Pneuma- The Higher Reality
(part 6)
Spirit and Science Unite
Proverbs 23:23
Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and
understanding.
It is perfectly alright to pay a “price” for the truth (and many do), but we are not to sell it. Do you hear what I am saying? Do whatever it takes to find it, but then give it away freely to those with ears to hear it and eyes to see it. Well, all the prophets of God knew (and hopefully even more do today) the value of knowledge. Of course, these are not the only souls that hunger for the truth. In many ways, the person dedicated to seeking scientific truths is no different than a devoted seeker of spiritual wisdom from God. Each one must possess the ability for abstract thought and be driven by the pursuit of truth and understanding. Unfortunately and unnecessarily, it seems that spirituality and science have been at odds throughout the history of mankind. I, being both a man of God and science, see this conflict as ridiculous. Ironically, as we pursue higher knowledge, the clash is caused by ignorance and sometimes pride. In my mind, there is absolutely no conflict between valid scientific discovery and higher spiritual truths. Sure, there have been some very odd and invalid religious and scientific beliefs, but there is not one spiritual truth that conflicts with the laws and truths of science. I am tired of the hard liners (religious zealots) from both camps who continue to stubbornly and ignorantly exclude and discount the other’s validity.
The wise soul knows that all of life’s “little” truths are revealed to us like signs along a path to help lead us to the ultimate Truth. The mountain of Truth is not just a single rock (truth), but many rocks that are laid upon each other. Some are content to live in the valley of ignorance where grace rains down and life is easier. However, seekers of truth take a different path because by their very nature are abstract thinkers who seek answers to their questions. As their path takes them higher and higher up the mountain, they begin to converge with other seekers on different paths- be they scientific or spiritual. During the climb, the spiritualists find their rest in their faith and peace from God, whereas the scientists during what can be a arduous climb seem to only find solace by way of their new theories and discoveries. Either way, mankind is always trying to see farther and bring the Truth more into focus from every perspective including all the fields of science. Of course, at the top of this mountain is the Author of all Truth. This is all that really matters because it means that ALL truths have been composed by God.
I know that to many the subject of science is as boring now as it was back in middle school, but I find it all so fascinating- even illuminating. Just consider the incredible advancements in science and physics during the past 500 years- many of which could not have even been imagined say 2000 years ago. This exponential increase in knowledge was prophesized in the Bible (Daniel 12:4). Yet, as this knowledge of the natural world increases, more truths are revealed. What is so wonderful is that every little truth is from the Author of all Truth! Did God not create the world we live in? Did God not leave His divine fingerprints on everything around us? Yes, we do well to seek truth from every genre because all truths point and lead us to the ultimate Truth.
The Nature of the Universe-
Is it possible for the human mind to fully appreciate the scope and complexity of the universe? I would say probably not, but here is something that might give us a little better perspective. Our humble planet Earth is part a solar system that is part (an infinitesimally small part) of the spiraling Milky Way Galaxy. Just within this average galaxy of ours are hundreds of BILLIONS of stars like our sun- some bigger, some smaller. Around perhaps half of these stars are orbiting planets creating billions of other solar systems. Realistically, there could be millions of planets like Earth just in our very own galaxy. But wait, there is more! If we also consider that there are billions if not trillions of other galaxies within the universe, the shear numbers become nothing less than mind-boggling while the possibilities are seemingly endless! To some this revelation brings a heavy feeling of insignificance, but to others it stirs a tremendous awe for our God and Creator! Why? Well, one important thing to remember is that in matters concerning the spirit, size truly doesn’t matter! Spirit is not bound by space, time or matter. Furthermore, we should surely recognize that the children of God, birthed into life by the Creator of the universe, are anything but insignificant!
