Grey Area of my life

A very dear and close friend, who knows me very well (sometimes I think, “too well”) had the courage to challenge me and call me on an area of my life that needs addressing. He was right to do so!

He challenged me to examine my relationship with God, in particular, “do I trust God” in all aspects of my life. The bottom line is that I don’t trust HIM in all aspects of my life. When “things” don’t go the way I want sometimes, in work, business, money, life in general and even relationships, after I ask and seek God’s guidance and grace and am still not satisfied with the direction things are going or the outcome of events or actions and decisions of others, rather than accept it as God’s Plan, I sometimes take my own path to “get what I want.”

The problem is that sometimes in the process of “trying to get what I want” I go off the right path, compromise myself and get into GREY AREAS, rationalizing that my actions are justified b/c the “end result justifies the means.” What a crock of crap! It is amazing how far I will go to “justify” my actions and how I can convince myself that it’s “OK” if I tell a “white lie” here and there, exaggerate to help my cause, not reveal the complete truth. This has come up in business and relationships.

My friend’s approach, which I truly admire, is everything is either BLACK or WHITE. There is no “GREY AREA” as a Christian. The reason his advice is so compelling for me is b/c I know he was beginning to venture into “grey areas” recently and realized mid-stream that is not what he wanted to do. His trust in God allows him to approach everything in his life as strictly BLACK AND WHITE and he has learned to trust that at that point you simply “turn it All over to God.”

I have not achieved that level of Trust in God yet in my faith journey………….but I truly aspire to that.

I find myself sometimes “negotiating or bargaining” with God, which if I am completely honest w/ myself, is completely absurd and so inappropriate. I will give you an example. I may at one moment be very generous by donating money to the homeless, or donating Blood and Platelets to the blood bank which I do on a regular basis. But if I have recently been wronged or mistreated in business or even been cheated in business, I might use that incident to justify moving into the Grey Area by “getting even” with the world by possibly not being completely honest w/ someone else justifying “I deserve it.” Plus I might even rationalize that since I was generous in other areas, my actions “in the grey area” kind of balances out, if I try to get revenge for being wronged…….(when I actually write this down, it is very embarrassing)

I am ashamed to admit this but the point is my friend “called me on it” b/c he has “seen me at my worse.” Yet he chose to try and help me “see the light.”

There is a presentation about the “10 Things God Won’t ASK You On THAT Day.” My favorite is:

“God won’t ask what your highest salary was.
He’ll ask if you compromised your character to obtain it”

So, I am praying today to ask Jesus to please help me be completely aware of those times when I start to move into my ‘grey area’ justifying my actions. I won’t become the perfect Christian instantly but I am committed to continue to work on “me” so I can keep improving. My goal is to be able TRUST God enough to view all aspects of my life in simple BLACK AND WHITE Terms and eliminate ‘grey’ altogether.

I would also like to thank my friend for caring enough to challenge me.

How to Find the GOOD in People

“He who seeks good finds goodwill, but evil comes to him who searches for it.” (King Solomon, Proverbs 11:27, NIV)

“Despite everything, I believe that people are really good at heart.” (Anne Frank, a Jewish girl who died in a Nazi concentration camp during World War 2)

Good morning or evening my friend… I hope you are having a BLESSED and a WONDERFUL day in the Lord today… and I also hope that you are walking in GREAT physical & emotional health today as well!

Today’s inspirational is going to tackle the age-old question of ‘How do we find the GOOD in people’.

After all, everyday that we live… we are bound to run into negative, angry, argumentative, complaining people… who seek to cramp our lives with their negativity… and in turn, that negative energy and heavy spirit that they have on them, rubs off on us…

In my opinion, we get the answer to solving this problem… from the problem itself. And the problem is this — OUR THINKING!

Yes, you heard me right — the problem isn’t with other people (even though they may be negative or do bad things)… the problem starts with us, and our thinking.

Because when it comes down to it, we cannot really control other people and how they act. So instead of us focusing our energy on complaining how bad and horrible others are — let us focus our energy instead on the good points they have… and the good qualities they have!

