NT: Epistle of Paul to the Philippians, Chapter 2

Philippians 2:1-30

2:1 Paul beseeches every believer of this philosophy of life, this faith, to do 9 things:

2:2 

1) To be like-minded: to have in your mind the same objectives as our purposeful creator 

2) To exhibit the same love: to have in your heart the same compassion as our solicitous creator

3) To be of one accord: to live purposefully in consistent harmony 

4) To be of one mind: to be unwavering in expressions of the mind (thought, speech and action)

2:3

5) To live selflessly: to promote, sustain, inspire, protect, create, defend the well-being of others

6) To live truthfully: to allow clarity, wisdom and objectivity their rightful dominion

7) To be humble: to increase self-value by devoting yourself to others

8) To build others up: to construct self-value, opportunity, happiness and justice for the downtrodden 

2:4

9) To love our (figurative) neighbor as we love ourselves: Mark 12:31, because it is the most simple way to compassionately, symbiotically navigate life.

2:5-7 The Messiah came not as an authoritarian but as a worker. He came not to distinguish Himself from humanity but to unite Himself with humanity. He came in humility with selfless, tireless purpose.

2:8 He came to sojourn on earth in order to gather, inspire and heal despite the threat of adversity. Paul encourages us to set the same directives for ourselves while we sojourn here.

2:9-11 At the culmination of this life on earth, all life will confront the manifestation of truth, wisdom, love and Spirit. All life will in awe discover truth.

2:12-13 In all moments of life we must work on our beliefs, our character, our temperament, our behavior, our words and develop our faith. God is constantly working in and with us; it is essential that we participate in our own edification.

2:14 In order to be productive and progressive work without complaint. Complaining and argument are wasteful, regressive and wholly unproductive. God implores you to stay focused, serene. 

2:15 Be a light in a world filled with darkness. Do not let yourself become rankled by frustration, anger, evil, negativity, or chaos. When we work in every moment to be more compassionate and truthful, we distinguish ourselves from the murky host of expressions and actions which corrupt the world and taunt humanity.

2:16 With a firm grip on your faith, have joy in Creation. Have joy for the souls who have existed and do exist to ensure justice among humanity. In example, our author: Paul. Through Paul's dedicated and impassioned work and words, our lives are changing. Our faith is growing; our souls are lighting up. Yet even sprinkled around us are kindhearted souls. Be so grateful for their work that you cannot help but join them. 

2:17-18 Paul is perfectly content, thrilled even, to be a vessel for God's compassion. Paul's humility and faith allow him to recognize and revel in the blessed opportunity of dedicating himself to humanity for God. What greater, more productive impact can be made in the world than what God has planned?

2:19-20 Paul informs the Philippians of apostle Timothy's impending arrival. Paul trusts Timothy's faith and his motivations (remember: observe and analyze before trusting anything or anyone).

2:21 Search for sincerity and authenticity in people, institutions and ideas. Do not let corrupt or selfish motives manipulate, distract, derail or deceive you.

2:22-23 Paul informs the Philippians of Timothy's sincerity, having served with him and his father as apostles. Still, you are cautioned and advised to make your own observations about people.

2:24 Paul speaks of his own visit to the Philippians. God's children spread out in order to fulfill their own specific purposes and make the most comprehensive impact on the world. Paul hopes that amid the working, they might be able to join together in faith and joy and friendship.

2:26-27 News from Paul of a beloved of the Philippians, Epaphroditus (a confirmation of his well-being despite ailment). God takes care of His children. We worry about our loved ones because we value them and that is understandable but take comfort in the fact that God protects.

2:28-29 Receive with gladness the kind and hardworking souls of our world. Their work is essential and is given entirely selflessly.

2:30 The metaphor here is directly relation to Matthew 16:25 and Luke 17:33: when you give (devote) your temporary, earthly life to God, you inherit infinite, Spiritual life. Epaphroditus was not obsessed or even concerned with his own life, procuring wealth, power, fame or property. He was determined and concerned with doing God's work and thereby earned the greatest wealth there is: God's love, life and protection. 

NT: Epistle of Paul to the Philippians, Chapter 1

Philippians 1:1-30

1:1-2 Paul and Timothy peacefully begin their greeting to the people of Philippi, present day Greece, as children and workers of God. Imagine if we greeted all of humanity in such a way? To arrive at every circumstance, and every person, with the silent, determined proclamation that we are workers of compassion and justice.

1:3 Just as Paul expresses gratitude for the people in his life, so must we remember to do. We are often taught to be aware of and grateful for the people in our lives on the premise that their existence here on earth with us is finite, uncertain. To exhibit a healthier love and appreciation, we should be grateful for the people in our lives not out of fear for their possible departure but out of joy for their definite presence. Because our God is the God of Life and if we learn that, we have nothing to fear, especially not death which does not exist.

We can be grateful for the LIFE within the people we love because even when they are not with us on earth, they have  not only retained the life inside of them, they have exponentially grown and improved its quality and length. Therefore, thank God for the durable and infinite life inside of the people around you, whom you keep inside your heart, not because they might disappear but because they never will.

A thank you because the hosts of the smiles we love so much to see have been with us, are with us and will always be. 2 Corinthians 5:8, We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

1:4 We are not always as generous as we can be because some of our best generosity is simply requesting (hoping and praying) that the universe provide joy to the humans around us. That is not a problem for Paul who, through his faith, is bursting with generosity and hope born of his faithful joy. Much of the negativity born in the world is born out of the sheer lack of joy within people's souls. Joy solves and heals. Therefore instead of anger and frustration and intolerance, let's give joy. Let's solve and heal our troubles rather than endlessly, fruitlessly swatting at them and refueling them and subsequently, our strife.

1:5 Paul acknowledges and gives gratitude for the people who work justly and compassionately among humanity on the earth. With joy Paul understands that the mission and productive work of God's children creates light in place of darkness, happiness in the place of sorrow, freedom in the place of detainment, justice in the place of injustice, courage in the place of fear, truth in the place of deception, compassion in the place of apathy, hope in the place of despair. Yeah, we are busy (or should be). We have a lot of work to do. Paul is encouraged and inspired because God's children are able and willing and eager in the face of the workload. 

1:6 "He who has begun work in you will complete it..." Until the culmination of this classroom that is earth, the culmination that is Jesus' day to gather His students, His siblings, God is with you. We know that we will be with Him in Spirit; here on earth, He will be with us (in all of our moments). In all of our moments He will be working to grow our courage, character and wisdom. He guides and instructs us through the many lessons within life. He builds us and perfects us but we must join Him in the work.

Remember that Jesus is the manifestation of truth, wisdom, compassion and life. Truth, wisdom, compassion and life will gather its students/siblings/partners. Until that time, God will work to make you strong and He will never abandon the work of your edification.

1:7-8 God's children are Paul's joy and motivation, the reason he remains humble and focused in his work. He cherishes them (and us) because of our potential and because we rise and work to fulfill it.

1:9-11 The sincerity of Paul's words fly on the wings of God to reach you, right now, in this moment:
1) That your love may increasingly abound in knowledge and discernment
2) That you choose absolute justice and sincerity
3) That you be filled with all of the gifts of our glorious, generous God

1:12-13 Paul's adversity consistently served his life's purpose. When Paul tethered himself to faith, faith delivered to Paul absolute freedom. Even when physically chained, Paul was free, unencumbered by his adversity. Every event of Paul's life was guided, allowed, and protected by God: he was placed where he needed to be to do the most good, to send the strongest message of faith and resilience. Even deeply entrenched in adversity, Paul continued to be made free, to be productive and faithful and just and compassionate. Paul's life became a living testimony. Your life's behavior is a living testimony... choose and know the message you are preaching to humanity.

1:14 Soldiers for justice are required to confront injustice. God ensures that we are brave and agile enough to confront and then diminish adversity. Paul's resilience during turbulence emboldens us because he taught us that when we are doing compassionate work, we cannot be thwarted or defeated.

Although we are fellow-workers with God, 1 Corinthians 3:9, Paul often speaks of servitude to God. Why? Because only by giving ourselves to our Creator are we made free: free from confusion, pain, manipulation, evil...etc. Why? Because He teaches us how to free ourselves from the things, emotions and people who try to control us. When we put ourselves in His hands, He molds us toward perfection; He guides us out of captivity.

Remember: God is not going to scoop you up without your permission. He has given and values your freedom. Only by giving ourselves, our permission, to Him is He able to do His work and give His love. Paul's life example teaches us to be brave because he perfectly exemplifies that no enemy has any power over the child who serves their Parent, our creator, our God.