Yes, my friends-- your life and every life on this earth have a purpose that started long before we came into human form. Our spirit was born of God in the Beginning. From that moment forward our life in the material world, stitched into the fabric of space and time, became our reality. The common belief among physicists/scientists is that it all began approximately about 14 billion years ago out of nothingness. Ironically, this theory of the universe’s genesis will lead to God. You see; the nature of scientific study is to find out the WHY and the HOW. So, the mere quest to answer these profound mysteries will alone be enough to lead scientists to God. All truth leads to the Truth; there are no exceptions. By simple observation we see that everything in life serves a purpose leading us to believe that somehow and surely for SOME reason all the energy, mass and life of the entire universe came forth from a single point within the void of eternal darkness. This is, of course, what has been described as the “Big Bang.” However, I would prefer to call this the Big Word that was spoken by God and brought the universe into being!
Using very high powered space-based telescopes like Hubble some have tried to go back in time to decipher happened after the Big Bang (when God spoke His Big Word into the void). Well, it is believed that for millions of years after the Big Word was sent on that divine mission to BE the image of God, the universe was mostly just hot air (gases, predominately hydrogen). This makes perfect sense because hydrogen is, what I call, God’s element (see- Shadows of a Higher Reality). How appropriate it is that hydrogen was and still is the most abundant element of the universe! More than this, God’s element (hydrogen) along with some helium constituted the makeup of the stars! Stars are like the sons of God because they are made up of divine material and they give their life away to all that surround them. However, stars would have never formed if it wasn’t for the gravitational force that started gathering the hydrogen and helium gasses together. Just as stars of the universe are like the sons of God, the gravity they create is like the love of God pulling us together! Do you see how the truths of science point to the truths of God? Spirit and science unite to show us the way of Truth!
Now, during what could be called the embryonic stage of the universe there were no planets or physical matter created yet, but only these invisible gases floating and eventually gathering. Even today, the universe is about 80% hydrogen and 20% helium with only very small amounts of the other “heavier” elements. So where did they come from if not from the Big Bang explosion? Well, as God would have it, all of the elements that create life are stardust. This fact, in and of itself, may not sound too profound, but consider the implications. What I found after some investigation is that the heavier elements of life, which are also called the “organic” elements, came into existence only through the sacrifices of stars. In other words, it was the star totally surrendering its “life” that created oxygen, nitrogen and carbon, which are needed to produce every form of life.
Many stars, like the Sun, begin as about 75% hydrogen and 25% helium with only very small amounts of the heavier elements. Then gradually over time as the hydrogen is used up by the fusion process, more helium is produced and the star grows smaller and denser. Eventually, the star begins to burn/fuse helium molecules together and this fusion process escalates to create all the elements from lithium to iron, but it is interesting that this is the last element created by the star’s fusion engine. Since iron is the last element a star can produce through the sacrificial process of fusion, the rest come from another process known as a supernova. We are talking about another big bang where the star surrenders its remaining energy and mass. Do you see the spiritual parallels here? Surely, the mature “sons of God” have the same “stellar” character of their Father! Each day they live their lives to give their love and wisdom to others like Jesus the Christ. Then, if a son of God is mature enough, he too can give himself away at the end of his life. In other words, Jesus gave us his body and soul while on the earth like every son of God should do. However, at the end of his life here, he also surrendered his spirit for us to share in a spiritual supernova!
I have found that the universe is full of clues about God and His nature, and we are only scratching the surface here. In fact, we need to go no further than our own temples of flesh to see His divineness. I wrote extensively about this in Shadows of Higher Reality, but let me offer are a few more tidbits. Did you know that more than 99% of the human body’s makeup is constituted by only six (the number of man) different elements? They are oxygen 65%, carbon 18%, hydrogen 10%, nitrogen 3%, calcium 1.5% and phosphorus 1%. If ones go to the trouble of breaking it all down, one will discover that our bodies are mostly water, H2O- about 75% by weight. Water is an extraordinary compound of elements. It is the element of God (hydrogen) and the element of life (oxygen). I have written about the attributes of water before, but I am beginning to see even more of mysterious and divine nature of this simple substance.
As I have already explored in previous articles, water has divine qualities that link it directly to God and all life. For centuries, the prophets of God used that life-giving substance in rituals to purify sacrifices and themselves. Even today, Christians use it for baptismal ceremonies and even by itself as “holy water.” While water is certainly a shadow of God’s presence, I believe it also brings with it a mystical power in the natural world. For example, how do you feel after a warm shower? From what I have found, this feeling is universal. Not only does it clean us, but it also reinvigorates us. So, what I am saying that it is more than wet and warm; it is the liquid of life! I am convinced that water is more than just a symbol or shadow because it seems to invoke a higher energy. It is like spirit in the material world as it flows and brings life to all things.