Whatever you look for in people, you’re going to get back into your life… whether it is good or evil. The man or woman of God who ALWAYS sees the negative and evil in others… is going to reap that in their own life… while the man or woman of God who looks for the GOOD in others, will reap just that in their own lives.

I don’t know about you — but if Anne Frank, a girl just barely into her teens, who had to live in constant fear with her sick family members in a dark, crowded, musty attic for years… because they were trying to evade the evil Nazi soldiers who were snatching up Jews left and right and throwing them into hellish concentration camps… if this young girl can see the good in people, why can’t we?

Who cares if a person is ALWAYS negative? There is good in them!

Who cares if a co-worker is ALWAYS talking about you behind your back? There is good in them!

Who cares if a classmate is bullying you? There is good in them!

Who cares if your spouse is angry at you without just cause? There is good in them!

Find even the smallest good quality that is in a person, just the smallest — and when you have found that quality in them… zero in on that quality and focus in on it… and literally love the hell out of them.

If you truly seek the GOOD in others… you will ALWAYS find goodwill coming back towards your life. Be blessed and have a GREAT day today!

-Daniel

Patience….laugh or you’ll cry

I have been patiently praying for a special intention for my family for a very, very long time. I am also doing everything within my power to try and make this special intention come true. I believe it is in the best interest of my family. I don’t believe what I am praying for is selfish, self serving but will only bring peace and harmony to my family. Everyday I hope my prayers will be answered…..but no, each day comes and no answer.

On the one hand I get so furious, disappointed, at times despondent, and depressed. Then I self-talk myself back to realizing that God is in control and if my prayers are to be answered and if what I am praying for is supposed to happen, it will. If it is not God’s Will, it won’t.

I try so hard to remain open minded that my plans which seem so right and wholesome to me may not be God’s Plan. So I fluctuate between Acceptance and Anger.

I also find that sometimes the best thing to do is to step back, try to see the humor in life, as I know God HAS to have an amazing Sense of Humor, and simply laugh and say, I will wait to see what tomorrow brings and trust that God’s Plan will unfold.

So for the moment, I am going to enjoy these humorous pictures depicting the funny side of Patience, pray that God Answers my prayers, and Hope for tomorrow.

Praise to you O Lord Jesus Christ.

Married 60 years – a Fairytale of Happiness

How many couples do you know who have been married 60 years? I only know one. My wife’s aunt went to Jesus this week. She married at age 15 and died in her loving and devoted husband’s arms 60 years later. She lived in the same house in the same town all those years. She buried 2 of her 3 children.

Here is how I would describe her: Loving, always smiling, bright beautiful sparkling eyes, HAPPY, kind, devoted, always something positive and encouraging to say to everyone and her comments were specific to each individual. Never an unkind word about anyone.

She suffered a lot in the last few years but the times I saw here she was HAPPY, positive and always focused on the person she was with. I always felt “good about myself” in her presence b/c she was so complimentary to me and everyone. And her comments were always personal and meaningful about my life.

To me, she is the perfect example of a loving, caring Christian woman. Devoted and faithful to her husband and family. Her Faith which she freguently and reverently mentioned, was like a bright shining beacon. You could not help but be inspired when you were with her. Everyone was drawn to her b/c of the positive way she made them feel about themselves. She shared the Love of Jesus w/ everyone.

The most impressive thing for me is that here is a woman who buried her children, suffered physically, lead an extremely conservative life (by the modern world’s standards) in a very small midwest town yet she was HAPPY, POSITIVE and LOVING. I believe her faith and the fact that she always focused on other people rather than herself were the key reasons she was so content and HAPPY in life……and now she will forever be content and HAPPY in heaven with Jesus and her family.

Praise to You O Lord Jesus Christ

Worry Simply Doesn’t Work

Worry Simply Doesn’t Work

by Rick Warren

“Don’t worry about anything …” Philippians 4:6a (LB)
“Worry works on us; it doesn’t work for us.”

Today’s devotional is by Tom Holladay, teaching pastor at Saddleback Church and author of ‘The Relationship Principles of Jesus.’

