To Worship God

How do you worship God? How would you describe your time of worship?

Most people say they worship God through prayer and by reading the word….and I would agree but that is only the beginning of worship.

The Greek word for worship is a verb…therefore it is an action word. It is what you do to show your adoration. It is inspired through your personal relationship with God. Just as like the relationships with other people you express your feelings through action.

Our need to worship God is for our benefit....God does NOT need our worship...rather it is our hearts that need this close relationship with Spirit. Worship provides us with an intimate connection which reminds us of who we are and that we belong to Him.

It begins with love…which is an attitude of the heart…an emotional response to your thoughts and feelings. If you love someone…then it is only natural that you want to express your love.

So the next step is your turn your thoughts and feeling into words….which you express to the one you love. You may write them but it is more intimate to speak those words directly to the one you love.

The next action step is how you position yourself in respect to the one you love.

The most common is to be physically close….close enough to touch. If your relationship becomes physically intimate then your worship peaks as the two become one…physically, emotionally and spiritually.

The same applies to your relationship with God. If you love God then you will feel loved and you will be given a heart of great joy, peace and gratitude….which turns into words which you speak expressing your feelings…then you draw close to Spirit by positioning your whole being before God as you yield to Spirit…which is expressed in the physical in many ways….for example the bowing of your head, closing your eyes…but you can also lift up your head and open your heart with eyes open. You may lay face down, kneel, sit or stand with your hands folded or lifted high above your head. These are all actions of worship.

It all begins with an openness of your heart. When you consciously choose gratitude you will quickly open your heart to God’s love and it vibration within your soul. Your spirit will soar and it may feel as though you are floating off the ground.

You may choose to worship God through a ritual but what I have just described to you is NOT a ritual but an act of love…inspired by a personal relationship with God through the Holy Spirit.

When Jesus was asked how and where we are to worship God...He said, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” John 4:24

What He meant was true worship is NOT a ritual…it is an attitude of the heart.

So when you come together with others to worship God it is a celebration of love. Together you may lift your hands, shout, sing and even dance as an act of love as the Spirit of the God moves upon you and through you and you become one in the spirit.

If you have never experienced this kind of worship I encourage you to first do it at home just between you and God…and then find a place where you can experience this kind of worship with others. It will bring you great joy!

This video is an example of the kind of worship I am speaking of:

Steve Hart

The Purpose of Pain

Pain has a purpose…..it is to remind us of who we are.

“What?” You say...“How is it supposed to do that?”

Those who are unaware, it reminds of our human nature…those who are awakened, it reminds us that we spiritual beings having a human experience. Therefore we are press on into higher levels of consciousness to free ourselves from this pain.

If you are experiencing any form of pain and suffering then it serves you as a wake-up call to your true spirituality. Those who continue in pain and suffering have yet to understand its purpose.

Jesus said, “I have said all these things to you so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble: but take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33. The Greek word for “Trouble” means anguish, distress, oppression, tribulations. Jesus taught you too can overcome this world and all it troubling pain and live with peace in your heart.

Hear this deep dark secret? Some of you will have trouble accepting this...note I tell you this in love. Ready? You maybe un-aware of this….but you have chosen to experience your pain. Before you came into this world you knew what you were doing and yet you still came here…it was a choice of love.

Once you arrived you were given an ego which hides this truth from you. The purpose of the ego was to help you survive your journey into this world. The egos purpose is centered around you...it gives you the illusion that you are separated from Spirit and those around you.

When you began to experience the pain of this world you are motivated by love to seek your true self and discover why you are here. If you choose not to accept this love...then you continue to experience the pain…until you decided to accept it. This is the love of God.

Know this….every moment you experience any pain or suffering…alert yourself to move toward love and to learn how to use it press on into higher levels of consciousness...a deeper understanding of who you really are and the purposes of God in your life.

“Having made clear to us the secret of his purpose, in agreement with the design which he had in mind and purposed for himself. “ Ephesians 1:9

Steve Hart

Be Enlightened

I find Christians often stumble over words like Enlightenment, Consciousness, “Your Higher Self” or “The Divine Within.” I know these words are used by other religions therefore Christians fear their use could lead one astray.

