KJV)

"I Jesus, have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, [and] the bright and MORNING STAR."

John 9:5 (KJV)

 "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world."

2 Corinthians 4:6 (KJV)

 "For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God ..."

Revelation 22:5 (KJV)

"And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever."

Now consider this - it is the same as when ours eyes are closed - we are in darkness. We are in chaos. This is the only time we can truly see inside ourselves. Without the light of the world, we will stay in chaos, with our eyes figuratively and symbolically closed through Life. Our consciousness IS our light. It is our Mind that perceives everything, and remember that our brain is always in total darkness … our entire Life. Its encased in the darkness of our skull. 

When we open our eyes, we see the light not from the outside in, but from the inside out, and we see the order of all of God's creation. The Morning Star, represented mythically as Jesus Christ, pushes the darkness and chaos out of our sight ... if we set our sights on the Divine Spark of Christ Consciousness within us. In the same manner, the Morning Star (Phosphorus in Greek, Lucifer in Latin - the Planet Venus) arrives each day to usher in the Morning Sun (Sun of God). See the connection? By the way, “Lucifer” is not the Devil/Satan. Only the King James Bible uses this term. But thats for another writing. 

We will experience restoration and order in our lives ... just as the morning Sun brings ORDER from CHAOS.

Also remember the ancient Hebrews began the new "day" at sunset ... nightfall. With the dawn bringing forth the light. Sunset marked the start of the 12 night hours, whereas sunrise marked the start of the 12 day hours. We return back to Genesis 1:5 to see: "There was evening and there was morning, one day." When envisioned as the start of a new day, night loses its dread. It becomes a time of preparation, renewal and anticipation, a period of incubation before a new birth. This was their natural order. From the darkness, comes the light. 

Awaken and open your eyes to see all that life has to offer. Too much time in darkness with your eyes closed, and you'll stay asleep rather than be awake, and aware. 

Just a thought ... 

Justin Taylor, ORDM.

HYPOCRITE AND PERSON WORD STUDY

HYPOCRITE AND PERSON WORD STUDY 

hyp·o·crite noun

1: a person who claims or pretends to have certain beliefs about what is right but who behaves in a way that disagrees with those beliefs.

2:  a person who puts on a false appearance of virtue or religion.

3:  a person who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs or feelings.

Origin of the word HYPOCRITE

Middle English hypocrite, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin hypocrita, from GREEK hypokritēs ACTOR, hypocrite, from from the Greek hypokrinesthai.

Origin of the word PERSON

Middle English, from Anglo-French persone, from Latin persona ACTOR'S MASK, character in a play, person, probably from Etruscan phersu mask, from Greek prosōpa, plural of prosōpon face, mask.

So, we find the etymology of PERSON from the Latin "Persona" and the Greek "Prosopa" meaning the MASK of an ACTOR. 

So, ALL of us ... are Actors, and Hypocrites. We play different roles and we frequently talk out of both sides of our mouths. Our ego presents within our Mind whatever mask and character that it needs to accomplish its own selfish and self-centered desires. We all need to be MORE AWARE of our CONSCIOUS thoughts, and behavioural actions. 

The ego is out for itself (it's self). The word ego means ME in Greek. Beware of your me (self), and look deep within for your true I AM (Self). Your higher consciousness. It's a battle we have with ourselves. Like a horse and buggy. Your body is the buggy, your Mind is the coachman, and you direct and instruct the horse where to go. Yet, remember that the horse still has the ability to choose whether or not to listen to YOU, or go where it chooses ... and may choose at will - at any moment - what he wishes to do or go regardless of your directives. Here is your ego. Train it well. Lead do not follow. Put your inner guidance to work ... and find within you the eternal Spirit that is the Divine coachman of  your buggy. 

Just a thought ... 

~Justin Taylor, ORDM.

ORIGINS OF THE FLOOD STORIES

ORIGINS OF THE FLOOD STORIES 

Flood stories are found in every civilization across the globe, and there is much confusion connected with their meaning. Was it a real flood? Was it really worldwide? Was it a story with w deeper Truth contained beneath the surface story? They often refer to giants or ancient humanities, Divine incarnations which point extremely far back in time ... back to pre-history.

Throughout the area of Egypt/Kemet, in ancient times the Nile Delta became flooded. It was a great tragedy that happened every year. This great flood would come and wash away the Eyptian world. The people of these times called these waters "The Waters of Chaos," due simply to the fact that the flooding was horrible, and highly destructive. 

But, they also brought new Life. Because without The Waters of Chaos returning on an annual basis, the deserts would be totally dry and nothing would ever grow. Obviously, if nothing grew, famine would be eminent and evident. They discovered over the course of time that Chaos was indeed a blessing that actually brought new Life to the valley. 