This is the time of year when reality hits. It’s a month into the New Year and you had all these goals for change in your health, your job, your relationships, and so far things look the same as they did in December.

If this is where you are today, if you have real problems and things aren’t working out the way you would like, you have a choice to make. You can either worry and wonder if it’s all going to fall apart, or you can choose to have faith and trust God.

We all struggle with worry in different ways. Some people sweat, some people yell, some people get really quiet. Do you tend to dwell on problems? Do you feel insecure about the future? Do you feel out of touch with God? Do you have physical symptoms of headaches, backaches, or a nervous stomach? Do you find it hard to accept defeat? Do you feel burned out? Do you find loose ends difficult? Do you constantly rehash events? These are all signs of worry and anxiety.

We like to think that worry works for us. It reminds us what needs to get done or it motivates us to get to the next step. But the truth of the matter is this: worry works on us; it doesn’t work for us. It will steal life and create relational difficulties. Until we get something that works better than worry, we are going to keep worrying.

How do you let go of anxiety? This week I want to look at the story in Matthew 8 where Jesus addresses the issue of anxiety and how to deal with it. And we’ll see how to address reality with faith.

God's valentine

God’s Valentine Gift

God’s Valentine gift of love to us

Was not a bunch of flowers;

It wasn’t candy, or a book

To while away the hours.

His gift was to become a man,

So He could freely give

His sacrificial love for us,

So you and I could live.

He gave us sweet salvation, and

Instruction, good and true–

To love our friends and enemies

And love our Savior, too.

So as we give our Valentines,

Let’s thank our Lord and King;

The reason we have love to give

Is that He gave everything.

anger management

Jesus, I have been traveling a lot lately and am exhausted. The problem with working to exhaustion is
1. I lose sight of my priorities, like YOU, family, “down time”, quiet time
2. I am more prone to losing control of my temper as I seem to have less patience, tolerance and peace. I have a serious problem w/ anger management, Especially when I am exhausted
3. I always eat too much when I am exhausted
4. I get depressed
5. I am more vulnerable to Satan’s tempations b/c my resistance is low
6. I am not as polite, gracious and generous with everyone
7. I curse more
8. I become negative which I hate most of all b/c when I am refreshed, rested and in a proper positive frame of mind I am extremely positive and see the “good” and bright side of most people and things
9. When I am tired and negative and angry I see the “bad” and dark side of most people and things….I hate that attitude
10. I don’t pray and talk to you nearly as often when I am exhausted

So, Jesus, it seems obvious to me that I need to try and get more rest and sleep the right amount of hours and at the right times rather than so late.

Praise to You O Lord Jesus Christ

love your enemy

I always cringed when I heard the phrase, “LOVE YOUR ENEMY.” when growing up. I assumed it was not really what they meant but some kind of “metaphor” or exageration to simply make a point. I hated the bully in school, those who made fun of me, or my family, some because they were so different from me I thought we had nothing in common. I didn’t actually think I “hated” them but I knew I didn’t “like” them b/c I thought they were weird! I thought I hated Russians when there was talk of war when growing up (I never met a Russian until college). I was jealous and envious of some who were better, more fortunate, more talented (not good looking, at least….??) and sometimes I found myself resenting them which bordered on hate or at least it seemed to at the time.

As I got older and started getting out in the “real” world and away from my 3,000 person town in S. Indiana (which really does have good, honest and Christian people, but we were all very much alike in many ways there) I realized there were a LOT more people a whole lot different than me with different beliefs, looks, languages, religion, skin color, traditions, values, backgrounds, orientations and so on.

As I got older I also started taking my religious beliefs more seriously and more literally. I was always amazed that Jesus could actually ask God to forgive those who crucified and killed HIM on the cross. Jesus said “Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do.”

The closer I got to Jesus, the more I realized if I was going to get to heaven, the more I had to act, think and respond the Way HE did. I started slowly looking at people I did not know, did not like, found their ways foreign even at times disgusting to me. There were various groups I had to stop and realize that my feelings alternated between dislike, disapproval and hate.