The truth is these words and their meaning are all found within the Bible. They may NOT be popular since they are words used to describe true spirituality vs. your average Church goer. They have a mystical sound to them and their meaning is often NOT understood correctly. But they are a part of true Christianity.

True Christianity is mystical to man’s egocentric mind. It does NOT understand the things of God. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that these things can be understood and experienced.

Listen to what Hebrews says about Enlightenment…Once you have been enlightened, tasted the gift of God, experienced the Holy Spirit and heard God speak to you…you will experience the powers of the world to come! Heb. 6:4-5 (paraphrased)

Without enlightenment through the gift of the Holy Spirit…you can NOT hear the voice of God nor will you know the power of God. It is this power that gives you freedom from the sin of your ego and its attachment to this world. Without this power...your Christianity is only dead doctrine and an intellectual religion.

When I became a Christian the power of the Holy Spirit hit me like a bolt of lightening. I knew it was God…I knew it was love. With this power I was set free and given a new heart.

Everyday I ask the Holy Spirit to open my eyes that I experience higher levels of consciousness through the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. Read Ephesians 1:18

The Greek word for enlightenment is: Photizo It means to give light or illuminate for a deeper understanding. Note this is where we get the English word “photo.”

In other words to be enlightened is to see the “Big Picture” to understand the purposes of God in all things.

Let go of your fears and ask God to enlighten you through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Steve Hart

God's Unconditional Love

Do you believe in unconditional love?

Do you believe what it says in Romans 8:38-39? "I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love which Christ Jesus our Lord shows us. We can't be separated by death or life, by angels or rulers, by anything in the present or anything in the future, by forces or powers in the world above or in the world below, or by anything else in creation."

Is that how you would describe God’s love?

Jesus said in Like 6:35 that, “God is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked.”

This is without condition…correct?

I believe that God’s love is unconditional for God is Love.

“Love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1John 4:7-8

The love of man is conditional…our ego only knows how to love when it gets what it wants. If you do NOT meet up to the ego’s conditions then it will no longer love you…this so contrary to God’s unconditional love.

Understanding unconditional love requires a higher level of consciousness and true spirituality. Otherwise we find the love of God very confusing.

Some so called "Christians" see God’s love as being conditional….and they are guilty of judging others in the name of God's love. How can this be?

When man projects the ego’s love upon another and calls it God’s love this is very confusing. This is NOT God's love!

Rather Jesus knew as is says in Romans 2:4 the goodness of God always leads you to align yourself with the things of God…without condition. Is that possible? Yes but only God knows how to do this....it is NOT our job to put conditions upon the love of God. Do you understand how this can be?

Ask God to give you this understanding and you will know unconditional love.

Steve Hart

Are YOU to be Armed for Battle or Armed for Peace?

Most think of going into battle when they hear the words, “Put on your Armor.” That is what most Christians think when they read Eph. 6:11-18 which begins with “Put on the whole armor of God…” But is that what the Spirit of God is really saying….we must do battle?

If you carefully read those scriptures you will find…no where does it say we should do battle. Instead it says we are to take “Stand” against the devil. The Greek word for “stand” means to set or place in a balance. The armor of God protects you so you don’t have to fight or do battle with the devil….the battle has already been won. Colossians 2:15 says that Jesus openly disarmed the powers of darkness and in Hebrews 2:14 it says He destroyed the devil.

Notice the description of the armor of God is all about a work that has been done by and through Jesus. Your job is to watch and pray….verse 18.

Therefore we do NOT do battle but rather we stay neutral to “what is!” For the light of God’s love will shine into the darkness and expose the truth and the darkness has no power over it. Rejoice! Be at peace and fear not…for Jesus has won the battle for you.

Steve Hart

If you are open to receive more on this topic...please read the post below titled:

Do You Resist Evil?

Be Transformed!

You will be Transformed …Transfigured…Morphed…Changed!

You will become a new creation. It all begins NOW!

It says in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that if you choose to live in the Kingdom of God… then you will become a NEW CREATURE….what was old will pass away and all things will become NEW! This is the power of change…you’re given this power as a co-creation with the Spirit of God. It is a life changing experience.

