A Practical Application of Spiritual Truth

Table of Contents

All of my work is a direct result of a spiritual experience that gave my life new direction and purpose.  It reminded me of the spiritual experience Saul had on the road to Damascus... it has had similar results.

DEDICATIONS

This Book is Dedicated to Almighty God.

AUTHOR’S NOTE

I have taken my stand in the midst of the world.  I find the majority of humankind deluded.  I find few people searching for truth, actually thirsting for and implementing the wisdom of God.

My soul aches for humankind en masse, because they are blind in their hearts and do not see.  For they came into the world empty, and unless there is intervention, they will depart from the world empty.

We pray that you now transform every barrier into a way of finding and accepting truth.  Father, grant us spiritual strength and wisdom as we affirm our innocence.                       

FAITH WITHOUT GOOD WORKS IS USELESS

Nothing takes the place of faith with good works.  Education will not; the world has its share of educated derelicts and dupes.  Talent will not; there are plenty of unsuccessful people with talent.  Skill will not; the unfulfilled professional is proverbial.  Blind faith will not; the world has multitudes of uneducated know-it-all's.

INTRODUCTION

Principles of the Spirit delves into the Universal Laws of life, health, friendship, and nature.  In treating the whole person, it encompasses universally spiritual, socio-cultural, and objective health-related concepts and principles. 

One of the many ingredients for successful living as presented in Principles of the Spirit is violation of body temple and God’s universal principles of morality and decency.  And unless science makes a major medical discovery, premature death as a result of HCV (Hepatitis C),  and HIV/AIDS will surpass all other causes of death.  They will be a major symptom, as well as source, of our social problems. 

EFFECTS OF THOUGHT

Many people think their thoughts are secret; they are not.   Thought affects our demeanor and character.  Negative thought reeks.  Pure thought has a charismatic effect.  Many times people sense our nature and personality through our aura or body language.  (Which come from our habitual thoughts.)

A wholesome disposition can help us age with grace.  An unwholesome disposition promotes harsh ill-favored contours of the body and on the face.  Good thought is salubrious.

LIFE ON LIFE’S TERMS

Not only did Almighty God, Creator of Life, set in operation the laws that govern the clockwork-like movement of the universe, He also set in motion universal laws and rules for all of creation; and for human beings placed on planet earth.

He has given us free will, a mind... and a magnificent opportunity to be redeemed.

THE OBSESSION WITH SELF

From the moment of our birth, the customs into which we were born helped shape our experience and behavior.  Before we learned to speak, our environment began conditioning us.  We developed the ability to listen and comprehend, yet could not differentiate truth from falsehoods.  We constantly received ambiguous messages about the world, from a variety of sources, how we should think, feel and behave.

RELATIONSHIPS

Co-dependency is one of many elements of the dysfunctional relationship.   It can be extremely painful.  It’s often blinding.

It can be fatal... if the co-dependent puts their life in the hands of an abusive person or someone in high risk of having or acquiring the HIV virus.  Co-dependents often injure family and friends with their irrational conduct.  When two co-dependents are in a relationship they generally can't let go; they drag each other into ongoing misery and blame it on their partner.  Sometimes it’s hard to diagnose co-dependents because they often do seemingly good deeds with misplaced motives and inadequate perception.

DENIAL

Denial is a defense.  It can be used positively... as well as negatively.  For example: positive denial: I deny the nonexistence of God.  This is a type of faith.  Self-denial is also positive denial: “Thy will, not mine, be done.”  We can receive divine inspiration and experience true fulfillment... as we become willing to be emptied of self.

HIGH RISK BEHAVIOR

In the present situation, high-risk behavior is a more deceptive god than alcohol or chemical dependency.  Chemical abuse generally incapacitates the individual, fostering a slow death.  The sting of HIV appears to kill every time. 

THE ILLUSION OF SHAME

Shame was originally a defense.  In the garden paradise, our ancestors realized they were naked... and clothed themselves.  What originated as a defense has been perverted by Lucifer and his subordinate demons

SUBMISSION

Periodically, in submission, we accept things consciously but not unconsciously.  We consent or comply passively.  There is a feeling of reservation.  In this type of submission, our inflated ego has been suppressed, but not dislodged from sovereignty.  