I have not yet achieved the level of love, forgiveness and acceptance of all God’s children HE wants for me but I know I am making progress. I try very hard to separate their actions, looks, words, and background from the Living Spirit in them that God Placed there in their soul. When I look for that Spirit, regardless of their actions and words, I find it “easier” at times to “Love my enemy.” “Enemy” in this context may not be a mortal enemy but could be anyone I don’t approve of, agree with or understand. If their words have harmed me, embarrassed me or insulted me, I try to separate the words from who they are. I was robbed once on a trip to Chicago in my early 30′s and I hated them for the longest time b/c they made me feel so helpless and defenseless. It is hardest for me to love others when their actions and words affect me personally or my family and friends.

But when I try to view everyone in much the same way that God views us all…..equal, the same inside, the same Immortal soul, with the same God the Father, All of us Children of God, the same equal choice to choose God and Eternity with HIM…that vision helps me screen away their actions and words and embrace everyone b/c we are all the Same in God’s Eyes. He loves us all. He expects me to do the same.

And I am committed to try and work towards that end.

Praise to you O Lord Jesus Christ.

Prophecy

Jesus says, “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and upon the earth distress of nations in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves …” (Luke 21:25)

Over 10,000 years ago Hopi Indian elders of North America received visions of the future. Amazingly, these ancient visions accurately predicted the arrival of the white men who would take away their land, the movement of wagon trains across the plains by the pioneers, domestic long-horn cattle, and clearly described the railroad tracks, roads, and telephone lines that would cover the earth like a giant spider web. Their ancient glimpse into the future revealed what the Hopi call the great earth shakings of the first and second world wars, giant oil spills that would kill many living things in the sea, as well as the hippie movement of the 1960’s. The visions warned that if rocks were brought back to earth from the moon it would precipitate the severe weather and earthquakes that are now being reported almost daily in the news. It is truly amazing that they had this vision thousands of years before space flight was even possible, but it is even more amazing that the Apollo 11 mission actually did bring rocks back from the moon in 1969! As astonishing, as these ancient visions of the Hopi are it is important to realize that they are not merely a message about what was going to happen in the future. These ancient visions represents a great warning about something even more chilling – what the Hopi Indians call “the Great Purification” – which predicts that the countries that first received the light (India, China, Africa, and Palestine) will begin world war three. Ultimately, this war will rain “gourds of ash” (nuclear bombs) upon the United States, boiling the rivers, and making the land barren. The Hopi believe that this time of Purification is the advent of the return of the “true white brother” who will usher in a new world of everlasting life and transform the world into its former pristine state of abundance and beauty. The Hopi elders see these prophesized events as signs that the great destruction is coming very soon.

Jesus says, “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and upon the earth distress of nations in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, men fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” And he told them a parable, “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees; as soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.” (Luke 21:25-31) The Hopi Prophecy echoes the same message of Jesus in eerie detail, even predicting that at the time of the Great Purification the “true” white brother would appear! But it is not just the ancient Hopi Prophecy, or the warnings of Jesus that reveal that the world seems to be swiftly approaching what is called the end times or Armageddon. CNN just ran a series of documentaries called God’s Warriors that begin to unveil the truth of what is plunging the world into civil unrest and global terrorism. What the CNN documentary exposes is that it is not just nations, politics, or religion that is leading us on a path of destruction, but the combination of all three. Judaism, Islam, and Christianity, all believe in the “end times” or final judgment and are quite sure that they are the people chosen by God to enter the Kingdom of Heaven also known as paradise. It is the clash of these three religions, as well as the geo-political organizations, extreme fundamentalism, and terrorists organizations that have emerged from them that is the source of the ongoing bloodshed in the Middle East and the world. When you look at each religion and the associated geo-political agenda of each religious orientation, you can visibly see the passion, faith, history, and complexity of each religious belief system. People of every religion are so passionate in their faith that they are willing to die for their beliefs, but there is one very simple reason why this clash was inevitable and it is almost never discussed. What is this simple reason and how can it help us understand the teaching of Jesus on an even deeper level?