1:15 There are two different motivations of preachers, teachers of God's word: selfless motivations and selfish motivations. Ensure that you can tell the difference between the two! Those with selfish motivations are deceptive and fake...

1:16 ... and deceptive and fake religion is alive and abundant in the world today. Paul and God want you to be able to recognize such people. Observe their actions, analyze their motivations... require them to back up everything they say with scripture and then interpret for yourselves because crooked people manipulate things to get what they want.

The most simple way to identify a fake teacher: notice how precisely they follow the work of Jesus and the apostles. Many religious figures condemn and instill fear, make fanciful shows of themselves and their institutions, SAY a lot but actually DO very little in the service of compassion. Do not be awed by eloquent speeches, our actions define who we truly are. Look for humility within the person. Be weary of hierarchical religions for God has announced the equality of all people and His impartial love.

Some religious figures (and attendants of religions) revel in feelings of superiority or desires for wealth, power, fame and property. Jesus did not require a big, expensive church to teach in. He did not require an edifice at all! He taught in nature because He wanted us to understand that the message is important, not the establishment. For further study: Luke 20:45-47, Mark 12:38-40.

1:17 Other teaches teach out of love. They teach because they have felt the love and comforting presence of God in their lives and they wish to share its truth and existence with others. They teach because they recognize that humanity is in need of justice and compassion and proponents of justice and compassion.

1:18 God's Word is in the world whether we are learning from the good, honest teachers or whether we a learning from the mistakes and consequences of the bad, deceptive teachers. God prods us toward in many ways enlightenment, we just have to open our eyes.

1:19 Paul emphatically knows that his work, supported by God and the prayer and participation of His children, will abound in the earth.

1:20 Paul hopes to continue to courageously fulfill his purpose. We also can identify what hopes we have for ourselves: the details of how we wish to pursue our purpose on the earth. Aware of the fallibility and insecurities of humans, Paul hopes to continually profess his beliefs without trepidation. For the more vigorously we think and act and express in compassion, the more our thoughts, actions and expressions reverberate around our world.

This philosophy of life is magnified by the people who live it and express it, grows and becomes stronger and brighter.

1:21-23 Paul understands that there is no death for God's children. Beyond this experience of earth awaits eternal life. Eternal joy and wisdom and compassion. Paul simultaneously yearns to be in that place as well as remain on earth to accomplish God's work.

1:24 Paul understands that he is needed here. We are needed here. There is so much compassionate work to be done and therefore the earth yearns for workers. Humanity yearns for compassion. Life beyond earth is wonderful, everlasting, but our work here is essential. Therefore, our presence here is essential. Work with heaven in mind and earth in heart; we will have existed in both places, but we are currently conscious here for a reason.

1:25-26 Remain and continue in faith in order to remain and continue to progress in joy. How do we continue in faith? We work compassionately on ourselves and our earth. We establish ourselves and strive for wisdom and patience, perspective and hope. We become a strong tree, bearing fruit for humanity.

1:27 Ensure that what you think, say and do are consistently in agreement. Fulfill purpose by living intentionally, and rising to your potential by exploring yourself and the world with objectivity and compassion.

This philosophy is an amazing and solid example for us to be unwavering in our faith. We must not ever be hypocritical or regressive in our faith, thoughts, words and behavior. Be intentional: let your life express in every moment the message you wish to inspire on the earth.

1:28 Do not fear any adversaries because our Advocate, our God, is defending us. Evil is going to dissolve and become nothing, not even a memory. Evil is brittle and weak in the face of God and our strength against adversaries reminds them of their inherent weakness.

1:29-30 Our work here requires that we confront evil and injustice. We cannot hide from it or we will never defeat it. If we believe in this faith, this philosophy of life, then we must be proponents of it. God's children have empathetic souls and therefore feel much of the emotion around them. Although it can be a weighty task, God ensures that we are strong enough to bear it. Allow Him to be your pillar.

NT: Epistle of Paul to the Ephesians, Chapter 6

Ephesians 6:1-24

6:1-2 Something many of us neglect to do is perceive our parents as human beings separate from their children. As having once existed without their children. Whether or not we respect our parents varies between person to person but quite often we forget that just as we are individuals conditioned by our environment and our experiences, so are they.

Considering our parents as beings on their own journeys, we come to realize that their flaws and talents, triumphs and failures together are the unique amalgamation of what and who has been a part of their lives. Some of the conditions of our lives we are responsible for, but other circumstances wedge their way into our lives and the same happens (and has happened) to our parents. They've had to react and express and chose and try and hope all of their lives and they have done all of that with the same fallibility we possess. 

Paul wants us to respect our parents and the lesson in respecting our parents is this: we cannot accurately judge or fully understand even the people closest to us, the people we claim as our own, because so much of their life, soul and thought process is inaccessible to us. When we learn that we cannot possibly, entirely know even the people the closest to us, we develop a natural understand that we cannot possibly, entirely know anyone else either.

Parents are individuals living in this same earth-classroom as we are. Hopefully they have cultivated our well-being but even when they haven't, we learn to employ some of the most basic, philosophical lessons God has highlighted for us. Kindness to the unkind. Forgiveness for the remorseful. Patience for the fallible. Compassion for all.

From within our nuclear family, we have the chance to learn how to interact with other humans... in (what is hopefully a) more comforting and forgiving environment. We then can apply what we have learned from our niche to the external world.

6:3 The code to living well and long is encoded in our interactions with other humans. The more we learn from our mistakes of impatience and unkindness, they better able we are to live among all life. We learn to be contented with ourselves because we have learned how to cultivate and inspire peaceful environments, strong and healthy relationships (platonic and otherwise). It is now a fact that stress inhibits ailment and degeneration. Paul insists that we respect our parents because he knows this profound truth: when we learn to separate people, ideas, and circumstances from ourselves, we broaden our horizon. 

Our parents provide the best opportunity to learn such a lesson because disentangling ourselves from them is perhaps the most difficult. We do not share a bolder physical connection with anyone on the earth. When we learn to recognize them as individuals, it becomes easier to do so for other people, who we frequently grow frustrated with, angry with, sorrowful because of... incorrectly assuming that their actions have anything to do with us at all.

To clarify, "disentangle" and "separate" are used figuratively. Meaning that we have to stop forgetting that they have experiences, thoughts, insecurities that have nothing to do with us... but often feel like they do because they impact their behavior towards us.

6:4 Every member of the family, the spiritual family and the family on earth, is valuable to God. Paul calls us to respect our parents and here calls our parents to respect their children. To respect their children by giving kindness and instruction and faith. 

Although not always recognized or treated as such, the role of a parent is a sacred one. It is the responsibility of not just bringing life into the world (that is fairly straight-forward) but preparing that life, that person for the world. To ensure their survival and ability to thrive, Paul gave three strong pieces of advice: Love them, nurture a calm spirit within them (rather than a "wrathful" one). Guide them, help them to navigate this place. And finally, most importantly, inspire faith. Inspire faith because no matter how adept we are, children (people) are not always able to retain calmness... and this is a complex place to navigate! Faith fills and corrects our inefficiencies. Inspire faith because with faith, a child (person) is never alone (no matter what circumstances unfold).

Three simple bits of advice from Paul but not exactly easy, right? Remember, we do our best and faith fills and corrects our inefficiencies.

6:5 This is Paul's example of the difference between having Spirit as your figurehead and having a human as your figurehead. They organize and run their programs differently: one of them selfishly and one of them selflessly.

Translating this to present day: Paul's advice here instructs us to extend our respect to our work environment. (In Paul's context the message seems rather extreme, to be kind even during enslavement.) It is not surprising however, that Paul's advice to us, even under enslavement, is to be kind and productive... assuredly that is our best way out (productivity in patience and the development of wisdom in order to improve/change our circumstance).

It was a different world when Paul wrote this, and although all of his advice can be applied to our lives... not all aspects of our lives are relatable to his. Slavery still exists in our world, though is less overt than it was in Paul's day. He had to reference it... and as he could not outline the exact exit map for every slave on earth, he encouraged resilience in them. He encouraged them to operate the same way he encouraged the free person because he knows that God's guidance and our cooperation with God, always leads to our inevitable freedom.

6:8 However human society categorizes us (social class, ethnicity, age, gender, religion), God values and respects and loves us equally. Another reminder: whatever we give, sincerely, to humanity and the earth, is giving to us. We fill our own basket by filling others' baskets (figuratively speaking). And only what you do with sincere generosity is counted, anything different is vapid.