Spring would be a beautiful time in Egypt due to the waters of chaos bringing fresh nutrients for plants and food to grow. The people of the Nile Valley would then celebrate the coming of the the Waters of Chaos, for they soon learned that with them, they would bring the renewal of Life that was so desperately needed for their survival. 

They called this celebration in Egypt ... "THE ARGHA NOA." Not the ARK (ARCH) OF NOAH .... but ARGHA NOA. The "Argha Noa" was the coming of the great flood that washed away the old world and brought new Life ... and for the people of Egypt ... a rebirth - "Born Again." The moon was always in the lower quarter, this quarter of the moon became known as THE ARGHA NOA or THE WET MOON, often resembling an arch in the sky. Notice the resemblance to the YIN AND YANG of Life when looking at it's symbol? The light and the dark, as observed since the earliest civilizations. The duality of ONE. This is the Law of Polarity. Two opposites of one thing. Hot and cold, day and night, heavy and light, etc. 

The Esoteric science describes an inner spiritual continuity of being, combined with catastrophisim, tieing many sources of ancient Wisdom and history. The ancients knew very well what they studied, and perhaps better than those of more recent modern times. They looked to astronomy, geognosy, and cosmography. They knew that the Earth and its behaviour has been altered more than once since the primitive state of existence.

Geognosy comes from a combination of two Greek words. The word "Gaia" means Earth, and "gnosis" means "knowing" or knowledge. I'm early myth, Gaia was the ancient Greek goddess and symbol of the earth (Mother Earth). Many deluges appear in many traditions world-wide. The first are cosmic, the rest, as Noahs Arc(h), are terrestrial.

The Mother of all floods refers to the Cosmos, the Gods of the skies (Ouranos/Heaven). It refers to the Waters of Space which became the Life and death giving waters of earth.  Ancient spiritual traditions and Wisdom viewed all things such as atoms, planets, solar systems, and universes ... as living beings. Divine in essense, the many sparks of one cosmic fire, over immense periods of time there is constant ebb and flow of the various waves of universal and planetary life, with Karma as the Divine harmony of the absolute consciousness. This is the Universal Law of Cause and Effect.

Interpreting the Biblical flood story

Noah floating on the waters in his arch, the latter being the emblem of The Argha or Moon, the feminine principle. Noah is the spirit falling into matter, we find him as soon as he desends upon the earth.

Planting of the vineyard, drinking of the wine ... the pure spirit becoming intoxicated

as soon as it is imprisoned in matter, becoming personified. The ancient Greeks called this "Soma/Sema." Soma means body, sema means tomb. Therefore the body is a tomb in which our Soul is trapped. Looking at the 7th chapter of Genesis, we see but another version of the first unveiled Isis. Genesis transliterated, Genes of Isis ... or in Greek - birth or beginnings, creation.

Taking this myth, and other more ancient stories, we can see that the arch vessel floating on the abyss of waters often signifies the female generative power carrying the gene of nature and mankind. Again, creation through the Divine feminine. 

Mystically the Divine Spirit of Life, like Noah, emerges from Chaos. Noah's deluge is astronomical and allegorical. It is a celestial metaphor. But its foundation and true meaning behind the story is not false, only personified, for the story is based upon archaic traditions of men - or rather nations which were saved during cataclysms, in Canoes, archs (arks), and ships. Esoterically, but for another day, the Ark is also US.

Legends have all spung from catastrophes which involved both the continent and the Island of Atlantis (and Lemuria). In ancient mythology the universe itself was a conversation between order and chaos, or the Yin and Yang ... along with the Universal Law of Polarity. Everything has it's waves, up and down. Ocean waves, light waves, sound waves, motion - ebb and flow. It's just the way it is ... and it is immutable Universal Law. 

Just a thought ...

~Justin Taylor, ORDM.

WHEN IT RAINS IT POURS

When It Rains It Pours

You've heard the phrase "into each life some rain must fall," and "when it rains it pours," but we have always used them with negative implications. Why is that? Rain brings life. It waters the plants and trees which it turn grow and provide us with oxygen and food for sustenance. Of course there are extremes that cause damage to life and property, but this is the cycle of nature in order to progress and evolve. 

We also know that AFTER the storms, comes peace and tranquility. Sunshine and pleasant conditions. This is how everything in the universe operates, including us. There are always ups and downs ... like a roller coaster. Frequency waves, ocean waves, radio waves, all is energy and all is in flux. Changing and evolving. Day and night, hot and cold, good and bad. But there are no markers along the path of polarity. There isn't a place where good changes to bad and vise versa. They are equal polarities of one principle. 

