Definitions

For this journey let us first discipline the discussion by presenting you with some definitions, which hopefully can be shared, as:

• The BE-attitudes. Attitudes of BE-ing, how we can be, or may become perfect. (As in “Be ye perfect…”)
• Perfect. A way of BEing whole, flowing with the electrifying presence of, or perfected in the awareness of God.
• Metaphysical. Anything beyond the physical manifestation. More than being physical. Unanswerable mystery. Each being either distinct from God (as in, mirror likeness) or part of, flowing with God.
• God. LIMITLESS, Ever-Living, Filling-All-Space, Creator Source Energy. Alpha and Omega – the Beginning and End. Chi or Qi. YOWAH or Great Spirit. All That Is And Ever Shall Be. OMnipotent, OMnipresent, OMniscience.
• God Bumps. A bodily feeling of an electrifying presence believed to be the flow of  Limitless, Ever-Living, Filling-All-Space, Creator Source Energy flowing through you. Do not ignore it, or deny its presence, as that would be blasphemous against your knowing, yes, even your alignment with God. Denying the power thereof would be akin to blasphemy.
• Translation. A different way of interpreting the same words. That is, my heavy assumption is that each Bible translator had the same original papyrus or scroll from which the specific books were translated.

About the markings (acronyms) used here:

I am quoting/referencing first from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) here, and I will be citing (not presenting the entire scripture for brevity’s sake), and then I will note the reference to the Holy Scriptures of the Restoration (marked as HSR) and the Ferrar Fenton (FF) translations to provide additional meaning, as I feel appropriate. Finally, I will add the metaphysical musing (MM) after each segment of scripture, which are thoughts and words that flowed to me by grace for our continued learning.

MM opening statement: The sermon on the mount, or Beattitudes, written long after Jesus the Christ physically walked the Earth, was learned and held deeply fast by His disciples, who then, in turn, taught others and founded churches.

As you might imagine, the ones who learned these sermons directly from Jesus and were disciplined in living His teachings, would teach and write (or have scribes write) the messages, as Jesus’ words were like literal food for the disciples–they would give their own lives for the Word.

It has been said that the Beattitudes were compiled from many of Jesus’ own sermons, as presented during different times and various outdoor locations, so it would seem natural that if one would desire to draw closer to Him that you would sit with, or meditate upon these words to obtain each nuanced meaning, yes, every deep and profound aspect that can sustain you, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Much love and many blessings to you in ALL ways. Amen.

The Beatitudes

Matthew Chapter 5 

When Jesus saw (FF: observing) the crowds, he went up (FF: ascended the hill) (HSR: into a) the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:

(HSR: Blessed are they who should believe on me; and again, more blessed are they who shall believe on your words, when ye shall testify that ye have seen me and that I am. Yea, blessed are they who shall believe on your words, and come down into the depth of humility, and be baptized in my name; for they shall be visited with fire and the Holy Ghost, and shall receive a remission of their sins.)

3 Blessed are the poor (FF: gentle) in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (HSR: Yea, blessed are the poor in spirit, who come unto me; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.)  MM: Many readers are confused by the terms, “poor in spirit”, or even “gentle in spirit” here. But we must remember why Jesus is teaching his disciples, to prepare them for a time when he will not be in the physical form, and the disciples will need to go into all of the world and convince them to come unto Christ Jesus. I believe this is why the HSR adds the two verses prior to verse 3 in the other Bible translations).

4 Blessed are those who mourn (FF: the sufferers), for they will be comforted. MM: It seems all have at the least, one moment of suffering in their life. It would be good to know then that Jesus really, loves you–through and through.

5 Blessed are the meek (FF: kind-hearted), for they will inherit the earth. MM: Do you want the Earth? It doesn’t seem like many people want a pure Earth, the way in which it was at the beginning of humankind. Most want to rape and plunder Earth’s resources, including its inhabitants. If you really want to inherit the Earth, act like it. Show me. Plant a garden. Plant a tree. Learn how to plant flowers in a garden instead of using pesticides to keep the bugs at bay so your vegetables will grow healthy. Sing to the plants. When you take a plant for food, plant the seeds from it to propogate more food. OMniscience has given you all you would ever need, but you misuse it. Learn. Appreciate. Be mindful of needs vs. wants. 