Long before Jesus was born, the Hopi elders carved a drawing into the face of a rock. For centuries, its hidden meaning has been passed down from generation to generation. The ancient drawing depicts two paths on which people can walk through life; the true path of balance and the false path of destruction. It is known as Prophecy Rock, simply because it represents a time-line that eventually leads to time of the Great Purification. The people on the path of destruction are what the Hopi call two-hearted people. A two-hearted person is one who thinks with his head rather than his heart. According to the Hopi, two-hearted people think material gain is more important than spiritual wisdom or living in balance with nature. As Jesus illuminates, “Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is easy, that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:13-14)

The Hopi elders saw the two-hearted people living in the land of stone(cities) that separated them from nature. They describe them as people who have forgotten their spiritual roots, have no relationship with God, and are out of balance because they only think with their mind, which ultimately leads to self-destruction. The drawing has a vertical line that connects the two paths just before the Great Purification is prophesized to occur, this vertical line depicts a junction where the two-hearted people have a choice to leave the path of destruction by thinking with their hearts or continue on the path of destruction. Once they begin to think with their hearts, they will gradually return to the true path of balance – the path of salvation. According to the prophecy, many two-hearts will choose to leave materialism behind and lead a life in balance with nature.

Jesus explains, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth, and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is not sound, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!” (Matthew 6:19-23) Jesus knew that the things of this world do not offer you any lasting happiness and is pointing to the source of eternal peace and joy. As you turn your attention to the source of your heart you will see the great light that you are – a joy without end! It is living from heart, as heart, that you naturally live the life of grace that Jesus envisioned for everyone! Your heart is the gateway of everlasting life!

The most striking thing about the CNN documentary God’s Warriors is that whether people identify themselves as Jewish, Christian, or Muslim, they all demonstrate an incredible passion and willingness to die for their faith. The focus of this series of documentaries is on extremism and highlights how fundamentalist beliefs can turn even the most sublime spiritual teaching into justification for violence and death. Of course, each religion believes that they are the “chosen” ones of God and the only way to achieve salvation. It is a natural tendency to believe that your way is the right way, and another person’s way is the wrong way. How many times have you argued with someone just to prove that you are right?! But it is this fundamental idea that you are right and someone else is wrong that has the power to reveal what is deeper than the polarizing ideas of “you” versus “me” or “my way” versus “your way.”

Jesus says, “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is not sound, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!” (Matthew 6:22-23) What does Jesus mean by sound? If the eye is the lamp of the body where does the light come from? What is this light? Who is looking through the lamp of the body before name and form? Jesus is revealing the secret….the same secret that the ancient Hopi Indian elders knew….where your treasure is there will your heart be also! When you focus your attention on your heart you realize that you are the eternal light shining through lamp of the body! And how great is the light! This is thinking from the heart as heart! Wow!!!!!!

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam represent a clash of ideologies, politics, and government, that is the source of all of the conflict we are witnessing daily in the news. Jews believe that Jesus is not the Messiah for the simple reason that peace did not reign on earth after his crucifixion. They believe that when the true Messiah comes peace will reign over the entire earth. They also believe that all of the Palestinian land is the land promised to them by Moses and they are willing to die to have the privilege of living on what they believe is sacred. Palestinians believe that Islam is the only true faith and Jews, who are infidels (non-believers in Islam), are stealing land that is sacred to them and they are willing to fight to the death to keep them off “their” land. In addition, Muslim extremists believe that anyone who is not Muslim is the infidel and must be either converted or killed. They believe that Islam must be the religion of the entire world and are willing to kill themselves to kill the infidel and is the primary reason for their terrorist attacks on the United States and Europe.

The CNN documentary also reveals that Shiite Muslims still beat their chests and weep over the death of their beloved saint Imam Husayn, the grandson of Muhammad, who was killed by Sunni Muslims over 1400 years ago. He is considered by the Shiites to be one of the great martyrs of their faith who symbolizes their continuing belief that it is a very great honor it to give your life for Islam and is the source of inspiration for many courageous acts in battle (the warrior hoping to achieve martyrdom). Still other Muslims believe that there is a “hidden” Imam who will return to restore peace to the entire world and that Jesus will come back to help everyone recognize Islam as the true faith. Christians believe that Jesus is the Messiah and he will return. The fundamental tenant of Christianity is that everlasting life and salvation are only possible through the acceptance of Jesus Christ as lord and savior – which, of course is not possible for a devout Jew or Muslim. Can you begin to see how the clash of these religions, geo-political governments, and terrorist organizations will never end?