6:9 What Paul is preaching about is arrogance, greed, injustice and unkindness. No person should ever feel they have the authority to demand reverence or inflict fear. The authority over humanity, and all creation's lives, does not run His universe that way... and therefore, nobody has permission to.

6:10-11 Develop your faith so that it becomes not only your guide and comforter but also your armor. Your armor made up of sturdily-held values, focus, sense of justice, courage. Your armor against everything that is represented within the world "devil": greed, hatred, injustice. The armor of your faith ensures that you are invulnerable in the face of adversity, distraction, derailment and temptation.

6:12 Paul reminds, or perhaps teaches us, that our enemies are not people. Our enemies are injustice and greed and their many manifestations. We need to wear our armor of faith not to defeat mere humans but to tackle and diminish the monsters they work for... the monsters they are influenced by. Children of God are soldiers in a battle quite unlike the type of battles we see nations and people engaged in. Children of God go against GREED itself. Against INJUSTICE itself. Children of God work to topple all of the pillars which uphold greed and injustice (deceptive people, corrupt institutions, unjust ideas) in order to topple the whole entity.

As we have learned before: we are entrusted with so much opportunity here. We have the tools, materials and support to make a massive impact here. With God we achieve incredible things... moment by moment. Do not be overwhelmed or feel unprepared or unworthy or unable because God ensures that we are able to scale mountains in a realistic and attainable way.

6:13 We build our armor in anticipation of adversity. When a turbulent environment or tumultuous relationship or any difficult circumstance confronts us, we are not caught off guard. We build a defense so that we are not scrambling to find some makeshift ground to stand on while under the pressure of an unforeseen event. We've already built a firm platform when we have built our armor, our faith, the strength of our soul.

We build a defense so that we are at all times prepared. We cannot predict everything but we can be prepared to survive anything... to have the mental, emotional and spiritual capacity to withstand any adversity/adversary. We can build, strengthen and make our resilience flexible and adaptable. We can learn to process change and disruption healthily; with organize and focus we outline and then traverse a path of both a growth plan and an exit plan.

Instead of being victims in the world, tossed around by even the whim of the wind, we are able to consciously make a stand to choose how we are affected by external sources. We are not victims, we are students and until we realize that, we continue to fail the class (which feels a lot like life failing us).

6:14 Be truthful. Be just. Paul has just advised us that our tallest guideposts, visible from anywhere, and brightest lampposts, are truth and justice. Work to discern the truth of yourself, others, ideas and every aspect of life. Progress toward justice in every aspect of life. Truth and justice will help you to explore yourself and your world and to discover all (and more) that you seek to find. 

6:15 Preparation! Preparation is an underutilized and underestimated tool. On every level of life, preparation should be our companion. For even if we fail at something, we can prepare for that possible outcome too. Most importantly, we prepare ourselves against failure (foreseen and unforeseen.) How? Being prompt. Being observant. Being inquisitive (doing our research*). Being productive. 

*Many of us are not thrilled or even comfortable with presenting publicly in school or work environments. Yet we achieve with fluidity when we have worked to understand both our material and our objectives to the best of our ability. Life is the same: work productively to know your material and your objectives. How? By being present and alert and thereby allowing your brain and emotions process, analyze, interpret, define, absorb and utilize all of the material that is being presented by the world. That is the Research of Life.

6:16 Before, during and after the moments of life which are not perfectly packaged, call to action the resource that is your faith. Your faith will adequately equip you with whatever particulars are needed for the situation you need help in. Ecclesiastes 1:9 explains to us that there is nothing new under the sun here on earth. God with humanity across generations has seen, heard and dealt with it all.

Welcome faith to be your shield so that no matter what adversity douses you with, it cannot pass your protective layer. 

6:17 How does this armor become accessible to us? How do we truly seal ourselves? By reading, studying and learning the philosophy of life given to us here in God's word. These are the directions of how to obtain productive and responsive faith and to reap all of faith's benefits.

God reaches people in many different and unique ways. Paul gives us advice here on interpreting one of those ways: by listening to what He has to say (as presented by His prophets, disciples, Messiah and apostles). Yes, this Bible is comprised of words... but the Word of God is spoken to us through nature, through our compassion, through our passion and works of justice. We must keep not this physical or digital copy of the Bible close to us but the meaning of the words within it. And the meaning of the words within this Bible are known and taught and exemplified by nature around us (the selfless, intelligent, symbiotic system of life around us). 

6:18 Earnest, humble prayer is our most direct route toward achievement, contentment, justice and happiness. All relationships are dependent on a strong and viable line of communication. Our physical, emotional and spiritual expressions communicate to the universe. We are known by nature, by divine-creation because it listens to us, observes us and interprets our behavior... but do we listen to, observe and interpret the nature? A healthy and productive line of communication requires both entities to participate.

Paul prompts us to cultivate:
1) Vigilance: We must make ourselves aware of our surroundings. Whether we give attention or not, life is happening. If we are not present and alert in life, rather than our actions happening to things, things happen to us. Instead of making an impact, we are impacted.
2) Perseverance: Perseverance is the vehicle which moves forward our progressive thoughts and ideas, actions and intentions. Without the courage and persistence we are stunted. Halted. Muted. Obsolete.

When we humbly, earnestly urge justice and compassion to envelope the world, we make a significant contribution to that very outcome. There are energies on the earth produced by our spirit. Spirit is our origin, our destination, our DNA. We produce. We create. Tangible and otherwise, everything we put out into the world has an impact: Our thoughts become our motivations, our motivations become our intentions and our intentions become our actions... our actions become impacts on the earth and humanity.

Paul is working here in this final chapter of Ephesians to teach us how to operate ourselves within this world. The upshot: 1) we have to pay attention and 2) we have to develop the courage to deal with all the we observe 3) our relationship with ourselves, and /faith/divinity/nature are our tools, guides, support-systems and fellow-workers as we progress along this, our journey, earth.

6:19-20 As a grateful and dutiful servant of compassion, justice and faith Paul requests for us to pray for and seek spiritual wisdom, in any of the forms that it comes. Spiritual wisdom edifies, renews, establishes, instructs, guides, comforts, loves, protects... Paul reminds us not to take for granted the source and ways in which it comes.

6:21-22 Paul begins to close his epistle to the Ephesians with a hope that they will keep in contact and with the assurance of the presence of another apostle (spiritual guide) for them, Tychicus. Paul does not preach and work in a region and then leave it; per God's instructs, he sets up a network of support to uphold the established faith.

6:23 Peace, love and faith from God through the apostles. God eagerly hopes to work with and through you in the same manner. We are vessels of life, capable of delivering so much compassion and justice to humanity.

6:24 To those who live and love in faith with sincerity, grace (the refined, abundant love, solemnity, joy and serenity of God) is assuredly, fixedly with you.

NT: Epistle of Paul to the Ephesians, Chapter 5

Ephesians 5:1-33

Three lessons from Paul in this fifth chapter of Ephesians: Walk in Love (compassion). Walk in Light (spirituality). Walk in Wisdom. Walk in Unity.

5:1 When you are entrenched in the process of developing yourself in faith, in anything or relationship, you can always follow nature's example. Divine creativity encircles us and lives even within us; if we are ever looking for a guide, we do not have to look far or long to find one. The processes of our bodies and nature are instructive: constantly working with focus and selflessness to maintain and even create life. For that is essentially the objective of compassion: to support and create life. When we are unsure, the option that best supports or protects or creates life is the option we should choose. 

There are many elements of any decision and most certainly there are "grey" areas, but if we intention toward what is just, what is kind, what is productive, what inspires or renews life, we receive some help in making our choices.

Whenever we make a decision we are choosing a change in our lives. Explore the ways certain changes would impact your life and those around you. There will always be risks but if you keep your faith, your trusting channel with God, at the forefront of your life...every risk will journey inevitably toward reward. Why? Not because you blinding believed but because you accepted the work ethic and so God provided you the materials to achieve.

5:2 Love is the cornerstone. If that it hard to understand then here is some advice. When all else fails you: frustration, anger, sorrow, vengeance, regret...choose love. Start letting patience and respect and empathy take the reigns. Analyze the difference of outcome. 

5:3-4 Developing your character is a process we must actively participate in. In every moment we have to be aware of what we are producing and expressing. Everything that comes out of our mind, mouth and hands has to be a representation of focused growth. Anything you want to be you have to well, be. In every moment. That sometimes means we have to stop being other things.