Again, there is a myriad of reasons why is water the compound of divinity here in this world. For starters, water is a stable and pure substance that comes down from above, which is really synonymous with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God’s purified spirit that brings about peace. Water is not a product of human hands; in fact, man and creation actually owe their life to that wet, white and even unseen substance. Water’s triadic nature may be its greatest divine characteristic. Water is the only substance on earth that naturally exists in all three states of matter- solid, liquid and gaseous. So, in this triadic sense, we could think of the spirit of man to be like water vapor. The spirit is unseen and in the highest form of life. The soul of man would then be like water. Like the spirit, the soul is also a fluid, but not as free to move. This freedom is observed and expressed in the soul’s will, emotions and desires. Lastly then, the body is like ice because it is the solid (lower) manifestation (transformation) of the soul and spirit forms. When we die, the body returns to the higher states just as ice melts and evaporates. We could also say that the soul “evaporates” into heaven, which is a kind of purification process like what is seen in the water cycle. Interestingly, when water evaporates the earthly impurities are removed and only pure water (spirit) is lifted into the sky (heaven). Yes, water is a substance full of divine wonder, but it is only the tip of the proverbial iceberg!
Unification-
I am sure that all of you have heard of Albert Einstein and are possibly even familiar with his General Theory of Relativity, but have your heard of the String Theory? Well, you are not alone because neither had Albert! Now, before we get into the physics, we should first have a little lesson in history. Much of Einstein’s work followed the remarkable efforts of one of the world’s greatest scientists Isaac Newton in the field of physics. Einstein, more than anything else, wanted a unification of the laws that were governing the physical universe. During his day, this meant trying to bring together the laws of gravity (G) and electro-magnetism (E/M). Surprisingly to some, this task proved to be an insurmountable barrier for Einstein because the laws of gravity seemed incompatible with the laws of E/M at the atomic level. Not only was gravity shown to be a negligible force in the face of the E/M force, but other forces were also discovered at the atomic level, which backed Einstein into a conundrum. Einstein sought predictability and stability, but at the subatomic level the behaviors are anything but predictable and stable.
For many decades after its discovery, it was thought that the atom was the smallest unit of matter in the universe. Well, surprise! It isn’t! As we have come to discover, the atom has smaller “parts” within it- protons, neutrons and electrons. And even within these particles there are thought to be even smaller particles called quarks. This was becoming a whole new world with whole new laws! Scientists found two other forces present at the subatomic level, which were labeled the strong nuclear force (S) and the weak nuclear force (W). The “S” force is that force that holds the nucleus (protons and neutrons) of an atom together. Meanwhile the “W” force is the radioactivity caused by the slow decay of atoms when protons transform into neutrons. These forces along with other discoveries about the inner workings of the atom became a new area of physics called “quantum mechanics.” I will address this area in more detail later, but suffice it to say that the world of physics was in utter chaos with these discoveries.
As history has recorded, it came to pass that the world of physics now had now four (known) forces governing the universe: G, E/M, S and W forces. Einstein’s dream of unifying all of the forces of the universe into a single equation- a “theory of everything” seemed impossible or at least very improbable. Again, the crux of the problem was that atomic particles behaved much differently than the larger bodies of mass which Einstein studied and revealed. His discoveries were instrumental in man making the trip to the moon. Yet while Einstein’s space-time continuum precisely predicted the behavior objects like planets and stars within the space-time continuum, he couldn’t make his calculations work for the rather unpredictable particles at the atomic level, which seemed to be completely ignoring that stabilizing force called gravity. The reason for this was simple- the force of gravity is very, very weak.
