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|| The Storyline
Once a story
Twice a belief
Three times a conviction
Four times a reaction
Sometimes, the mind gives life to the very stories we were once fed. For us, it becomes the incubator in our lives, first being fed the piece of information, to then later go on and harbour it inside of us, and grow even further, the many tales and secrets that one may hold in his hiding place.
The worse part is that the mind, by default, tends to filter all receiving information to glue oneself to the negative stories that later form part of the belief system that we carry inside of us.
Thoughts shape beliefs, which then later shape actions.
I tell you then. Discipline the mind to test every thought, and carefully decide what you keep as fact, separate and apart from fiction. For not all thoughts are good thoughts. And not even every good thought be regarded as great thoughts, lest one slip in to deceive you. Be patient with the self, first, and also be alert to the things that one chooses to listen to or even allow the eyes to see.
Guard the heart. Guard the mind.
17.11.22
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|| The Storyline
Once a story
Twice a belief
Three times a conviction
Four times a reaction
Sometimes, the mind gives life to the very stories we were once fed. For us, it becomes the incubator in our lives, first being fed the piece of information, to then later go on and harbour it inside of us, and grow even further, the many tales and secrets that one may hold in his hiding place.
The worse part is that the mind, by default, tends to filter all receiving information to glue oneself to the negative stories that later form part of the belief system that we carry inside of us.
Thoughts shape beliefs, which then later shape actions.
I tell you then. Discipline the mind to test every thought, and carefully decide what you keep as fact, separate and apart from fiction. For not all thoughts are good thoughts. And not even every good thought be regarded as great thoughts, lest one slip in to deceive you. Be patient with the self, first, and also be alert to the things that one chooses to listen to or even allow the eyes to see.
Guard the heart. Guard the mind.
17.11.22
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When one first thinks of war, most think that the fight that plays out is with weapons and ammunition and force and destruction. But as I previously stated; thoughts rule the world. Ideas rule the world. What is seen with the physical eyes are merely by-products of the things that were once imagined; that which were first conceived in the mind.
If one is to perceive life as though happening through the screen of the mind, one may then understand and begin to accept the chess game that is being drawn out of this board of life.
Everything was first imagined, before it came to be. When one begins to see destruction that is playing out on the board, it simply means that a seed of destruction was first planted in the mind. Not to mention the seed of destruction planted in many minds. How disastrous a disaster is such!
Life... True Life is not about planting and eating from the crops that we see in our daily lives. For what one sees is only an idea. Someone first thought of the idea to plant that seed on the ground, till it and nurture it to finally end up with much fruit. But the key point is that someone first thought of the idea, before it even came to be. Ideas cause actions. Ideas also cause reactions, but first the idea must be physically manifested in and of itself.
I think now, for the moment, that True Life involves the act of mining the field of one’s mind. The mind is a point and great asset that connects one back to the Source (that is, to the Source of the Ideas). It is from the mind where life truly resides.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Roman’s 12: 2)
If one is to perceive life as though happening through the screen of the mind, one may then understand and begin to accept the chess game that is being drawn out of this board of life.
Everything was first imagined, before it came to be. When one begins to see destruction that is playing out on the board, it simply means that a seed of destruction was first planted in the mind. Not to mention the seed of destruction planted in many minds. How disastrous a disaster is such!
Life... True Life is not about planting and eating from the crops that we see in our daily lives. For what one sees is only an idea. Someone first thought of the idea to plant that seed on the ground, till it and nurture it to finally end up with much fruit. But the key point is that someone first thought of the idea, before it even came to be. Ideas cause actions. Ideas also cause reactions, but first the idea must be physically manifested in and of itself.
I think now, for the moment, that True Life involves the act of mining the field of one’s mind. The mind is a point and great asset that connects one back to the Source (that is, to the Source of the Ideas). It is from the mind where life truly resides.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Roman’s 12: 2)
I revisit the words taken from the book of Luke Chapter eight verses five through eight.
“The sower went out to sow the seed. And as he sowed, some of the grain fell along the way, was trodden on and the birds of the sky ate it up. Some fell on rocky ground, and no sooner had it come up than it withered, because it had no water. Some fell among thorns; the thorns grew up with the seed and choked it. But some fell on good soil and grew, producing fruit- a hundred times as much.” When He said this, He called out, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”
Now, I repeat these same words but this time, taken from book of Mark Chapter four verses three through nine.
“Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times.” Then Jesus said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”
I repeat these words once more as I visit the book of Matthew Chapter thirteen verses three through nine.
Then He told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Whoever has ears, let them hear.”
I heard it three times.
I have also spotted a command: LISTEN!
God commands His children to pay attention to the words called out by Himself.
I go on now to recap the breakdown of the above passages. Here are my findings:
The seed = the Word of God
The Sower = the Father
The soil = the mind (Luke 8:15)
The birds [vultures] = words that come against God’s Word (Luke 8:12)
The rocks = trials and resistance (Luke 8:13)
The thorns = the worries of the world, distractions (Luke 8:14)
Watering [nurturing] =thoughtfulness, constant meditation, perseverance, patience (Luke 8:15)
I do not yet feel quite satisfied with this breakdown, however. No... It is not enough. It is not giving me much information to play with. The thoughts are swimming around in my mind, but the idea is not yet concretized. So, I go on to dig deeper and provoke the mind for a little while. I now give myself a challenge! So, what exactly is my challenge? I work to refine the breakdown into elements that I can somehow further play with. I engage in much thought play. I begin to play.