5:5 Darkness cannot exist in pure light. It is not a punishment from God that evil does not survive the spiritual realm. It is a common sense reality. That which sustains evil does not exist in the spirit and therefore, evil spawns its own demise, having chosen not to adapt to the atmosphere of life.

5:6 Do not allow yourself to become distracted by impressive but ultimately "empty words." We have been cautioned against blindly trusting the intentions of others. We must analyze. Analyze the motives of yourself and of others. Are we or they behaving hypocritically? Selfishly? Apathetically? 

5:7 We cannot join in with negativity. We must be too focused to be shadowed and stunted by distractions. What motivations are surrounding us, influencing us? Give your attention to knowing your environment so that you can extricate yourself from that which or whoever contradicts your goals.

5:8 Wisdom and compassion are Light. Once we are awake, we leave the darkness: we gain focus and understanding. We have uncovered our meaning, life's meaning, the purpose here. Walk, live, express as children of wisdom and compassion.

5:9 Here we are given the elements of Spirit: Goodness, Justice and Truth. And so even though we may not be able to tangibly understand the manifestation or capacity of Spirit, we know its components. We understand them in the only way that truly matters.

5:10 God understands that this earth is a classroom; He created it to be what it is. As we live with the best intentions, we learn and subsequently grow. Every day we understand more and more what it means to physically be and produce the elements of spirit: goodness, justice, truth.

5:11-12 More than just reject evil and injustice, we are meant to draw them out of their corners and high places. We are meant to drag them off of their thrones and platforms. We are meant to tear down their power, their disguise. 

5:13 That is our work here within this classroom. To dismember and disable evil and injustice every time and in every capacity that we find it. Wisdom is light because it uncovers. Wisdom is the door to perspective, understanding, knowledge, discernment. Wisdom gives us the tools and abilities to investigate, to explore truth and to identify deception.

5:14 God calls us to stop living in slumber: to stop living without intention and focus. To start living with curiosity and motivation for learning. If you open your eyes, God is going to put a spotlight on so much that was hidden by your slumber.

5:15 Paul advises us to walk "Circumspectly." Let's define that: 

Circumspectly (adjective)

1. Watchful and discreet; cautious; prudent

2. Well-considered

So basically, Paul want us to take studious, constructive control of our lives. To claim responsibility for ourselves and educate and edify ourselves as we carefully navigate the world around us. Paul's advice is more than sensible. It is brilliant. Motivating. It is right. It is fair.

5:16 We are called to devote our lives to building goodness in the ruins of destruction. To make this time on earth mean something. To graduation this classroom having made not just a difference but the difference. It has to have mattered that humanity was here... it cannot just be that we existed and then destroyed ourselves.

5:17 It is wise for us to understand the will of creation. It is wise for us to understand the intention and progression, the reason and origin of creation. It is wise for us to understand because we are meant to join the effort. When we progress with creation, our journey is smooth, productive, supported, guided. It is wise to keep with the current and frequency of nature, of divine creation, because living out of tune is like swimming up-stream. Difficult. Regressive. Fruitless.

5:18 Value your consciousness. Your God-given ability to have and utilize clarity, the amazing, productive, agile intricate network that is your brain. Paul cautioned us above not to let anyone diminish us and here he implores that we never diminish ourselves. Do not deteriorate yourself with toxins. You were born alert and capable, never trade that gift.

On Sobriety

I am awed and infatuated with my own consciousness, of being the keeper of my own mind. I find wonderment in that my thoughts are my own, unencumbered or even exacerbated by any other or thing. How wonderful that what I am is mine, created and coveted by only the one who conceives and sustains it. If patience, comfort, sanity or any other comes not from within me, it is a fraud against my soul. An injustice which disregards the given-ability of having truths. Unrest, disenchanting it may be, is a tangible solid begging the person to respond adequately by making the suggestion that balance is in disorder. Muffling or quieting the natural tendency to observe emotion within oneself is an injustice of grave proportions. The silencing of the soul is the only death. The tender mollification does not enough or at all aggravate the mind to seek or create solace where there is none. 

I have the capacities to experience all extremes of emotions and without the service of any catalysts. If I am not naturally assuaged, riveted, or ecstatic, I already am little at all. The past may have set me in intellectual motion, or perhaps momentarily stunted me from ill-progression but the finality of my belief comes from only present circumstance and maturity of thought, from ever prodding and questing my own faculties. Denying myself its own laboriously earned ability to mend and discover itself would be unkind and if that not enough, a waste of time and labor spent. 

For others, to delight in the pleasures of a faux peace or exhilaration may enough be the requirement to satisfy their starving souls. But for me, I crave the substance born of contempt and restlessness; the elasticity in the scope of raw emotion, and of the placidity that presents itself only to the quiet ones in whose souls rivers run with vigor. My person wishes not to be manipulated and there is the difference between myself and others who try to impress into me the supposed joys of giving oneself over to another thing. What I feel in my conscious state is truth and I crave it, only it, and not to be redirected, even for a temporary "better". 

Atop all of my values is my value of self. This is not a philosophy of the narcissistic; it is a philosophy which recognizes the enormity of self-possession. To be centered, to be and to know oneself at all times is a freedom that cannot be priced. It is the beginning to all answers and the antidote to all pain. I've worked tirelessly to find it and I'll keep it, cherished, forever.

5:19 Make music here, the vibrations of laughter and joy. Do not waste yourself or this opportunity away. Fill and be filled. Give and be given to. What we put into the world the world puts back into us. 

5:20 Gratitude. Gratitude for life. For the impossible yet actual rising sun in the morning. For the breathe with which to laugh. Giving thanks for the will which guides are life when given our permission. 

5:21 In the reverence of God. No child of God should ever fear Him. The original translation of this word is: Phobos. Simultaneously meaning: "fear" and "revere." Submitting to the work of ensuring the health and life of humanity with and under the love of God. We reap what we sow: 2 Corinthians 9:6, Galatians 6:8, Luke 6:38... and in many other places!

5:22-24 Paul encourages the wife to orient herself to ensuring the husband's happiness... and in a few verses, encourages the husband to do the same. From our own current context in time and space this verse seems... outrageous, right? Paul is imploring the husband to protect and cherish the wife. To love her so much that he accepts responsibility for her well-being, for ensuring that she herself is strong and able.

2:25 Although our defenses might be up, Paul speaks of love: for the husband to love his wife with the same devotion and vigor as Jesus loves us. What depth of love he encourages! Paul is not preaching oppression or control; he is preaching about love. Love as it is known and given by God: selflessly, humbly, freely, incorruptibly.  

5:26 Create and sustain the environment for her to develop and thrive in her faith, as a witness of what God's love inspires and produces. Paul encouraged the wife to care for the husband and now he encourages the husband to lay down his life for the wife. He preaches of mutual, respectful love.

5:27 In 1 Corinthians 6:19 we learn (or perhaps are reminded of) this: Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?

Jesus's philosophy of life was brought and given to us so that we would find spirit within ourselves. He came so that the spiritual life would be familiar to us and familiar with us. So that upon arrival, we too are manifestations of goodness, of kindness, compassion and love. Spouses, as well as all people, are supposed to cultivate the conditions in which a person can grow and develop in spirit and all that is embodies.

5:28 If we love ourselves, we can ensure the health and well-being of ourselves by ensuring the health and well-being of the people in our lives. If we want to live in a happier, more just world, we must be happy and just... we must inspire happiness and justice in others.

This is not new advice, to give love just as we love ourselves, and it extends even beyond the spousal relationship. Mark 12:31 Love your neighbor as yourself. 

Nevertheless, the advice given here specific to spouses is important and instructive. The foundation of any relationship should be selfless, spirited, earnest love. When we enter a union, we must do so with humility... as it is an acceptance of the responsibility of caring for another. Taking responsibility for their well-being. It is work. Hopefully it is work we enjoy and welcome, but it is work. 

Remember, we are fellow-workers with God (1 Corinthians 3:9) and the above-mentioned is an example of the type of work we have here. Faith without works is dead (James 2:14-26) If you truly have faith, you have an eagerness to do the work which constitutes and validates faith.

5:29 (When in a healthy state of mind), we care about our well-being. We protect ourselves. We eat because we require nutrients. We sleep because we require rest. God takes care of us similarly: providing nourishment and rest.