So it is with our emotions, our health, our spirituality, our mental state. Up and down, rain and sun. We have to find that place of balance between the sunshine and the storms. That place where it's just lightly drizzling. We can handle the drizzle much better than extreme storms and extreme sunshine. The Rain Forest is a prime example of the perfect balance of nature. My wife and I visited Portland, Oregon years ago and it drizzled every day. Sometimes the sun would be shining with a light misty shower. Much easier and comfortable than blazing heat at the beach and freezing cold in the Poles. Same thing with wet and dry. We need both. 

In the Bible story of the Apostles being on a boat with Jesus asleep down below ... the storms are raging. The winds are extreme. The Apostles go down below inside the boat to wake up Jesus so that he can calm the storms outside. In the Inner Mysteries of scripture, the boats, and arks, and ships are us ... our vessels. This is a myth with a deeper message. During the times in our lives that the storms and tempests are raging, we are supposed to go within ... inside our boat ... inside ourselves and awaken the Christ. When we awaken the Christ consciousness within, we get guidance as to how to handle the storms and find a place of safety. The "eye of the storm" is always calm. We are to learn to stay in the eye calm and protected while the storms are raging around us wreaking havoc. This is the deeper meaning. 

So when the rain begins to fall in your life, when the light of the Sun of God/Source Energy hides behind the clouds, awaken the Christ within. Ask for Divine guidance and KNOW that better weather is coming. It must. It is Universal Law. When times are good, and the weather is wonderful, don't waste these good times worrying about the next storm. Don't spend the chill going UP the roller coaster, being scared about the thrill coming down the next drop. 

Your mind is a garden. You must plant the right seeds, remove the weeds, and water and care for your thoughts. The thoughts will bring forth a harvest. Mind your mind ... watch your garden and care for what you are growing. You also need to water your seeds. Here is the rain of life. We need rain to grow our crops. Thoughts are energy and they will manifest into form. Keep an umbrella handy, and your sunshades. You're gonna get both, no matter what. Make the best of the rain/pain, and the sun/fun. 

Just a thought ... 

~Justin Taylor, ORDM., OCP., DM.

ARTIFICIAL VERSUS NATURAL FEAR

ARTIFICIAL VERSUS NATURAL FEAR

First things first. We'll begin with the etymology of the word ARTIFICIAL:

artificial (adj.)

late 14c., "not natural or spontaneous," from Old French artificial. Meaning "made by man, contrived by human skill and labor" is from early 15c. The word was applied from 16c. to anything made in imitation of, or as a substitute for, what is natural, whether real (light, tears) or not (teeth, flowers). Meaning "fictitious, assumed, not genuine" is from 1640s. Artificial intelligence "the science and engineering of making intelligent machines" was coined in 1956."

And now, a look at the etymology of the word NATURAL:

natural (adj.)

c. early 14c. "of the world of nature (especially as opposed to man)," from Old French naturel "of nature, conforming to nature; by birth," and directly from Latin naturalis "by birth, according to nature," from natura "nature" (see nature). Of events, features, etc., "existing in nature as a result of natural forces" (that is, not caused by accident, human agency).

Now that we have that out of the way, we're going to see how these two words are much more meaningful in our Life. 

The definition of "man-made" refers to something that was created by humans, as opposed to by God or nature. An example of man-made is a lake that was dug by a company using machines. Another example of man-made is an artificial fiber used to make a piece of fabric. Other examples are: airplanes, houses, buildings, furniture, cars, books, computers, pens, light bulbs, watches, etc. 

Natural things are not human-made. They are existing in or caused by nature; not made or caused by humankind. These things are not manipulated or processed. They are naturally found on earth. A few examples of natural things are soil, animals, plants, mountains, vegetables, clouds, flowers, rain, birds, water, etc. 

The main point to all of this set-up is to discuss the artificial versus natural responses and reactions to processes we are witness to every day. In this case, we're talking about FEAR. The Greek word for this is "phovos" (φόβος), and its associated word φοβία (fear/panic) is the root of the English word phobia. Phobia is defined as: "an extreme or irrational fear of or aversion to something." 

As humans, we have two innate fears which are universal and common to all human beings, regardless of the society or culture into which we were born and raised. And yet, every other fear we have is based on our own, or others reactions to an experience in our lives and how we’re still being held back by that fear. And here's the kicker ... these fears aren’t real, they’re illusions, they don’t exist. Fear, is a thought. It is a response to concepts that we’ve created from things we thought were true, but actually are not. But what about the natural, versus artificial fears? Surely there must be something natural about fear? Well, humans actually do have TWO natural fears. They are the fear of loud noises, and the fear of falling. All else, is what we have learned to be fearful about. 