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled (FF: satisfied). (HSR: filled with the Holy Ghost). MM: When you know that you know. For me, it’s when I feel the inner physical sensation of God Bumps, as I have coined the term, explained elsewhere in my blog articles.

7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive (FF: shall secure) (HSR: obtain) mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God (FF: God Himself).

9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God (FF: shall be declared God’s own sons). MM: Curiously, many other times in the Bible, it refers to all men and women as being God’s children. Must it be then, that we have all been created with the capability to be peacemakers?

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted (HSR: for my name’s sake) for righteousness’ sake, (FF: on account of righteousness) for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (FF: You are blessed whenever they curse and persecute you, and say every vile thing against you, falsely, because of Me. Be glad and delighted…). MM: For many, this may be the hardest lesson to learn in this life. If you had another turn at it, would you want it? Maybe it would be wise to sit with this one longer, until you really get the fullness of its meaning. 

13 You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste (FF: strength) (HSR: savor), how can its saltiness be restored? (FF: with what can itself be salted?) It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. (FF: It is then good for nothing, but to be flung out and trodden under foot by mankind.) MM: Note here that when we lose our ability to make peace, and allow peace to be the norm on Earth–that would occur after all people would come to know Christ Jesus–then we are again on/in the ground of the Earth, similar to the Hell that was discussed earlier.

14 You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15 No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket (FF: corn measure), but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works (FF: conduct) and give glory (FF: praise) to your Father in heaven. MM: Especially to the light workers, you must set the bar really high in this life–love one another! When you speak of others, raise them up! Let all whom you encounter, walk away feeling the best that they can about themselves. 

17 Do not think (FF: imagine) that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill (FF: complete them). 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven (FF: the heavens) and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass (FF: disappear) from the law until all is accomplished (FF: has been completed). 19 Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, (HSR: he shall in no wise be saved in the kingdom of heaven) will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven (HSR: shall be saved in the kingdom of heaven). 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. (FF: If, therefore, any one shall make light of one of the least of its commands, and shall teach men so, he shall be declared the least in the Kingdom of Heaven; but whoever teaches them and acts up to them, he shall be great in the Kingdom of Heaven. For I tell you that if your righteousness does not surpass that of the professors and Pharisees, you can by no means enter the Kingdom of Heaven.) MM: God is great, and God teaches everyone via life experience. That’s why we’ve all come to this Earth.

21 You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times (FF: You have heard that it was said by the ancients), ‘You shall not murder’; (HSR: Thou shalt not kill) and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ (FF: if a man should murder, he would be liable to punishment.) (HSR: shall be in danger of the judgment of God.) 22 But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire. (FF: But I tell you, that every man quarrelling with his brother will be liable to punishment; and if he should call his brother ‘Scoundrel,’ he will be liable to the High Court of Justice; and whoever shall call his brother ‘Rebel,’ will be liable to the branding by fire.) (HSR: But I say unto you that whosoever is angry with his brother, shall be in danger of his judgment, and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, or Rabcha, shall be in danger of the council; and whosoever shall say to his brother, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hellfire.) MM: This is one of the passages that is often most frightening as we are not told what we are not supposed to kill. The Essenes ate from living plants, without killing the plant, because of the way they interpreted the law. At some point, the word “kill” became “murder” to insinuate that we should not murder another human being. I also believe this is why in many states of the USA, we have abolished capital punishment. And no doubt, this is also the main reason Christians, and people of faith, are against abortion. If you forget other passages of the Sermon on the Mount, this is certainly one that needs to be pondered and well understood. When you kill with your intentions to break a creature’s spirit, use a hateful tone of voice, or other hurtful physical actions, are these not just as harmful?