“The sower went out to sow the seed. And as he sowed, some of the grain fell along the way, was trodden on and the birds of the sky ate it up. Some fell on rocky ground, and no sooner had it come up than it withered, because it had no water. Some fell among thorns; the thorns grew up with the seed and choked it. But some fell on good soil and grew, producing fruit- a hundred times as much.” When He said this, He called out, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”
Now, I repeat these same words but this time, taken from book of Mark Chapter four verses three through nine.
“Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times.” Then Jesus said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”
I repeat these words once more as I visit the book of Matthew Chapter thirteen verses three through nine.
Then He told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Whoever has ears, let them hear.”
I heard it three times.
I have also spotted a command: LISTEN!
God commands His children to pay attention to the words called out by Himself.
I go on now to recap the breakdown of the above passages. Here are my findings:
The seed = the Word of God
The Sower = the Father
The soil = the mind (Luke 8:15)
The birds [vultures] = words that come against God’s Word (Luke 8:12)
The rocks = trials and resistance (Luke 8:13)
The thorns = the worries of the world, distractions (Luke 8:14)
Watering [nurturing] =thoughtfulness, constant meditation, perseverance, patience (Luke 8:15)
I do not yet feel quite satisfied with this breakdown, however. No... It is not enough. It is not giving me much information to play with. The thoughts are swimming around in my mind, but the idea is not yet concretized. So, I go on to dig deeper and provoke the mind for a little while. I now give myself a challenge! So, what exactly is my challenge? I work to refine the breakdown into elements that I can somehow further play with. I engage in much thought play. I begin to play.
ACTIVITY ONE
Let us assume that
The seed = Word of God.
The Sower = The Father and He sows in his garden
The soil = man’s mind
List the elements or names given to that which act as points of entry for the seed (=Word) to be attacked.
1. The Paved Path = being trodden on; absent soil
2. The Vultures= birds
3. The Rocks = little soil
4. The Drought/ Famine
5. The Thorns
6. The Sun
Highlight the factors that positively influence the seed’s growth and development.
1. Presence of Soil
2. Depth of the Soil
3. Presence of roots
4. Depth of the roots
5. Presence of water and nutrients
The seed = Word of God.
The Sower = The Father and He sows in his garden
The soil = man’s mind
List the elements or names given to that which act as points of entry for the seed (=Word) to be attacked.
1. The Paved Path = being trodden on; absent soil
2. The Vultures= birds
3. The Rocks = little soil
4. The Drought/ Famine
5. The Thorns
6. The Sun
Highlight the factors that positively influence the seed’s growth and development.
1. Presence of Soil
2. Depth of the Soil
3. Presence of roots
4. Depth of the roots
5. Presence of water and nutrients
Now, I accept that it is the Gardener’s role to ensure that His garden is kept as He wishes. Ultimately, the control rests within the Gardener’s hand. Ultimately, the control rests within the Father’s Hand. For it is His garden and He does as He pleases. So, I focus less on the positively influential factors that help make the seed grow and develop.
I, for my part, went forth like a brook from a river, a stream diverted into a delightful garden. I thought, “Let me irrigate my orchard and water my flowers.” But now my brook has grown into a river and the river, into a sea. (Sirach 24: 30,31)
What interests me more, however, lies in the points of entry for an attack. What good is it to receive much nutrients for growth to only be later pilfered as a result of a weak defence system?
If one builds and the other destroys, what do they gain besides trouble? (Sirach 34: 23)
The mind’s defence is just as important as the mind’s tilling and provision. So, I zoom in to study the points of attack and defence mechanisms that may be established to help increase favourability for growth of the seed.
I, for my part, went forth like a brook from a river, a stream diverted into a delightful garden. I thought, “Let me irrigate my orchard and water my flowers.” But now my brook has grown into a river and the river, into a sea. (Sirach 24: 30,31)
What interests me more, however, lies in the points of entry for an attack. What good is it to receive much nutrients for growth to only be later pilfered as a result of a weak defence system?
If one builds and the other destroys, what do they gain besides trouble? (Sirach 34: 23)
The mind’s defence is just as important as the mind’s tilling and provision. So, I zoom in to study the points of attack and defence mechanisms that may be established to help increase favourability for growth of the seed.
1. The Paved Path
The cobbled way has its sway.
The sun reveals its path, at dawn and day.
Meandering it goes;
moving too and fro.
Like sand cemented on flat ground.
The tapping it makes, with each walking sound
Hardened its surface appears to be.
Not one drop pierces through,
though the rains pour down so fearlessly.
I meditate on the first element. That is, one of a paved path. Now, I think for a while. The paved path describes the element of the mind that is just not yet ready to receive any seed. For the paved quality reveals the concreteness of the mind. It reveals the stubbornness of the mind. It reveals the closed-in mind, the closed-mindedness. The mind is just not quite ready to receive any idea and prevents any chance of seed implantation. The seed once thrown, is left at the mercy for another to pick up. Though sent, the idea has been rejected.
And Jesus answered, “You have been granted to know the mystery of the kingdom of God. But to others, it is given in the form of stories or parables, so that seeing they may not perceive and hearing they may not understand.” (Luke 8: 9,10)
I may extrapolate, then, that a lack of understanding may influence one to choose NOT TO hold on to the idea.