5:30 We are not separate from Spirit. We are a many-membered body (as we have discussed in this Book of Ephesians). God takes care of the whole...

5:31 ... and encourages us to do the same. To take care of more than just ourselves. For the husband and wife to build another home after leaving their respective homes. Adding rooms to this giant mansion of which we are all a part. Live as a unit. 

5:32 Paul uncovers the intention of Spirit, the purpose of humanity and earth. It is a mystery to those in slumber; with frustration they howl for answers amid darkness and chaos. For the student of God, wisdom and revelation respond readily, zealously to our questions.

5:33 Love each other. Care for each other. Devote yourself each other's the health and well-being in humility in love and in respect.

NT: Epistle of Paul to the Ephesians, Chapter 4

Ephesians 4:1-32

4:1 The immensity of this imploration is almost stunning. God has entrusted is with so freedom and purpose. We must represent Him well while we are here, ensuring that our actions and expressions are kind and just. Under His patient and perfect love, it should make us wriggle in our seats a little bit when we consider how much we want to be worthy of all the love we have never had (or have) to earn.

And for some people, perhaps God's love has not yet been realized in your life. The most assured fact I know is that when we wholeheartedly seek God's love, we find it. If you are developing your faith, you will soon be overcome with its luminosity. It's not just written in scripture, Jeremiah 29:13, Matthew 7:7, Luke 11:9... it is a personally experienced and constantly reinforced truth.

4:2 Paul outlines the way we can accurately represent our faith: thinking, saying and behaving with humility, tenderness, perseverance and love, appreciating the life inside of the people and planet around us.

4:3 Paul's advice continued: to promote and ensure the cohesion of humanity. With peaceful and just actions, we are meant to unite in all situations rather than divide, if we have the opportunity.

4:4-6 For clarity and reassuring, Paul unites us all as the children of One, focused entity. We do not belong to different gods from various places with diverging views, plans and creations (although miscommunication and intolerance in the globe today might suggest otherwise). We have the same origin and destination. 

4:7-8 Psalm 68:18, as well as the book of Corinthians speaks to us of the gifts God gives to us individually. Remember: we are given to in order that we may give. God analyzes our lives and the character of our souls and determines in us a way for our passion to impact the world. Our gifts are tailored to each of us, individually. He knows our potential and then measures his gifts to match, prod and inspire it.

4:9-10 As miraculous as it is that Jesus ascended, Paul prompts us to discover and celebrate the equally miraculous descent Jesus made. Having come to earth, the manifestation of compassion, wisdom, justice, truth and love, He devoted His whole being to humanity... knowing that His arduous work would not (by many) be appreciated or remembered. He because even if only one person benefited from His tribulation here on earth, His confrontation against evil, He believed His life worth the sacrifice.

4:11 While here, Jesus delegated. No matter who you are, as a child of God, you are welcomed to shoulder the responsibility of upholding justice. To be representatives of the faith.

4:12 Love and justice are so much more valuable knowing that we contributed to them. We have the ability to give life to laughter, joy, justice in places where there existed sorrow and injustice. We each contribute to the edification, the strengthening and improvement of humanity and compassion. 

4:13 We work toward edification of ourselves and our faith in order that we construct the steps which elevate us to our spiritual home. In order that we recognize the door to knock on.

4:14 We work in faith for the purpose of establishing security within us. In a turbulent world, among humanity's competing greed and selfish agendas, we do not easily find our footing. When our foundation is our faith, we no longer rely on an unreliable, shifting platform.

4:15 Instead of that fluctuation, through the expression of our truth and love, we grow in God's steady love. We do not degrade ourselves with deceptive actions or selfish desires because we know that the wealth of true love and life do not require manipulative, self-seeking acts.

4:16 This a metaphor of our kinship. Each part is an essential part. We are parts of a strong and many-membered body and when we work cohesively, we thrive. Recall 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 for affirmation and a more detailed reiteration of this point, our kinship.

4:17-19 Rise to meet your potential. Let your thoughts, words and actions represent the best and most pure of your values and faith. Reinforce your beliefs with your temperament and interaction. Much of the world "walks" or lives, dejected and unfocused. The spark of their curiosity gone out, the potential openness of their heart closed. Do not let the apathetic, lethargic frustrations of others impact you or your life. Spiritually awakened, you cannot make exchanges between yourself to those who are still asleep. Yes, we must interact with and respect all people, but we do not let them influence, deter or negatively impact our lives. 

4:20-22 It is essential that we are consistent with our thoughts, words and actions. Paul explains a very neglected yet common-sense logic: we cannot claim to be or believe something and simultaneously negate it with our behavior. If you've heard the message, you carry the responsibility of knowing it, of knowing better, 2 Peter 2:21.

4:23-24 Even more than awakening, personal alignment with faith newly creates us. Our restoration and edification is so complete that we become more and different than we were before. Inside-out, top-bottom, body-soul, God reforms us in strength and compassion.

4:25 Be truthful with all people, yourself included in order to accomplish and ensure sincerity and simplicity in your life.

4:26 Out of respect for our kinship, realize each person's worthiness of our truth. Do not taint and entangle your life with deceit. 

4:27 We are not always going to be even-tempered but Paul encourages us to take control over our anger and to work to dissolve it before it festers and deepens. Take control over your anger so that it does not tempt you to commit cruelty because of it. Fighting injustice with injustice is both fruitless and regressive.

4:28 Paul advises us to be wise in our forgiveness. To never be haughty, but to create fair and constructive circumstances for those who have wronged us to redeem themselves. To better themselves. They may not always or often appreciate or even accept the chance, but we still grow from our wisdom and justice.

Moreover, hard work edifies our character. Work done in faith, work done with our hands, work done with our brains. Allow the opportunities for growth. Mere punishment is rarely an effective way to reverse flawed behavior. Keep this in mind for yourself and for others. Oftentimes, people who make mistakes, even grave mistakes, need or once needed opportunity to learn, the freedom or space to learn, the teacher or encouragement necessary to learn and did not have it. It is not an excuse or attempt to absolve the behavior but it is still a reality. In my experience, close-minded people often had their brains bound by limitations during essential character-growth periods. Again, not an excuse, but a truth we must acknowledge in order to bring change to the world.

4:29 Let your every word intention toward goodness. You create the energy you put out into the world. You impact the atmosphere around you. You influence the behavior and thoughts of others so be aware and careful of what comes from you.

4:30-31 Divest yourself of negativity. It impacts your health, your circumstances, your journey, your destination, your environment...it taints and suffocates every aspect of your life. It's unnecessary. It accomplishes nothing! So grow your patience and be guided out of tribulation with strength and order.

4:32 Be kind and forgiving. All people deserve your kindness, and for the ones who are a bit questionable (we've all met a few of those) be kind anyway because you represent yourself and you don't like their unkindness so why emulate it? Do not let someone provoke you or tear down your calm and kind nature.Teach them the kind way through your behavior and stoicism and even if it doesn't immediately register in them, you put that energy out into the world. If they are rankled to the point of negatively impacting another person's day, they probably desperately need your kindness.

Assuredly your kindness is seen and appreciated by our God, but don't do it for that reason. Do it because it's right and because it is ultimately the best thing for YOU, that person and the world.

NT: Epistle of Paul to the Ephesians, Chapter 3

Ephesians 3:1-21

3:1 It is interesting yet not peculiar that Paul would describe himself as being captive to Jesus. After all, learning and absorbing His philosophy of life is a captivating experience. Paul adds "...for you..." and this is similarly intriguing because though not often described in such terms, we actually enlist to do God's work for the benefit of humanity.

As there are no spiritual boundaries, within the "prison" of God is a truly freeing place to be. From within boundlessness, we are kept away only from adversity. Locked away from it! Certainly we can be appreciative of those bars.

3:2 Continuing to give particular attention to the minutia of Paul's words, notice that he chose "which was given to me." Paul is thorough and consistent in acknowledging that all spiritually constructive words and actions said and done respectively by him only came through him. Moreover, what Paul received was not for himself but for others. Absolute humility only can recognize and utilize such circumstances.

Notice that Paul has never asked for a personal reward or recognition. He happily and appreciatively does the work of God. His work is selfless, he claims no ownership of his accomplishments. He desires no reward. Perhaps Paul exemplifies to us the recipe for changing the world.

3:3-4 Paul references the catalyst spark of his own faith, having been confronted and recruited directly by God (documented in the Book of Acts). He references his own journey of faith in the hope that we come to understand how it was inspired. 