23 So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. (FF: Therefore, even if you have carried your offering up to the altar, and you should there discover that your brother has suffered any wrong by you, leave your offering even before the altar, and go away; first be reconciled to your brother, and then returning, present your offering.) MM: Giving tithes to a church does you no good, and certainly doesn’t do your soul any good, if you are holding any kind of hurt feelings, bitterness, jealousy, or such against your brother, neighbor, family member, or anyone you have had any kind of personal dispute with–either in person or online (virtual / social media). Make up with the person or whatever you have to do to patch things up, forgive the person and yourself, and then, feel and notice the love you hold for the person and yourself within your heart–before giving any tithes (gifts, money, or service) to the church. We are each mirrors of each other, and aspects of God, so we cannot hold animosity against anyone, for any reason, without a kind of boomerang effect turning that angst right back around on us. God will not accept tithes from us while our heart is in such a dark state.

25 Come to terms quickly with your accuser (FF: make friends with your accuser quickly) while you are on the way to court with him, (FF: while you are in his company) or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny. MM: Make amends with anyone who believes you have wronged them. As was just stated previously about tithing, this lesson goes far beyond tithes and offerings to God. What hurts one, hurts all. We Are All Connected.

27 You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks (FF: looks lewdly) at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (Note: The NRSV, nor the FF contain this next verse, however, I believe that the King James version does include it. HSR: Behold, I give unto you a commandment, that ye suffer none of these things, wherein ye will take up your cross, than that ye should be cast into hell.)

29 If (FF: If, therefore) your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better (FF: it will be profitable) for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell (FF: perish in the Pit). 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away (FF: from you); it is better for you to lose one of your members (FF: limbs) than for your whole body to go into hell (FF: perish in the Pit). (HSR: Behold, it is written by them of old time, that thou shalt not commit adultery. But I say unto you that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her, hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.) MM: The word Hell in the Bible is referring to the ground beneath our feet, or within the Earth. It was long thought that since fire/lava flowed to the surface of the Earth, from deep inside the Earth, that Hell must be a terrible, never-ceasing pit of fire. People used to say, they were going “helling for potatoes” when they were going to go dig potatoes out of the dirt. Hell should not be thought of then, as a place of terrible burning torment. However, Hell as in meaning one will lay forever in the dirt, is nearly just as gruesome of a thought, for if one does not know God in one way or another and is cut off from God, then spending eternity in the grave could be considered just as awful and lonely. From another perspective, your eye, or your view of the world, can be hell if all you see around you is dark, evil, or foreboding. One can live in that kind of underworld. And in that scenario, when we see bad all around us, we think it’s all bad. But the good news is that you don’t have to live like that. You can choose to see with new eyes, or realize the abundance of nature around you, of the beauty of life. There is good in the world. Choose to see it! This also reminds me of a philosophical question. Do you believe the Universe is friendly? The way you answer that question will clue you in as to how you see the world.

31 It was also said (FF: decreed), ‘Whoever divorces (FF: dismiss) his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity (FF: fornication), causes her to commit adultery (FF: he represents her to be an adulteress); and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery. MM: Some see this as God’s intent to punish women, but others see it as a way for God to hold the married man accountable, since in the old days, and in many times still today, once a woman has married she has lost her dowry, any gifts her parents had to give her and her husband, and of course, her virginity / youth. We know from other scripture verses that God hates divorce. Could it be that is because divorce is costly and cruel to all parties, especially the couple’s children. It causes so much suffering. The next verse discusses breaking of oaths, marriage is of course, one of the highest oaths anyone can make to another person, so it should be obvious that it must not be entered into without careful prayer, fasting, and the most discerning of knowledge of yourself and the person you intend to marry. These verses show us how loving God is, by showing us that God seeks to spare us of the hurt and pain of divorce. You see some animals in nature only take one mate for life, how much more does God want this for us.