He who comes first is unable to grasp her fully and neither will the last exhaust her. (Sirach 24: 28)
It is clear, that the Law already reveals that the first read may bear little fruit in understanding. This is what is stated in the Law. It must mean then, that the Law Book must be read on numerous accounts before any seed may be adequately planted. It is the will of the reader to decide to spend further time in reading and re-reading and then again re-reading the Word.
Those who eat me will hunger still; those who drink me will thirst more. (Sirach 24: 21)
The above verse highlights the insatiable nature of the Word of God. With God’s Spirit, man is drawn to dwell in the midst of the Word. For the Word is insatiable and wants to be read over and over again and then understood. To hunger and thirst speaks of consumption. To consume the Word is to read the Word.
My flesh is really food and my blood is drink. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood, live in Me and I in them. Just as the Father, who is life, sent Me and I have life from the Father, so whoever eats Me will have life from Me. This is the bread which came from heaven; unlike that of your ancestors, who ate and later died. Those who eat this bread will live forever.” (John 6: 55-58)
There is no end to reading from the Book of Life.
For her thoughts are wider than the sea and her designs, deeper than the abyss. (Sirach 24: 28)
Therefore, I have come to some conclusion. A mind may be one of steel, but just one bite from fruit of the Spirit, by reading God’s Word, may cause a man to change or alter his position as to whether he accepts or rejects the Word. For man’s heart may grow cold, but there still lies the possibility that he just may change his mind. Persistence is key.
Persistently reading the Word may cause a man’s heart and mind to soften and be molded in order to receive the Word. The Spirit works to fashion and mould the mind of the reader such that it becomes malleable to receive the Word of God. Such that it becomes malleable to receive the Father’s seed. Such that it becomes malleable to receive the Father’s Son.
And Jesus answered, “You have been granted to know the mystery of the kingdom of God. But to others, it is given in the form of stories or parables, so that seeing they may not perceive and hearing they may not understand.” (Luke 8: 9,10)
I may extrapolate, then, that a lack of understanding may influence one to choose NOT TO hold on to the idea.
He who comes first is unable to grasp her fully and neither will the last exhaust her. (Sirach 24: 28)
It is clear, that the Law already reveals that the first read may bear little fruit in understanding. This is what is stated in the Law. It must mean then, that the Law Book must be read on numerous accounts before any seed may be adequately planted. It is the will of the reader to decide to spend further time in reading and re-reading and then again re-reading the Word.
Those who eat me will hunger still; those who drink me will thirst more. (Sirach 24: 21)
The above verse highlights the insatiable nature of the Word of God. With God’s Spirit, man is drawn to dwell in the midst of the Word. For the Word is insatiable and wants to be read over and over again and then understood. To hunger and thirst speaks of consumption. To consume the Word is to read the Word.
My flesh is really food and my blood is drink. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood, live in Me and I in them. Just as the Father, who is life, sent Me and I have life from the Father, so whoever eats Me will have life from Me. This is the bread which came from heaven; unlike that of your ancestors, who ate and later died. Those who eat this bread will live forever.” (John 6: 55-58)
There is no end to reading from the Book of Life.
For her thoughts are wider than the sea and her designs, deeper than the abyss. (Sirach 24: 28)
Therefore, I have come to some conclusion. A mind may be one of steel, but just one bite from fruit of the Spirit, by reading God’s Word, may cause a man to change or alter his position as to whether he accepts or rejects the Word. For man’s heart may grow cold, but there still lies the possibility that he just may change his mind. Persistence is key.
Persistently reading the Word may cause a man’s heart and mind to soften and be molded in order to receive the Word. The Spirit works to fashion and mould the mind of the reader such that it becomes malleable to receive the Word of God. Such that it becomes malleable to receive the Father’s seed. Such that it becomes malleable to receive the Father’s Son.
2. The Vultures
Encircling a path, it moves around
Working its way up to produce that hawking sound
It rounds up as food laid in stacks.
It never travels alone; Always moving in packs.
It counts its food, ready for the kill.
Fighting its prey, waiting for its movement to become still.
Another dynamic at play is the element that swoops down to chew up and destroy all that was meant for planting. It speaks to the element that comes to alter and denature the seed that was meant for planting. The birds of the sky acted as the predator to consume what was meant for growth and development in the soil. I wish to play with this element a little further.
I toy with the idea that the element of the bird, which has consumed the seed, consumed the Word of God. It must mean, then, that this sly creature has in its possession the word that was sent out. I stretch this thought further. It must also mean that all that resides in the seed, is fully examined and well- studied.
It is not hard to imagine then, that this great creature is more than able to soften and mollify the truth, until the truth eventually becomes covered up with so many lies, thereby distorting reality.
Indeed, nothing happened to the seed of truth. In fact, it still remains buried or hidden. But what one is able to see on the surface may tell a different story; an illusion created. It is the work of the sky creatures to keep building lies around the truth until the truth is no longer seen or even believed by the one searching for truth.
Storytelling, I highlight, is perceived as the best method to bury much truth. After all, some stories are told best through moving images that calls for great entertainment. Who would believe such fantastic stories?
Storytelling takes many forms and formats and travels through various medias. I hope one spots the error in this message!
