Tag Archives: Heavenly Father

Evidence Not Understood

 CAM00445I want to begin with a word of encouragement. God’s light is the evidence of His active Kingdom within our being and it may appear to be having little to no effect on the darkness in the world around us, but that is an illusion. We are children of light and light is the fruit of our being. Also God is the source of our being and His Kingdom shines out from within us. The only thing that restricts the work of God’s light shining through us, is us.

 My pre-question is, if we shine a flashlight down a dark well how far will the light shine? From our human point of view, our perception is only as good as we are able to detect the reflection of light returning to our eyes. But from lights point of view each photon will continue from its source unless there is something to reflect it from its path. We humans say light is absorbed if there is nothing to reflect it back so we can detect it. But is that true?

 So when we judge the evidence of our light which is actually the light of the Presence of God that is within, are we detecting the reflections from a human point of view or are we measuring lights effects from lights point of view? These two points of view is the difference between a spiritual and a material (religious) perspective. Without this understanding bible interpretation can become subjective to the culture (point of view) reading the scripture. As children and ambassadors of God we need to view His light from His point of view.

 John 1:5 (NKJV) And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

John 1:5 (NLT) The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

 It should be seen from both of these translations and interpretations above that there are two points of view. One is from the reader who is observing the light leave the source and the effect it is having on darkness. The other point of view is from light itself which understands that darkness has no effect on it. At the moment that darkness encounters light darkness is transformed into light and darkness exist no more. Also another property of light is that it is impossible to separate it from it source. The light in you is God.

 At first glance from our human material point of view it would seem that darkness has a power equal to that of light but that is not true. Even traditional scriptural interpretation tends to agree with that misunderstanding. If you happen to be open to prophetic words by our contemporary brothers and sisters some of them also confirm this misunderstanding of reality.

 Even the scientist of today interpret their observations by concluding that black holes, dark matter and the like have a power that even light cannot overcome. The current scientific mindset draws conclusions that a photon is no match for the gravitational pull of  a black hole’s darkness. Fear is the fruit of darkness and heaven help anything that becomes trapped within the gravitational effect of a black hole. And yet our universe is expanding 186,000 miles in all directions every second.

 My point is not to review the theories of emission and absorption as it relates to photons but to encourage us to add a different perspective in how we view reality and the kingdom of Light (God). Religion in my opinion is allowing fear to influence its world view by supporting an apocalyptic point of view that is focusing on the terrible (darkness) and ignoring the great (light) things that can and will happen in our future.

 In our personal lives of transformation we must acknowledge that we do not walk in perfect love (light) and therefore fear is a possible response to our perception of reality. Is the sun rising or is it setting in our understanding of scripture? Are we the last generation of Christians on earth or will our great-grandchildren get a chance to advance beyond our level of faith. More important have our spiritual communities reached their high water mark of faith and do we still think it possible for every member of our community to become like Jesus before we each individually give up the ghost? (Luke 6:40)

 Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT) “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 (NLT) For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.

 For example if your car has ever broken down and you have been alone and stopped on a dark wooded road at night with your headlights on you will experience this illusion. The illusion is that darkness is swallowing the light and this experience creates the misunderstanding and belief that if we had a greater source of light the edge of darkness and fear would move away from us to a greater distance. The true reality is that if we could move out to the point of light it would be just as bright and the comfort and peace we experience next to the car would be just as true. In fact, if we were on a hilltop lost in the woods ten miles away and saw the light from the headlights however faint, peace, comfort and hope would flood in even thought we are still ten miles away.  Standing alone next to the car we could mark at twenty feet where the light dims our fear begins to rise. However from the point of view of a lost person ten miles away that same mark twenty feet away from the car the place as where their hope is at maximum and fear ends.

 The same is true when we are standing in our stained glass buildings on Sunday morning. During our times of worship we take comfort from the light of our Father’s Presence and we look at the world outside the door of our sanctuary as a scary place. But from the other point of view many of the estranged men and women driving by our buildings of stained glass see our glimmer of light that we hide all week and say if I can just make it 10 more miles I will be safe.

