NT: Epistle to the Hebrews, Chapter 6

Hebrews 6:1-20

6:1-2 The author of this book of Hebrews now wishes to relocate the subject from "elementary principles" of this faith to a discussion on valuing and remaining committed once establishing self within it.

6:3 God-willing, let us have a frank and stern conversation about responsibility. Luke 12:48, to whom much is given, much is expected. Once having received insight, we are expected to think, behave and speak well, with insight. 

6:4-5 When one discovers the natural compassionate way and character of all life, one is expected to remain devoted to it. When we learn what is fundamentally wrong in the world, we are expected to always reject and stifle that which contributes to disparity and injustice.

6:6 As students of it, we represent this faith. The name it has in the world has been partially defined by our own actions, words and behaviors. When we taint it, even though we know better, we do this faith and humanity a terrible injustice. 

6:7 God gifts and provides for His children... it is our responsibility to utilize those gifts and provisions to propel us toward and along our own journey of selfless and compassionate generosity. We are not meant to use what we have to diminish others, exact authority over them or to manipulate and deceive. 

6:8 We must be productive and useful, impactful and purposeful. The earth is provided to and subsequently provides. The example of humble, compassionate, symbiotic service is all around us in nature. We want to contribute here... to have a propensity for keeping a balance between what we have and what we give (and if anything, tipping the scales toward giving).

6:9 Although frank and stern indeed, this discussion is meant to edify, guide and encourage. There is a natural-spiritual energy of confidence cheering on and believing in our potential to be wholeheartedly good.

6:10 Your work and labor of love is seen and known and appreciated. That truth is to be remembered no matter how sternly we are lectured to regarding these concepts of faithful commitment.

6:11-12 There is a hopeful energy in nature (in the universe, among humanity and God) that we will each adopt and retain focused compassion, passionate faith, humble patience, unwavering hope and diligent service.

All of our personal growth and accomplishment is done through our diligence. When we become apathetic and lethargic we suffer and so does the world around us. Your spirit craves passion and drive; its health is dependent on its ability to remain nimble, inspired and prodded with wonder. Your spirit craves wisdom and experience. It craves its own growth. 

Your journey is truly built with the cobblestones of your commitment to faith... your path is defined by what you feed to your spirit, to your mind and body. To strive, actively, passionately, toward patience (hope, faith, humility, love, wisdom, justice) is to have patience (and the aforementioned) in ever-increasing increments. Therefore be active in faith, present in mind and bold in spirit for each together comprise the map to spiritual contentment, joy and eternity.

6:13-14 Abraham from the Book of Genesis became a pillar example of God's promises to His faithfully committed children: blessings, and the multiplying of the good we produce in the world.

6:15 Abraham, who patiently endured the tribulations of life because he understood and believed that a higher power of creation was invested in his well-being and those whom he loved.

6:16-17 God follows through on His promises of being present and active in your life (when you invite Him in). 1) Because He is trustworthy and 2) Because it is His wholehearted desire to protect and nourish you.

6:18 God remains steadfast. In His philosophy and love we find refuge but also wings and propellers. Our hope is reassured and validated.

6:19-20 Hope as an anchor of the soul, sure and steadfast. Patient hope reminds us that all affliction and tribulation is temporary and surmountable by God's children. Patient hope reminds us that God's children (we) are naturally invulnerable and immortal beyond life on earth. We are thus provided through hope the strength to endure and even thrive. 

Remarkably, blessedly, God's children realize and retain the wisdom and opportunity of anchoring their soul to that which guides and protects them, inspires and strengthens them.

NT: Epistle to the Hebrews, Chapter 5

Hebrews 5:1-14

5:1 Fellow-workers with God offer their positions and talents, character and spirituality to the service of others. We are given to in order that we may give: 1 Corinthians 12. We are here to be impactful, to use our potential to journey toward our purpose of promoting, inspiring, defending, and creating justice and love.

That which pertains to God are the elements of this philosophy of faith: love, wisdom, truth, justice, and compassion/empathy.

5:2 Empathy is a necessary element in a child of God. Empathy provides the avenue of humility through which one can find understanding and relation with others. To help any person or circumstance, one must be able to understand it (them). To empathize with it (them).

We are each here as souls in these vulnerable and fallible earthly vessels. It is imperative that we relate to others by acknowledging our own flaws.

5:3 Workers of God are loved as equally as all of God's children: Romans 2:11. We work while we are here not to rise in status but to ensure compassion for all of humanity. Even though we may be fellow-workers with God, we are still on personal-spiritual journeys (making changes and attempts, and striving to grow our faith and edify our character).

