Tag: Luke17:21

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God Is Out Playing Golf

A Passage In A Book

I first read this passage in a book over thirty years ago. At the time, the words made an impression on me. They have continued to stick with me through the years. Unconventional words about God for sure. And yet, while not really understanding the passage at the time, I felt that the words were indicative of an inner truth.

The passage was in a book written in 1988 by an author named Stuart Wilde. Here is the passage I am referring to – “Universal Law is impartial. It will give you anything that you believe. It will throw you garbage or roses depending on the energy that you put in. You are the one in charge and you must accept that and stand alone. If you think God is coming down to fix things for you, forget it. God is out playing golf.”

You may be familiar with the image of the painting by Michelangelo on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican. It is the one titled “The Creation of Man”. In it, God is portrayed as an older gent in a robe with white hair and a long white beard. He is reaching out and his finger is touching Adam’s finger.

I believe the passage in the book does not presume to see Michelangelo’s image of God wearing Dockers, a polo shirt and golf shoes. The passage of course is a metaphor.

The Heavenly Switchboard

Let’s play with the passage and conjure up an imaginary scene. The heavenly switchboard is especially busy with urgent calls for help coming in from all over the globe. Inhabitants of the earth are dialing up hundreds of millions, even perhaps billions of calls to God through prayer. They are pleading with God to come down and make a service call.

Someone is in ill health. A person just got fired from their job. The toilet keeps backing up. And every other possible type of adversity that you can imagine. The receptionists keep saying the same thing – “God is not in the office today. He is out on the golf course.” Eventually, totally frazzled, the head receptionist calls God on his cell phone. The receptionist tells God “The calls are coming in especially heavy today. Do you think maybe you should come in to the office?”

Gods answers, ” Why do they refuse to listen to the words of Jesus? He has already told them in plain English that the Kingdom of God is within them. My prophet Joshua could not have made it any clearer when he told them that the Lord your God is with you wherever you are. I have created the humans of the earth in a manner that allows them to connect with me at any time, wherever they are, by going within. I am with them always. And yet they still continue to look outward for rescue. Oh well, I am patient. They will eventually learn. OK, I have to go now. I still have another nine holes to go.”

He Said What?

Where should you immediately go when you encounter any type of trouble? To God, of course. But where is God? He is within you. Listen to verses 20 and 21 from the gospel of Luke, chapter 17:

And having been asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, ” The Kingdom will not come with observable signs, nor will they say ‘Behold here or Behold there’ for behold the Kingdom of God is within you”.

I have used the Bible translation known as the Literal Standard Version. It is the most literal translation of the Holy Bible. It provides significant improvement over previous literal translations. The Literal Standard Version uses as a textual basis the Masoretic Text, the Septuagint, the Dead Sea Scrolls, Textus Receptus, Majority Text and other New Testament manuscripts.

I have observed clergymen take Luke 17:20-21 and state “Oh Jesus did not really mean what he said. He actually meant …………”. Then they give their own spin that matches up with their church denomination stance. Really?? The words sound very clear to me.

Step On In

When you are engaged in a process of conscious manifestation praying, be aware of everything going on around you. Stay alert. Pay attention. Spend every day, as much as your state of consciousness will allow, experiencing the Presence of God. Stay focused on God but walk with an open mind. God may elect to bring you the object of your desire in a way that you are totally not expecting. And when that door of opportunity opens up specifically for you, for crying out loud, don’t just stand there, step on in. The parable, Two Boats and A Helicopter, serves nicely to illustrate this.

A storm descends rapidly upon a small town. The torrential downpour soon turns into a full scale flood. The local clergyman kneels in fervent prayer in the church vestibule. A few townspeople come up to the church in a rowboat. Knowing the preacher is inside, they shout “Better get in our boat now Preacher, the flood waters just keep rising”

“No, I have full faith in the Lord. He will save me.”

The flood waters do continue to rise. They force the clergyman up into the church choir loft which has a big window. A man zips up the the window in a motorboat. “Come on out Pastor. You need to get out now! Things just keep getting worse”.