 Our mission is simply to bring light to the lost. But it is only from lights point of view (Kingdom of God) will we ever be able to truly judge the impact that one photon can have as it penetrates the consciousness of a person who by all appearances just seems to crush the life out of every spark that escapes the source within us. We can hide the light if we choose, but we should know that it is the only hope for a world that cannot believe that they too are children of Light.

 John 6:63 (NLT) The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.

 2 Peter 1:19 (NLT) Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place—until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts.

 Isaiah 55:11 (NKJV) So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

 John 1:4-5 (NLT)  The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone.5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

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Is There Sufficient Evidence That We Are Living Justly?

10-12-2013_1034093_12351166Am I living justly? Most people would not incriminate themselves and would answer to the affirmative if this question was posed to them. We as Christians have this notion that if and when our life is called to be examined we would appear before our Father in heaven with Jesus as our advocate and Satan would play the role of accuser of the brethren. But who has imagined that they would be called as witnesses or to give testimony about the events and the people in their lives? What would the witnesses of our lives say if perjury before God is not an option?

 Psalm 89:14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Mercy and truth go before Your face

As Americans citizens we pledge to live as one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Scripture also states that justice is foundational to God’s Kingdom. Therefore I pose these questions to all of us. Is there sufficient evidence that we are living justly? This should immediately cause us to ask, what proof could I offer to substantiate that I do indeed live a just life?

Psalm 82:2-4 How long will you judge unjustly, And show partiality to the wicked? Selah 3 Defend the poor and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and needy. 4 Deliver the poor and needy; Free them from the hand of the wicked.

Psalm 82 calls to all humans to live justly.  It also reveals that as children of God it is in the capacity of humans to be just to one another. As humans we are all members to various ethnic, cultural and religious groupings. But as humans we are all the same and aware that we are children of Adam and Eve. However also dawning on our consciousness is the understanding that we are also children of God. This makes us heirs to some remarkable human capabilities and living justly is one of them.

 Galatians 4:1 Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all,

Our lives as members of the Kingdom of God (KoG) should be showing forth the evidence of justice because it is foundational to our Father’s Kingdom. In August of 2013 we Americans celebrated some transformational victories in the laws that made our culture more just for some of its citizens.  But the KoG is about the transformation of our hearts. So. after 50 years we can watch the constraints of laws being removed as we wonder about the conditions of the heart. Has the heart of the American citizen been transformed to where it does not need external laws or will it revert back to living unjust as it did prior the restraints put in place by laws?

Justice for others will always be a big test, a private test that each of us will continually take. As circumstances change will we do justly to one another or will we seek to fulfill the desire of our lust. Justice’s call requires that we constantly evaluate for every “neighbor” in our society and defend those who need help.  Each of us has this call and God’s design and perspective will be measure by which we are held to account.

 If I am unjust to someone because he or she is not a part of my religious, ethnic, social order then I am missing the point of Kingdom living. I want to encourage us all to remain aware of others around us and judge our attitudes, emotions, and feelings we have towards others. Then we must examine the use of our resources, our affiliations and the motives and outcomes of our votes for political and social issues.

This blog is about the evidence of our lives. Does it reflect the spiritual values of the King of our Kingdom? Or does it reflect the material values of the social order and traditions of our culture and religious associations? Is our field of “neighbors” expanding or are we still limited by the legal definition of American citizenship or the denominational lines of our Christian membership. Is justice applicable to all humans equally? Is God’s Kingdom open to all humans universally?

As Americans we believe that before the law all citizens are indivisible with liberty and that we all get equal justice. We also know however that this is a work in progress. But as members of God’s Kingdom do we attempt to live from His perfection or are we satisfied the imperfection of our social order? We are truly Disciples of Jesus and children of God therefore by faith I believe that our lives are capable and do show forth the evidence of our just living.

The Parable of the Persistent Widow

Luke 18: 1-8 Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, 2 saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man.3 Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’4 And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man,5 yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’” 6 Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said.7 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them?8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”

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Are You An Embassy Without Walls?

2013-07-07_1098911_67628863Crime Scene Investigators primarily use their powers of observation to provide context for the evidence they collect. First responders are trained to preserve the state of the crime scene evidence by setting up a perimeter until investigators can collect the evidence. In some cases for prolonged investigations crime scene tape and police seals stand guard to protect the evidence for longer periods of time.