Jesus says, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist one who is evil. But if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also; and if any one would sue you and take your coat, let him have your cloak as well; and if any one forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to him who begs from you, and do not refuse him who would borrow from you.” “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matthew 5:38-44)

Jesus was born to show everyone a different way – the way of love, freedom, and peace. Violence, regardless of religious belief, is not the way of God. Anyone who is willing to use violence in the name of God is someone the Hopi call “two-hearted” people who are thinking and acting with their mind alone. It is this “us” versus “them” mentality that is the source of all conflict. Violence is simply not condoned by the scriptural teaching of these three great religions, but the unfortunate truth is, if someone is passionate enough about their faith that they are willing to die for what they believe is true, no one can stop them, not an army, bomb, government, political movement, or even religion. The reason is simply that most people in the world lack a very basic and simple understanding of themselves.

Jesus says, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matthew 6:24) Mammon is means money or more accurately the love of money. Materialism, power, greed, hatred, death, all arise from a single source - ego. Fundamentally, Judaism, Islam, and Christianity, all fail to understand the innate ability of ego to twist anything, even the most sublime truth, into polarizing ideas, beliefs, dogma, and ideologies that can ultimately lead to violence and death. Of course, all of these religions are aware of the psychology and meaning of ego, but this is an intellectual understanding only.

What does Jesus mean when he says, “No one can serve two masters?” Is he referring just to money or something else? Money is an idea and only has the value you give to it, so money has no power in of itself to be a master over you, but there is something else; an invisible force within you that does have that power. In fact, there is hidden battle raging within you as well as everyone else. It is a battle that very few notice, which is comprised of thoughts and desires that are constantly running through your mind and body. This is the second master that Jesus is pointing out! God is one master. The other is your own ego. Ego is the source of all of your thoughts, desires, and identities, and originates from the thought “I” or more simply “I am me” which is ultimately is the source of your mind.

Ego is desire. All of your desires, good and bad, arise from ego. Ego is the source of all conflict or the idea “us” and “them.” As Jesus points out you cannot serve God and ego, or you will end up loving one and hating the other or devoted to one and despising the other simply because this is the nature of your ego – the nature of mind – to look outside itself for fulfillment, which only creates more desire and conflict. The only way to end the conflicts that arise from desire is to find its source, but very few people ever stop to see the source of their own ego. Even fewer stop and ask themselves; Where did this “I” thought arise from? If you keep your attention on the source of this primordial thought “I” a peace that surpasses all understanding will arise of its own accord!

Jesus says, “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:1-6) It is the natural tendency of your ego to judge others or try fix or change them. Again, Jesus reveals that you must look deeply at yourself first and take the “log” that is blinding you about the truth of who you are and who your brother is! When you look deeply within yourself there is no movement and you become the peace that uplifts your brother, sister, mother, father, or friend!

Jesus says, “For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:14) The reason so few find this narrow gate is that it is in the very last place you would think to look! The thought “I” is the narrow gate and it originates in your heart! To enter the narrow gate you have to stop everything for a single moment and look deep within the sacred realm or your heart to see what exists before this “I” thought, before your breath. Take a moment and look to see the source of yourself. When you recognize this source, this light that is shining through your eyes, a peace that transcends all understanding arises of its own accord. It is in the awareness of this eternal source that you will fall through the narrow gate! Once you fall through this gate you will realize that this gate never really existed, simply because you are that eternal light that your ego was looking for!

Jesus is always pointing to the narrow gate of your own heart, but it is so very very very difficult to perceive that almost no one ever discovers this narrow gate of endless grace. This is the fundamental reason why Armageddon is inevitable. Almost no one is willing to really stop and discover the peace that is within them simply because they are unaware or the simply do not believe that eternal peace is alive with in them at the core of their being. Of course, this cannot remain as concept, for it to have any value, you have to stop and see for yourself!