Once again, the clergyman stands his ground stating, “I trust the Lord. He will save me.”

Sure enough, the levee breaks. The flood waters continue to rise to the point where only the church steeple is above water. The clergyman has moved to the steeple and is clinging to the cross.

A helicopter descends from the clouds. A state trooper lets down a rope ladder. By bullhorn he urges the clergyman to climb on the ladder.

Once again, in full faith, the clergyman stands fast, insisting the the Lord will save him.

Ultimately, the clergyman drowns.

Being a truly pious man, the clergyman goes to Heaven. He ultimately gets an interview with God. He plaintively asks, “Why God, why? Why didn’t you save me from the flood?”

God gives a deep sigh and says, “What did you want from me? I sent you two boats and a helicopter!”

Where Do You Live ?

Where are you living these days? I do not mean a geographic location such as a town or a street. I don’t care about that. I mean where are you living deep down inside yourself. Are you spending any of your limited time on the planet living within the Kingdom of God? If yes, good. Very good. Just keep doing that (as if I had to tell you). If no, honestly ask yourself, why not? Do not be in a rush to answer that question. A snap answer will not serve you well. After you have answered that question, then stop for a moment. Center yourself into a totally relaxed state of quiet stillness. Then ask again with laser penetration. Peel back all the layers of societal conditioning and get to the heart of the matter.

As I have said to you many times within this blog, consciously manifesting your desired reality requires work on your part. The disciplining of your thoughts. It is necessary for you to make thought work for you instead of you allowing your thoughts to “run the show”. Drop the chains restricting your beliefs. Once your mind forms the vision of your desire, believe that vision is real. Not real in some future time but real right now. Make your home within the Kingdom of God. If you do this, your mind will open up like the petals of a flower. Indeed, your mind will get out the way to allow Ultimate Intelligence to reach you. You will understand the eternal laws at play in conscious manifestation. I am sorry that I am not able to better explain it. You will just have to experience it for yourself.

The concept is simple. Conceive. Believe. Receive. The work you will have to put in is real. But so are the beautiful rewards. Just let go. Let God’s thoughts be your thoughts. Be subsumed by the Presence of God. Lose your outer constructed self in order to discover your true self. You will discover with delight that your true self fits you perfectly like a custom tailored suit.

The Young Pope

Did you ever watch an HBO TV series called “The Young Pope”? I have never watched a full episode but have viewed several clips on You Tube. Briefly, the premise of the series revolves around the installation of a young Pope (an American) played by the actor, Jude Law.

One of those scenes that I have viewed involves the Pope having a conversation with a female Vatican official. She is the Curator of the Image of the Holy Father. She explains to the new Pope that it is necessary to have a photo session to record his image for papal merchandise sold by the Vatican. Merchandise with the image of the Holy Father such as coffee mugs, postcards, key chains, framed prints and posters, t-shirts and commemorative plates. The curator goes on to explain that there will be two types of plates. The first will be mass produced and sell for five euros. The second will be hand crafted and will sell for forty-five euros.

Upon hearing this, the Pope excuses himself and briefly leaves the room. When he returns he is holding a white dinner plate. As he stands in front of the curator, the conversation goes as follows:

Young Pope: Do you see this plate m’am? (Note: He is holding a plain white dinner plate).

Curator: Yes, of course Holy Father, I see it.

Young Pope: This is the type of merchandise I am prepared to authorize.

Curator: But it doesn’t have your image on it.

Young Pope: I do not have an image my good lady because I am no one. You understand? No one. Only Christ exists. Only Christ. And I am not worth 45 euros or even 5 euros. I am worth nothing.

Where is your true focus? On the world or on the Divine within you. With the former, circumstances create you. With the latter, you create circumstances.

Josh Nailed It

The Presence of God, the source of your power to manifest, is with you always, everywhere that you happen to be. From the first breath of your life unto your last. It is up to you however, to recognize that truth and live in it.