When Jesus used the word, “Power” in Mark 9:1, “The kingdom of God comes with power.” That word in the Greek is the word “Dynamis” which is where we get the English word “dynamite!” It is the energy…the intensity…the might of God. That power comes from God within you. It is the same power that created all things. It is the same power that Peter, James and John saw come from within Jesus on the mount of transfiguration.

But do you really believe this? Can this be possible? How?

It is done by raising your consciousness to the truth of “What is!” How do you do that? You must be willing to open up your heart and your mind and allow this change to take place. I am talking about a spiritual transformation…the beginning of a physical transformation.

In Romans 12:2 it says this transformation happens through a process of “Renewing your mind” and by proving what is the perfect will of God. That means you allow the Holy Spirit to change your thinking….you test and experience the purposes of God. You open your heart to knowing God’s intentions, His character and His mind.

To “know“ God is to know and experience this power…it is the love of God. If you have not experienced the power of His love…then open your heart and ask for it.

It also says that you choose to no longer be conformed to this world…you let go of the attachments your ego has made with this world and embrace the things of God. It is the Holy Spirit’s job to reveal to you what exactly that is and He knows exactly how to remove those attachments as you yield to Him as described in verse one….”A living Sacrifice.”

What I have described to you is how you raise your consciousness. Your belief system will be transformed…your spiritual vision of “all things” will be altered. Your heart will be changed. You live and experience, think and behave differently. Note this is an inside job and it is NOT about restraining yourself from the world and being “Religious” but rather allowing the Holy Spirit to do this work from within you.

Steve Hart

Do You Resist Evil?

Most Christians would teach…you should resist evil…but Jesus said in Matt 5:39, “Resist NOT evil...” What did Jesus mean by this? Doesn’t this appear to be contrary to what you have been taught by the Church?

Throughout history man has always battled with his enemies and if he didn’t have any enemies he would look for some, motivated by fear that if he did not protect himself he would die. It is the carnal nature of our ego’s to do so. Jesus also said in Luke 10:18-19, “…I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give to you power….over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”

In Luke 9:1 it says that he gave his disciples power and authority over all devils. Today all followers of Jesus have power over the devils because of the work that Jesus completed here on earth. The battle is over...evil has no place in you. All you have to do is acknowledge the victory given to you by Jesus.

But instead of accepting victory Christians still want to do battle against Satan as though they have there own authority over him. They scream words of anger and control over the devil commanding him to obey them. This is once again an example of the ego thinking it possesses this power on its own.

God would rather we proclaim the work that has already been done speaking words of victory in love, freedom and gratitude.

Therefore when evil is exposed all you have to do is stay neutral…and claim the victory that has already been done. You don’t have to do battle with evil or the devil…if you do…you only give power to it. What you resist will persist.

Have you heard the saying what you resist, persists? This is not just a cliché. Quantum physics is demonstrating quite clearly…your thoughts give power to what ever you focus upon…therefore you cannot resist something without giving it your attention. In fact, when you resist something you are empowering it. If you push against something, by the natural law, you are giving it power and it will push back against you.

When you want to make changes in your life, make peace with "what is" and then choose what you prefer. Give attention to what you want rather than to what you don't want. Every time you complain or repeat the story about what you don't want, you are giving it power over you.

The Bible says Satan is the ruler of this world….BUT you are not of this world. Therefore be not conformed to this world…but be transformed by the renewing of your mind….read Romans 12:2.

Steve Hart

Moving from Force into Power!

"And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force." Matthew 11:12 What did this mean?

First understand that the Kingdom of Heaven and the Kingdom of God are the same thing. The Greek interpretation for the words "Suffer Violence" means: the use of force. The word "Violent" means: the strong and forceful. The word "Force" means: to seize. Therefore...what I believe this means is; until then the spiritual understanding of man...or the consciousness of mankind was controlled by violent or forceful thinking. It seized people's minds which I believe was an act of survival. Allow me to further explain....

The ministry of John the Baptist prepared the way of the Kingdom of God. In that moment in history...based upon our understanding of time...a major shift in consciousness had begun. It is was what I will call "Power verses. Force" as taught by Dr. David Hawkins.

Hawkins explains that "Force" is a lower vibration of energy that has to be constantly fed by more energy like a gas has to be fed into a car to make it run....but "Power" is like Free Energy which comes from within universe in a constant state of being...it does not have to be fed...it just is!