33 Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not swear falsely (FF: not perjure yourselves), but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.’ 34 But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 Let your word (FF: language) be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one. MM: When we speak from our aligned selves, our innermost self that is a spark of God, what we speak resonates with (vibrates with “like” frequency) all of creation! Ahh, the sweet Harmony! Yet, how often can it been seen, that even after leaving church or synagogue, one might curse or swear at someone who cuts them off in traffic, which might have put our friends and family at risk of accident or injury? Often, so it seems, the cursing is done out of fear. Many people vow never to eat a certain food again, drink a certain beverage, or vow to repay another, even swearing in God’s Holy name, and then very quickly forget what they vowed to do. God is LIMITLESS! God is OMnipotent, OMnipresent, OMniscience! God has created everything! God rules over ALL of Creation, of which you are only a fractal part and has full reign to teach you in duplicitous, mirror-like, or LIMITLESS number of ways (using any means). Yet, you believe, just because you have a mouth that can say anything, that you have been given the gift of breath to be able to make hollow vows? You can only make your hair light or dark by a chemical process, but God is ruler over ALL. Might you consider this before you take God’s name and make any kind of vow in the future. Note: the so called evil ones are of lower vibration. Keep your vibration high (pure positive), not focusing on, or speaking of the lower vibrations and automatically the lesser vibrations are kept at bay.

38 You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer (FF: Do not contend with the wicked). But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; 40 and if anyone wants to sue you (FF: drags you to law) and take your coat, give your cloak as well; 41 and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. 42 Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you. MM: What you resist, persists. You can battle someone to the death. What good does it do? Where you flow your attention and Energy, that vibration is the one that will grow. So, if you find yourself with one of a lower vibration, you have the ability to choose to depart from that person. Don’t hang out with those who make you feel bad! You’ve been told not to cast your pearls before swine, and this verse is aligned well with that philosophy. If you’ve chosen to stay around this one of lower vibration, however, you must give, and give some more, perhaps until it hurts, so that you will not make this mistake, or misstep, again. Whatever you give, of course, consider it charity to the lower vibrational one who does not know any better. Turn, leave and be blessed as you walk away. It doesn’t hurt you to give to a beggar, as it ALL belongs to God anyway! It wouldn’t hurt you at all if you were NOT ATTACHED to “things.” But in the instance of someone hurting your feelings, that should show you what you are prideful about, and because God loves you dearly, he sent Jesus to teach you that you do not have to carry the pain or embarrassment around with you of any particularly hurtful incident, just move forward. Only swine wallow in their mud forever, and you my dear, are a pearl.

43 You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for (FF: bless) those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise (FF: He raises His sun) on the evil (FF: bad) and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors (FF: extortioners) (HSR: publicans) do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles (FF: extortioners) (HSR: publicans) do the same? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. MM: Ah, this is a good one! So many people interpret this literally, splitting all kinds of hairs about who your neighbor is or is not, and who your enemy is or is not. Ah, the bicker about all of that and miss the larger point entirely! It may sound difficult, but it is really simple. If you can bless your enemies, EVERYTHING in life is easier! No one ever said that everything, every transaction, every relationship, every encounter, would be fair. No! But, this is a Universe of inclusion, so the sun and the rain occur for all. The higher your vantage point though, the more beautiful and fair the world looks. Therefore, aim your sights high. Love big! Turn from the ones who seek to do you wrong, give them whatever you need to in order to cut them loose, then you’ll be able to help so many more who really deserve your generous gifts. Wholly, see all others with as much compassion as you can muster. One day, you may be in need of that same compassion.

Matthew 6

Beware of practicing your piety (FF: charities) (HSR: alms) before others in order to be seen (FF: with the intention of being observed) by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. MM: Ah, once again we are taught a lesson about pride. Just as we were instructed to give to the poor, and go the second mile when we feel victimized, we can choose whether we seek our rewards in this physical manifested life, or in the spiritual (only real) life. Seek ye first the Kingdom…

2 So whenever you give alms (FF: do a kindness), do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised (FF: secure the praise of men) (HSR: have glory of men) by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. MM: It seems that Jesus had quite a lot to say about pride. Was it because He lived in a time when a lot of supposed righteous people really did not know God at all, much less, live it? I dare say, even today, hypocrites abound–especially in the churches. Would you be so bold (like Jesus) to overthrow the money tables at your churches bingo event, bake sale, yard sale, or other money-maker?