In the Old Testament of the Bible, one of my favorite verses to meditate on is in the book of Joshua. The prophet Joshua understood the truth. Read and absorb the full meaning of this sublime verse, Chapter 1, Verse 9:

Be strong and courageous.

Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged.

The Lord your God, will be with you wherever you go.

Wherever you go. The love of God, the peace, the power, the truth, the joy, the presence – wherever you go.

I am sitting in a Starbucks writing this at a table that is against the wall. Reflecting on the full implications of this verse is causing me right now to well up inside. I must turn my head towards the wall so that I am not observed silently crying in joy.

Josh nailed it. He understood completely. BE strength. BE courage. The Kingdom of God is within you. Be free of all your fears. You really can, you know, if you so desire. There is no earthly experience of any type that you will ever experience that will give you the feeling of living in the Kingdom of God.

Three

In this blog, I have given you several “recipes” to manifest your desire. These “recipes” are actually techniques of prayer. After forming the vision of your desire, the prayer technique that you choose is the first step in the process.

The second step is to develop the creative mindset. Imaginative belief. What the Bible calls faith. In your mind, claim your prayers as answered, regardless of any and all circumstances. They do not matter. It is called “living in the end”. You are living in the world but your faith is not of the world. It comes from the Kingdom of God. Your continued faith is the rock solid evidence that you have what you hope for. Your faith is your true reality.

The third step in manifesting is to receive with gratitude. When your faith, your belief, has gotten you to the point, where in your mind you have received your desire, when you are “living in the end”, then, rejoice, be thankful. Feel gratitude. Relief and gratitude because your manifestation is complete. It is you know. It just takes physical reality some time to sync up with your inner belief.

Go forth. Be God’s agent here on earth. Manifest all manner of good things. Why do you think God blessed humanity with that power? To not use it?? Certainly not. Go forth. Manifest with joy as you live in the Kingdom of God within.

Conceive, Believe, Receive – the trinity of conscious manifesting.

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Power Is Now Available To Break Free

Oh How They Love To Control

Throughout human history there is a sad and never-ending scenario. That scenario is of one person or group maneuvering to control and gain power over another person or group of persons. Sometimes that maneuvering is done through brutal cruelty. Sometimes merely the threat of harm has been enough to gain control. Yet another way control is achieved is through psychological manipulation. Brutal mass controllers abound throughout history – Genghis Khan, Timur, Torquemada, Leopold of Belgium, Stalin, Hitler, Mao Zedong and so on.

I am not advocating for anarchy. In order for a civilized society to function, there must be some control mechanism in place. This mechanism is necessary to keep a small minority from interrupting the peace and harmony of the large majority.

Beyond political and financial control is a far more insidious and toxic form of control. Humans just can’t seem to help themselves from trying to control the minds and thoughts of other humans. It’s a perversity without any redeeming value.

For example, your boss at work that almost has an orgasm when he or she arbitrarily exercises control. Next, there is the political authority who delights in lording over their position of control. Then there is the corrupt law enforcement official who gets a cheap thrill out of intimidating and creating fear. In addition, there is the husband or wife who use all manner of ways to subtly gain control in the relationship. And on and on and on, ad nauseum.

Stop Whining, Start Believing

Some human beings like being controlled. Most do not. The majority who feel aggrieved more than likely form resentments against their control. These resentments can be silent (within themselves). They can be verbally expressed. They also can take the form of various actions and reactions. The pressure for you to conform to be a certain way can make for an unhappy life.

The words of Jesus Christ in Mark 11:24 are essential truth as well as timeless in nature. “Whatsoever you desire, when you pray, believe that you have received it and it will be yours”. Do you desire to be free of being controlled by others? Then start believing that you are free. That is where you begin breaking free.

I can almost see the “yeah buts” coming forth like a horde of locusts. Yeah but if I do not do or be what he (or she) wants me to do or be, they won’t like me. They may try to hurt me in some way. The harm could be physical, emotional, mental or financial in nature.