It is the task, then, for the truth seeker to believe even some lies. For even within each lie, there is some truth. I pause for much thought... Though one truly runs a grand risk by first believing a lie. Is one really willing to take that risk? This is a rather tricky point. I hold my tongue for the moment.
Then Yahweh said to me, “Take another disguise, one that is fitting for a foolish shepherd for I am going to raise up another shepherd who will care nothing for lost sheep nor will he search for strays, or bind up the injured and pasture those that survive. No, but he will eat the fat ones and tear off their hoofs.” (Zechariah 11:15,16)
So, how exactly does one circumvent the lies to get to the truth?
One key feature of vultures is that they travel in packs. Never can one find them alone, ready to devour. I push the thought then, that it may be worth the while, studying for one self the Word of God. For it helps to mitigate the risk of receiving the wrong message. The Word of God is Spirit and God’s Spirit works to open the mind of the reader.
Reading in groups may help, but reading in solitude for some time may help greatly to mitigate the risk of the word being attacked by the birds of the air.
Come to her with all your soul and with all your strength observe her ways. Pursue her, search for her, she will make herself known to you; when you have her, do not let her go. For in the end, you will find in her your rest and she will become your joy. (Sirach 6: 26-28)
But go to a trustworthy man whom you know to be a keeper of the commandments, whose soul reflects your own and who will suffer with you, if you fail. In the end, keep to your own heart’s advice, since no one deserves to be trusted more than your heart. For a man’s soul often gives better advice than seven watchmen placed on a height. Besides all this, implore the Almighty to guide your steps in the truth. (Sirach 37: 12-15)
I toy with the idea that the element of the bird, which has consumed the seed, consumed the Word of God. It must mean, then, that this sly creature has in its possession the word that was sent out. I stretch this thought further. It must also mean that all that resides in the seed, is fully examined and well- studied.
It is not hard to imagine then, that this great creature is more than able to soften and mollify the truth, until the truth eventually becomes covered up with so many lies, thereby distorting reality.
Indeed, nothing happened to the seed of truth. In fact, it still remains buried or hidden. But what one is able to see on the surface may tell a different story; an illusion created. It is the work of the sky creatures to keep building lies around the truth until the truth is no longer seen or even believed by the one searching for truth.
Storytelling, I highlight, is perceived as the best method to bury much truth. After all, some stories are told best through moving images that calls for great entertainment. Who would believe such fantastic stories?
Storytelling takes many forms and formats and travels through various medias. I hope one spots the error in this message!
It is the task, then, for the truth seeker to believe even some lies. For even within each lie, there is some truth. I pause for much thought... Though one truly runs a grand risk by first believing a lie. Is one really willing to take that risk? This is a rather tricky point. I hold my tongue for the moment.
Then Yahweh said to me, “Take another disguise, one that is fitting for a foolish shepherd for I am going to raise up another shepherd who will care nothing for lost sheep nor will he search for strays, or bind up the injured and pasture those that survive. No, but he will eat the fat ones and tear off their hoofs.” (Zechariah 11:15,16)
So, how exactly does one circumvent the lies to get to the truth?
One key feature of vultures is that they travel in packs. Never can one find them alone, ready to devour. I push the thought then, that it may be worth the while, studying for one self the Word of God. For it helps to mitigate the risk of receiving the wrong message. The Word of God is Spirit and God’s Spirit works to open the mind of the reader.
Reading in groups may help, but reading in solitude for some time may help greatly to mitigate the risk of the word being attacked by the birds of the air.
Come to her with all your soul and with all your strength observe her ways. Pursue her, search for her, she will make herself known to you; when you have her, do not let her go. For in the end, you will find in her your rest and she will become your joy. (Sirach 6: 26-28)
But go to a trustworthy man whom you know to be a keeper of the commandments, whose soul reflects your own and who will suffer with you, if you fail. In the end, keep to your own heart’s advice, since no one deserves to be trusted more than your heart. For a man’s soul often gives better advice than seven watchmen placed on a height. Besides all this, implore the Almighty to guide your steps in the truth. (Sirach 37: 12-15)
3. The Rocks
I see a carpet of pebbles on the floor
Hardened as ever, not at least one made of straw
I see the stacks laid out as if in game
The ground, not soft, not moist; never the same
I notice dirty- brown, black, grey and blue
But I see only a tiny sprout shooting through
Now, I study the rocky characteristic of this element. Rocks. Many things can be collected and retained among the rocks of the mind. For the rolling of rocks picks up much debris. This element seeks to describe some factor of arability. Though dry, there is still some soil still being able to be retained, allowing for the poking through of the sprout of the seed. However, there is still not soil sufficient for adequately sized roots to be established.
I would go on to play with the idea that little soil may also mean little chance for the Gardener to add the extra soil needed for proper rooting and establishment of the seed. I speculate here that the Gardener is always willing to foster his seed investments.
Come to me, you who desire me and take your fill of my fruits. To experience me is sweeter than honey and to possess me sweeter than any honeycomb (Sirach 24: 19,20)
See, all of you, that I have not worked for myself alone but for all who seek wisdom (Sirach 24: 34)
Who calls? Is it not Wisdom? Who lifts up her voice? She shouts from the hilltops and waits by the crossroads; in the vicinity of the city gates she speaks. “To you, people, I call, for my message is directed to all that live, so that the ignorant may learn and the thoughtless come to their senses. Listen to me for I speak of vital things and everything I say is true. (Proverbs 8: 1-6)
So, now... I begin to question. If then, the Father is more than willing to attend to his garden, how is it that this garden remained with so little soil? Could it be that there is some reason the Father is not able to reach or meet with the garden in the first place? Could it be? Why, of course! Man seeks after his own ideas. Why should he spend time with his Father? Man seeks to be independent, chartering his own course of life, fully negligent of the great plans that the Father has for his many sons.