ACCEPTANCE

Acceptance is the art of facing life.  Acceptance means admitting and facing our disabling behaviors, and accepting truth.

Sooner or later, many of us reach a point where life seems too big to cope with.  This actually never happens, but can appear to happen... if we lose our perspective.

SURRENDER

To many, surrender implies weakness and shame.  In our idea of affliction’s purpose, surrender is seen as a human necessity and a positive evidence of strength.  This type of surrender is not giving up or giving in- in the ordinary sense.   It is giving up the idea that we could ever do anything about our maladies, and transferring self-dependence to dependence upon God. 

FREEDOM THROUGH STRUCTURE

Freedom and structure are not enemies.  Does this surprise you?  It is a paradox, but they are inseparable companions.  Principles of the Spirit are life-giving; they don’t inhibit life, they help give us a future.  

THE INFLATED EGO

Many of us are in a state of denial.  At the core of the world’s problems is self-centeredness.  This defiance and obsession with self, based on ignorance, and a lack of spiritual knowledge and faith: are at the root of all evil. 

HUMILITY

...is like our eyes, we use them, but we actually never see them.  Its nature is righteousness, conformity with the Law.  To name humility is not to define it, to live humbly is to know it.  Humility is not mere knowledge or wisdom... it is a progressive experience in divine demonstration- wholeheartedly choosing to fulfill God’s will.

VIRTUES OF WISDOM

Empathy is the activity of vicarious introspection or vicarious affective response through which we are able to share the feelings and responses of others.   Recovery and spiritual development without true empathy can become arrogance.  Without empathy there is little humility.  Empathy without humility can trigger a form of co-dependency.

Humility and empathy are imperative for their preventive potential in preserving mental, emotional, and spiritual health; they are interwoven virtues which future spiritual, social, and cognitive development depend upon.  They are in fact a catalyst that could change the course of humankind.

TWELVE INGREDIENTS OF PERSONALITY

Let’s look at some basic elements of personality:

1.  The ability to think, to reason, to acquire knowledge.

2.  Feelings and emotions.

3.  The capacity to decide, to make choices- to use the will. 

Keeping these in mind, let's consider:

How do we avoid an adulterated and impotent life?  This chapter has some ideas for a full and rewarding life.  Implementing these ingredients will help develop a base for a sound psychological structure:

TWELVE KEYS TO AVOID TEMPTATION

Materialism, sexual lust, drug and alcohol abuse are ranked as the primary temptations for most people.  These are followed by false pride and self-centeredness.  

1. We must perceive and acknowledge our temptations- and be aware that when temptation comes we are not alone in it, and trust in God to overcome it. 

2.  We need to be alert and attentive, clean and sober; realizing that drugs and alcohol destroy our will to resist.

TAKE TIME FOR TWELVE THINGS

1.  TAKE TIME TO WORSHIP GOD —

     It is a highway of reverence... it opens our eyes to an eternal perspective.

2.  TAKE TIME TO LOVE —

     It is the real sacrament of life.

IS ANYBODY OUT THERE? UNANSWERED PRAYERS

We must realize how important private prayer is to our personal well being, as well as to our fellow human beings who are looking for assurance and meaning in life.

Those of us who are born again know God answers prayer because we’ve experienced it.  But we also must know that His answers aren’t always predictable.  Many times when it seems God isn’t doing anything about our prayers, it’s tempting to lower our expectations, based on the feeling that prayer doesn’t make any difference.  Other times, just as many people blame God for their self-incurred plights, so do many of us blame ourselves for unanswered prayers. 

A LOOK AT SPIRITUAL TRUTH

In the spiritual life, we explore the fourth dimension and the sixth sense.   The fourth dimension and the sixth sense are of the spirit.  We often become so preoccupied with the five senses (seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling and tasting) that we ignore the sixth sense: the sense of the spirit.  Many times we tend to lose ourselves in the three dimensions: the emotional (feeling), mental (thinking), and physical (doing) dimensions- forgetting the fourth dimension: the dimension of the spirit. 

SOME LAWS OF LIFE

This practice of Universal Laws will be pleasant when there is enlightened surrender of the lower will.  By this, we link ourselves to the world above.  And every blessing needed for this life is ours.  This means that our God of love recognizes and blesses those who live by the Law of love.