So the verse above is declaring that the consciousness of man's awareness was making a shift out of force the of darkness into the light of God's power.

Today the level of mankind's consciousness is collectively moving into the levels of Power which begins when man understands that he is NOT a victim, there is no one to blame for what is....we have to power to change what is into what we truly desire. It is at this moment we begin to release our attachments to this world and move into the Kingdom of God.

Hallelujah!!!

For more information on the teachings of Dr. David Hawkins visit my blog:

http://powerversesforce.blogspot.com/

Steve Hart

Non-Attachment???

How would you define Non-Attachment?

When I first became aware of this idea...I was a bit confused...and I could not properly define it.

I knew very little of the Eastern teachings on this subject...but I knew Jesus said, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." Matt. 16:24 Therefore, I thought Non-Attachment was all about "denial." It was not until in recent years that I understood that "Denial" and "Non-Attachment" are not the same thing!

I thought "deny" meant you were in a constant state of avoidance....to shun, refrain, or withdraw. This did not sound like joy to me...this sounded like a life without happiness. I did not understand the process. Denial is only the beginning of the process. This is why Jesus followed the word deny with "Pick up your cross and follow me."

What did that mean? It meant death and resurrection!

It meant death to my attachments... death to the power of my ego's attachments to this world.

The ego has it's purpose...it serves us well until we pass on into the next dimension. But it has been programed to attach it's self to this world...Why? For the purpose of survival.

Once you have been "born from above" and received the Holy Spirit, you now have the power to be freed from your attachments...until then you are a slave to your attachments and your ego has full control of you. The Holy Spirit's work is to free you from attachments. You do Not just avoid them...that alone creates suffering. You can actually be free from attachments as though they never existed.

The work of the Holy Spirit within you is is an on-going process of transformation. Through this process you are set free from your attachments. Read Romans 12:1-2. "...be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind..."

You move up through the higher states of spiritual being...higher states of consciousness...this is the kingdom of God within you. 2 Corinthians 3: 17-18 "...from Glory to Glory..."

Watch the video below and allow the wisdom of God to speak to you.

Steve Hart

Enlightenment!!!

When you are enlightened...you will have tasted the powers of the world to come!

Hebrews 6:4-5

The Difference Between Religion and “Spirituality”

(This is a guest posting from Joe Martino.)

To start, the reason why “spirituality” is in quotations is because there truly is no label for what I am trying to convey in this article. Also, there has been so much identification and many beliefs created within what some call “spirituality” that have really beaten the word to a new meaning. So as I continue, when I speak of “spirituality,” all I am really referring to is that beyond what we see in front of us, that which is our true essence. I am not referring to any belief system or set of beliefs within any structure.

Generally, we can come to a conclusion on something through a set of thoughts experienced within the mind, which is really nothing more than reading something or being told something and taking it as absolute truth based on that set of thoughts. This is a belief system – Religion. Or we can cease to make our thoughts our identity and remain much closer to our true essence, where we can see without blinders (the mind or set of thoughts) what we are experiencing.

Being religious is essentially an identity the ego grasps onto in order to keep itself fulfilled in a role it is choosing to play. Essentially, the ego now thinks that through thought, which is very limiting, it has found and experienced an absolute truth and in order to keep its identity alive, the very nature of “absolute,” will not allow it to “die.” Since the ego’s main goal is survival, it achieves this very easily by attaching to religion. (thinking, believing a set of thoughts)

It comes down to being locked up in the mind (thought and belief) vs. allowing the ego to not have an identity, not allowing the ego to strive to find a role it can latch onto. There is a general fear that we must BE something or know who we are and what we are about – “we” do not, only our ego does. When you recognize the awareness behind the labels and beliefs you have, you have found the consciousness or SELF behind the ego, showing you “spirituality” – that which lies beyond the false sense of self.

Now, I understand this is a touchy subject for where we are all collectively playing right now, but remember conflict will only come as a result of defense triggered in our minds (ego/reptilian) as it fights for survival because the information just presented was challenging. Use this experience and whatever emotions this article brings as a point of observation. Are you agreeing with it and feeling superior to others? Are you getting mad? Are you feeling some truth to it but are not quite there?