The ancient Hopi elders knew the importance of thinking from your heart simply because your heart is the source of the eternal light of God – the eternal compassion, and peace that no word or words can ever fully describe. As Jesus explains, “You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14)

Why not stop for a moment and be one of those special few that really looks where Jesus is pointing and actually enter the narrow gate of eternal life?! Stop for a moment and discover for yourself that you are the peace that you are seeking!

Peace begins with you! Focus on your heart and know that you are the peace of God!

The Lion and the Lamb

Jesus said, “Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.” (Matthew 26:52)

To prevent the casual onlooker from deciphering his secret scientific analysis and mysterious inventions he wrote his notes backwards in what is known as mirrored script. Credited as being a man far ahead of his time, he designed a parachute, airplane, cannon, tank, as well as the first robot. More than a scientist or inventor, he is recognized the world over as the artist who created the famous paintings of the Last Supper and the Mona Lisa. Attention to detail is the key to understanding the almost photographic quality of the mysterious paintings of Leonardo Da Vinci. He used his scientific skill to study the nature of light, reflection, and form, but more importantly he examined how light interacts with the human eye, how the body moves, and how light reflects off of surfaces. He even dissected several human bodies to understand the hidden structure of the human form. This very detailed scientific study enabled him to perfect painting techniques that capture light and form to such a degree that his paintings take on an almost photographic realism. As incredible as his paintings are, Leonardo Da Vinci has captured global attention in recent months because of his mysterious connection to the Knights Templar, which was a religious order made up of highly trained elite knights. The initial purpose of the Knights Templar was to protect pilgrims that where traveling to the Holy Lands, but it was also one of the elite fighting forces of the Crusades whose primary purpose was to regain control of the Holy Lands from Muslim rule. Leonardo’s secret relationship with the Knights Templar has been the source of a growing controversy that began with the best selling book The Da Vinci Code.

Jesus said, “Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.” (Matthew 26:52) Almost from the beginning, there was controversy that swirled around the elite fighting force of the Knights Templar, whose very purpose seemed to contradict the teaching of Jesus Christ. The Order at its outset was subject to strong criticism, especially the idea that religious men could also carry swords. In response to these critics, Bernard of Clairvaux, the original patron of the Knights Templar, wrote a multi-page treatise entitled De Laude Novae Militae (In Praise of the New Knighthood), championing their mission, in which he strongly supported the concept of killing in the name of Christ. However, it was not this treatise that gave the Knights Templar legitimacy and power, but the papal bull, Omne Datum Optimum, signed into effect in 1139 by Pope Innocent II. This papal bull granted the Knights Templar with the unprecedented power to pass freely through any border, freedom from taxation, and were subject to no one’s authority except that of the Pope. It is not their legendary power that has given rise to the most recent controversy, but an unusual image that appears when a mirror image of Leonardo Da Vinci’s painting of The Last Supper is overlaid onto the original painting creating a composite image in which, three Knights, the Holy Grail, and an infant mysteriously appear. Perhaps even more interesting is that there was so much interest in this composite image that the website that originally displayed it received over 15 million hits crashing the web server (Please see mysterious image on the next page).What can this mysterious religious order and this latest controversy over Da Vinci’s mysterious painting teach us about the limitless light, love, and compassion of Jesus Christ?

Slavisa Pesci, an information technologist and amateur scholar, discovered that by superimposing the Last Supper with its mirror-image creates a completely different picture. In a recent interview Savisa Pesci explained, “I came across it by accident, from some of the details you can infer that we are not talking about chance but about a precise calculation.” Historians are skeptical of this theory stating that the composite image is too blurry to make this speculation, but given the fascination that Leonardo had with secrecy and mirror writing it makes sense that he would hide another mirror image within his famous painting.