I read from the book of Genesis Chapter 17:
5 No longer will you be called Abram, but Abraham, because I will make you the father of a multitude of nations.
6 I will make you more and more famous; I will multiply your descendants; nations shall spring from you, kings shall be among your descendants.
7 And I will establish a covenant, an everlasting covenant between myself and you and your descendants after you; from now on I will be your God and the God of your descendants after you for generations to come.
8 I will give to you and your descendants after you the land you are living in, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession and I will be the God of your race.
I highlight the key word: MULTITUDE. I Shut up now.
I press on.
It must be then, that the sons input the time to give the Father much pleasure in tending to his garden. The Father waits on his many sons.
Now, I want to play with an alternative perspective.
Could it be that the soil collected around the rocks are the words picked up by the receiver when he first hears by word of mouth? I go on to poke and prod.
What can rocks do? Well, rocks carry the potential to collect debris as they roll on their surfaces. As the rocks roll, they pick up bits and pieces of the word until eventually it settles at a point.
What is collected satisfies the mind for only a moment and as such, there is no further will or drive to find out the true source of what is heard.
For that mind, it rolls around the secondary data that is served either in speech or in print, but never truly thinking twice to investigate or search out the meanings behind the sayings and common statements. For that one, he trusts the word of another.
Some may understand it as a formula, for it works when the instructional material is applied, but never is it their fancy to search out where this knowledge is actually derived from. What is the formula’s source. What is the original Law that produced this formula?
So, then one only receives the summarized point of view, missing the precept or teaching point that deliberately attached much meaning to give the formula it’s desired effect or outcome.
There is a great risk that is run when one plays with a law or formula that is not yet adequately understood by him. For each law comes with certain conditions and parameters. Understanding of such prepares that one for the risks or challenges that usually accompany the application of such law. If one innocently plays with a law he does not yet quite grasp, there is very little coverage or protection served for this one.
It is paramount, then, that one revisits and searches as much as he hears, while working towards staying within the boundaries of the laws of life; that which have been given to man. For he needs his Source for much understanding, and most importantly, for his own protection. The Source, that is, the Word is his protection. For the Word is Spirit.
I express a word of caution!!!
If the Father hasn’t yet taught on the law, better not one tamper with this law. Lest that one ignites his own flame and gets burnt with the passion that he has aroused within himself. Don’t test the Father’s patience.
Never act without first reflecting, and you will have no regrets. (Sirach 32: 19)
Do not go along a rough road lest you stumble on stones. And do not be too sure of your step on a smooth path. (Sirach 32: 20,21)
Distrust the person who offers advice, lest he take advantage of you; first of all, ask yourself what he lacks, and what his own interest suggests to him. (Sirach 37: 8)
...A blazing passion which burns like fire will not be extinguished until it burns itself up...
(Sirach 23: 16)
I would go on to play with the idea that little soil may also mean little chance for the Gardener to add the extra soil needed for proper rooting and establishment of the seed. I speculate here that the Gardener is always willing to foster his seed investments.
Come to me, you who desire me and take your fill of my fruits. To experience me is sweeter than honey and to possess me sweeter than any honeycomb (Sirach 24: 19,20)
See, all of you, that I have not worked for myself alone but for all who seek wisdom (Sirach 24: 34)
Who calls? Is it not Wisdom? Who lifts up her voice? She shouts from the hilltops and waits by the crossroads; in the vicinity of the city gates she speaks. “To you, people, I call, for my message is directed to all that live, so that the ignorant may learn and the thoughtless come to their senses. Listen to me for I speak of vital things and everything I say is true. (Proverbs 8: 1-6)
So, now... I begin to question. If then, the Father is more than willing to attend to his garden, how is it that this garden remained with so little soil? Could it be that there is some reason the Father is not able to reach or meet with the garden in the first place? Could it be? Why, of course! Man seeks after his own ideas. Why should he spend time with his Father? Man seeks to be independent, chartering his own course of life, fully negligent of the great plans that the Father has for his many sons.
I read from the book of Genesis Chapter 17:
5 No longer will you be called Abram, but Abraham, because I will make you the father of a multitude of nations.
6 I will make you more and more famous; I will multiply your descendants; nations shall spring from you, kings shall be among your descendants.
7 And I will establish a covenant, an everlasting covenant between myself and you and your descendants after you; from now on I will be your God and the God of your descendants after you for generations to come.
8 I will give to you and your descendants after you the land you are living in, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession and I will be the God of your race.
I highlight the key word: MULTITUDE. I Shut up now.
I press on.
It must be then, that the sons input the time to give the Father much pleasure in tending to his garden. The Father waits on his many sons.
Now, I want to play with an alternative perspective.
Could it be that the soil collected around the rocks are the words picked up by the receiver when he first hears by word of mouth? I go on to poke and prod.
What can rocks do? Well, rocks carry the potential to collect debris as they roll on their surfaces. As the rocks roll, they pick up bits and pieces of the word until eventually it settles at a point.