5 And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 6 But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you (FF: return it to you openly). MM: Who stands when they pray? Who kneels in their prayer closet? What religions teach people to stand and pray in the streets? Was Jesus really concerned about a person’s bodily position and location, or rather, wasn’t He most concerned that people who say rote (memorized) prayers, do not truly know (feel in their hearts) what it is that they are asking from God?

7 When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do (HSR: use not vain repetitions); for they think  that they will be heard because of their many words. (FF: make use of no babble, like the heathen; for they imagine that they will be listened to because of their volubility.) 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. (FF: Do not therefore imitate them; for your Father knows your necessities before you can ask Him.) MM: Again, by now, don’t we all get Jesus’ message pretty clear? Pride and prayer do not go together. Where one is, the other is not. Humility, brokenness, and simple words that you really feel, with heartfelt intent, that is all that is needed when you pray. In fact, you’ve already prayed enough! God knows what you have need of before you pray, so why not just sit in silence instead? Be still and know that I Am God.

9 Pray then in this way: (FF: Consequently, you must pray in this way) (HSR: Therefore, after this manner shall ye pray, saying)

14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; 15 but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

(FF: “Our Father in the Heavens; Your Name must be being Hallowed;
Your Kingdom must be being restored
Your Will must be being  done both in Heaven and upon the Earth.
Give us to-day our to-morrow’s bread;
And forgive us our faults, as we forgive those offending us, for You would not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from its evil.
For if you forgive men their faults, your heavenly Father will forgive you yours. But if you do not forgive those who wrong you, then neither will your Father forgive you your misdeeds.”)

(HSR: “Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. They will be done on earth, as it is done in heaven.
Give us this day, our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And suffer us not to be led into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, who trespass against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your heavenly Father forgive you your trespasses.”)

MM: Truly, Jesus is asking you to trust in God. Have faith. No one, not even the richest most wealthy person will take ANY of their THINGS with them when they die. And all will experience a physical death. And further, even those with all the money, stocks, bonds, gold, diamonds, and so on, can lose it all with one bad decision, or government or otherwise. No amount of insurance can give you peace of mind about EVERYTHING. So, give it to God. Give it ALL to God. 

16 And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, put oil on (FF: dress) (HSR: anoint) your head and wash your face, 18 so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. MM: Who fasts anymore? For many years I did not think I could ever fast, perhaps it is the same with you. Why? Because Americans in particular, are conditioned (programmed) to eat at least 3 times a day! Once I decided to really study natural health and nutrition, along with many different kinds of ‘diets’, and even, look into how the Essenes, monks and guru’s lived, then did I decide to try fasting. The health benefits alone are absolutely astounding!!! If I had any severe health issue, the first thing I would do is fast. I am so serious about this one particular topic that I have other articles on that, which if you want, you can read here and here–after you finish this one of course! Sweetly, as soon as I finished writing that, about health, it flowed to me that Jesus was teaching about fasting for the spiritual opening, expansion, and understanding it can bring! Yes, ahh, blissful enlightenment!

19 Do not store (FF: hoard) up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume (HSR: corrupt) (FF: destroy) and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. MM: Who still has difficulty understanding what Jesus is talking about? The most important thing in your life should be to please God. 

22 The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy (FF: sound), your whole body will be full of light (FF: illuminated) (HSR: The light of the body is the eye; if therefore thine eye be single to the glory of God, they whole body shall be full of light); 23 but if your eye is unhealthy (FF: diseased) (HSR: evil), your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! MM: Now, I will share some words my mother wrote in the margin on this page of her Holy Scriptures: “The light of the body is the eye, let it be single to the purpose of God.” What is flowing to me is that the only way to rightly interpret this passage is metaphysically. When you consider what Jesus said before, about plucking out one of your own eyes should it offend you, causing you to lust after a woman or to covet someone else’s possession, it should be obvious that this is not about your physical eye. It may be referring to your third eye, or the part of brain that discerns right from wrong, light from dark, or about the densities of vibration. It may also refer to the “I” of “I Am”, the Great Spirit of God within YOU. If God’s Spirit is within you, you will be spiritually healthy, but if you have done all you could to disconnect (not acknowledge) God’s Spirit within you, the Divine spark of God that we are all given at birth, then you will be spiritually dead.