John the Baptist saw Jesus walking toward him and exclaimed, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”(John 1:29) The official head of the Knights Templar order was known as the Grand Master who had their own hand made seals that were used to validate documents approved by the order. The seal was the equivalent of a modern day signature, but in a time when the majority of people were illiterate, the seal was an acknowledgment of a document’s authenticity. The Knights Templar would have needed a seal whose imagery expressed something positive about their organization and many of the Grand Masters chose Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) as the central theme of their seal. Since the seal represented the power of Knights Templar, their seals were closely guarded and stored in a box, which required three keys to open it!

The Agnus Dei seal was meant to convey the idea that the Knights Templar were sacrificing their lives for Jesus, but the image of Agnus Dei conceals their true nature, which was more like a lion poised to kill. Although the Knights Templar was considered a religious order they were in fact a group of highly trained elite soldiers. Like other religious orders they made a solemn oath of chastity, poverty, and obedience giving all the material wealth that the owned to the order. But the Knights Templar were very different from other religious orders because they also swore an oath to fight to the death and were known to be reckless in battle in the hopes of achieving martyrdom as the most honorable death. Even their horses were trained to fight and were known to kick and bit the enemy during battle.

Jesus said, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace on earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man’s foes will be those of his own household. He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and he who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:34-39) Jesus is revealing the hidden war. It is not war the way we think of war, but more accurately a war between freedom and bondage that lives within you. If you choose the freedom that Jesus is offering you, it can literally turn those who are choosing bondage against you – even your father or mother! Wow!

Jesus illuminates, “He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:39) Your body is a desire body. If you follow your desires outward toward the world you will find “your life” and be dead to your eternal nature. On the other hand, if you turn your attention to the source within you at the core of your being you will discover the joy of eternal life – you will be dead to the desires (sins) of the body, but alive in the eternal light of within you! Wow! Wow! Wow! As Jesus intimates, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14)

Of course, when you examine the Knights Templar more closely you will discover that they were more than an elite fighting force, they were a special group of men who were willing to fight to the death to protect something. The obvious question is; what was it that they were protecting? Most historians agree that they were willing to fight to the death to regain control of the Holy Lands and protect Holy Relics such as the True Cross – the cross on which Jesus was crucified. The True Cross was discovered by Empress Helena, mother of Constantine, when she traveled to the Holy Land around 312 A.D to establish churches and relief agencies for the poor. It was at this time that she discovered the hiding place of three crosses used at the crucifixion of Jesus and the two thieves that were executed with him. Through a miracle healing it was revealed which of the three was the True Cross.

The Knights Templar were known to have a piece of the True Cross and often carried it into battle with them, but as the book The Da Vinci Code suggests, there is a legend that suggests that the Knights Templar were protecting something far more powerful than any relic. Many people believe that the secret code of the Knights Templar was established by the Vatican to protect the sacred bloodline of Jesus Christ. It is based on the theory that Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene and had a child. Of course, since there is a baby in this new composite image it is raising renewed interest in this legend.

Jesus said, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed upon the housetops. I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.” (Luke 12:2-4) It is easy to get caught up in the controversy swirling around Leonardo Da Vinci and Dan Brown’s book the Da Vinici Code. As Jesus illuminates nothing remains a secret in the infinite light of God. Again and again, Jesus points you to that which is eternal, that which as far more importance than any legend or theory regarding the Knights Templar or the Da Vinci Code.

And Jesus awoke and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. The controversy that is swirling around the Da Vinci code and this latest mysterious image is a great wind that has the power to distract you from the deepest Truth, but if you simply stop for a moment and listen very closely to your heart you can hear Jesus whispering to you, “Peace! Be still!” When you stop for a moment and allow your mind to rest in your heart a peace that surpasses all understanding washes over you. This is the message of Jesus – the eternal message of lasting peace. This peace is always available to you. It is available to everyone!

Jesus illuminates, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27) It is easy to become troubled by various events in the world, but if you stop for just a moment you will discover that lasting peace is always present within you at the core of your being. This is the true Agnes Die that quenches the never ending thirst of the roaring lion of your ego.

Jesus says, “My peace I give to you; not as the world gives…” Jesus gives not as the world gives simply because he is giving you what you already have! Wow!

You are the peace that you are seeking.

Simply stop for a moment right now and see!