WHICH ART IN HEAVEN

WHICH ART IN HEAVEN

Before we delve into this topic, first let's look at the New Testament Christian Bible Book of Luke 11, and Book of Matthew 6; for the offering of the Lords Prayer:

The Lord's Prayer (King James Version)

"And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father WHICH is in secret; and thy Father WHICH seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

After this manner therefore pray ye: 

'Our Father WHICH art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.'"

Now, the King James Version of the Bible uses the word "which," rather than the many other translations that have chosen to use the word "who," or in some cases omit it all together. For example, in the Matthew 6:9 text, we have the following examples from various translations:

Our Father in heaven ... 

Our Father in the heavens ... 

Our Father, who is in heaven ...

Our Father who art in heaven ... 

Our Father who are in heaven ... 

Our Father who is in the heavens ... 

If you've made it this far, you're probably wondering "so what?" Is this just semantics or what? Grammar is an important element of translation, particularly from one language to another. In this particular case, we should look hard at the usage of "which" when referencing the "Our Father WHICH art in heaven." 

Proper grammar usage dictates: "which" is for things, and "who" is for people. We don't use 'which' for people. We use 'who' or 'that' for people. Further, we use 'which' or 'that' for things. We use relative clauses to make clear which person or thing we are talking about. 

Knowing this, the reference to "our Father," is a reference to a thing. Hence, the use of which. Thing you say? Yes. This "thing" is the indwelling Spirit within ALL of Life. The animating Source of all that is. The Life-force that IS God within. The Spirit of animation. This is the thing WHICH art in heaven. The Hebrew word for heaven is "shamayim" and can be translated as lofty, above, beyond. The Greek word is "ouranos" and can be translated as universe, world, sky, upper regions, encompass, high place, seat of order of things eternal. 

The Bible states: "And then Jesus said when they asked him, ‘Where is the kingdom of heaven and when is it going to come?’ he said, ‘The kingdom of heaven does not come with signs to be perceived. You cannot say, ah, it’s over here or look, it’s over there, for I tell you the kingdom of heaven is within you.’” When Jesus says “it is within you,” he is also quoting Moses from the Old Testament Book of Deuteronomy:

"‘Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?’ No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart (within you) so you may obey it.”

~Deuteronomy 30:11-14 

You may ask "is there a difference between Kingdom of God and Kingdom of Heaven?" The Kingdom of God, also called Kingdom Of Heaven, in Christianity, is the spiritual realm over which God reigns, or the fulfillment on Earth of God’s will. This phrase occurs frequently in the New Testament, primarily used by Jesus in the first three Gospels. He clearly points to within mankind as the dwelling place of the Spirit of God/Heaven.

Jesus said, “The Kingdom of Heaven is within you” (that is, here) and “at hand” (that is, now). It’s not later, but lighter ... a more subtle quality or dimension of experience accessible to you right in the moment. You don’t die into it; you awaken into it.

The Kingdom of Heaven is really a metaphor for a state of consciousness; it is not a place you go to, but a place you come from. It is a whole new way of looking at the world, a transformed awareness that literally turns this world into a different place. The hallmark of this awareness is that it sees no separation between God and humans, between humans and other humans. And these are indeed Jesus’s two core teachings, underlying everything he says and does.

When Jesus talks about this oneness, what he had in Mind is a complete, mutual indwelling: "I am in God, God is in you, you are in God, we are in each other." His most greatest symbol for this is in the teaching from John 15 where he says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Abide in me as I in you." A few verses later he says, “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Abide in my love." Again, there is no separation between humans and God because of this mutual interabiding which expresses the indivisible reality of Divine Love.

Also in Jesus’s teachings he says: “Love your neighbor as yourself” in Matthew 22:39 ... as a continuation of your very own being. It’s a complete seeing/showing that your neighbor is YOU. There are not TWO individuals out there. It is a community of ONE ... a common-unity of the one great Life. We are as individual rays of the sun, each containing the entirety of the whole, and yet not being the whole. The whole (holy) is a collective emanation, not a separate and individual consciousness. 

So as we return to the original message of God WHICH art in heaven, we now have a much better understanding that this "God" is not some bearded king enthroned in the clouds, but a Spirit that indwells all of Life. This Source of all that is, is experiencing Life through us, with us, and AS US. The sooner we come to the understanding that all are one, and that I am you and you are me, we will complete the creation and manifestation of "Heaven on Earth." The completed intersection of Spirit and matter (the cross). 

Just a thought ... 

Justin Taylor, ORDM. 

SEEK YE FIRST THE KINGDOM

SEEK YE FIRST THE KINGDOM

Before we explore this topic, let's reference a few key Bible verses:

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God (Heaven), and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

~Matthew 6:33

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."

~Matthew 7:7 

"Nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”

~Luke 17:21 

There is much Wisdom contained within these verses. The common denominator is the directive to go WITHIN. The Kingdom is within, God is within, seek within ... all verses pointing within, rather than without. Everything that we need is contained within the Field of Consciousness. The unseen realm of the Divine Spark of Spirit that connects all things to each other. 