5:4 Aaron worked with Moses (and Aaron and Moses worked with God). Even though Aaron was a mouthpiece for Moses, and Moses a mouthpiece for God, they each had deeply personal relationships with God. A fellow worker of God is still a student. Rather than masters, we are His apprentices: working, hopefully sagaciously, under His guidance. 

5:5-6 Our ever-present and living example is that of Jesus, whose devotion to this faith was done so in complete humility and servitude. His commitment to this faith was without personal agenda, was instead born and sustained out of complete and authentic compassion for humanity. Jesus was claimed and established throughout the Bible (Psalm 110:4 and Psalm 2:7 are referenced here) not for having a meaningless, fancy title or position but because He became selflessness. He embodied humility. What distinguishes children of God is not a high status but rather a commitment to proudly claim a low one for the benefit of others.

5:7 Jesus's empathy and prayer for others was expressed vehemently: zealously, passionately. For all of the pomp and fame surrounding Him and directed at Him, Jesus never celebrated Himself. As He encouraged us to do, He sought courage, wisdom and ability from our Creator. He drew from His not fear but reverence* in order to accomplish each of His selfless objectives.

In what can be seen as strategic irony, the words "fear" and "revere" are the same in the original scripture. God's children are urged to bask in the wonder of His love and simultaneously, evil and opposition are urged to fear the power of Compassion as it works expertly against evil.

*Original Word: εὐλάβεια

Transliteration: Eulabeia

Short Definition: Reverence, Piety

Definition: Reverence, Fear of God, Piety

5:8 This fourth chapter of Hebrews works particularly to disintegrate any sense of superiority one might have within their faith. Jesus, a proclaimed child of God, was made vulnerable and fallible by being born as we have been: into these earthly bodies. Having shared the same environment, tribulations, and emotions as we have, Jesus learned obedience. Obedience in the sense that He understood the benefit and the responsibility of living with compassion.

5:9 With perfect grace, Jesus exemplified this philosophy of life and faith on earth. He mastered humility and compassionate servitude and thus became the author and pillar of spiritual salvation. The word obey has negative connotations because of what humans have done to do but to obey God in this sense of faith is to strictly align yourself with truth and justice, love and wisdom.

5:10-11 The imploration of this verse is for us to listen. The natural order of wisdom and spirit is all around us, is exemplified and perfected around us in nature and universe. We must be perceptive and objective humans, contemplative. We must not stifle our inquisitive nature... rather we must promote it, allow it to constantly be inspired and driven. When we do these things, become people with these characteristics, we inevitable arrive at this philosophy of life and faith.

5:12 This verse is a reprimanding, a constructive criticism aimed at those who have been corrupted by a superiority complex. We are fellow-workers with God, not fellow loungers. This milk and solid food reference is a metaphor: in the spiritual journey of faith, those in the beginning stages are fed with what is easily digestible and elementary in nature. Those who progress further in faith begin to receive more complex and dynamic, solid concepts to mull over and contemplate. The further we go and grow, the more we are expected to do and be. An arrogant person is a novice in faith, having not learned the foremost foundational truth: we are workers in humility and servitude.

5:13 Therefore, an arrogant person is not qualified as a teacher of this spirituality. They are not yet matured enough personally in the fundamental concepts.

5:14 Those who are given the more complex and dynamic concepts and situations are prepared to work on and within them in order to accomplish the universe's intention: an inevitable arrival at compassion for all. Children (workers) such as these are prepared, focused, impassioned, empathetic, humble leaders and advocates of everything this faith represents: justice, truth, compassion, wisdom. Humility is the qualification as well as the lens required to perceive both the personal as well as the collective condition of humanity and spirit. Through humility only is one enabled to become great.

NT: Epistle to the Hebrews, Chapter 4

Hebrews 4:1-16

4:1 Our constant acknowledgement and maintenance of our faith ensures that we are constantly able to access the blessings which come through faith. God's rest is always within our reach logically, if we are grasping onto Him.

4:2 We must be participants in our faith. We are offered so much: healing, love, wisdom, understanding, compassion, opportunity, guidance. Yet if we do not give those offerings our acknowledge, trust or permission to entire our lives, they cannot enter our lives. Think of your faith as a tunnel, the longer and broader it is, the more that can fit through it. Think of your faith as a lung, the constant exchange between your soul and God promotes a healthy and productive relationship.

4:3 Faith keeps a soul tethered to humility and compassion, justice and truth. Faith, rather than a specific definition of God or organization of religion, is a soul's connection with spirituality, with nature. We are encouraged here to develop our faith because unmoored to it, we render ourselves lost amidst disparity, greed, injustice, temptation and deception.