In any case, allow the feelings to be and don’t allow them to charge you. Take observation as to what presented for you. Are you limiting your experience by latching onto thought as absolute truth?

I wish to end this with a quote that came to mind that might spark something. It comes from a very fitting movie:

“Unfortunately, no one can be told what The Matrix is. You have to see it for yourself.” -The Matrix

Peace and love,

Joe Martino

www.collective-evolution.com

Discerning Good and Evil

Those who are spiritually mature...exercise their senses...they have trained themselves to see what is good and what is evil. Hebrews 5:14

I would like to define the words in this scripture by using the original Greek so you will know there true meaning....

The first few words of this scripture mean; "Those who have found the perfect state of all things."

This is a level of consciousness where you see everything in the big picture....you see the unity...the harmony of all that is. You know what the scripture means when it says, "All things work together for the good of them that love God, to them who are called according to his purposes. Rom 8: 28

How are you able to do this? You exercise your senses. The word "exercise" means a regular work out as an athlete would do to stay fit or prepare for a competition. The word "senses" means the minds ability to perceive, understand and discern "what is." It is your awareness.

The word "trained" means to make it a habit or practice to see meaning, to understand or distinguish the difference...

The meaning of the word "good" is beautiful, excellent, useful.

The word "evil" means destructive or troublesome.

Therefore this means if you are spiritually mature...you will posses a higher levels of consciousness...you will know how to discern what is Light and what is Darkness...what is Healthy and what is Unhealthy. This is all done without passing judgement or condemning the darkness...instead you use wisdom and the love of God.

Steve Hart

Healing Prayer for the Gulf of Mexico

I send the energy of love and gratitude to the
water and all

the living creatures in the
Gulf of Mexico and its surroundings.

To the whales, dolphins, pelicans,
fish, shellfish, plankton,

coral, algae,
and all living creatures.

I am sorry.
Please forgive me.
Thank you.
I love you.

Distractions!

Have you ever been distracted and missed something important? I know I have. It’s easy to get distracted when you don’t know what to stay focused upon.

As a magician and I know the art of creating distractions…yet I can still be fooled when watching other magicians if I don’t focused upon what I know to look for. Hey I am just like the other guy…I enjoy experiencing the magic…so I allow myself to be distracted.

But when I get distracted and I don’t stay focused upon things in life that are really important then I am not happy. Today’s world is full of distraction and it is getting worse.

Everything from the economy, earthquakes, volcanoes, the weather, news media, oil spills, politics, the government, and wars...they are all a distraction to what is really important.

Your spiritual growth...your awakening are the most important thing in this moment and it always will be. It important that you discover and fulfill your purpose here and now.

You say, “But this is the world I live in...how can I NOT be distracted by these things?”

I say, “If you stay focused upon your physical world then you never understand what is going on in the spiritual world.”

Jesus spoke that in the last days there will be wars and rumors of war, killings, betrayal, false prophets, famines, pestilences and earthquakes in diverse places, most importantly that the love of many would grow cold. Matt. 24:12

Jesus said when you see these things know the end of this world was near, verse 33…therefore it is important that we focus upon the spiritual...NOT the physical happenings.

It is so easy to get distracted by appearance of chaos and fear...but Jesus gave warning so you would stay focused upon “Who you are” and not react to the events as they unfold. Instead hold on to your love, peace and joy for that is the Kingdom of God.

You focus must be upon your “Being” not the “Doing.” So don’t get all caught up in trying to fix things or worry about what will happen next...I know this sound crazy...it may sound ill-responsible. But if you get caught up in all the distractions you will not be spiritually responsible as Jesus revealed in the parable of the Ten Virgins, Matt. 25:1-13.

Your focus is to be upon your purpose and how you can best serve others using your gifts and strengths. Note what Jesus said in the parable of the talents: Matt. 25:15, the master gave talents…”each according to his own ability.” What is your ability? Don’t hide it…put it to use, bless others and be blessed.


Steve Hart

Time & Place, Consciousness

This video explains why I have taken such an interest in the Mayan Calendar...

I am not saying I agree with everything you may have heard about the date 2012 and make note the movie was just a one person's idea...it was just a movie.