So, if we're told to "seek the kingdom of God," and "the kingdom is within you," then we're being told to look within for God. Scripture says not to look here, or there ... but to look inside of us. Now lets look at a shortened version of Luke 11:

"And when thou prayest ... enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly ... for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him."

The "Father" knows what you need, what you are praying for, because you are in your closet and have closed the door. That is to say, you have gone within, and directed your concentration inside of you ... not being distracted by your surroundings, the environment, or the chatter of the ego mind. 

For the answers to your questions, and to fulfill your innermost desires, always turn within yourself and listen for that still small voice. We all the still, small voice within us that is there to guide us as we make our way through Life. The voice represents the deepest, truest part of us, our Divine soul, and it knows what we want and need from Life—if only we would listen to it. The Father within knows what we need. It is Truth that is speaking. And we need to act upon this inner guidance in order to manifest our desires into our ultimate reality. 

The Voice

There is a voice inside of you

That whispers all day long,

“I feel this is right for me,

I know that this is wrong.”

No teacher, preacher, parent, friend

Or wise man can decide

What’s right for you–just listen to

The voice that speaks inside.

~Shel Silverstein

Our spiritual GPS is always ON ... always seeking the chosen path. At times though, we have to re-calculate. But we need not return to our original starting point in order to reach our destination. Just like your car GPS, listen for the voice to redirect you on the better path along your Life journey. 

Just a thought ... 

Justin Taylor, ORDM. 

ESTABLISHING THE HUMAN KINGDOM

ESTABLISHING THE HUMAN KINGDOM

As I look back through the years, I realize one thing that is evidently clear. That one thing is: "I am not the person I was many years ago." Not even close. I know for a fact that I have evolved to a level of greater understanding, compassion, Wisdom, Truth, and appreciation for all things in this vast universe within and without us.

I have come to accept that people who knew me back in the early days of my career will remember me exactly the way was the day I left that industry. Funny how time is like a picture snapped and frozen until we replace that image with something new ... and hopefully improved.

What puzzles me most is that many people we encounter have NOT changed at all over the years. In some cases, they have even regressed. Perhaps they don't know how to move forward and onward to a better and higher level of consciousness ... or perhaps, they are too comfortable in their lower nature ways. After all, its familiar to them. 

Why cause trouble for people? Why be angry, mean, hurtful, and in some cases downright evil? What does it gain them (or anyone else) ... other than to fuel the fire within that darkness where they are stuck. 

Of the worlds 7 billion estimated inhabitants, over 2/3 of them believe in a higher power, a Source of all things ... a God. So I have to ask, if there is a higher power, then the force of love is the only thing that can create and move things forward. Anything else is devolution and destructive, rather than evolution and constructive. 

Given our understanding of this Universal Truth, then I can only arrive at one conclusion. Either there is no God, or billions of people choose evil ways against their fellow man rather than right thinking and goodness. I choose not to accept there is no universal power we call God. So then it must be wrong-choices. 

Every single day I must affirm that which I want to manifest in my Life, and detach from the things I do not want. I am still affected by outside karma and unwise decisions of others ... cause and effect ... but I do not have to add my own ignorance and unwillingness for change to this experience and the Field of Consciousness. 

If you want change, then be the change. When we all re-member, become whole (holy), and become the one consciousness that we truly are ... then we will experience what the ancients referred to as "Peace On Earth (matter)," and the "Kingdom of Heaven (spirit)" ... and when the two become One ... the humanity experiment will be complete and successful. 

Think right, do right, be right ... for all of us and for our children and future generations. There are currently only 3 Kingdoms ... Animal, Plant, and Mineral. It is up to us to establish the Human Kingdom.

Just a thought ... 

~Justin Taylor, ORDM.

DISTURBING THE PEACE

DISTURBING THE PEACE 

Let's start off this topic 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" quoting Jesus, he says "blessed are the peacemakers." A very important statement. Because we cannot force peace on anyone else. We can intercede and become peacekeepers between two countries, or neighbors, 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 go 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, multiple conversations, ambience, loud music, abusive relationships, inner negative chatter, 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, flight, or freeze ... the same effect as stress. This involves he limbic system of the body. The part of the brain involved in our behavioural and emotional responses, especially when it comes to behaviours we need for survival 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. The Kingdom of God is love, peace, and joy. 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 Truth ... but above all, do not allow you, or anyone else, to disturb the peace within.

Just a thought ... 

Justin Taylor, ORDM.

MESSIAH WITHIN - THE CHRIST

MESSIAH WITHIN - THE CHRIST

We are all on our own journey of Life and are many times afraid of voicing an opinion on subject matters that have purposely been protected and marked as off-limits. But, after much research, meditation, and inner contemplation, I am confident in sharing this ancient Truth. 

Each and every one of todays world religions claim that they are the “true one.” They claim to have the only true god. That they have received the revelation of Truth and everyone else is wrong. 

Well my friends, I have found that all of the ancients did have one thing in common ... it's what Joseph Campbell called the “Hero's Journey.” It is the story of US. It's OURstory ... not just HIStory. 