2 Timothy 1:7 says: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." 

Our fears come from outward influences and from our past experiences. Our parents, our teachers, our friends, our colleagues, our bosses, social media, our culture and society. All of our past experiences have contributed to these personal fears. We have built an extensive library of fears to reference, and these fears erode our confidence and our ability to thrive in life. Some of these fears serve us well, as part of our protective system. But most of our fears just hold us back from being all that we can be, and all that we want to be.

In other words, we are carrying around a bunch of stories in our subconscious Mind, and in our belief system which are limiting our sense of being ... and being at ease. Understand that there are basically two parts to the human Mind: the conscious and the subconscious. The conscious Mind is our "thinking mind", the part that we are aware of, and it processes about 2,000 bits of data per second. Our conscious mind is responsible for handling about 5% of our awareness of the human experience, and we get to choose what our conscious Mind experiences during the course of our Life.

Our subconscious Mind is the behind-the-scenes programming. It controls aspects of us such as breathing, heartbeat, and other functions which we can't directly control, and processes about 20,000,000 bits of data per second. It is responsible for 95% of our choices, decisions, and behaviors, but these are completely carried out by the programs held within this subconscious portion of the Mind. The are not conscious choices. 

Bottom line, 95% of what is experience in Life is because of the programs running in the background - without our awareness. We might have explained these away as "that's just who I am", "but it's not who we are - it's who we were programmed to be." We, are the witness to these experiences. The unseen Observer within the realm of the seen. From childhood, through adulthood, we are fed opinions from others. And the real problem is that most people never truly understand that these are beliefs, and not Truth. They are not real. They are just someone else's perception of reality that they experienced and then handed down to us.

Fear, worry, and doubt, are accepted as normal; and this is just another belief. Fear, worry, and doubt; are all because someone shared their painful belief with you when you couldn't decide for yourself - and now you get to carry around their baggage. But these beliefs are artificial, and not natural. So we end up carrying around emotional suitcases full of everyone else's fears, worries, and doubts - all except the two we discussed above: the fear of falling and the fear of loud noises. These two are genetic and embedded in our DNA as a means of physical survival. Fight, flight, or freeze. Its our protection found in the Limbic System of our biology. 

Every other artificial fear, worry, and doubt; is absolutely unnecessary and you can let them go whenever you choose. I suggest you pay attention to your deepest fears, worries, and doubts and trace them all the way back. Spend quiet time in meditation or contemplative prayer. The answers are always within. Listen for that still small voice. In Hebrew, the phrase for “gentle whisper” means “the sound of thin silence.” That’s where Spirit within meets us: in the gentle whisper, in the thin silence. Use your intuition. Ask within yourself, if this fear is real ... from a sense of natural response, or is it artificial? 

Natural fear helps us to guard ourselves against a harmful situation. This is part of our evolutionary journey. Natural innate fear is an adaptive behavior that we have to help identify threats. It is an ability that has allowed us as humans to survive predators and disasters.

Proverbs 12:25 says: "Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad." 

Luke 12:22 says: "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?

Philippians 4:8 says: "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

As a man thinks, so he becomes. Studies have shown that we can overcome some of our fears by continued exposure to them. By constantly exposing ourselves to our fears, whether it be sports, public speaking, animals and bugs, bad news, anxiety, or failure; our tolerance for them will grow. To quote Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1932: "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself." So ask yourself, is this fear I am feeling artificial, or is it natural. Both are real, but only one is innate. Is it just a thought or a belief, or is it a fundamental and foundational Truth? 

Just a thought ... 

~Justin Taylor, ORDM. 

WHAT ACTS 17:24-28 REALLY MEANS

WHAT ACTS 17:24-28 REALLY MEANS

In the Bible, Paul visits Athens, according to scripture. In the Book of Acts, beginning with verse 17:24 we find the following statements. And we're going to break it down into pieces since there is so much territory to cover in just this one verse.

The verse opens with this statement:

“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands."

Right off the top, Pauls tells the people in Athens multiple things of great importance. First of all, this "God" or Source, made the world and everything in it. And from what did he make it from? God stuff, thats what. So everything ... is made out of "God stuff." Everything. 

Secondly, Paul says that "God is the Lord of Heaven and Earth." A Kingdom needs a King, so the king of this creation, is the Source of this creation. The "Lord," is someone or something having power, authority, or influence; a master or ruler. This word is rooted in it's ancient etymology as "Bread-Keeper." Remember that the word "Bethel-hem" means "House of Bread." All is symbolic.

"And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else."

Next ... "and He is not served by human hands, as if He needed anything." Worship is not needed. We cannot do anything for God, since God provides all things TO US. He has no need of anything from us. In fact, the next line says "He himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else." Pretty clear to me. God, our Source ... provides everything. Including life and existence. Our very breath ... the Source of the energy we need to stay alive and operating in this material form. We are the light of the world, Source provides the power and electricity that runs the whole show. 