I know that many may think the force of gravity is stronger than all the rest, but they would be completely wrong. As relatively large bodies of matter, we can “feel” gravity at work, yet at the atomic level, the force of gravity is nearly nothing. We can use a rather small magnet to lift a relatively large piece of metal off the ground thereby overcoming the seemingly feeble affect of gravity. If gravity was of similar strength as the other forces, all the atoms of our bodies would be flattened down to the earth, but they don’t. All atoms, including those constituting our bodies, are held together by very strong electromagnetic forces. In fact, the electromagnetism and strong nuclear forces are billions and billions of times more powerful than gravity. This reality became very apparent when man created atomic bombs by splitting the atom to release an earth-shattering amount of energy from such a small amount of matter. Therefore, gravity had to take a back seat to the other forces of the universe.
In a scene every bit as contentious (but slightly less violent) as the Protestants and Catholics of the Middle Ages, physicists became divided in ideology. They had become divorced by what may have seemed to be irreconcilable differences arising from each camp’s laws and theories. The law of gravity (G) (Relativity) worked perfectly for large bodies of mass while the laws of E/M precisely described the behaviors of such things as light and electricity. And then the theory of quantum mechanics predicts what happens at the subatomic level. So, here we have all of these laws present in the universe, but they still remained separated. What force would be powerful enough to pull physics back into unity? The answer is BLACK HOLES! Oh yes, black holes are great unifying creatures of the universe as I have discussed in other writings! Today, there is little debate whether they exist because the evidence is soundly in their favor. In these holes of nothingness is where everything will end up in time. While impossible to “see”, they are single points in the space-time continuum of infinite mass and infinite gravity. In other words, they are like giant garbage disposers cleaning the universe of surround debris. However, as they are bringing all the stuff together, they also are simultaneously integrating all the laws and all the energy together for their complete and total annihilation! You see, no matter what theory of physics is used upon entering the realm of the black hole, it fails miserable. Here at the center of the black hole, the laws of the very tiny and the laws of the very large all break down because the once feeble force of gravity soars off the chart. Here all matter and energy are condensed, more like crushed, into a single point. With all the theories of physics dissolved back into the void as it were, a new theory had to be born- enter the string theory.
String Theory- a Gateway to the Heavens?-
Well, the first question one might have about the String Theory is what actually are “strings” anyway? Well, honestly, no one really knows because no one can even prove they even exist. And even if they do exist, they would be far too small to measure or study even with our foreseeable technology. For this reason, some don’t believe the String Theory is a theory at all; they see it more as a philosophy. At any rate, what this “philosophy” proposes is that instead of atoms or quarks the entire universe is made up of these ultra microscopic strings of vibrating energy. Like the different cords and notes of a harp, each string is a particular type of vibration that determines what it constitutes.
Before the String Theory’s conception, physicists considered all atomic and sub-atomic particles as spherical objects- like little billiard balls bouncing around and off each other. The string theory basically predicts that there are these very infinitesimally small strings or strands of energy that can vibrate, stretch and contract according to the nature of the particle they make up. How small are they? Well, it is thought that if the tiny atom were magnified to the size of our solar system then a single string would only be the size of the swing set in your backyard! Yes, they are VERY, VERY tiny. So, tiny that it seems very unlikely that their existence will ever be proved, or disproved for that matter.
Early on it was thought that these strings were more like chains that were connected at their ends creating a circular shape. More recently, it is thought that “strings” are more like pieces of rope with two separate ends that are connected to the space-time continuum. Either way, these strings have become the bridge that could be called the “theory of everything” because they may have done the impossible- unification! If string theorists are correct, then a harmonious marriage of physics has been blessed and consummated allowing the entire physical universe from the planets to the particles to be governed by the same principles. However, this theoretical union does come with a few caveats that some find very hard to swallow.
So by now, you are probably wondering what the string theory has to do with the “heavens” or spirituality at all. Well, it has to do with those hard to swallow caveats that are central to the soundness of the string theory. The first of these unique (or should I say “peculiar”?) conditions is that the string theory requires that there be more dimensions than we are aware of presently. It surmises that we have at least 10 (and more likely 11) dimensions within the universe that surrounds and permeates us. The first four we are very aware of being the three dimensions of space (x, y, and z) and one of time; these four dimensions define and map our physical universe. However, the string theory says, even demands, that there be 7 more dimensions (thought to be space) that we cannot perceive with natural means. These higher dimensions are also called “degrees of freedom,” which I find very interesting! These are the other dimensions where gravitons (God’s graces) are able to move freely. Yes, degrees of freedom! What a revelation! This is exactly what the higher Kingdom of God is and what salvation is! These higher dimensions of freedom certainly represent the higher unperceived heavens of God!