(HSR: Additional verses: And, again, I say unto you, Go ye into the world, and care not for the world; for the world will hate you, and will persecute you, and will turn you out of their synagogues. Nevertheless, ye shall go forth from house to house, teaching the people; and I will go before you.) MM: It is interesting that Jesus was telling his disciples, those disciplined enough to LIVE Jesus’ teachings, that the world would hate them. That the world would persecute them and kick them out of their synagogues. I can tell you that while I can appreciate the artistry of the architecture of temples and churches, those buildings do not represent “church” to me. When two or three of us gather to talk about God, Spirit, and the ever unfolding of OMniscience, that is where my “church” is, and I believe God is with us in that moment! We Are All ONE.

24 No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted (FF: honor) to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth. MM: Myriad of books have been written on this subject. But I tell you, if you believe that God owns it all, and we are but a fractal of the ever-reaching, ever-effervescencing OMniscient God, then how can we store up any part, of anything, and call it “ours”?

25 Therefore I tell you, do not worry about (HSR: take no thought for) your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about (FF: respecting) your body, what you will wear. Is not life more (FF: more important) than food, and the body (FF: itself than its clothing) more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air (FF: Just look at the birds in the sky!); they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value (HSR: ye not much better) than they? 27 And can any of you by worrying (FF: fretting) add a single hour to your span of life? 28 And why do you worry about clothing? Consider (FF: Reflect upon) the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive (FF: flourish) today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven (FF: fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ 32 For it is the Gentiles (FF: heathen) who strive (FF: hunt eagerly) for all these things; and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things (HSR: Why is it that ye murmur among yourselves, saying, We cannot obey they word because ye have not all these things, and seek to excuse yourselves, saying that, After all these things, do the Gentiles seek). 33 But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. MM: This continues to provide examples about what to put first, God, or making money. If you but only put the Kingdom of God first, then all of the other things, whatever you have need of, will be given to you. Ahh, doesn’t this simplify this a bit? Before your feet hit the floor each morning, give thanks, pray, meditate, study any and all words that will align your innermost BE-ing with OMniscience OMnipresence that is ever potent, OMnipotent, to ease your way each day. What an Aha this knowing is! How freeing is this? You are not a slave, you are free. The truth sets you free, and the truth is knowing that you and ALL belong to, are a part of LIMITLESS OMniscient God. YOWAH. Great Spirit. 

34 So do not worry (FF: fret) about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries (FF: trouble) of its own (HSR: the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself). Today’s trouble is enough for today (FF: The care of each day by itself is quite enough). MM: It is not needed that you cry about what happened yesterday. Nor will you be anxious about anything that may or may not happen tomorrow. Stay in the NOW. Be present, real, compassionate, and kind with everyone you deal with. With new eyes, you will not see trouble. You will see ease and grace. Love!

Matthew 7

Do not judge (FF: condemn)(HSR: Judge not unrighteously), so that you may not be judged (HSR: but judge righteous judgment). 2 For with the judgment you make (FF: according to the sentence you pronounce) you will be judged (FF: convicted), and the measure you give will be the measure you get. 3 Why do you see the speck (FF: dust) in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log (FF: chip) in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your neighbor, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while the log is in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor’s eye (FF: eye of your brother). MM: Some say that “neighbor” refers to another of like-mind. However, typically a neighbor is defined as someone being situated next to or very near (another). When Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan, he used the word neighbor to define those who happened to be traveling that same road. If we use logic to define the word neighbor, we can discern that a neighbor could be someone we like, versus an enemy that we would choose to stay away from. However, we often cannot choose our neighbors or our family, as we would choose our friends. As well, if we are to love our enemies as Jesus loves us, this seems to expand the meaning in a flowing-outward way. If, therefore, you can love your enemies, everything in life becomes easy. And since Jesus came to forgive us, and indeed save us from suffering and anguish in the after life, it would seem to fit together that He would want to reduce our earthly suffering as well by having us learn to love, looking over differences, and helping anyone when we can, in the moment. Prefer communication over conflict. Side with cooperation over competition. 