"From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands."

From ONE MAN it says. Well, what is a man? This word has it's roots in ancient Sanskrit and means "mankind/mind." So from one mind, or mankind, he made all the nations. The word "nations" means birth, tribe, descendants, species, and common ancestry. Again ... ALL mankind, to inhabit ALL the Earth (matter/form). And, decided who comes and goes between Spirit and Matter ... and when and where they come and go. 

"God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us."

Ask yourself "where did I come from?" and the answer has already been given. From God. Where everything came from ... and remember ... all is made out of God Stuff. God stuff is the only material that was available at the time Source expanded from the unseen, to the seen. He is not far, because he is INSIDE and IS all things. You, me, and the entire single organism of the universe. 

And now ... this very important part: 

"For in him we live and move and have our being. As some of your own wise men have said, ‘We are his offspring.’"

Wow. How incredibly simple is this ... and yet we still fight over it. "For IN him (inside of him / Spirit consciousness), we live, and move, and have our being." We exists IN God as God made everything from God Stuff and we are ONE thing ... GOD. We, as Jesus said (not just Jesus) are HIS OFFSPRING. The word "offspring" means descendants ... and generally younger or newer in age. We are DESCENDED from God. This word means to "dismount, to fall from, to come down from." This is our "fall" into matter from Spirit. Not some literal  story of sin and fruit. These are allegories. Surface stories with deeper meanings. 

So you see how much can be extracted from just one short paragraph of scripture when the time is taken to find what the words mean, and how they were translated from their original languages? Question everything. Don't let someone else decide your spiritual fate. Do your research and let it speak to the God Stuff inside of you. You will know, rather than have to guess. 

Just a thought ... 

~Justin Taylor, ORDM.

TRUTH DECISIONS AND LIES

TRUTH DECISIONS AND LIES

All of us tend to form our beliefs based on what people tell us, and what we have experienced. 

They offer their "opinion" and we think on it.

Our thoughts, then lead us to a decision.

To "decide" means to "cut-off." Decision is rooted in the Old French word "decidere," meaning: "to decide, determine," literally meaning "to cut off."

Like a roll of tape, we choose the amount that we desire to use, then we cut it off. But remember, the rest of the spool remains on the roll. There remains a lot of tape we haven't taken yet. 

When we choose to arrive at a conclusion, we cut off that which we desire, but we don't have the whole spool. Just a piece of it. The rest of the story/data is left on the roll. 

Then, our decision (the piece we cut-off), will lead to our belief.

We form our beliefs based on what we have decided, whether or not it is the whole story.

And what we decided to believe, may be Truth or it may be lies.

As a man thinks, he decides what he believes, and if it is Truth - there is no harm. If what a man has decided to believe is a lie, it is as if he drank poison, and there will be consequences. For the Spirit knows Truth from lies. The longer we hold the lies in our belief system, the more they will manifest into form/matter. This becomes the root of much illness and disease in our lives. The lies we believe must be "cast-out."

When the light shines, the darkness dissipates. 

Use the Light within you to shine on the source of the lies, and they too will dissipate.

Just a thought ... 

~Justin Taylor, ORDM. 

HOLDING ON TO POISON

HOLDING ON TO POISON 

We all have experiences in Life that are "good" and "bad" but in reality they are actually varying degrees of experience. All are for our own personal benefit. They aid us in learning what is beneficial and what is consequential ... for ourselves and for others. Life is being, and part of that being is growing mentally, emotionally, and spiritually through our experiences. 

That being said, it is important to note that we are NOT our experiences. We are the Observer, the Witness to these experiences. We are spiritual beings with the knowledge granted us through physical experiences In this world of matter. We take the KNOWLEDGE (gnosis) with us when we return from where we came ... Source ... but we do not bring the EXPERIENCES with us. Much in the same way as we do not bring any personal possessions with us. They are not ours. They were here before we got here and they will be here when we move on. As the Old Testament Bible so profoundly says "There is nothing new under the sun." We are the great re-arrangers. We take what was already here and rearrange it into something else.

We should not take possession of any of our experiences. They are not us ... they are merely what we have witnessed or observed. Sometimes, we are directly involved, other times not so much. But it matters not ... they are as a TV show that we are watching. The scenes are not real, and we can only take from them the knowledge of what was contained in the presentation. We use our discernment and Higher-Self to be sure we have learned what is necessary, and then we move on. Some people have to repeat the experience if they didn't learn it. Nothing goes away until you fully understand what was contained within the lesson. Think of it this way: School, is about learning the lesson ... and then a taking a test. Life, is like taking a test ... and then learning the lesson. 