3:5-7 Paul was an extraordinary choice for the mission God wished to accomplish. Paul vehemently and productively worked to dismantle this very philosophy. We was renowned for his success in diminishing this faith. Therefore, when Paul converted, that action by itself preached a bold message the world. God hoped and worked to unite two opposing populations and through Paul, the mission was indeed accomplished. 

3:8 Again, Paul's humility is a tangible element of the verse and not without reason. Paul's life is an example to us that working with God produces incredible results among humanity. Even having formerly opposed and oppressed this faith, Paul was offered an opportunity for not only redemption but for changing the world.

3:9-11 Through the prophets, Messiah, disciples, apostles, and other children of God, the door to spirituality was burst wide open. From the door a gleaming, eternal wisdom and inclusive compassion. Humanity was in a spiritual-slumber, focused entirely on the superficial world and in a bold and multi-generational way, God said: Awaken. Let me tell you about your home.

3:12 Through our faith we have courage and confidence and the opportunity put our ideas into the world. Why? Because when you join the intention of the universe, you strive together to complete your task.

3:13 Paul's mission is to confront adversity and injustice. To acknowledge its place and sometimes prevalence in people's lives. When you acknowledge and then confront adversity it becomes an element in your life as well... a surmountable adversity. You challenge and then defeat it. So Paul asks us not to grow disheartened by adversity and tribulation because as we work through it, we work against it and ultimately diminish its power over our lives and the lives of others. Paul reassures us that all good things are being produced and inspired by his work, and to not let his tribulation overshadow that fact.

3:14-16 For Paul, the strengthening of our spirit and faith makes every tribulation in his life worthwhile. Paul wishes (but more importantly: works) for us to become familiar with the glorious love and guidance of God. Paul knows what God's love produces in us and the more of us who experience that, the more that is produced in the world.

3:17-19 Paul wishes for us to know the undefinable, immeasurable, indescribable presence of spiritual in our lives. For us to be secured by pure, sturdy, eternal love, invulnerable to chaos and adversity.

3:20-21 Paul's attempt at descriptions of the joy and blessing that come from Creation through our faith and participation in good works is beautiful and comforting. "... Able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think..." We are given more blessing (truth! knowledge! opportunity! love!) than we can even process enough gratitude for. We are given more than we even know to ask for. 

NT: Epistle of Paul to the Ephesians, Chapter 2

Ephesians 2:1-22

2:1 Life without spirituality is life lived in somewhat of a slumber. For spirituality is the underlying and creative element of life. This philosophy of life awakens people into their purpose and into the purpose of all creation. Rather than live chaotically through a string of non-purposeful acts, spirituality gives us both reason and motivation for organizing our lives in compassionate purpose and creation.

2:2-3 Everyday, elements of the world teach us subliminally to value and strive for the wrong things. If we are not careful and diligent, the distractions triumph in convincing us that contentment comes from procuring, from indulging our desires.

Paul begins this chapter uniting himself and the people of Ephesus, uniting all people, in our collective mistake of living for the wrong reasons (no matter how brief or accidental it may be). Out of selflessness we were created, and out of the creation of ourselves we are meant to be selfless. Perhaps superficially ironic, we gain our greatest wealth by giving. That is not the message we are commonly taught by the world.

It is not the case the everything and everyone here on the earth is bad... rather the case is that most everything and everyone on the earth is distracted, and the consequences of that are frequently bad. Scripture consistently pleads for our vigilance, because when we are focused, especially spirituality, we do not succumb as victims to people and circumstances over which we could control.

2:4-5 Our creator is vigilant and organizes opportunities for us to realize, again and again if need be, that this world is superficial, that these bodies of ours are superficial. He constantly constructs avenues along which we can discover or rediscover our souls, spiritual-meaning, wisdom and purpose, which supersede and also expertly navigate this life on earth.

2:6-7 Our creators intention is to gather and sustain life and that which sustains life: justice, compassion, truth, love. Through Jesus and other manifestations of these qualities, creation reaches out and around toward us, working and hoping to supply us with invulnerable love and purpose.

2:8 Paul encourages us to reject hubris. We are loved by God because we are, contained in these vessels, life. Though highly valued for the life within us, we did not create the ability of life. Our faith, that is to say, our work in, agreement and absorption of God's philosophy of compassion is what saves us...saves us from ourselves. From falling victim to the greed and distraction we spoke of above. We are not saved from "hell" or any temporary or eternal punishment, we are saved from our slumber. From the consequences of living distractedly.

Arrogance corrupts us because our love from God is given freely. Because we are alive, we are loved. Because we are loved, we are alive. We are not alive or loved because we are better than any other manifestation of life.

2:9 Paul is squashing the thought someone might have that they can work gain more of God's love. We each already have it all, eternal and abundant as it is. Therefore, this is a reminder that any "work" we do on earth must be done with genuine generosity. Genuine generosity is not how we earn God's love, we all already have it, equally. Genuine generosity is how we become deserving of the love we already have and never lose.

2:10 An absolutely pulchritudinous and pregnant verse: "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."

We are a breathing, thinking, feeling, acting creation of God, fine-tuned by the lessons and prophets He riddles our lives with for the purpose of doing good. Moreover, this is not a slapdash plan, God has had his plan for humanity intricately outlined even before the creation of humanity.

God did not create humanity and then upon observing us say: "Oh, no! They turned out wonky. I need a backup plan. A plan to fix this!" No, instead, he anticipated our fallibility... even allowed for it as a gift to us: freedom to explore and become exactly what and who we want. Along with out fallibility, God gave us outlines to escape and overcome it. To learn and grow. To discover purpose, His and our own.

Considering the quantity of our collective mistakes here... God's immensely generous promise of consistent love and patience inspires astonished gratitude.

2:11-13 These verses are a summation of the spiritual journey we undertake when we develop our faith. We are brought nearer to truth and life the further we distance ourselves from deception and greed in the world.

As Paul has consistently encouraged us, we must be able to determine when a religious or spiritual (or any) institution is working contradictory to the message in scripture. So often humans become obsessed with rules, customs and traditions that they forget the core message of compassion, justice and acceptance of everyone. We forget how to exemplify and maintain compassion, justice and acceptance in our thoughts, words and actions.

2:14 Jesus, the manifestation of compassion, truth, justice, and acceptance breaks down the barriers which divide us. When we learn to love an appreciate all people, culture is no longer a divider.

2:15 The goal of the New Testament is to specifically target all of the categorizations humans have created and to dissolve them. We are meant to realize that just as we were created and derived from the same Spiritual-source, so do we each return to continue life in. As a unit.

2:16 The New Testament proceeds boldly in smashing enmity, animosity among humanity. Consistently preaching and encouraging us to broader our perspective and hearts to include more than just our immediate surroundings.

2:17 Jesus and this philosophy of life (even through various other mediums) extends beyond every possible boundary to reach as many as possible. The core messages within these verses are even translated into diverse cultures, often appearing more different than they actually are. (These are the branches of all religion across the world). And though many do not accurately live or portray the philosophies within their chosen holy books, the core messages are there for the true and honest student.

2:19 We all have access to Spiritual Creation. As we are loved equivalently, so are we offered to.

God is not inaccessible to anyone, regardless of anything. In fact, the people who need Him most, the people who are commonly thought to be the people God should abandon actually have easy access to Him... should they ever seek to well, access Him. Why? Because God fills needs. Look at Paul as an example: His life was filled with horrible actions; he single-handedly created deep need in the world. Changing Paul's life changed the world, and God always has the broader scope in mind as well as the individual. Therefore, count no one out of God's blessings.

Mark 2:17, Luke 5:21 and Matthew 9:12 each specifically teach us that God is looking out for everyone. He does not search for and then dote on only the perfect (surely not because who is perfect?), he does not search for and then dote on the mostly good... He searches in every crevice of the world for people who need Him, even those who are filled with greed, evil and animosity because they truly do. He came here to help them... if they should accept it, and simultaneously, with the same vigor, He cares for His devout children too (and all of the in-betweens).

2:19 We are no longer the orphans we perceived ourselves to be. We were not abandoned here. We did not happen here by chance. We are valued members and participants of the spiritual community.

2:20 Firmly grounded in faith, we are established by God throughout the course of our lives. He ensures that when we give Him permission to enter our lives, His love, guidance and protection cloaks every moment and aspect of who we are, everything we journey toward and even the context around us. He has created a secure system for us to thrive within. Corroboration after corroboration of His compassion.