Believe. Believe that you are free from control. In your inner mind, experience your life as you desire it to be. Free to be your real self. Free to think the thoughts and say the words that you choose. Your new belief is that you are living in a manner that expresses who you are. Make this your unchanging belief regardless of any circumstances. To hell with circumstances. Believe what you choose to believe. That is your power.

Daniel And The Lions Den

Many have heard the story of Daniel. During the captivity of the Jews in Babylon in the sixth century B.C., Daniel prayed only to the one true God. This was in direct violation of the decree of King Darius. This decree stated that for a period of thirty days all prayers and petitions be directed solely to King Darius. The decree was to force people to acknowledge that all substance came from their secular ruler, Darius, not from any other source.

Daniel ignored the decree. He was arrested and sentence to be placed into a pit of hungry lions. In fact, the lions were not fed the day before so that they would be good and hungry. Daniel’s focus and attention on the one true God remained steadfast. He turned his back to the lions the entire night. He emerged the next day from the lions den totally unscathed.

The story of Daniel is the story of every man. Daniel completely turned his back to the lions. He looked only at the light that is God. He looked only at the power that is God. In the same way, every manner of control that humans can come up with can likewise be neutralized.

Every problem automatically produces its own solution. The solution is to be free of the problem. Thus, with any problem, turn your back to the problem (the lions). Turn your face to the solution. Focus your belief on the solution (being free). Focus your mind’s attention on the solution already having occurred. Feel yourself to be that which you desire. If your desire is to live free in peace and harmony, then that is precisely what you believe and feel.

Not A Big Guy With a Long Beard

The famous painting by Michelangelo, “The Creation of Adam” is one of the most well-known paintings in the world, ranking right up there with Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci. Michelangelo’s painting is the fresco on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican. The painting renders a portrayal of God giving the spark of life to Adam. God is portrayed as an old guy with white hair, wearing a white robe and having a long beard.

Michelangelo’s painting of God creating Adam is probably the most reproduced artistic creation of all time. It is truly an impressive creation of art. It served to translate the image of God into an image discernable to the human mind. There is even a Family Guy parody that portrays God as an old guy with white hair, robe and beard. Peter is with God in an elevator that is stuck between floors. He starts asking God all types of questions. Peter: “God, are we just a computer simulation run by a higher species”? God: “Yes”. Peter: “OK, I wasn’t expecting that”.

Of course, God is not some old guy with white hair and a long beard peeking at you from behind the clouds. God is transcendent and unknowable. The Kingdom of God (Awareness of Being) is within each and every human being. That is the way in which you were created. The Kingdom of God is within you (Luke 17:21). The peace, the power, the freedom of God is available to all within that Kingdom.

There Is A Way Out

If you do not enjoy being manipulated like some chess piece in someone else’s game of chess, there is a way out. The way out involves completely revising your perspective about everything in your current circumstances. You’re going to have to “go rad”. You are going to have emulate Daniel.

Is your spouse controlling you? Look only at God. Is your boss at work controlling you? Look only at God. Are your physical infirmities controlling you? Look only at God. Is your church or other social group controlling you? Look only at God. Is your depression controlling you? Look only at God. Is your financial situation controlling you? Look only at God. Are your friends controlling you? Look only at God. Are your fears controlling you? Look only at God.

There is only One Presence. There is only one Power. That Presence is God. That Power is God. There is a counter-logical solution to any situation where you feel controlled by your circumstances. Like Daniel in the lions den, turn your back to the circumstances.

Fix your mind, your thoughts, your vision, your heart, your entire being, solely on God. See only the One Presence. See only the One Power. Give up your belief in bad circumstances. Where there is strife, believe only in peace of God. Where there is weakness, believe only in the power of God. It is your way out.

Power – Use It Or Don’t Use It

Universal Intelligence, God, created you in the image of Universal Mind. The truth of Mark 11:24 reaches out to you every single day of your life. Whatsoever you believe, you will receive.