So many times we hold on to toxic experiences and memories. For some reason we do not want to let them go. They become familiar. This is the equivalent of dropping poison in your food. And sooner or later, it will kill you. Stress, heart disease, cancer, etc. All are manifestations of holding onto lies and deceptions. Only love and goodness is real. All else are illusory tools used to teach us these Truths. Once the image is seen in the mirror, the real thing is discerned and there is no need for the mirror anymore. It was just a tool. Remember, the shadow fades in the light. 

As we hold on to and fester over dark energy thoughts and actions, we find ourselves in dis-ease. All illness comes from within. Even if you "catch a cold," it must manifest from inside you, to the outside of you in physical symptoms. This dis-ease can be a mild illness, or a major life-threatening illness. Just know that ALL illness and disease must begin within. If you are not at-ease, then you are at dis-ease. Lose your peace, lose your health. That's just the way it goes ... we are designed that way. What you resist, will persist. Just know that you can change your perception of your experiences in the blink of an eye. It's all about perception. If your problem has a solution, then why worry? If your problem has no solution, then why worry? Let it go ... just put it down and leave it there. 

Holding onto negative beliefs, thoughts, and experiences, is the same as drinking poison. It will kill you slowly, or quickly ... but in the end ... it will bring about the demise of your physical Life existence. And all for something that was unnecessary and repairable. Do your Soul and your Body a huge favour and drop the negativity. Drop the tour of the past. Drop the festering. Just let it go ... don't give up, but voluntarily let it go and walk away. Do this, then take a deep breath, because you have defeated the real devil. You have taken away the powers of satan (the Opposer). You have taken control of the EGO. Congratulations. 

Just a thought ... 

~Justin Taylor, ORDM.

UNDERSTANDING PRAYER NO MATTER YOUR BELIEFS

UNDERSTANDING PRAYER NO MATTER YOUR BELIEFS

When horrible things happen to people, many of us will say "our prayers are with you." Is this powerful enough? Is this sincere in a way that comforts those who have been through the terrible experience? Well, no matter if you are Christian, Muslim, Jew, Atheist, or anything in between ... you will get something from reading this article. I promise you. And it may just change the way you look at the offering of prayer in the future. 

First, let's start with a couple of ancient scriptures that we can use as a foundation for metaphysical transformation and self identity purposes. The first one is here:

“By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because AS JESUS IS, SO ALSO ARE WE IN THIS WORLD.”

-1 John 4:17

Chances are good that you will not hear this verse coming from the church pulpits. Simply because if “as Jesus is, so are we in this world” ... then as Christianity believes Jesus to be God, then WE, are also God. There is no way to dispute the validity of this verse, and the message contained within it.

So, now let's have a peek at Matthew 6 for a moment. Jesus is quoted as instructing the following:

“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”

What powerful and clear cut instructions. No confusion here. But, as with all scripture, there are deeper meanings hidden beneath the surface stories that are being presented. The design of a myth always contains a Truth, and a lesson to be had. We must look beyond the ink and paper. Beyond the stories, fables, and allegories. We must go within the layers to find the true message. So lets break it down.

First of all, don't show off. No need to make a big deal of your prayers for an audience to witness. And to “go into your room/closet” is a reference to you inner chamber ... your personal “Holy of Holies” WITHIN YOU ... where God/Source dwells, and the Kingdom exists. 

We are told to shut the door. This means quiet, isolated contact with the Divine. No distractions. Empty phrases are repetitive appeals, as if you're reading them from a script. Meditation and contemplative prayer should come from your heart, your emotions, not your left brain logic and analytics. It should be fresh, and it should be heartfelt. 

Next ... and very important ... he says “for your Father ALREADY knows what you need BEFORE you ask him.” This is because the Father, God/Absolute/Source is WITHIN you and already knows what is needed and taking place inside of you ... in your heart and Soul. This is how the God/Source WITHIN already knows before you even ask. 

“The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.” 

~Luke 17:20 

Among the ancients, prayer was not only different, but was intended as a direct inner connection to the Divine spark of Source/God, and the universal superconsciousness that weaves throughout all of creation, forming the Matrix that binds ALL things together as One ... NOT separate things ... but One thing. Everything that exists, had its origin from the same starting point. Therefore, everything that exists is related and relative within, and without. We are all One. There is no “other.” The Universe, is ONE living organism. 

A smile is just a frown turned upside down ... and a prayer is a desire that comes from the inside out. You are a co-creator in this Universe (YOUniverse). When you pray, or meditate, or enter contemplation, you are going WITHIN ... direct to the Source of the Creator. The power within your thoughts that MUST manifest into form. This is Universal Immutable Law. But it is YOU who has to make it happen. 