But I do encourage you to do your own research on the Mayan Calendar as you raise your consciousness to "What is" and what is to come. John 16:13

The world is on course...for you will see major changes within the next few years. If you have eyes to see you will already know what I am saying is true. Those of us who are awakened to the Spirit of God will experience the glory of what is to come....those who sleep will suffer greatly. Awake to righteousness and turn from sin...1 Cor. 15:34

Embrace the love of God and allow it to remove all fear. For God said, "Fear not for I am always with you..." Isaiah 41:10

Steve Hart

The Persistence of FEAR

I have found....FEAR often shows up in our "relationships" with one another.

Fear is an illusion, a very persistent one...but it does not have to be your reality.

"There is no fear in love...perfect love casts out fear...." 1 John 4:18


Steve Hart

“God has No Enemies!”

Can this be true? If God has no enemies then why does He not triumph over everything in this world....or does He?

The reason this is so confusing is….its all a part of the illusion of this world.

In the Kingdom of God there is no duality. In other words, there is no darkness only light. In the world you see both good and evil but in the Kingdom of God there no opposing power against God.

Its you who perceives the idea that God has His enemies. The truth is God has no enemies. Neither do you if you live in the Kingdom of God here on earth.

What is the Kingdom of God? How is it possible to live in the Kingdom and still be present here on earth?

Jesus said, “the Kingdom of God is within you!” Luke 17:21.

In Romans 14:17 it describes, “the Kingdom of God is…being right with God, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

So what is the Kingdom of God? It is a state of being….a state of consciousness…it is living in the truth. It is NOT a place in heaven some where far off. It is the power of God within you.

So does this mean you will not experience trouble while living in the world? Please understand the world its self is not evil but there are those who live in the world who choose to do harm for they have filled themselves with anger and hatred.

But if you choose to live within the power of God’s love you are no longer a victim of those who would cause you harm. This is why Jesus said, “I give you power over all your enemies and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19. In the Kingdom of God there are no victims.

The only enemies you have are the ones you choose….but if you choose to allow the Spirit of God to change your heart you have no enemies. John 1:5 “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it.”

Jesus knew you would have trouble first understanding this so this is why he said this,
“In the world you will have trouble…but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.

Steve Hart

Spiritual Labels

So what do you call yourself?

Few people really like labeling themselves….because labels don’t always fit or not everyone agrees what the label means.

For example I would and have called myself a “Christian” but that label in my opinion...through the years...no longer fits as well. I have learned to let go of my Christian dogma and I find more and more others are doing the same. So can I call myself a Christian? What do I call myself? What fits?

Some would say “Why do you have to label yourself?” Good question!

I have found myself wanting to define my belief system so I can clearly communicate with you what I believe and what I teach. I am a teacher and it is hard to describe what you teach without first giving yourself a label. People want to know where you are coming from.

So I am searching for a label that best describes who I am.

I know I could call myself a “Spiritual Being” “Child of God” a “Member of the Kingdom of God” but these labels are too broad.

I decided to narrow down my labels by eliminating the ones I knew would NOT fit.
Not to exclude neither myself nor my acceptance of others but to get clear which one fits me the best. I can NOT say I am a Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Pagan, Jew or Taoist even though I may share with them some spiritual truths. But I quickly eliminated them from my list.

But what about Christian Mystic, New Thought Thinker, a New-Ager, a Spiritualist or a Meta-Physician? Then there other other labels like Light-Worker or Way Shower.

What about you? What would you call yourself? If you had to get in line behind a label… what labels best describe who you are and what you believe?

So I made a video to tell you which spiritual label I have chosen.

Steve Hart

Meditation

Do you meditate and pray every day? Do you know how? What are the benefits of prayer and meditation?

For many years I did not understand how or why it was so important to learn how to pray and meditate everyday. I don’t remember anyone teaching me how to meditate. Most Christians do not know how to spend time in prayer and meditation.

I remember hearing the word meditation used in the book of Psalms but it was a mystery to me for many years. It was not until I let go my dogma that I begin to open myself up to idea. If I had learned how to meditate years ago I am sure I would have saved myself from a lot of stress, heart ache, frustration, and disharmony.