There is a critical “catch” to this power of belief with which you have been gifted. This “catch” is called free will. If you choose to make the decision to refrain from believing, your connection to the power is interrupted. Unbelief throws the power switch to the “off” position.

Your complete conviction, without any hidden doubts, without any secret fears, seals the deal for you. While in a relaxed state, employ your imagination to the fullest. Feel your desire as rock solid real. Your steadfast faith keeps the power switch in the “on” position.

Your power exists. It is yours to use or not to use, as you so choose.

Conceive. Believe. Receive.

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Inner Space…….You’ll Love What You Find There

Outer Space Is Not The Final Frontier

Arguably the most famous introductory voiceover in the history of television was from the original Star Trek series from the 1960’s. Intoned by William Shatner, the opening narration is known to millions of Star Trek fans worldwide: “Space…..the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Its five-year mission — to explore strange new worlds…..to seek out new life and new civilizations…..to boldly go where no man has gone before.”

As much as the above narrative voiceover has ingrained itself into tv history, I am going to disagree with Bill Shatner. Outer space is not the final frontier. That title is reserved for (drumroll, please)…..Inner Space.

Inner Space – It’s A Groovy Trip

Before trying to understand what is meant by Inner Space (to go within), let us take a look at the usual (normal) way that a man or woman goes about making a big decision about something. Let’s take a random example of looking for the right job. John Doe has his educational or vocational credentials. He now needs to decide what industry to go after, what companies to target and what type of job he should go after. As he makes his decision, John is going to look at several different things that will help him make his decision. Some of these things include: what companies are hiring, where is the work geographically located, how much pay is he going to receive at hiring and in the future, the input of his wife or girlfriend, if John has kids to support, John’s parents and family, what type of jobs are hot and which are cold, how tight the economy is, his financial situation, how much student debt he has, and so on.

Every one of the things that John is looking at and taking into consideration as far as his decision are “on the outside”. They are all part of his external environment. None of them are part of the internal part of him that has access to the kingdom of the Divine, that inner realm within John that always, always, has the right answer to every question. To get that answer however, John has to go there…..Inner Space, the kingdom of God, alignment with the consciousness of Creation.

The kingdom of God is an eternal spiritual realm over which God reigns as king. It is a spiritual realm that you can enter and explore and experience. You must however, make the choice to give up pre-established expectations. Just let the light of God illuminate your path and then follow that pathway. Just as your car’s headlights allow you to make your way on the road in the darkness of night, the light of God allows us to travel to Inner Space to realms of higher consciousness, power, love and truth. As they used to say back in the 60’s and 70’s, it’s a groovy trip. In our earthly existence, there are limits. We can’t fly. We can’t snap our fingers and have every wish appear before our eyes. We can’t jump off a twenty story building and not get splattered. We can’t spin our head around like a top. Within the realm of Inner Space however, there are no limits. There are only endless possibilities.

The Kingdom of God Is Within You

From Luke 17:21 KJV — Neither shall they say, Lo here! or Lo there! for behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

OK fine. Sounds good you might say, but how do you get there?! Good question. Here is my answer. First, you have to understand. Understand and fully believe that your access to Unlimited Intelligence and Wisdom is already within you. It is there now. It has always been there from the moment you were born. It never leaves you although of course, you can refuse to access it (free will) if you so choose. Second, get rid of your thoughts about the past and the future. Neither exist. One is gone, never to return and the other is merely a collection of possibilities, none of which has actually occurred. That leaves just the present moment. In this moment of right now, zero in on your creative intention — what do you want. The very first words uttered by Jesus in the gospel were “What do you seek?” When you have this figured out, then believe you already have it. Feel it. It is now yours. Third and last of all, wave the white flag of surrender — surrender to the Higher Power that created you. Not surrender like the losing side in a battle but surrender in your attempts to control everything. Let Universal Intelligence handle all the details. Dwell on the Almighty in the moment of now, in whatever way works best for you, and then get the hell out of the way and let Universal Intelligence run the show. You couldn’t possibly have a better producer and director.