If there are seven higher, unseen dimensions one might ask if this coincides with the seven heavens found in religious writings. Well, the term “7th Heaven” has been around for a long time. Its beginning seems to have come from early “astronomers” who believed there were seven “layers” surrounding the Earth. Within these seven different “heavens” were the moon, planets, stars and the Sun that were believed to be orbiting the Earth. Through the ages, the term has become deeply rooted in many other areas including literature, religions and even a television show. Interestingly, the number “7” carried a sense of divinity long before Jewish or Christian writers spoke of it. Long ago the pagans divided their weeks into 7 days, and more recently, it can also be found in the Muslim’s Koran. Regardless of where the origin of the “7th heaven” came from, it is interesting that science is possibly pointing in the same direction. The idea that there is more than one heaven (the physical atmosphere above us) is commonly expressed in the Bible. And we don’t have to look too deep to find this fact!
Genesis 1:1
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the
earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of
the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
The Genesis story continues to amaze me with its incredible words of wisdom! Here, we read about the ONE earth and the MANY heavens that were created. Yes, the heavens are the higher worlds, the realms and the dimensions “above” our perception not above our heads. Yes, the heavens are not the different layers of the atmosphere as some used to believe, but are spiritual dimensions for life to exist. This is confirmed in Revelation 12:12 where it speaks of the inhabitants of these heavens. Angels aren’t living above the clouds in the stratosphere, and saints aren’t enjoying the weather found in the troposphere. Even Paul spoke of being taken into the 3rd heaven in 2 Corinthians 12:2. How I wish Paul would have expounded on this SPIRITUAL experience. Even so, we must see that as the string theory predicts and as the prophets declared, there are higher dimensions hidden from our natural perceptions. Also we read that the lowest realm, the earth, was formless as God hovered over the waters. Did you know that scientists believe that before any life emerged on planet Earth that it was mostly covered with water? Who could have known this fact when this ancient text was written? That is unless they were inspired. Spirit and science unite again!
Here is something you might find inspiring or at least interesting. As we know, in our physical universe we have our 4 dimensions and our 4 forces, but one of these forces is not like the other. Can you tell which one? Well, I doubt that watching Sesame Street will provide the answer, but it is gravity. Gravity is a bit of a special force because it is believed by some to be the only one of the four natural forces that can transcend into the seven higher dimensions. This unique quality would be likely displayed at the two extreme limits of gravity- if it even has a limit! The highest level of gravity would be caused by black holes where nothing is more powerful. There all the other forces of the universe succumb to gravity’s crushing effect. At the other end of the spectrum are those little “strings” that seem to have no gravity. Now, some theorize that gravity is caused by massless particles called a “gravitons.” These theoretical particles may move faster than the speed of light, but no one really knows. At any rate, as I have explained before gravity is the shadow (simile) of God’s love. This then makes perfect sense! Like God’s love and power that can reach from the lowest hell to the highest heaven, “gravitons” can reach beyond this world and into all the other dimensions. There is absolutely no doubt that gravity (God’s Love) is the key force of the universe (life) leading ALL back into unity (salvation).
Quantum Miracles -
Many in this world have been conditioned to think that bigger is better, but this paradigm crumbles in the face of quantum mechanics. As touched on earlier, quantum physics is the study of atoms and their subatomic molecules. This branch of science was born when we started to split the atom and discovered that there is a tremendous amount of energy holding those little critters together. What may be most interesting about quantum mechanics is how it differs from classical physics. In classical physics there are constants and fully predictable outcomes, but in quantum physics those tiny particles sometimes act in totally unpredictable ways. So, instead of the certainty of an outcome in quantum mechanics, there is only a probability that something will happen. In other words, in classic physics we know that if we drop a brick out of a three story window, it will drop to the ground. However, in the quantum world there is no guarantee that it will reach the ground instead it may go upwards! So, instead of constants like the force of gravity, there are only chances. In short, quantum mechanics turns the rather mundane world of physics into an unpredictable magic act-- now you see it and now you don’t! Well, magic might be fun for the kids, the only problem is I don’t believe in quirky magic tricks. However, I do believe in the quantum miracles of God. Oh, yes! This is where God’s miracles meet man’s science!