4:4 If the most you can muster is faith, agreement and fellowship, with goodness... muster it. Develop that faith, remain with it. Essentially, that is belief in God and it will guide you. The natural order of life was established an infinity ago, there is order and purpose here... and it is rooted in love. God created life and simultaneously, the conditions would would promote life and allow life rest. Rest is available to you: accept it, welcome it, claim it.

4:5 Evil, greed, injustice, war, disparity, fear, darkness, unkindness are unable to enter the spiritual rest. Rest in the spiritual is to be very much alive, alive and unchallenged, invulnerable... only kind souls are eligible. Rather than sparking fear, this should be a peace for us: none of our troubles can follow us into God's protection.

4:6 Disobedience is any thought, act or word done in contradiction to compassion. Some have chosen that path and have thus become an example to us. They threw away their rest.

4:7 Do not harden your hearts... be open-minded, listen. Contemplate. Faith is a journey of development. You are loved with power: Luke 17:6 So the Lord said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.

Even small, budding faith allows God to proudly proclaim you as His own. As you allow Him more and more space in your life, He's going to fill it with blessings.

4:8-9 Although God provides comfort and love, guidance and protection for us while we are here on earth, this is still very much a journey. A journey of character development. A journey of soul establishment. Now is our time to work through our faith for justice and compassion and in the spiritual life following this one, we will rest from our works in all of the love and joy we produced.

Remember that faith without works is dead here on earth: James 2:14-26. God speaks of another day because this life on earth is not (does not have to be) our final destination. God uncovers and helps us along the path toward another life, it is our choice and effort to follow.

4:10 God did His work (and continues to work) and now awaits us in His place of rest. That restful place is the life in which we are alive in joy and perfection, eternity and wisdom. The place where the arduous work of constantly battling injustice is over, the battle won.

4:11 Therefore be diligent. Develop your faith, maintain the work done in its name. Do do not choose chaos. Tether yourself to justice, to compassion. In every moment. Every expression. Every thought. Be level-headed, perceptive, kind, brave, thoughtful.

4:12 We are each so well known by God. He knows us better than we know ourselves... He understands us. This philosophy is alive and powerful and we are witnesses of that life and power, we can feel its force in our lives. As we navigate life, It supports us, finds ways to make us smile, and provides path and opportunity.

Our thoughts are known... even our intentions. Intention to be kind, always. Kindness is a bold, bright and unfailing beacon. Kindness is being fair, honest, productive, wise. Kindness is to never sink to a lower level in effort to match someone's injustice to you in order to accomplish vengeance. God's children are on a platform... we do not need to descend from it and do any dirty work. Give Him permission and trust to always settle the score on your behalf.

4:13 He knows your circumstances from an omniscient and omnipotent view. He knows the intricate details of our lives down here (both separate from and in relation to others). Trust that He can handle the grittier circumstances. Your job is to be kind. His job to protect your right and opportunity to do so. His job is to shield you from people who take advantage and under-appreciate you.

Remember His guidance always: if ever you are not appreciated, you pick yourself up and you move on. You do not remain and engage in dispute and fighting... you move on. Be a kind soul... God best empathizes and supports such a soul.

4:14-15 The human condition is understood by our creator. He is informed and familiar with every aspect of our lives, minds, bodies and souls here. Find comfort in that: He knows precisely how to help you. He can sympathize with our weaknesses here.

4:16 Therefore be bold in faith, accept the wise love and support that is offered. For when you are weak, He is strong: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.

NT: Epistle to the Hebrews, Chapter 3

Hebrews 3:1-19

3:1-2 We begin with a discussion on Jesus's faith. He was faithful to the divine manifestation He had come from and worked for. Moses's own faith is referenced because Moses was (is) a profoundly devout prophet (and before Jesus was perhaps the most prominent figure of the faith).

3:3-4 Our creator is astonishing in nature and capability. Indescribable even, with words. These particular verses attempt to heighten our perception of God. Of all the miracle of science around us, He (It) is greater still. We look up to the stars in wonder, we look at new life (infants, animals, plants) in awe. Yet the One who made all life possible is even more captivating.

3:5-6 Hebrews works to establish people's understanding of Jesus as the messiah. What is essential is the message Jesus brought and added to the message Moses taught. We are spiritual-beings. Yes, we have this philosophy of life to follow in life but also, we will awaken into another life after this one. The New Testament's intention is to awaken us, spiritually.

3:7-8 The Psalm 95:7-11 is referenced: We are urged to listen, to observe, to adopt this philosophy of compassion into our souls, our thoughts, speech and behavior.