This pleasant state of being reflects the purity of Father God, embedded in us.  In short, we convert into a reflection and an instrument of the Holy Spirit.  “Those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength and climb up with wings as eagles.”

As the sunbeam imparts to the rainbow its varied and delicate tints, so does God give to the soul the beauty of His integrity.  As we turn toward Jesus, the Holy Spirit brings to our character the graces of Father God.  Rejoice that we are at one with God, the universe and every good thing in it.

GLEANINGS: PREPARE THE WAY

Prepare yourself to praise the glory of God’s grace and mercy.  Walk in all His ways.  Know that all things work together for good.  Instill Almighty God’s commandments, laws, and judgments into your mind and heart... fear the Lord.  Submit to the commandments, and all the Laws of God.  Serve God and be faithful to Him- with all your mind- with all your heart, and He will bless you.   May grace, mercy, serenity and joy pervade you.

GLEANINGS: A TESTIMONY OF JESUS

Matthew 25:31-46

GLEANINGS: A GLANCE AT THE BIG PICTURE

He Knew Us Before We Were Formed In The Womb

Because all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, we will bear the Lord’s wrath until He affirms our faith before Almighty God.

For a brief moment, in a surge of anger God abandoned us to the devil; but with everlasting kindness He will restore those who repent, those with a contrite heart.   He will make us strong, firm and steadfast.

GLEANINGS: THE HAND OF GOD

God disciplines His children, as good parents discipline the children they delight in.  As children sometime doubt their parents' judgment, we have also doubted God.  We must learn to trust God without reservation; He is full of compassion and mercy.  We must strive to understand God’s lessons and accept His discipline.

GLEANINGS: THE FEAR OF GOD

The wrath of God is being issued from heaven, against godless, wicked and debased people!  Do not lust after the flesh, or be deceived by its beautiful appearance, nor be allured by a seductive tongue.   After all, Satan appears as a beautiful angel and he is the “father of lies.”  His illuminations lead to affliction, his ways to hell.

GLEANINGS: THE ROAD IS NARROW

Seek first the eternal principles of God and the root of His commandments, and all blessings entrusted to us will be managed according to His eternal wisdom.  Unregenerate man desires things of the world first; worldly desires precede spiritual knowledge.  In fact, most people do not understand how to manage the things they desire or what their real value is (how they should be used for God's purposes).

GLEANINGS: CHILDREN OF THE SPIRIT

We have one Master, our Lord Jesus Christ.  He is the luminary of the heavenly and eternal dwelling place, the One to whom all judgment is committed, the Conqueror of the enemies of God and His people.  He is seen in the position of sovereign glory and honor, which He shares equally with the Father. 

His sacrifice is the basis of redemption and of divine vengeance.  Through His sacrifice, comes the power that avails those who accept the salvation thereby provided.  It also spurs divine wrath for the rejector, and the defier of almighty God.  Magnificent is this opportunity that God has granted the elect, that we may be redeemed and called His children.

SPIRITUAL DEGRADATION AND IMMORALITY

Within the book Revelation is a blueprint of what the future holds.  It is intended as a spiritual warning to prevent us from following worldly ways: to reassure the afflicted, to chasten the tempted, to strengthen those who suffer persecutions and sufferings inflicted by Satan and his subordinate demons.   Some of the contents of this book seem bitter; there are things that sound awful and terrible.

As were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the plagues referred to in the Bible; plagues that incite violence and kill one third of mankind.  Before the flood people were living in unmitigated defiance, acting as if everything was fine; and not until it started raining, and the waters began rising, and the flood was sweeping them away, did they realize their predicament.

A MAJOR MEDICAL DISASTER

Planet earth is in the throes of a major medical disaster.  Most people deny or ignore the possible consequences of the synergistic effect of the gray wave, global warming, population growth, HCV, HBV and the HIV/AIDS pandemic.  So most people go about their tasks and aspirations, oblivious that we are being penetrated by plagues whose outcome is disaster.

THE NEW WORLD ORDER

The debate is complicated, and seemingly valid points are made by Super Powers proposing the New World Order, but before final judgments are declared, you should understand the design and identity of the New World Order.