If there is one aspect of the spiritual realm that, in particular, many scientists definitely deny and ridicule it is more often than not miracles. Sure, there is what has been deemed the “miracles of science” like taking a man to the moon or replacing a human heart, but I am talking about those phenomena that cannot be explained. Most scientists want to BELIEVE (ironically so, a real leap of faith on their part!) that everything (without exception) can be explained and must obey the physical laws of the universe. This is all well and good in the world of classical physics, but wait just a moment here. In the study of quantum mechanics there are scientific theories that actually support what could be called “super natural” events. I would call them miracles. Yes, that is right! Quantum mechanics has shown that particles sometimes utterly defy the “laws” of the natural world. For example, a particle with actual mass is able to pass through a solid material that should not be possible. While this event is considered extremely rare, it DOES happen once in a great while PROVING that miracles are indeed part of science and the universe. I have found that I am not alone in my miracle hypothesis. Many are accepting that truth meets truth when quantum’s unpredictable and unbridled subatomic behavior is compared to the existence of miracles. In essence, there are no rules in the quantum realm suggesting that, in theory, it would be possible (though high improbably) for a whole person’s body to physically pass through a wall. If one atom or particle can do it, then it is “possible” for all the atoms of a human body to do it simultaneously. I wonder if this miraculous event has ever happened-
John 20:26
A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas
was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood
among them and said, "Peace be with you!" 27 Then he
said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach
out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and
believe."
Bingo! We have a winner! So, what do you think? Was this story merely some fabricated folklore passed down through the ages? Was it an instance of some cheap magic trick by Jesus to impress his disciples? OR was this a Biblical example of some rare quantum physics being carried out by a man who had tapped into a higher level of life! Well, I, being a man of science and of spiritual truth, don’t believe in “magic,” and I don’t believe Jesus was a fraud. So, I am convinced that Jesus was the King of quantum power! I see this unbelievable account as one of many wonderful examples of spirit and science supporting each other in the form of miracles! It is science that is now claiming that it was possible for Jesus (in physical form) to have entered this room by going right through the wall! Science is beginning to believe and teach that by using the higher dimensions, or “degrees of freedom,” that surround and permeate the entire universe, super natural events (miracles) are possible. In fact, as we become more and more spiritually mature, we should expect to see more of these quantum miracles taking place in our world.
Or course, Jesus performed many miracles while walking the earth, yet he even said that much greater feats would be carried out by those who followed him. Jesus knew that as the Spirit of Christ grew in humanity, so would the ability to perform miracles. What we must accept is that Jesus was exactly like us and we can become exactly like him. We can and will walk on water! We can and will raise the dead! We can do all of these things and more once we are ready to tap into that higher life around us. Consider the power of our prayers and our faith. Faith is certainly one of those unseen forces reaching into the higher dimensions. If nothing else, quantum mechanics says there is more to life than we know. There is certainly more here than meets the eye!
While it is true that spirit is the impetus for all miracles, spirit itself is that unseen substance of life which transforms into many different forms. For this reason, we should understand that not all miracles are created equally or through the exact same means. There is a kind of divine differentiation for miracles that parallels the Trinity of God’s being. The Holy Spirit, Son and Father all have different capacities, or one might say “jurisdictions,” regarding the manifestation of miracles.
For example, in the lowest realm of existence (the natural world) the healing miracles of the flesh are acts performed by the power of the Holy Spirit because the physical world is the realm of God’s Holy Helper. In the many miracles of healing that were credited to Jesus, he always stated that it was THEIR faith that had healed them- not his. Clearly, it was their faith that released the power of the Holy Spirit that lived in them and us- the temples of God. However, in the higher dimension of consciousness, the Word of God (Son) is at work transforming our minds, healing our souls. Christ, the Son of God, is the King of Consciousness and the primary physician of the soul. In other words, the Holy Spirit may heal one’s body from being crippled, but only Christ can heal and then save your soul. It then follows that our spirit is saved by the Father, who is the Parent Spirit of all spirits. Again, these designations of divine “jurisdiction” or authority are better described in “A Picture of God,” which I will look at more closely later in this writing.