Just as you cast your cares to the wind, cast your dreams and desires to the Universe. Release your prayer and simply know that it IS, as it should be. No need to keep hammering it or pounding your fists to the ground. Everything is cause and effect. If you pray for someone to be cured of a disease and they are not, it is not because your prayers failed, or that God/Source doesn't answer your prayers. It is because that person you are praying for incarnated here with a mission to fulfill. And that mission may have involved a need to know the effects of sickness or disease. We are all Spirit, having a physical experience. And we signed up for the experiences that we are to create long before we got here. 

We can alter our paths with free-will, but there are certain lessons we came here to Earth School to learn, and to re-member. Prayer is cause and effect. It is a knowingness (gnosis) that you have the power to manifest your own reality. To bring thoughts, into form. Use only positive expressions in your prayers. No negative statements. For example, rather than praying for pain to subside, pray for health to return. 

Rather that praying to not have a bad day, pray to have a good day. Your Mind, and Universal consciousness (the Field) knows NOT negativity. If you request to NOT to smoke today ... subconsciousness, our Divine magic Genie, only hears “smoke today.” And so you will. Forget the “don't won't can't and shouldn't” and go straight for the “do, will, can, and should.” You will notice an immediate change. The creative right-brain AND our subconscious Mind works in images, not words. You can't present an image/picture of something that ISN'T. You cannot draw an image of someone NOT swimming. If they're NOT swimming, they're doing something else. Now, stay with me on this. 

In the ancient world, God/Source was understood to be the Energy of creation, or Love. If God/Source is thought of as Energy, then it makes sense for us to tune” into the proper frequencies to be able to receive and express that Source Energy. In this way, we can think of ourselves as having the ability to tune to certain thoughts and energies, much like a radio can be tuned to different frequencies of radio waves - which are always there and available for reception. In our mind/body energy system, we can think of our spiritual faculty of Choice, as the tuning mechanism. We can make conscious choices to “tune” our thoughts to Love, and the thoughts, prayers, and behaviors which are compatible with that energy of Love. When we choose to do this, we set ourselves up to receive and send the energy of Love, or God/Source Energy, much the same way that we would tune a radio to receive the broadcast signal of a radio station.

Prayer is a plea to the matrix of universal consciousness that connects all of us. It isn’t hocus-pocus magic. It is “honest to God” quantum physics and oneness of consciousness. The more you fine-tune the frequencies, the more form will manifest. Thoughts are things. They generate measurable energy … and they can’t simply dissolve or go away. They will manifest, even in the realms that remain unseen by the human eye in a physical world of matter. Faith, is knowing the Law of Cause and Effect. Once you understand this Universal Law, your faith becomes knowingness. You just KNOW it will happen. This is the end result of your prayers. 

When we see God only as some supernatural being “out-there” somewhere, we fail to connect with the closeness that is the Divine power WITHIN us. Omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. Seek and you shall find. Ask and it shall be given. This Law of Cause and Effect, involves your participation and involvement. The Universe is interactive and constantly changing according to the universal desires of all people of consciousness. Raise yours. Connect with your inner Higher-Self. End the suffering of all creatures. Collectively, WE HAVE THE POWER.

Just a thought ... 

Justin Taylor, ORDM.

HOW CHRIST TRULY COMES IN THE FLESH

HOW CHRIST TRULY COMES IN THE FLESH

First off, we should look at the New Testament Bible for a very important verse:

 

“For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.” 

~2 John 1:7 

Based on this specific scripture, the typical argument states that John was aiming this scripture at the people who denied Jesus was resurrected in a physical body. 

Keep in mind that the writer of John, was a Gnostic. Most Gnostics did not view any of the scriptures literally ... they were allegorical and metaphorical. As such, John’s statement is in perfect agreement with what a Gnostic would have believed. 

To the Gnostics, the resurrection story of Christ wasn’t about the literal man; it was about the spiritual awakening of the Divine nature that can happen within each individual. This awakening happens while still yet in the flesh. While still here, and alive. 

So John’s statement rings true after all. Christ does come in the flesh. But this coming of Christ is the gnosis (mystical insight) attained by the individual going through a profound experience in higher states of consciousness. An awakening to the Divine Spark that is part of the spiritual architecture within all mankind. 

This entire process happens while being in a physical body. It is the "born again" experience of the spiritual nature, which rules over the physical nature. This spiritual nature is the Christ. This Christ Consciousness IS the Divine spark of God within every man. 

Remember the Apostle Paul attests to this when he states in Galatians 4:19: "My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you." And he also states: "you are the body of Christ." In the scriptures, Jesus himself affirmed several times his position. At the Sermon On The Mount, he said "you are the Light of the world" to his audience. He is also quoted in John 14:12 saying: "you shall do greater things than I."

How would any of this be possible if Jesus (the man) was the one and only God in the flesh? Remember also, the church teaches the doctrine of "Original Sin" (which the Roman Church itself created). If all people are born in sin, then so then would Jesus since the church teaches that he was fully man, and fully God. 