What is collected satisfies the mind for only a moment and as such, there is no further will or drive to find out the true source of what is heard.
For that mind, it rolls around the secondary data that is served either in speech or in print, but never truly thinking twice to investigate or search out the meanings behind the sayings and common statements. For that one, he trusts the word of another.
Some may understand it as a formula, for it works when the instructional material is applied, but never is it their fancy to search out where this knowledge is actually derived from. What is the formula’s source. What is the original Law that produced this formula?
So, then one only receives the summarized point of view, missing the precept or teaching point that deliberately attached much meaning to give the formula it’s desired effect or outcome.
There is a great risk that is run when one plays with a law or formula that is not yet adequately understood by him. For each law comes with certain conditions and parameters. Understanding of such prepares that one for the risks or challenges that usually accompany the application of such law. If one innocently plays with a law he does not yet quite grasp, there is very little coverage or protection served for this one.
It is paramount, then, that one revisits and searches as much as he hears, while working towards staying within the boundaries of the laws of life; that which have been given to man. For he needs his Source for much understanding, and most importantly, for his own protection. The Source, that is, the Word is his protection. For the Word is Spirit.
I express a word of caution!!!
If the Father hasn’t yet taught on the law, better not one tamper with this law. Lest that one ignites his own flame and gets burnt with the passion that he has aroused within himself. Don’t test the Father’s patience.
Never act without first reflecting, and you will have no regrets. (Sirach 32: 19)
Do not go along a rough road lest you stumble on stones. And do not be too sure of your step on a smooth path. (Sirach 32: 20,21)
Distrust the person who offers advice, lest he take advantage of you; first of all, ask yourself what he lacks, and what his own interest suggests to him. (Sirach 37: 8)
...A blazing passion which burns like fire will not be extinguished until it burns itself up...
(Sirach 23: 16)
4. The Drought/ Famine
I see earth’s crack and many tears
I see the land beaten through the many years
I feel thirst and hunger as I travel across the sand
I experience much sadness for this dry and well-parched, and highly desperate land.
As I read across the timeline of the Scripture, I recall certain moments when there was no word in sight. So, I ask myself. Why is there a famine in the first place? After much thought, I then remembered that Law of Humility and the condition surrounding this law.
I bring back to memory the words taken from the book of Deuteronomy Chapter 8:
2 Remember how Yahweh, your God, brought you through the desert for forty years. He humbled you, to test you and know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his Commandments or not.
16 And He fed you in the desert with manna which your Fathers did not know. He made you experience want and put you to the test, so that it would be for your good later on.
17 lest you say, “with my own strength I have attained all these good things
18 Remember Yahweh you God, the One who gave power to become prosperous, as you are today in fulfilment of the Covenant He promised under oath to your fathers.
When I study this law, there is still yet a special consideration that circulates my mind. I point to the words from this same book and Chapter.
I read:
11 So take care that you do not forget Yahweh your God, by neglecting the commandments, norms and laws that I give you today.
12 And when you have eaten and have been satisfied, when you have built comfortable homes and live in them,
13 when your livestock have multiplied, when you have silver and gold in abundance, and increase of good things of every kind,
14 then do not let your heart become proud and do not forget Yahweh, your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, the house of slavery.
Of course! It makes sense now.
I highlight the words: AND WHEN
This is, for sure, a condition that the Father has set. The Father knows his children and He definitely knows what they will do. Why else would give such a command?
So, I have come to some observation. Man receives the Law, then becomes rich and prosperous. Then his riches stifles the Law out of his mind and heart. Thus triggering the famine; that is, famine for the Word of God.
God was not lying when He said:
But if you forget Yahweh and follow other gods, if you pay them homage and bow before them, I warn you right now that you will surely perish. (Deuteronomy 8: 19)
Just as He wasn’t lying in the Garden of Eden when He spoke to Adam.
Why is He not lying?
Well. What is life?
When the word of God is removed from one’s mind, Life is also removed from his mind and heart. For the Word of God IS Life for man. When man loses touch with his bread of Life, is this not death? Man enters his famine season.
But yet, I tap into another law that speaks to seasons.
I read from the book of Ecclesiastes Chapter three:
1 There is a given time for everything and a time for every happening under heaven:
2 A time for giving birth, a time for dying; a time for planting, a time for uprooting.
3 A time for killing, a time for healing; a time for knocking down, a time for building.
4 A time for tears, a time for laughter; a time for mourning, a time for dancing.
5 A time for throwing stones, a time for gathering stones; a time for embracing, a time to refrain from embracing.
6 A time for searching, a time for losing; a time for keeping, a time for throwing away.
7 A time for tearing, a time for sewing, a time to be silent and a time to speak.
8 A time for loving, a time for hating; a time for war, a time for peace.
9 What profit is there for a man from all his toils?
10 Finally I considered the task God gave to the humans.
11 He made everything fitting in its time, but He also set eternity in their hearts, although man is not able to embrace the work of God from the beginning to the end.
Does this not satisfy Life’s Probability?
But now, I look towards a different perspective. There is something peculiar about this particular condition. It doesn’t end here. No, it doesn’t. Let me start pointing, as I begin to draw a very peculiar observation.
I retrace the words taken from the book of Judges Chapter two. I read:
2 ... But you have not obeyed my command. Why did you not obey me?