Pneumatic Power-
What do I mean by “pneumatic power“? Well, rest assured that I am not talking about those loud air guns used at your local automotive repair shop. And no, I am not going to talk more physics- well, maybe a little. What I really want to talk about is that “thing” that is around us, in us and that empowers our being. It is spirit- the breath of life itself. Some have said that money makes the world go round, which may be true to a certain degree. However, in the higher realities hidden from the carnal mind, it is spirit and not money that makes ALL life go round. It is spirit that powers consciousness in the cycle of life. Spirit does this by translating itself into even the very lowest forms of energy in order to animating every part of life. In other words, spirit is simply energy of the highest order. Remember those higher dimensions of the String Theory? I believe those higher dimensions are actually spiritual states, even worlds, that we are destined to ascend through on our way back to God. I know that when most think of energy, they think of motion, light and heat- more physical types. Yet, we must also include the energies of emotion, desire and thought. These too are all powered by that thing called spirit that is within us and all things.
Throughout my writings (and others’ for that matter), there may be references to our spirit being “IN” us, but in God’s reality our whole being (body, soul and spirit) is SPIRIT because EVERYTHING is spirit- just in various manifested (lower) forms. Look at it this way. Every atom of our body could be split and essentially transformed into pure energy. In the same way, our physical shell can also be translated into pure spirit from its current crude material form. There is no better example of this than Jesus’ transfiguration described in Mark 9:2. Just as all of creation was blasted, then constructed and being sustained by spirit from the Beginning, so are we. Because our whole being is spirit it has the power of the spirit. Certainly the mind, also being a manifestation of our spirit, is able to generate a flow of energy to achieve a particular result. Our desires, hopes and prayers have power. We have all heard the phrase “mind over matter,” but, more than this, it is truly spirit over matter! And to take it one step further it is spirit over spirit because all is spirit! How can this be? Surely you know that there is a spiritual order? Just as the Father is over the Son who is over the Spirit of the earth, so does our being have a hierarchy that must be present if we are to be at peace.
While the energies of the mind are not visible to us (except through sophisticated medical equipment), the results of our inner thoughts and desires often are. What we humans are just beginning to understand is that our minds possess far more power/potential energy than our bodies do. Lord willing, in future ages, we will learn to tap into this potential of the mind/soul at the benefit of the spirit and all of creation. Of course, it should be obvious that the highest, or most powerful, “part” of our being is our spirit that is and always will be eternally connected to God. And through this divine connection there are virtually no limits because with God all thoughts are realized and all dreams are possible. But as life is teaching us, becoming aware of this gateway into God’s Kingdom is easier said than done.
We are in this world to learn to live and to love as God does. This is what children do; and we are the children of God. Perhaps the most important step in this enlightenment process is to truly believe that we are spirit; we are the offspring of God. Because we are spirit and spirit is a higher form of energy, our spirit is always pulsing, absorbing and free-flowing like all the energies of the universe. Sometimes we are like the lights that glow brightly and other times our luminance is dim into what seems like a dark world. Either way, we are light, energy and yes, SPIRIT! Our life and energy to succeed in this world comes from our core- our spirit. A healthy spirit translates into a healthy soul and body too. An unhealthy spirit will of course have the reverse effect. As our spirit mature in this world, there are a few “traps” that await us; one of them is pride. Sometimes there are relatively strong spirits in the world that can manifest themselves (in human lives) as very successful leaders in business, politics or religion. They have an aura, or power that surrounds them and extends from them, which attracts those with less “light.” Unfortunately, it can then come to pass that these very influential spirits can become wayward and lead many into despair. Surely, history is full of such powerful souls that became corrupted by the sin of pride.