2:21-22 The spiritual structure God is constructing is unlike any building we have seen on earth. It is upheld both by and within each member. Rather than a tangible, brick and mortar edifice, the pillars and beams, walls and floors of His temple are the compassionate souls of His children. Upholding, supporting, complimenting each other from on His spiritually concrete foundation. We do not just live in His house, we are the house. We are His home, He is our home. He is our home even from within us.

NT: Epistle of Paul to the Ephesians, Chapter 1

Ephesians 1:1-23

1:1 Paul begins an epistle to the people of Ephesus (modern-day Turkey). In his greeting Paul states that because God has ordained it so, he is an active participant of the faith and student of Jesus. When we give our trust and diligence to our faith, we know that our lives run in accordance with our compassionate Creator's will.

1:2 From our Creator we receive grace and peace; each tangibly manifest in our lives and within our souls when we open the channel of faith. We are each connected to the spirit of Creation (God), life superseding this one, but it is our choice and action which must open the gate to allow access into our lives.

1:3 Paul fills this first chapter with gratitude to God. Overwhelmed by the abundance of blessings which flow into our lives through our faith, it is imperative that we make time to acknowledge, thank and bask in the wonderment.

1:4-6 Paul acknowledges the eternal planning and organization of God, who knew us before we even manifested with life, heart and lungs and thought. Paul acknowledges God's hand in our lives not just in the present moment but also in moments we were not (or are not yet) aware of.

God knew of our fallibility before we ever even made a mistake. In anticipation of that, with patience and compassion, God created this classroom, this earth and these opportunities for us to learn and grow. He did not discard us when he realized we were a little bitter, he focused only on our ability to become sweet.

1:7 Through this faithful philosophy of live, we rescue and free ourselves... and subsequently are able, willing and passionate about rescuing and freeing others. We are able to forgive ourselves, we are able to forgive others and because of that, opportunity and healing thrive. Through His instruction, His road-map for life, we are edified. 

1:8-9 In surplus from our faith we are given everything our souls need to be healthy and happy and productive. We are taught how to choose, establish and uphold our values. We are taught the compassionate and creative order of the universe. We are taught how to acknowledge and grow the character of our souls. We are taught how to live simply, humbly, productively, passionately, faithfully, happily. (Note: To Live as the Disciples Lived).

1:10 Paul references the gathering of the entire spiritual family at the culmination of this classroom (this labyrinth of life-lessons on earth).

1:11 God's purpose and plan for our lives was predestined. He planned for our happiness and life even before our birth in the spirit and on earth. He gave us everything He has before we even took a first breath... hoping that we might seek and find Him, our creator who loves us so.

1:12 Finding spiritual while on earth is a blessing and a reward (both for ourselves and for God). At the finish of our lives on earth, each of us are confronted with the spiritual life. Those who find our spiritual home while still here inspire a divine-joy. John 20:29 "... because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." 

It is so blessed to believe while on earth because believers join the compassionate mission of bringing justice and happiness to humanity. Believing here, we have an opportunity to be purposeful, productive, to make an impact on life here. Believing here, we join with God as fellow workers, 1 Corinthians 3:9.

1:13-14 Our trust in our faith seals our faith's protection, love and guidance over our lives. Our trust allows our faith to be constantly present and active within and around us. God's love is guaranteed. 

1:15 -16 Paul speaks to the Ephesians but his well-wishes are meant for you, too. Paul dedicated his life to faith and God in order that this philosophy continue through generation and geography to reach you.

1:17-18 Paul prays for the development of our faith in order that we may acknowledge and thrive under the compassion and wisdom of God's careful plan for our lives. He prays for us to find comfort and order in this sometimes difficult and chaotic world. He prays for us to see more deeply than the superficial. The jewel of our soul is planted deeply but hidden within our body. Likewise is God's spirit planted deeply in humanity and the earth. Only those we seek can find it, once found, enlightenment bursts wide our capacity for wisdom and purpose.

1:19-21 This is Paul's jollification of Creation's power in our soul's and lives. God placed the manifestation of patience, kindness and compassion on careful care and watch over us.

1:22-23 Paul reminds us to be reassured in the fact that we are loved and protected by an invulnerable and eternal force.

NT: Epistle of Paul to the Galatians, Chapter 6

Galatians 6:1-18

6:1 We are meant to use our wisdom and our experience to help redirect wrongdoing rather than merely reprove it. When we know better, we are expected to do better and to do better, we have to exercise patience with others who do not.

We do not have the authority to decide if a person is worthy of our kindness, patience, and truth. Creation has already established that each expression of life is worthy of those things. We all observe life and have opinions but it is our judgement that tarnishes our character. When we personally decide that a person is not worthy of our best qualities, we arrogantly give ourselves the authority to demean. Sometimes a person we interact with truly is behaving awfully, but how we respond to them is our boldest proclamation against their behavior. Do we hypocritically adopt their own negative qualities? Do we lose our own temper? We must not... and yet when we are not careful, we do.

6:2 All of humanity are classmates. Our group projects are just as important as our individual work. Working inside of a group is challenging as we are forced to figure out our disagreements, divisions of labor, and varying opinions. Yet the hardest task within group-work is having to equally shoulder slack, blame and deficiency. Paul's advise here is to emulate Jesus's life and absorb selflessness. Paul urges us to stop pointing fingers and to start uses our whole hands to get work done.

6:3 We are loved as individuals but we exist in a group. Pomposity temporarily elevates the individual's psyche but actually achieves nothing. Conceit is a distraction; through humility are our eyes able to see all of the work here to be done.

6:4 Examine yourself. Too often we are looking outward for all that is wrong with our lives and the world. If you are going to meticulously observe someone, let it be yourself. How can you improve? It is constructive.

6:5 Why examine yourself? Because we are responsible for ourselves. Created as individuals. Born into a group. How we protect, nourish, support, empathize with the group is the living definition of the character of our spirit. Matthew 7:2, our treatment of others becomes the treatment of ourselves. We determine our path and subsequently, our destination. 

6:6 Our creator is more than generous, our creator is generosity. The manifestation of it. We are taught and prodded toward compassion in order for us to learn how to receive it, to become enveloped in it. We are not told how to live, we are told how to live happily.

6:7 There is a perceived absence of God among many people today in the world. People confuse the actions of humans to be the inaction of God. Paul assures us that that is not the reality. Injustice is confronted by itself at the culmination of its life. What we do is what we receive and while we can find immense comfort in that, adversity can only find fear.

6:8 Think of it this way: at the culmination of our lives on earth, God is handing out goody-bags. We are each going to look inside our bag and we are going to find only that which we put out into the world. That is not a threat, in fact it is meant to be an encouragement. Your good thoughts, words and actions are returned to you. Even if nobody else ever appreciated them, God saw them and supplies them in heaps back to you.

Yet it can easily be perceived as a punishment because adversity, unjust people will look into their bag and they aren't going to find much "goody." It is not actually a punishment because it is our own hands which fill the bags, even though we might not have realized while on earth.

When you give your spirituality to humanity and the earth, spirituality pulses life into you. When you give yourself to the corruption of the world, corruption deteriorates you.

6:9 It is amazing how well Paul can relate to us as well as he could relate to the Galatians so many decades before us. We do become disheartened at times. Sometimes our best intentions are unrealized, ignored, neglected, underappreciated. Paul reminds us that we cannot lose heart because even though we may not perceive any appreciation, it is there... and also returned to us. You and God navigate life together, during every stage, in any manner of existence. There is always One who knows you and sees you and appreciates you. Your life and life's work is not wasted.

6:10 When you see an opportunity to do good, seize it; the door might have been opened just for you. Do good to all because that is the example you give and leave to humanity. Your life impacts the circumstances here on earth. Be conscious of how you are influencing the people around you: family, friends, acquaintances and even strangers.

6:11-13 A cautioning from Paul: do not let yourself be easily malleable. There are people and institutions which take pleasure in controlling you and diminishing your personal thought and power. There are people and institutions which crave power, wealth and celebrity.

Moreover do not become fearful or entangled in the rules and customs of branches of religions. Focus on your spirit and how you interact with humanity, those are the only determinants of your character and your destination.

If a religion tells you to touch your toes every morning to show reverence of God and you do it, every single morning... but then leave the house and harass His children all day, do you truly revere Him? Paul urges us to use our common sense logic.

6:14 Paul retains his humility. His life's work is a devotion to God and to the well-being of us, his earthly-classmates and spiritual-brothers-and-sisters.