We as Spiritually minded people must denounce and rebuke this system; it is a drastic, draconian measure that violates in every way the God-given rights of the individual and the human race.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCES OF TRANSFORMATION

With diligence and scrupulous attention we progress.  It is not enough to be educated.  Right living, right relationships go with right doctrine.  We must be disciplined as individuals, and orderly as a group.   We don’t practice these things because we are hoping for a reward.  We need to confess and commit ourselves to God with joy and thankfulness, in love of service.

A VISION FOR US

We realize we have just begun this journey to wisdom and knowledge.  God will gradually disclose more to us if we are persistent-- in meditation and attention.

In our morning prayers we ask what we can do to carry the Gospel effectively.  Answers will come if our own lives are in order.  We keep a conscious contact with reverence in this way... and through meditation... so that great events can come our way.

SOME IDEAS FOR HEALTH

Men and women write, argue, and fight-- even die-- for their spiritual belief.  Here is a call to live for it. 

This chapter explains how we can start living healthier lives through awareness.  Remember that those who refuse correction and change are their own worst enemy. 

To maintain health is a moral and spiritual duty, for health is a foundation for most social virtues.  Living can become a burden when we are not well.

A TYPICAL PRAYER GUIDE

Of no real interest to me today are self-seeking and impurity.  Love of brotherhood, charity, and cheerfulness are within me.   God grant me integrity, wisdom, good judgment and courage.  I want to develop them.  Perseverance in service can grow in me.  This happens when I am generous in giving, encouraging in conversation, and economical in spending.

FRIENDSHIPS - GETTING AND KEEPING THEM

Would you like to have more real friends?  Or would you like closer friendships?  If your answer is yes, this chapter can help.

SOME BASIC CONCEPTS FOR FRIENDSHIPS

Friendships can be mirrors... they often reflect our truest selves.   They are vital to our spiritual, mental and emotional well-being.  A principal focus of a spiritual life is to increase our ability to interact successfully with our fellows.

THE LIVING FAMILY A GOD CREATED INSTITUTION

A rich, full life and an easy life are not compatible, for one cannot have a good life without working at it.  Most of us are required to go into a work-a-day world and be in it, but not of it.  A person living successfully in community life is faith in action.  

Marriage is more than a 50-50 proposition.  Each person must be prepared to give 100% of themselves to God, and 100% to each other.  By wholeheartedly cooperating with God’s laws, married couples enrich, strengthen, and deepen their love for each other.  This enhances the welfare of their children and the welfare of humanity.

PARENTHOOD - DUTIES

Childbearing is meant to be the consummation of a love that grows as it creates, and creates as it grows.  The human instinct to protect and care for children was never more highly developed than in our Master. 

Prospective mothers and fathers need to be warned that they need to abstain from nicotine, alcohol, drugs, and most medications in order to decrease the likelihood of birth defects.  Researchers have found that many chemical agents damage sperm as well as the embryo.

FACETS OF NATURE

The masses won’t accept truth.  We see no alternative solution (than truth) to save a planet now being destroyed by self-centeredness.  Human plans for the purification and uplifting of humanity and society will fail more often than not.  Why?  Because they don’t address or reach the sinful nature.  The only power that can create and perpetuate real peace, the only power that can change the sinful nature of humankind: is the Spirit of God.  “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord Almighty.”

BE HERE NOW

As we develop our relationship with God the philosophy of living in the moment becomes clearer.  Many people claim life is tough.  Compared to what?   We learn that life is an opportunity to substantiate our innocence.   Magnificent is this opportunity that our Creator has granted us, that we may be redeemed and called His children.

When we can accept our lives as they are, it is an exercise in faith, which strengthens our relationship with God.  We can accept and enjoy life as it is right now.  When we deny the reality of our lives, we are denying faith in God, and this can only bring more suffering.

FROM THIS MOMENT ON

I will live in the here and now, and not try to tackle all my problems at once.  Doing things "one day at a time" I will handle the things that would discourage me if I felt that I had to keep them up for a lifetime.  I will face life as it is and fit myself to it.

I will look as well as I can, dress becomingly, keep my voice low and be courteous.  I will not indulge in destructive criticism.  I will not vindictively find fault in others, nor try to regulate anyone but myself.