The Hebrew words for “Meditate” used in Psalms means to “murmur” as you might ponder your thoughts as you speak to yourself.

I think it is interesting the medical field uses the word “murmur” to describe an unusual sound emanating from the heart….why, because there lies a secret to meditation.

The secret of meditation is…you must get quite enough to hear what your heart is saying...that means learning how to let go of the all the noise within your head. Releasing all thoughts...notice I did not say stop thinking…why? Have you ever tried to do that? Every time you try to stop your thoughts you only create more thoughts. Instead you learn how to let go of your thinking as you begin to relax and experience the moments between the thoughts. That is when your heart will begin to speak to you.

Breathing

Here is a technique I have found that helps me to relax and get quite...the answer is your breathing!

As you set aside your time for meditation and prayer...do it when and where you will not be disturb by anything around you. Find a quite comfortable place to meditate.

As you begin to relax…focus upon your breathing as you breathe normally at a comfortable pattern...stay focused upon your breathing until your mind begins to quite down. Enjoy this quite time. The longer you do this…in time you will sense a connection to your heart, you inner being, your spiritual being and your connection to God.

Listen to what your heart is saying to you...at the same time the Spirit of God will speak and minister to you….surrender to at least five minutes and later on increase that amount of time everyday until you reach a comfortable time for you.

After you have given yourself to this time you will find it easy to pray your prayer of thanks giving…as you acknowledge your connection with God. Once you have reached that personal connection with God...that is when you make your request and affirmations for what you want. I will not go into detail about how to pray but...end all your request with the words of faith….what I mean by that is...make a statement which affirms your request as though it has already been answered...therefore give thanks.

You might want to write down anything the Spirit has spoken to you during your meditation so you will remember it. If you do this I think you will find great joy, peace and harmony through out the rest of the day.

In Psalms 49:3 it says, “My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.”


Steve Hart

"To Know The Kingdom of God"

What does this mean?

Nicodemus perceived that God was with Jesus since he performed miracles and Jesus told Nicodemus… “Except a man be born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” John 3:3.

This is the scripture where Christian’s get the term the “Born Again” experience. But the Greek word for “Again” really means “From above, or the top” so Christians would do better to say, “Born of the Spirit from above.”

What is more important is the word “See” which in the Greek means “to Know.” Therefore know the Kingdom means to see it conceptually, to perceive its existence.

So the best translation of what Jesus said may be “Except a man be born of the Spirit he cannot know of the Kingdom of God.”

When you are born of the Spirit a shift takes place within your mind and you are introduced to an awareness of Spirit and the Kingdom of God. Until then it has no meaning.

Now there are two Greek words and two meanings for the word “Know.” The Greek word used in John 3:3 for “See” is “Eido” which means to know intellectually, factual knowledge, perceived through spiritual perception.

The other Greek word for “Know” is “Ginosko” which means to experience something first hand knowing, a knowing within. This Greek word is used in John 8:32 “…You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” This knowing is the work of higher levels of consciousness. Note the objective is to “Be Free” not to just know the truth.

This is why 1 Cor.8:1b says, “Knowledge puffeth up but Charity editieth.”

Later in the 13 chapter of Corinthians verse two it says, “And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.”

In John 8:55 Jesus is speaking to the religious leaders saying, “Yet you have not known (Ginosko) him; but I know (Eido) him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like to you: but I know him, and keep his saying.” Here we find Jesus telling those who profess to know God, they really do NOT know God, they only knew about him. Ouch! This made them mad enough they tried to stone Jesus.

Jesus is clearly saying…to “know” God meant you must first have an “Eido” intellectual knowing and then have the “Ginosko” inner knowing of God which is a work of the Holy Spirit.

In 1 Cor. 2:14 it explained, “But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness to him: neither can he know (Ginosko) them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

When you are born of the Spirit the “Spiritual Being” within you is awakened. From that point on your assignment is to allow the Holy Spirit to do its work within you for it is the power of God able to give you great joy, peace and love. Transcending out of the darkness into the light…letting go of the things of this world and into the Kingdom.


Steve Hart

Have You Been Deceived?

Take heed that you be not deceived…

In Luke 21:8 Jesus said many would come in His name…and you are not to follow after them. Then He proceeds to describe the end times.