It should be obvious that for our light to shine most brightly we must energize our spirit by coming into alignment with God’s will, God’s mind. What was the food that Jesus desired? It was doing the will of God! This is the food that feeds the spirit. The more we comply with God’s will, the more we are charged up in our spirit. It is in this “Super Flow” where we can do all things. In those “moments of Zen” we feel like we can change the world- and we can! This is why Jesus said that if we remain in Him, we could do all things, but apart from him we can do nothing. Yes, there are those times when our choices lead us out of God’s will and the Super Flow of divine energy. In these times, even getting out of bed in the morning becomes difficult. We go from wanting to save the world to feeling like we can barely manage our own lives and family. This is the power and importance of spirit! It is through our spirit where our life, our holy desires and our soul’s salvation will come!
Everyone (spirit) will be saved; of this, I am sure. And this is a central message of my writings. However, keep in mind, not everyone is being called into the maturity of Christ at the same time- as Paul said, “…each in his own order.” Every child of God has a calling from his spirit within, which is unique to each individual. Some are following their heart by living a more traditional life of marriage and raising children. So, this is perfectly natural and noble for the natural man who is still following the same calling given to the first ones long ago. Be fruitful and multiply, and we have! As I write this now, the world’s population has reached an all time high of about 6.5 billion souls, and there is no doubt that mankind will continue to propagate until his time on earth is finished. Yes, this natural life is also part of God’s plan, but I would call it “phase one” of the Master’s plan.
The best advice we can give one another is to listen to our hearts, our spirits. No one can tell another what God’s will is in their life except God. This means that not everyone is called to do the same thing in the building of God’s Kingdom. It should be apparent that each of us must serve God according to our spiritual maturity and present day calling. Today, some are being called to a higher level of service, so that they are not controlled by the lower, natural drives like sex. These natural desires are surmounted by higher, more spiritual desires- like a higher form of energy. As I wrote more extensively about in Born of the Spirit, the spiritually mature become asexual beings because in the realm (Spirit/Mind) of Christ there is no male or female. In this higher dimension of consciousness, problems of the world are not rectified in physical ways.
More and more, souls are looking past the natural exterior and inward to the soul of another when seeking a life partner. Long ago in the days of the Neanderthals, men and women were likely attracted to each other by purely physical attributes. Bigger, stronger and faster were the likely traits that made one attractive. Yet, as man has evolved, many are looking for mates with intelligence, kindness and a sense of humor. More than ever, we are placing greater emphasize on the character of the soul and strength of the spirit while caring less about the characteristics of the body. This evolution of consciousness can be attributed to the power of the spirit pulsing through our soul like divine energy.
Again, like energy, spirit has the ability to take on different forms, levels and purposes. And yet, all spirit and energy is from God- the Source of all. Has anything come into being without God causing it? God is the source (either direct or indirect) of all things- great or small, good or bad. This is a hard truth for some to fathom because to them God is only responsible for the good things and the “good” spirits. For example, many praise God for nice weather, but then do not hold God accountable when a hurricane kills thousands. Many blame man for the “fall” in the garden without considering that is was God’s will that gave us the devil and our human nature. When Jesus fed thousands God was praised, but what about the thousands surely died from starvation that very same day in a far off country? Jesus didn’t let these “bad” things trouble him because he knew that God’s perfect plan was in motion. He knew that the Master’s plan included experiencing good and evil for ourselves because this is the only way we could truly know what is right.
Thank God that we are learning what is right and what is godly. Our rather embarrassing and painful history should stand as a reminder that we have come a LONG way! Recall that for thousands of years, slavery was predominate and even accepted, but today it is nearly vanquished from the face of the earth because we now know it is wrong. Why didn’t even the most holy men know slavery was wrong long ago? We are maturing in spirit my friends! It is not our intellect that tells us what is right or wrong. It is our heart, our spirit that is guiding us back to God. Consider the fact that humanity has given more charity in the past century than in the history of the world combined. My friends, this is Christ’s Spirit at work in our hearts! This is the evolution and refining of our capacity to love. The more we can love, the higher we ascend into heaven and the closer we get to God. After all, love is the primary force that is molding us into the perfect image of God!
(the final part coming soon...)
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