6:15 The minute details of religion manifest nothing. Our actions manifest what truly matters. 

6:16 Paul wishes godspeed to those of us who through our spirituality (however it may exist or have come to exist) bring justice and peace to the earth. Peace and mercy to the children of God who began many years ago as a group, the house of Israel (unrelated to the country on our maps).

6:17 "From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus." Draw strength from this verse. The ancestors of humanity have endured and passed life onto us. While we hold the baton, run. Run with joy, with good intention, with faith. Jesus came alive when He gave his earthly-life away for our benefit. He came here despite knowing it would be taken... the reward was well worth the risk. Just as He is alive and thriving despite adversity, because He gave His life to confront adversity, so are you and so will you be.

6:18 Paul speaks specifically to our spirit. This conclusion to his letter subtly reminds us that we are more than our bodies. He reminds us to delve deeply into ourselves to discover and then establish our core. To focus our spirit and nourish it with good work (compassionate actions) during our lives.

NT: Epistle of Paul to the Galatians, Chapter 5

Galatians 5:1-26

5:1 Although the circumstances of our lives are sometimes out of our control, we are responsible for our behavior, for our reactions, words and responsive actions. That is precisely why Paul is urging the Galatians (and us) to stand fast, to be vigilant over our lives. We are not helpless victims. We are constantly presented with choices in life and we best make the decisions of those choices when we are alert, observant, perceptive and involved in what is going on around us.  

Through the Galatians example and Paul's cautioning (and likely from our own experience in life) we know that it's easy to become sidetracked. If we are not focused and purposeful every day of our lives, small moments capture and redirect us. 

In many ways we are made free through scripture but also through the spirit of compassion and creation in the world. Scripture provides a road map and encourages us to develop a blueprint of who we wish to be. Scripture helps us to decide where we want to go and how to get there. And although these words from Paul and other apostles and prophets in the Bible encourages us to go a certain way, our freedom to choose another is constantly stated. We are even taught how to get there... to both light and darkness. We are presented with wisdom and then we are entrusted to utilize it unique to ourselves.

5:2 Paul's particular message to the Galatians was to think more deeply than the superficial customs of religion. Jesus taught us that the character of our souls determined the path and culmination of our lives. The Galatians became entangled with rules and customs which may not have been necessarily wrong but were irrelevant to the actual message of God.

These same entanglements are still pervasive in our world today. The religious divisions across the globe are innumerable. It isn't wrong that diverse groups of people have developed diverse interpretations of divinity but it is wrong that those groups disrespect, neglect and battle each other. For the differences between the core-beliefs of each of the world's major religions are the same. Therefore, the though the expressions of faith are different, each are equally irrelevant in comparison to the expressions and actions of the soul.

5:3 Paul's warning is that the Galatians cannot divide their faith. When we establish our values, the spiritual-philosophy of our lives, we must dedicate our whole selves to it. The Galatians had converted their faith to this philosophy of God but had reverted back to former practices. Paul explains to them: you're either in or you're out. 

5:4 In order to become estranged from Christ, one must have separated themselves from the qualities that He represented: justice, compassion, truth. Often we do not separate from our faith in one major occurrence. We must live every day with authentic kindness, truthfulness and fairness in order to remain tethered to each. Frequently and even infrequently abandoning our values contributes to the fraying of our connection with them.

5:5 It is through Spirit that all things are achieved, that all good is created. Whether a person is religious or not is irrelevant. If a person is in touch, in direct contact and in control of their soul, their purposeful actions fulfill so much.

Faith can be subtle. Productive faith often is subtle. Productive faith does not require or even rejoice in celebration or pronouncement but diligently works all the days of its life. The apostles, the prophets, all children of God hope for justice among humanity. Each of us achieve it through faith: faith in justice. Faith in compassion. Faith in truth. There are many ways to connect with divinity, with creation, with God, however He or It is conceived of.

5:6 "...faith working through love." Without works, faith is dead, proclaims James 2:14-26. Do not become entangled with or distracted by or obsessed with irrelevant matters. The only expression of faith that matters is action of love. Of compassion. Of justice. For if a person follows all of the rules and laws of the world but has an unjust, selfish, deceitful heart, their "faithful" efforts means nothing. They are simply empty displays. 

5:7-8 Be vigilant over yourself and your life and your beliefs because truth does not distract you. If you become distracted it is not the fault of your faith.

5:9 With a small bit of encouragement, a tiny bit of light, amazing inspirations come to us. With just a little hope, a little wisdom, we learn and develop immeasurably. We must be active participants.

5:10 Paul has confidence that they (and we) will establish ourselves in spirit, in the productive work of ensuring of justice for humanity. For Paul knows the work and strength and wisdom of God and trusts that it will reach out to those who are reaching our for it.

The wish for the culprit of distraction to bear his judgement is a hope for Paul that those who deceive, distract and disarm others of their truth and faith will have to confront their wrongdoings. This is actual a generous hope from Paul: he wishes for realization of wrongdoing to teach and then reestablish that person.

5:11-12 Paul references a rumor which had spread about him. If it were true that he had participated in the religion he was contradicting, why would they still persecute him? Paul defends himself with logic. An example to us to not become embroiled in arguments. When we are authentic and truthful, logic is on our side, the ultimate defender, in all disagreements.

5:13 Utilize your freedom here well. Do not waste it selfishly. Matthew 22:39 encourages us to love others as we love ourselves. What does that actually mean? We should hope and pray and work for the happiness, health and justice of others as vehemently as we hope and pray for ourselves.

We are called to freedom to awaken, show up and work. Work for compassion and justice on the earth. Observing our current situation, it is clear that there is a lot of work to be done. The freedom we are given on earth was given to us as an opportunity to live gluttonously. We are here to become creators, to inspire new light, perseverance and happiness in the humans around us.

5:14 The Old Testament supports the New Testament in this verse: Leviticus 19:18, love as a verb. Love provides us with the inspiration, the materials, the tools and the blueprint to accomplish and to build on the earth for humanity. For when we love somebody we naturally, happily labor to maintain their well-being.

5:15 Here is an example of what we spoke of in the first verse, that the bible highlights our freedom of choice and provides the directions to both light and darkness. Here in this verse is the direction to darkness. When we live selfishly we ruin ourselves. We ruin the character of our souls. We waste our freedom. We accomplish nothing, We fulfill no justices, no happiness. We allow a destructive atmosphere to fester around us in which nobody is trustworthy or working selflessly for us.

God's children are creators. The children of darkness are consumers. One gives and the other takes. The giver is provided for in abundance at the culmination of their lives on earth. For both works of darkness and works of light proliferate, but only light endures and overcomes.

5:16 Let your spirit navigate your life. Your spirit is naturally patient and compassionate and if given reign, will establish patience and compassion within and around your body here on earth. Living according to the flesh is to live according to desire, which leads to greed... and greed leads to a myriad of unpleasant qualities: jealously, vengeance, deceit, etc.

5:17-18 As Paul told the Corinthians above, you cannot divide your faith or the intention of your life. Unless you are focused, you are distracted. Seems simple right? Unless you are focused every day, in every moment and thought and action, you are distracted. Soul and body battle each other. We each crave and desire things. We each sometimes have selfish or impatient, maybe even unkind thoughts. What matters is that we do not give those moments of weakness the power to come alive.

Matthew 6:24 reminds us that we cannot be divided in thought. If we believe in something we must promote, defend and exemplify it throughout the course of our lives. We cannot be hypocrites: what we think, say and do must be united. We cannot be both greedy and charitable. If we are constantly working to encourage the charitable side of ourselves, we have chosen. And it counts. We are not perfect, on earth we cannot completely eliminate our fallibility but if we are trying, we are winning.

5:19-21 Works of the flesh, works of selfishness spawn ugly qualities within us. Instead journey toward these opposites, in all your days journey toward kindness, sobriety, humility, patience, perspective, contentment, faith and serenity. It is not a punishment, rather it is plain logic: darkness cannot exist in the light.

5:22-23 Life is sustained, created and encouraged by love, joy, peace, perseverance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. So through these things sustain, create and encourage life.

5:24 Through this philosophy of life and faith which Jesus brought came our ability to overcome darkness. He dropped the breadcrumbs and walked the path to ensure its safety. He established us, fortified us against distraction.

5:26 We can almost imagine Paul expressing frankly this last sentence of chapter 5 in a slow release of hopeful breath: Let us not live frivolously... there is so much life offered to us, waiting for us to participate in, contribute to and benefit from.