3:9-10 Humanity was observed and known intimately. As participant observers ourselves, we know that certain human behavior definitely is frustrating and painful. Humans (on small and large scales) abandon their compassion and their focus for moments of negative reaction, selfish motive and retaliation.

3:11-12 To God's children these verses should be understood as a promise, a blessing, an assurance that evil will never enter their spiritual lives. Evil cannot exist there. Life on earth is a classroom; here we are allowed to choose evil. No such choice is an option in the Spirit. Choosing evil here is a choice to reject a spiritual life.

3:13 Use the time inside of each day to encourage and embolden others in kindness and achievement, compassion and faith. We develop our character throughout one life filled with many moments. We are encouraged to be good and productive everyday because our actions over a lifetime ultimately determine who we are as souls.

3:14 The choices we make matter and define us. How do you wish to be defined? Make it happen. It is common for people become distracted and unfocused. We are cautioned against distraction because it dilutes and deteriorates our character. When we lose focus of our values, motivations and compassion we lose ourselves to negativity, greed, selfishness, and apathy... we render ourselves obsolete (when actually we have so much purpose and potential to claim!).

3:15 Do not harden your hearts... these words could be an anthem, especially in today's world. All of the strife and conflict in the world is disheartening, draining, exhausting, excruciating even... and yet, we must not harden our hearts. We must never allow our spirit to be overcome by anger, injustice or unkindness. We, bright souls, are the vessels through which hope and love and compassion come and therefore it is essential that we continue to produce those things.

Continue in compassion untainted, unhindered... bold and motivation, strong and optimistic because the earth and humanity need our unadulterated, undiminished compassion. If we notice there is not enough of it in the world let that be motivate to personally produce more of it.

3:16 The spiritual life superseding this earthly life is available to all souls but we have to choose it. We must walk the road that leads to It. The road of compassion and forgiveness, purpose and compassion, wisdom and truth.

3:17-19 Choosing the opposite road, the road which leads away from spiritual life is also a choice. A choice rather than a punishment. To live without purpose and order rooted in compassion is to wander. This philosophy of compassion is not forced on us without reason, it is offered to us with the hope that it can help lead us through the murkiness of life. Through the murk that distracts us, taints us and leads astray our souls.

NT: Epistle to the Hebrews, Chapter 2

Hebrews 2:1-18

2:1 One of scripture's greatest and most frequent implorations is for each soul to be present, to be focused, to be passionate and unwavering. We are each called to determine and establish our values, rooted in the foundation of compassion, and to defend, promote, inspire, encourage, ensure that those values are manifested on the earth. Do not drift away from this philosophy of faith, this philosophy which guides with humble wisdom and without selfish objective.

2:2 If the guideline of compassion existed even in the early days of humanity, certainly it exists now in these ages of spiritual awareness. This epistle to the Hebrews promotes the life of Jesus as being essential in the development of faith. The reason is because Jesus's philosophy brought to humanity a new and more comprehensive ability understand the spiritual, the life pre-dating and post-dating this one.

2:3 How shall we escape.... what? How shall we escape chaos, confusion, stagnation, ignorance, injustice? How shall we escape that which has power over us in the world if we do not acknowledge, claim and adhere ourselves to the power of Creation which is proffered to each of us?

Rather than a tiresome duty, spirituality is a personal and intricate gift. Spirituality is an intimate gift because its wisdom. comfort and power becomes tethered to our lives: joys, sorrows, tribulations, and experiences when we allow and welcome its presence.

2:4 Never doubt that signs, wonders, miracles and gifts still remain and are given. To those who are spiritually awakened, spiritually developing, spiritually listening and observing, creation is speaking. God is intricately intertwined in the lives of those who have invited Him in. No matter what conception of God you have, He, It is with you. Guiding. Gifting. Comforting. Loving.

2:5-8 We are redirected in this verse and Psalm 8:4-6 from worshiping saints (and angels) for we and even they are under the supreme and ethereal governance of Jesus, of the manifestation of compassion Itself.

2:9 The unprecedented and unmatched selflessness of Jesus' life have awarded Him reign over all life. There are no safer hands for life to be in.

2:10 For creation has determined that humanity could best be inspired by a life of complete humility, compassion and faith. Therefore, the master of humility, compassion and faith has been made the cornerstone of humanity.

2:11 Jesus is an inspiring guide because He navigated life with love rather than enforced-authority (although He certainly had both). Those who walk and bask under the warmth of His love become of Him, His spirituality.