 

Likewise walls and fences around an embassy stand guard to protect the valuable evidence of the sovereign territory contained within the walls. To the persons on the outside the evidence may hold a value of life or death, granting them due process under a different set of laws, which may give them safety from harm. All that stands between them is the wall, fence and guards.

 

The US Embassies around the world use specially trained Marines and a corps of diplomats who understand these articles of evidence. These articles include passports, flag orders, diplomatic documents, vehicle license plates, classified documents and the like.  Anyone on the outside of the wall in possession of one of the articles may use it to gain access to the full measure of sovereignty represented by that country inside embassy wall.

 

Mark 1:14-15 Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

 

Matthew 10:7-8 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.

 

Daughters and Sons of God are embassies of God’s Kingdom. They are representatives of mankind who are consciously aware of what we carry on the inside and they have removed the walls so that any human they encounter may freely access the sovereignty of the Kingdom they carry on the inside.  Unlike man-made kingdoms any person can run up to an embassy of God’s kingdom and claim asylum and a true citizen will grant immunity, safety, justice in the form of reconciliation, adoption and forgiveness.

 

Matthew 7:5-7 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. 6 “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces. 7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

In my opinion one of the big mistakes some religious systems make when they try to get people to recognize the value of what they carry by placing a wall around it. Provoking people through jealously is a tactic that God used but He never made it harder to acquire the His Kingdom and His sovereignty.

 I believe the orthodox interpretation of the scripture that says do not “cast your pearls before swine” has been wrongly applied and taken out of its context, not that I have the full understanding. But when you look at the two scriptures that surround verse 6 of Matthew 7 the goal of a Kingdom diplomat remains to give away what is Holy to those outside of the Kingdom freely making them members of our Father’s Kingdom of which we all were once strangers and in some ways still remain estranged.

 

Like police tape, the bible has preserved the scene of Jesus ministry and reveals the context in which He dispensed reconciliation, adoption and forgiveness from our Father in heaven. As disciples of Jesus we are commanded to likewise make disciples of all that we meet. Because all that we have to give is what is on the inside and if we put walls and fences around that then how effective will we be. We are called to freely give away what we have freely received.

 

But wrongly many believe they paid a price for their relationship with God’s Presence and so they feel the need to exact a price instead of giving away what they consider valuable.  However this leads to bad valuations of what God paid as a price. From a human perspective that value could vary with as many people who received the gift of His Presence. But we must remember that Jesus died because no human on earth at the time of His death could truly understand the value of our Father’s Gift to humanity. Even today some would limit the value of God’s Presence for themselves and their friends.  So the question still remains, did Jesus truly die for every human?

 

One of the reasons we fence in the US Embassy is to keep citizens of a foreign country from just running up and requesting asylum. If this were not the case our country would grow, we would have to extend benefits to these new citizens and the host country could become destabilized. What human would not want be a citizen of the most powerful nation on the planet. However if we wall in the sovereignty, freedom, power and blessing of God’s Kingdom then we miss the point of our citizenship.  Jesus was not only just sent to make the kingdom known, He was also sent to make the Kingdom available.

 

The truth of spiritual reality is that there is death outside the walls of God’s Kingdom. And unfortunately there are people and organizations that would have you and the rest of the human population to remain outside of God’s Kingdom. But God’s plan continues to send out Sons and Daughters who are conscious of who they are so they can offer His Kingdom and increase the number of Daughters and Sons who in turn are also willing to go out.  So I encourage us all too freely give away that which we have been freely given.

 

Matthew 21:33-40 “Hear another parable: There was a certain landowner who planted a vineyard and set a hedge around it, dug a winepress in it and built a tower. And he leased it to vinedressers and went into a far country.34 Now when vintage-time drew near, he sent his servants to the vinedressers, that they might receive its fruit.35 And the vinedressers took his servants, beat one, killed one, and stoned another.36 Again he sent other servants, more than the first, and they did likewise to them.37 Then last of all he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’38 But when the vinedressers saw the son, they said among themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and seize his inheritance.’39 So they took him and cast him out of the vineyard and killed him.

 

40 “Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those vinedressers?”

 

Romans 8:16-17  The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

 

Gal 3:28-29  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

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