They also try and wiggle around the HUGE problem with the "immaculate conception," meaning that Jesus' Mother Mary was without sin ... somehow bypassing the bloodline given of Adam by being impregnated by the Holy Spirit. Mary was an "almah" in Hebrew, and in Greek a "parthenos." Both of these words do not mean "virgin." They mean young maiden of marrying material. 

The virgin concept is Pagan, and makes much more sense when it is properly understood. And that is, that the Christ (or Christ Consciousness), the Divine Spark of God, enters mankind for the first time having never before been incarnate as the seed of God in humanity. It has nothing to do with sex and the breaking of a hymen as we have been led to believe by following only a literal and historical presentation. 

Celestially speaking, Virgo (the Virgin) carries a chaff of wheat. Wheat is used for bread. Bethlehem (Bethel-hem) means "the house of bread." I could go on and on, but suffice it to say that there is much more spiritual Truth and symbolism beyond any literal or historical interpretation of the great ancient scriptures. One must dig, and dig deep. The Truth is hidden ... the "pearl of great price hidden in a field." When something is uncovered, no longer hidden, revealed (revelation), we have an "apocalypse." The Apocalypse is not the end of the world ... it is a Greek word meaning to unveil ... to reveal that which is hidden. 

As is said in Matthew 7:7 ... "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."

Just a thought ... 

~Justin Taylor, ORDM.

INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT

INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT

Let's begin with a Bible verse that describes the words spoken at the crucifixion at the moment when Jesus "gave up his Spirit":

"Then the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit ..."

~Luke 23:45-46

Jesus uses the same phrase found in Psalm 31: “You will pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me, for You are my strength. Into your hands I commit my spirit."

In the original King James translation, the word commend is used, rather than commit. Let's go to these words for a moment. To commend means to “entrust someone to the care or protection of someone” within the broader meaning of “to entrust for safekeeping.” Entrust means “to commit, to give for safe keeping.” 

For a moment, set aside the literal and historical story of this event, and go deeper into the metaphysical and esoteric message veiled from within. When you surrender spiritually, you stop forcing solutions on situations you can't control, and instead trust and have knowingness that there is a Divine force taking care of everything in a perfectly orchestrated manner.

Within this "surrender," you can connect fully with God/Source where the whole (holy) universe conspires to support you. You can become timeless, eternal, infinite, filled with joy, and fearless. Your aspirations and desires are surrendered to a higher power. Your individual desires dissolve into “Thy will be done.”

We crucify the concept of letting our ego lead us, and we accept the transition towards following Christ ... the Divine Spark within mankind. We let the Divine lead us, instead of our base nature man. We listen for that still small voice within, to be our internal guidance system. 

In the verse from Luke, it also speaks of the temple, and of the veil being torn (rent) in two. The "temple" is on both sides of the skull. The crucifixion took place at Golgotha (also called Calvary), which literally means "place of the skull." Great suffering takes place within the Mind of man. 

Our brains are divided into two hemispheres. The left brain handles reading, writing, and calculations ... the logical side of the brain. The right brain is more visual and deals in images more than words ... the creative. It processes information in an intuitive and simultaneous manner. It is the place of our Divine connection. The corpus callosum connects the two brain hemispheres, permitting communication between the right and left sides of the brain. Science calls it, the veil. It functions much in the same way an Ethernet would work in a computer environment. 

"The veil was torn in two" (Luke 23:45) is the merging of both right and left ... The unification of  man and God. This is the moment we commit our Spirit to God, the Divine Spark of Christ Consciousness within us. Preceding this verse, it says: "It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon." It is in our darkness moments that we find the Light of God. It is from the darkness that the Light will shine. Here, is where we will find our True Self. Our Higher Self. The Witness, the Observer. We trust and KNOW there is a Divine Architect that aligns the stars, the planets, and everything within and without us. And we come to the realization that we simply allow all that we experience. 

That which you resist, will continue to persist. Scriptures say: "do not resist evil." The more we push against illusion, the stronger is becomes. When we allow the default of all that is, all the pieces of the great puzzle begin to fall into place. We stop swimming upstream, and just float in the current. We "commit our Spirit into the hands of God." We release the ego from its false leadership, and through the Spirit within, we trust in the Father of all that is. 

The observable and expanding Universe has been in motion for over 14 billion years, with Mother Earth in motion for 4.5 billion years. Man, as we are today, has been here for 200,000 years. Trust in the process. We are but a blip on the map of physical creation and form, and yet ... we are eternal in Spirit through the energy of our Source/God. For ever, and ever, amen. Enjoy the ride.

Just a thought … 

Justin Taylor, ORDM.