Now back to my thought ... 

The “Messiah” is the expected one. A universal and recurring theme in ALL World religion. The Messiah is the long awaited World Saviour, the bringer of peace and the unifier of humankind. 

Also known as the return of Christ to Christians, the Kalki to Hindus, Imam Mahdi to Muslims, Maitreya to Buddhists and the Saoshyant to Zoroastrians. So, who or what is this Messiah? 

If you study and research all the ancient Wisdom that was once the common belief system at the very foundation of every civilization that has come and gone, you will find the Messiah WITHIN us ALL. 

It is an essential archetype of Self, and an aspect of God which lies dormant in the depths of our being, waiting for the right conditions to awaken and manifest itself. This archetype is the ultimate human potential and also a powerful source of creative and transformative energy that has the ability to reshape our lives and literally change the World. 

Indeed, these are perilous times in which we live, and there is definitely a planet in need of saving. In present times and like no other time before, humankind is being brought together in an emerging one world order, the so called “global village.”

Never before has there been such a need for peaceful resolution of conflicts, clashes and disputes that now. Global merging of the human race will be inevitable. Truly, the world needs an intervention of a World saviour(s), and the World Peacemaker(s). 

We are the ones commissioned for this difficult task. It is up to US to save the World and it is up to US to help bring about peace on this planet. It is foolish to wait for a supernatural or extra-terrestrial agency to do this on our behalf. Peace, harmony, and a safer World; will only come about through our own actions. Therefore, the time has come to awaken the Messiah within. To resurrect the Christ Consciousness that lay in wait. 

God, The Absolute, The All There Is, The Source, Creator, Grand Architect ... whatever you choose to call it ... can only work through US. WE are the ones that can bring about change, and truly bring people together is love, peace, and harmony.

The Messiah is the Christ. The Christ is the Messiah. This is Hebrew and Greek. Greek and Hebrew. And as the New Testament so simply states: 

“Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.”

-Luke 17:21

The kingdom of love, peace, and joy, are WITHIN, not without. Now, get busy ... the world needs you. 

Just a thought ... 

Justin Taylor, ORDM. 

GOD WITHIN

GOD WITHIN

Think seriously about this topic for a moment. Please read this with an open mind, and not fear. Take from it what you will, but take freely. Do not criticize or judge, just think. Just let it be. You do not need to be in agreement, until you’re ready.

Now, look imagine a picture of the crucifixion of Christ. Look at it with your Spirit. Think of what you have been taught about this event. We will never know what really happened, simply because we were not there to experience it historically.

But if we apply the inner esoteric mystery of the lessons left behind, the message is a much deeper one; one that we haven’t quite grasped yet, because it has been kept from us. However, the Way, the Truth, and the Life have existed for thousands of years. Left behind for us to discover. But we must look. Seek and you shall find, knock and the door shall be opened.

Perhaps it is US who must be the sacrifice. Perhaps it is US who must crucify our ego. Perhaps WE are the God of this world that creates evil. WE have created the illusion, and we must resurrect from the dead (ignorance), and be born again … of the Divine within, not the ego of mankind.

The ancient origins of The Christ places the Divine within us; each and ever person on this planet. Regardless of religion, colour, race, location, money, sexual preference, or level of education. 

We are here to learn good, from un-good. We are here to lead with Divine love, Truth, compassion, and we are to harness our ego and teach it to follow, not to lead. If there is a sacrifice for the sins of mankind as part of this mystery, then it must include and be our thoughts and actions … pride, anger, greed, murder, rape, war, etc.

The lessons we learn can only be gleaned through experience. If we are the image of God, then why do we live our lives as the reflection, rather than the emanation? The movie screen rather than the projected light? It is not OUR life … it is LIFE. The air that each of us breaths has been shared by billions and has inspired and expired for billions of years. We are a piece in the entire puzzle. We are a wave, in the entirety of the ocean.

God, The Absolute, Life, The Divine, Source, The All There Is, all point to ONE eternal energy and it is whole (holy), not fragmented. Everything in this universe will live, and die. On and off. In and out. No exceptions. The cycle is birth, sunrise, zenith, sunset, and death. Even the rocks are living organisms with limited consciousness at a cellular level. 

It is US who will save mankind. It is US who are commissioned to turn chaos to order, amorality to morality, and the unbridled fury of nature, into power and sustenance. WE are the animal kingdom (mankind/Mind), becoming human ... and establishing the Human Kingdom. To become HU-MAN, is to be as God (Hu), and as man (people/Mind). It is a process to reach and awaken the spark of Divine Truth within our soul. To shed the skin like the serpent, become new, and know that the process was necessary. Love your neighbor, as yourself; and all evil will dissipate. 

WE are the OBSERVER, not the observed. WE are the WATCHER, not the WATCHED. WE are the EXPERIENCER, not the EXPERIENCE. We are the THINKER, not the THOUGHT. What you have been looking for, is what is looking … from within you. 

Just a thought ... 

Justin Taylor, ORDM.