(HSR: Additional verse: And Jesus said unto his disciples, Beholdest thou the scribes, and the Pharisees, and the priests, and the Levites? The teach in their synagogues, but do not observe the law, nor the commandments; and all have gone out of the way, and are under sin. Go thou and say unto them, Why teach ye men the law and the commandments, when ye yourselves are the children of corruption?)

6 Do not give what is holy to dogs; and do not throw your pearls before swine, (FF: for fear) or they will trample them under foot and turn and maul (FF: rend) you.

7 Ask, and it will be given you; search (FF: seek), and you will find; knock, and the door (FF: it) will be opened for you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. 9 Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone? 10 Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake (FF: serpent)? 11 If you then, who are evil (FF: corrupt), know how to give good gifts (FF: bestow benefits) to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things (FF: benefits) to those who ask him!

12 In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets. (HSR: Therefore, all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them; for this is the law and the prophets.) (FF: Whatever therefore you wish men to do to you, do the same yourselves to them; for this is the law and the prophets. MM: It seems that by reading different translations of this verse, one could take it in a few different ways. It’s normally thought of as the Golden Rule, but I have met Christians who have told me the Golden Rule is not biblical. Like many things, it is open for debate and interpretation. If you have been following along to this point however, and see Jesus the Christ as a teacher, it seems reasonable to ascribe one meaning to this, yet, if you look upon Jesus the Christ as perfect, and the son of God, son of a LIMITLESS, Ever-Living, Filling-All-Space, Creator God, then I am inclined to believe he is teaching us a Universal truth, that however we wish people to treat us, if we treat them in the pleasing, fair, honest, and kind ways we wish to be treated, it will teach them by example, that we desire to be treated in like manner. It will also set an example (or boundary) for them to know the kind of treatment we will not accept, or at the least (if we are the long-suffering kind), we will not endure forever. 

13 Enter through the narrow (HSR: strait) gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy (FF: well paved) that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. 14 For the gate is narrow (HSR: narrow is the way) and the road is hard (FF: difficult the path) that leads to life, and there are few who find it. MM: If it seems hard to do, that’s most likely the path you should take. You did not choose to come to this earth to have it easy and eat bon-bon’s all day, you came to have many experiences, and learn many lessons. You will not take any physically manifested things with you to the Great Beyond when you leave this earth, but you will want to live a Connected and joyful life, both now and beyond, in whatever form or fashion the eternally, brilliant, pulsating, and thrilling Great Beyond looks like. 

15 Beware of false prophets (FF: false teachers), who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly (FF: in their hearts) are ravenous (FF: plundering) wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? 17 In the same way, every good (FF: useful) tree bears good (FF: useful) fruit, but the bad (FF: worthless) tree bears bad (FF: worthless) (HSR: evil) fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire (FF: be used as firewood). 20 Thus you will know them by their fruits (FF: Reject their produce; for by this you can recognise them). MM: Again, we are admonished to use enough discernment, so as not to be fooled. A good tree might make a mistake now and then, but overall, its fruit is useful. False teachers can come in many roles, not only as a religious teacher. False teachers might be in your family, or someone you may wish to marry. Consider the fruits from anyone you may hold up on a pedestal and take much advice from, before you sign any commitment, be careful of whom you are aligning with. It is said in other scriptures that it is unwise to be unequally yoked. Also, it is quite wise for you to examine your own fruit, to be careful that you learn from any missteps and apologize promptly and with sincerity. If you seem to find trouble at every turn, it might be you who is the worthless tree, producing worthless fruit, so seek out wise counsel and be ready to do the inner work to make the desired changes so for the rest of your life, you will produce useful fruit.