3 Now, I will not drive out nations before you. They shall be your oppressors and their gods shall be a trap for you.”
I also reflect further on this Chapter. I read:
10 That whole generation died and another one came, but they did not know Yahweh or what He had done for Israel.
This speaks volumes. This is God’s Word at a high time famine. He has hid Himself away from his children. Man was left to fend for himself. Many have died for dearth of God’s Word.
But what is the function of all of this? I trigger another thought.
I continue reading from this book of Judges Chapter three:
2 He let these people live so that the generation of the children of Israel who had not known war before might learn how to fight.
4 They remained to test Israel to see if they would observe the commandments that Yahweh had prescribed to their fathers through Moses.
The above verses confirm my speculation that God Himself regulates the times and the seasons. He has the power to regulate and switch the scales of Justice. He is the Law.
Now, I emphasise an important point here.
Some learn God’s Law the easy way, yet not bear much fruit as time moves on. Then there are some, who learn to respect God’s Law the hard way; learning to utilize the laws for man’s very survival. Through a birth into this world, one becomes ignorant of the Father’s Law. It is through experience that man inspires God’s Word. This is life for that man.
Man has died through birth into the world, but is later revived when he breathes in God's Spirit. Man is still yet to experience his TRUE BIRTH, which is true Life with the Father.
As all are scattered, and faraway I take much time to reflect and generate this note:
There is always someone whose soul responsibility is to steal the joy out of your life, that is, steal the light out of your life. This one follows you throughout your life. This is the shadow of your very soul. This is your shadow. Most usually try to run away but one may not easily or readily escape. This person or persons are put in your life for a reason, forcing that one to learn and grow from all that he experiences. There is no escaping the experiences. It is the Lord Himself who has set the parameters. Sometimes, even, that person is put there to learn the art of war. Don’t fight them. Instead, study them. Be compassionate. It is a time for patient endurance! For the student has been given ample opportunity to truly learn the ways of their greatest enemy, as the student passes through the furnace of life, being humbled, shaped and moulded to become for him what the Creator always desired him to be. The shadow is the sharpening tool that serves that one to become all that he was already destined to become, from since the beginning of time. Frown not, then, on the shadow of one’s life, for all it serves to do, is to propel that one even further into the Father’s Glorious Light.
Yet all of you who kindle flames and carry about burning torches, go into the flames of your own fire, into the sparks you have kindled. This will befall you from my hand, you will lie down in torment. (Isaiah 50: 11)
I bring back to memory the words taken from the book of Deuteronomy Chapter 8:
2 Remember how Yahweh, your God, brought you through the desert for forty years. He humbled you, to test you and know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his Commandments or not.
16 And He fed you in the desert with manna which your Fathers did not know. He made you experience want and put you to the test, so that it would be for your good later on.
17 lest you say, “with my own strength I have attained all these good things
18 Remember Yahweh you God, the One who gave power to become prosperous, as you are today in fulfilment of the Covenant He promised under oath to your fathers.
When I study this law, there is still yet a special consideration that circulates my mind. I point to the words from this same book and Chapter.
I read:
11 So take care that you do not forget Yahweh your God, by neglecting the commandments, norms and laws that I give you today.
12 And when you have eaten and have been satisfied, when you have built comfortable homes and live in them,
13 when your livestock have multiplied, when you have silver and gold in abundance, and increase of good things of every kind,
14 then do not let your heart become proud and do not forget Yahweh, your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, the house of slavery.
Of course! It makes sense now.
I highlight the words: AND WHEN
This is, for sure, a condition that the Father has set. The Father knows his children and He definitely knows what they will do. Why else would give such a command?
So, I have come to some observation. Man receives the Law, then becomes rich and prosperous. Then his riches stifles the Law out of his mind and heart. Thus triggering the famine; that is, famine for the Word of God.
God was not lying when He said:
But if you forget Yahweh and follow other gods, if you pay them homage and bow before them, I warn you right now that you will surely perish. (Deuteronomy 8: 19)
Just as He wasn’t lying in the Garden of Eden when He spoke to Adam.
Why is He not lying?
Well. What is life?
When the word of God is removed from one’s mind, Life is also removed from his mind and heart. For the Word of God IS Life for man. When man loses touch with his bread of Life, is this not death? Man enters his famine season.
But yet, I tap into another law that speaks to seasons.
I read from the book of Ecclesiastes Chapter three:
1 There is a given time for everything and a time for every happening under heaven:
2 A time for giving birth, a time for dying; a time for planting, a time for uprooting.
3 A time for killing, a time for healing; a time for knocking down, a time for building.
4 A time for tears, a time for laughter; a time for mourning, a time for dancing.
5 A time for throwing stones, a time for gathering stones; a time for embracing, a time to refrain from embracing.
6 A time for searching, a time for losing; a time for keeping, a time for throwing away.
7 A time for tearing, a time for sewing, a time to be silent and a time to speak.
8 A time for loving, a time for hating; a time for war, a time for peace.
9 What profit is there for a man from all his toils?
10 Finally I considered the task God gave to the humans.
11 He made everything fitting in its time, but He also set eternity in their hearts, although man is not able to embrace the work of God from the beginning to the end.
Does this not satisfy Life’s Probability?
But now, I look towards a different perspective. There is something peculiar about this particular condition. It doesn’t end here. No, it doesn’t. Let me start pointing, as I begin to draw a very peculiar observation.