SPIRITUALITY VERSUS RELIGION

Religion, formalism and fanaticism are outward ceremonies of man trying to achieve goodness, perfection and acceptance by God through his own efforts.  Religion seems to promote meanness, falsehood, partisanship, evil speaking, boasting and oppression.  It often includes an in-depth study of history and prophesy, leaving little time for the study of us and our relevance in the here and now.  Religion seems to be a practice for Sundays.

On the other hand, spirituality comes from within, it consists, rather, of active love and purity and it is perpetual.  It is intended to teach patience, good works and to right all wrongs (whenever possible).   It studies and ponders truth, in depth-- here-and-now truth-- and future truth.  It tries to evaluate honestly the world around us, relating to it.  We discover some very surprising spiritual forces in us (and then in our lives with others) as we explore our spiritual makeup.

SPIRITUAL INSIGHT

God the Father is absolutely and without qualification infinite in all His attributes.  He created the heavens and the earth.  He knows all, and can do all (except defeat His own purpose).  He is immanent in and transcendent over the aerial heaven; His center is everywhere; His circumference is boundless, measureless, unlimited and unending.  He is sovereign over all things as the Creator, Sustainer, and Ruler of the universe.

He is an infinite being who is supremely just.  All of His works, precepts, and judgments are done in righteousness and truth. He is merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth.  He is the God of Salvation, Patience, Hope, and Glory.  He is the Source of all strength.  He unceasingly emanates Energy, Light, Love, and Life.  He desires the service of Love, which is not gained by brute force.  Only by Love is love awakened.

VISIONS OF WISDOM A HIGHER SOURCE

AS I WATCH MYSELF GROW, THE STARS SEEM SO MUCH CLOSER. NO BEGINNING TO OUR UNIVERSAL FATHER- I CANNOT UNDERSTAND.  SO HOW CAN I COMPREHEND ETERNAL LIFE- FAITH.

A COMMENTARY ON THE LORD'S PRAYER

The Lord’s Prayer can be used as a guide for prayer or we can sincerely repeat its words.  This prayer should be a quiet, confident expression of needs to our heavenly Father.

First, we call our Creator, Father: a term that only His children by faith through and in Jesus may rightly use.  We request that His name be hallowed, or honored as holy.  How can we call Him- Father, and enter His Kingdom, if we do not recognize our fellow human beings as family?  It is our mission to spread His name and reputation throughout the world.

BASICS FOR CONTINUED SPIRITUAL GROWTH

What can we do to continue our spiritual development, deepen our relationship with God, and maintain serenity in an unbalanced and turbulent world?

First, we must learn to value our relationship with God, to seek solace in the knowledge, love, and service of our Savior.  We must learn to hate sin and fear God.  Because sin is a cause of calamity and misery and God is the Infinite Upholder.   We must realize we will never find lasting rest until we are in a right relationship with God.

WE BELIEVE

We believe that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ our Lord: that there is no condemnation to those who are in Jesus Christ.

We believe the promise of Jesus: “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.  And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand.”

We believe that not every one that says unto God, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven.  By their temperament and fruit He will know His Children.

KEEP THE FAITH

While many of us experience misfortune, financial difficulties, physical illnesses and other disasters, many other people who are not currently walking with God seem to prosper, enjoying temporal wealth, fame, honor and health.  We must realize God’s justice will win in the end.

Serving God does not always pay high dividends.  Do not be discouraged in doing what is right... even when others seem to be prospering more than you.  Do not be tempted to copy them.  Do well and wait upon the Lord, and keep His ways.  Salvation is from the Lord.  His reward is eternal life, a clear conscious, a pure heart and unblemished faith.

Words are fascinating, and a basis for understanding.  However, it is difficult to present what we see as truth in our endeavor to enhance spiritual perception, when we are restricted to the language of this realm of existence. In this book, obviously I have put words together... making efforts to use words not too easily distorted.  Of course it is always possible to twist words around if anyone wishes to do so.  Basically, what I am trying to convey is: now that we have expanded our awareness and invalidated the denial and illusions to some degree; we must implement the many ingredients for successful living into our lives.  Focus on truth: if it isn't loving -- do not think it, say it, or do it.  Do everything with the best intent for all. 

Welcome.  We are not allied with any sect or denomination.  This is a spiritual program.  Everyone is welcome, no matter what their affiliation.