21 Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ (FF: Master!, Master!) will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy (FF: preached) in your name, and cast out demons (HSR: devils) in your name, and do many deeds (HSR: wonderful works) (FF: wonders) of power in your name?’ 23 Then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; go away from me, you evildoers.’ (FF: depart from Me, you traders in lawlessness!) MM: This is the passage that most clearly establishes that there must be a way for us to know, along with the visible fruits of our daily thoughts and actions, whether we are in alignment with God in every moment. This is where the aforementioned God Bumps come into play. Once you know the feeling in your mind and body of alignment with the Divine, straying from that alignment in any moment, is what is meant by this passage as one who does not do the will of God. This also reminds me of a saying from my papa, “A mouth is made to say anything.” So, also a mind can conjure anything. So, just because people use the name of God, Jesus, angels, or such when they make bold claims, speak in tongues, pray aloud, and so forth, does not mean they are genuine. When the Spirit is moving you to speak, it will feel to you as though a team of wild horses cannot stop you–and often, after you have spoken, you will not remember what you said. Some call this channeling, or divine revelation. As well, if someone tells you they have a message from God or Spirit for you and you do not feel the message resonate with your inner being, let it be. In my experience, if a message is meant for you and you do not accept it initially, it will keep coming around in various other ways. Typically, if I receive the same or very similar message three times, (that I otherwise did not resonate with) I pay attention to it.

24 Everyone then who hears these words of mine (FF: listens to these precepts of Mine) and acts on them will be like a wise (FF: reflective) man who built his house on rock. 25 The rain fell (FF: the storm raged), the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act (FF: practice) on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its fall! (FF: and its wreck was complete!)” MM: We are given to know that if our foundation (inner being) is true, if our inner compass is in alignment with God, we can withstand or weather, any storm. There is another scripture verse that goes, “Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” It seems fitting to remind us of this at this time. Know who lives in you, who guides and directs your path. Observe your thoughts, as they become your words.

28 Now when Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astounded at his teaching, 29 for he taught them as one having authority (HSR: from God), and not as their scribes (FF: professors). MM: I can imagine the many people who had never been allowed in a church or synagogue (due to their poverty, illness, or status), and Jesus speaking to them with authority. He would have spoken loving words to them and a message of hope and grace. His words would have brought an end of suffering to those afflicted with disease. Genuine words, not pious, ego-filled words. I can imagine His smile, his hand reaching out to those who begged for mercy or healing. I can imagine His love. It has been said that Jesus could get angry, but to whom was his anger directed. He demands honesty when we serve in His name. If you are attempting to reach your friends, family, neighbor, or enemy, be certain to lay your ego aside and then only speak as the Spirit leads. Being a member of any religion is not what saves any of you. Only what God sees and knows of you in your heart is what will save you. Make sure your whole heart is pure with the intention of always producing useful fruit. 

References:

New Revised Standard Version of the Holy Bible can be found at:

https://www.biblegateway.com

Holy Scriptures of the Restoration

http://amzn.to/2k0uy8s

Ferrar Fenton Bible

https://www.truthunity.net/books/ferrar-fenton-bible-matt.-5

https://www.truthunity.net/books/ferrar-fenton-bible-matt.-6

https://www.truthunity.net/books/ferrar-fenton-bible-matt.-7

Note: By way of writing and presenting this article, I am in no way adding to the sacred words of Holy Scripture, but I am using them in an effort to teach and enlighten ALL. If the words flowing through me in the sections marked as, MM, do not align with your truth (your particular knowing), that’s okay. These words are only offered as another of the myriad perspectives available at any given point in time. Just give thanks, as do I, for your participation.

Love One Another.

Amen. Namaste. OM

Check out this original song, We All Bleed. My husband wrote this song and it was performed and recorded in a Nashville, TN studio. You can download it (it’s Track 14) from this link: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/chevyford27

A bit about me:

An Amazon bestselling author of two co-authored books: “Transform Your Life Book 2 Inspirational Stories and Expert Advice”and “Energy of Receiving”,available on Amazon.

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