I retrace the words taken from the book of Judges Chapter two. I read:
2 ... But you have not obeyed my command. Why did you not obey me?
3 Now, I will not drive out nations before you. They shall be your oppressors and their gods shall be a trap for you.”
I also reflect further on this Chapter. I read:
10 That whole generation died and another one came, but they did not know Yahweh or what He had done for Israel.
This speaks volumes. This is God’s Word at a high time famine. He has hid Himself away from his children. Man was left to fend for himself. Many have died for dearth of God’s Word.
But what is the function of all of this? I trigger another thought.
I continue reading from this book of Judges Chapter three:
2 He let these people live so that the generation of the children of Israel who had not known war before might learn how to fight.
4 They remained to test Israel to see if they would observe the commandments that Yahweh had prescribed to their fathers through Moses.
The above verses confirm my speculation that God Himself regulates the times and the seasons. He has the power to regulate and switch the scales of Justice. He is the Law.
Now, I emphasise an important point here.
Some learn God’s Law the easy way, yet not bear much fruit as time moves on. Then there are some, who learn to respect God’s Law the hard way; learning to utilize the laws for man’s very survival. Through a birth into this world, one becomes ignorant of the Father’s Law. It is through experience that man inspires God’s Word. This is life for that man.
Man has died through birth into the world, but is later revived when he breathes in God's Spirit. Man is still yet to experience his TRUE BIRTH, which is true Life with the Father.
As all are scattered, and faraway I take much time to reflect and generate this note:
There is always someone whose soul responsibility is to steal the joy out of your life, that is, steal the light out of your life. This one follows you throughout your life. This is the shadow of your very soul. This is your shadow. Most usually try to run away but one may not easily or readily escape. This person or persons are put in your life for a reason, forcing that one to learn and grow from all that he experiences. There is no escaping the experiences. It is the Lord Himself who has set the parameters. Sometimes, even, that person is put there to learn the art of war. Don’t fight them. Instead, study them. Be compassionate. It is a time for patient endurance! For the student has been given ample opportunity to truly learn the ways of their greatest enemy, as the student passes through the furnace of life, being humbled, shaped and moulded to become for him what the Creator always desired him to be. The shadow is the sharpening tool that serves that one to become all that he was already destined to become, from since the beginning of time. Frown not, then, on the shadow of one’s life, for all it serves to do, is to propel that one even further into the Father’s Glorious Light.
Yet all of you who kindle flames and carry about burning torches, go into the flames of your own fire, into the sparks you have kindled. This will befall you from my hand, you will lie down in torment. (Isaiah 50: 11)
5. The Thorns
The spikes; they stick and poke and prod.
To pierce and strike as a mighty rod.
I feel its choking nature upon my neck.
I struggle to become detangled as I sit upon its deck.
There is just no room for growth, what’s formed is chiselled.
For a lack of creativity, the body is just not able.
A picture speaks a thousand words. For what it’s worth, I now give rest to my hand. Instead, I communicate through past messages that I have already written myself. I speak no further.
6. The Sun
A bolstering belt laid down its crown,
As a ray of light beaming down.
A fire ignited, its flames spit out,
Smoke and heat as if from a dragon’s mouth.
Merciless the strikes, the flames raised high.
What can one do, but let out a sigh!
What can I truly say. Fire is fire. It burns. I say no more.
I have come to some end of this study. I take note of much of my findings.
This is what I have found out:
There is no getting around it. The Word is the Book of Life, set by the Father for man to take hold of. In it, man finds much of his Father’s thoughts through His Word. In it, is life and breath for man; a life-giving fountain. It is man’s first step in being introduced to the Father and His Son, with His Spirit being the glue that serves to bind man and keep Him within the confines of the Law and ways of life. When man eats from the food given by the Father, which is His Word, the fruit that man bears is Wisdom. Wisdom teaches man how to live and grow and the Father takes much pleasure in teaching His children His way. The Father thought it pleasing to insert His Idea of His Word into the minds of His children such that they grow and develop to be the man that He always intended man to be, that is, in His image and likeness.
A guarded heart is one that is seeded in the heart and mind of Christ.
Above all else, guard your heart, for therein is the source of life. (Proverbs 4: 23)
Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh. (Romans 13: 14)
Lovers of your Law have found great peace. Nothing can keep them from stumbling, not even distress. (Psalm 119: 165)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4: 6,7)
This is what I have found out:
There is no getting around it. The Word is the Book of Life, set by the Father for man to take hold of. In it, man finds much of his Father’s thoughts through His Word. In it, is life and breath for man; a life-giving fountain. It is man’s first step in being introduced to the Father and His Son, with His Spirit being the glue that serves to bind man and keep Him within the confines of the Law and ways of life. When man eats from the food given by the Father, which is His Word, the fruit that man bears is Wisdom. Wisdom teaches man how to live and grow and the Father takes much pleasure in teaching His children His way. The Father thought it pleasing to insert His Idea of His Word into the minds of His children such that they grow and develop to be the man that He always intended man to be, that is, in His image and likeness.
A guarded heart is one that is seeded in the heart and mind of Christ.
Above all else, guard your heart, for therein is the source of life. (Proverbs 4: 23)
Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh. (Romans 13: 14)
Lovers of your Law have found great peace. Nothing can keep them from stumbling, not even distress. (Psalm 119: 165)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4: 6,7)
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