Read verses 8-36….I will spare quoting the scripture. But I do want to point out those who are doing the deceiving are coming in His name….meaning they profess to be Christians.

When I look at Christianity sometimes I wonder if we are deceiving ourselves. We want to be spiritual and still believe in the illusion of this world. We are afraid to let go. Yes we have become our own enemy. Christians have focused upon religion, dogma, dead doctrine, and playing church thinking that this is Christianity. Knowledge alone is nothing without the power of God's love.

Jesus was very clear….His message was love. It was not based upon fear or anything motivated by fear yet I hear the church preaching fear…as though they do not know the love of God. Listen to their words…are they preaching love or fear? Fear is NOT powered from God for God is love. Fear is the absence of love.

Man has been motivated and controlled by fear and its illusion since his beginning. For all evil has been created by man’s fear; greed, lying, pride, disharmony, hatred and murder. Christians have been guilty of making these evils a part of their religion. Jesus did not teach fear or judgement. He taught us how to love.

How do you avoid this deception?

Open yourself up to all that God has for you! Are you afraid that God will ask you to do something you do not want to do….? I know I was. But when I opened myself up to the love of God and He gave me the Baptism of the Holy Spirit….it changed everything.

When Jesus was speaking to the religious leaders He said, “You do error not knowing the scriptures nor the power of God.” Matt.22:29 that is why you need the Holy Spirit actively guiding your spiritual growth for it is the power of God. “He (the Holy Spirit)) will guide you into all truth.” John 16:13

This is why Jesus taught the baptism of the Holy Spirit for it is the power of God. In the Greek the word power is “Dunamis” which is where we get the word dynamite.

John the Baptist said, “He (Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Ghost and fire.” Later Jesus said, “John truly baptized with water but you shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence....you shall receive power after the Holy Ghost has come upon you." Act 1:5-8 It began on the day of Pentecost.

If you know the Spirit of God you will not be deceived for it is the power of God which is LOVE! If you are still attached to the illusion of this world you will be deceived.

In these last days it is important you listen closely to the Holy Spirit for your guidance for He will show you the things to come. John 16:13b.

Steve Hart

To Know the Love of God

Do you know that God loves you!

I know you have heard this before…but do you understand what this means?

The God of this universe puts his arms around you and assures you that you are loved by its creator. He created you before you were born into this world.

You are special to Him for you belong to him….you are a child of God. His love is an unconditional love therefore you get to choose to accept His love or to continue to live in the illusion that you are separate from God.

It was a major leap in consciousness when I understood that God loved me. I knew it in my head but until I felt His Spirit and I opened my heart to receive His love…I did not really know the love of God and His son Jesus.

Not long after that I was filled with the Holy Spirit and I was given the power to free myself from my fear, frustrations, and loneliness. He has brought me comfort and companionship in a daily relationship with Him. Everyday I am assured that He loves me and He will never leave me.

How could I NOT receive His love? Why would I want to turn my back to the one who could give me everything I really wanted? Therefore I surrendered my life, my will and my thoughts to Him. God has NEVER let me down and He never will.

There have been times when I did NOT listen to Him and I failed myself but He has always been there to pick me up and give me the power to move on.

If you wish to hear the details of my story you can read about it here:

http://thejesusmovementandersonindiana.blogspot.com/

Look for “Steve Heifner Testimony” Yes that is me. That is my real name.

I assume you can celebrate with me when you discovered God’s love for you or you would not be reading this. Remember the deep revelation of that moment?

Since then my spiritual journey did not stop there….for I have grown so much over the years. My consciousness has taken many leaps into higher realms of the Spirit and I am sure you have too. If not then I invite you to listen to the Spirit and open yourself up to higher levels of understanding. Know what it means to be "One" with God and His son Jesus.

You can experience the Kingdom of God here on earth...right now. The Holy Spirit will teach you and give you the power to transcend this world into his glorious kingdom of love, joy and peace.

“Eye has not seen nor ear has heard…the things that God has prepared for them that love Him. But God has revealed them unto us by His Spirit, for the Spirit searches all things…yea the deep things of God.” 1 Cor. 2:9-10

Steve Hart