2:12-13 Jesus, his followers and Creation are one in that we all are happily, humbly and proudly enveloped in the same philosophy of compassion. Borrowing from the Old Testament for corroboration as well as the uniting of the New and Old Testament, Psalm 22:22, 2 Samuel 22:3, and Isaiah 8:17-18 are referenced.

2:14 Jesus's life purpose was to exemplify to humanity that Life has power over Death, Good over Evil, Light over Darkness, Justice over Injustice. Jesus showed that complete humility and compassion lead inevitably to spiritual life.

2:15 Jesus's life purpose was to embolden us against fear, which only has power over us all long as we allow it to.

2:16 Jesus came in human form as we humans are his charges. He can relate to us because he has been where we are, as we are. Although it surely would have been easier and more pleasant to direct humanity from Spirit, Jesus sought the personal connection of having endured exactly as we endure. The reason is because Jesus was not here to help angels, he was here to help us specifically (the ancestors of Abraham -- which comprises now the world's population).

2:17 He did His research, so to speak. He immersed Himself in this vulnerable life so that He would be able to fairly and wisely lead all of us toward the invulnerable life.

2:18 Jesus experienced this life in human form on earth in order that He would be able to precisely understand and relate to our own lives here. Having been here Himself, He is informed of the challenges (as well as the joys) we have here and can therefore expertly navigate us through them.

NT: Epistle to the Hebrews, Chapter 1

Hebrews 1:1-14

1:1 Creation has at various times and in various ways spoken. Listening children of spirituality are capable of sensing and interpreting the frequency through which God speaks.

1:2 In the context of this time, God had reached out to humanity through the manifestation of compassion: Jesus. Jesus is referred to as the son of God but we must remember that every soul is a child of creation; claim the truth that you belong to nature.

1:3 We talk about Jesus being the manifestation of compassion and it is described further in this verse: Jesus came as representation of what Life, Energy, Creation is made of: light and glory, power and mercy, wisdom and instruction.

1:4 From creation came to us a perfect soul. A humble and hardworking soul whose purpose and joy was to deliver hope and life to all who would adopt this philosophy. Jesus is also the example that the more we give ourselves to humility and compassion the more we inherit in return. We are given to in order that we may give, a concept we have previously studied. Jesus was given to and throughout His entire life, He gave. Yet He gave and not so that He would receive... His generosity and faith were authentic and selfless.  

1:5 In this and the following verses, the Old Testament will be tied with the new. From Psalm 2:7, Jesus is declared a manifestation of complete, pure Life and Compassion. From 2 Samuel 7:14, the prophecy of Jesus arriving on earth as a Child/Son of God.

1:6 Jesus' birth is referenced in Deuteronomy 32:43 and Psalm 97:7. Let all angels (and souls) life and proceed in awe and reference of such pure love and humility.

1:7 Through the compassionate philosophy of life and faith Jesus brought to the earth, he enabled humans to acknowledge and understand themselves as souls native to the eternal ethereal (heaven as it is often called) rather than earth; Psalm 104:4. Children of God are able to withstand the fire of God, the refining fire. Rather than eternal hell-fire, God's warm is tolerable to the kind... quick and efficient in eliminating of evil. 

1:8-9 The Psalm 25:6-7 explains to us why Jesus's arrival on earth was (and is) such a blessing. His righteousness is everlasting. He remains established and inspired in morality, humility and compassionate work with God for humanity.

1:10-12 The Psalm 102:25-27 proclaims what we have named "God" as our creator, as well as the creator of the earth and universe. Moreover, it is proclaimed that our creator is eternal (although the natural world around us may change, He never does).

1:13-14 Jesus's enemies were promised to be made His footstool in Psalm 110:1. This verse and chapter in particular seek to highlight and distinguish Jesus as the messiah. What is imperative is the philosophy the messiah has brought to the earth as well as the truth that all that opposes compassion will be diminished, disintegrated. 

NT: Epistle of Paul to Philemon

Philemon 1:1-25

1:1 Paul happily announces himself as a prisoner of God and therefore it benefits us to talk about servitude and imprisonment in relation to God. Those who are spiritually awakened developing realize that to be claimed by God is a blessing, a return to our natural state. The negative connotations of imprisonment thus can be shed: our work with God is a mutual effort, 1 Corinthians 3:9. From within the complete encasement of God's love and wisdom, his "prisoners" thrive. The bars of God's children's ensure an impenetrable, invulnerable infinity and abundance of love and life.

1:2-3 With a prayer for grace and peace, Paul writes specifically to Philemon, meaning "affectionate" in Greek. Paul includes a greeting to Apphia, "fruitful", and Archippus, "master of the horse".

1:4 Paul prays for the people in his life. Praying for others creates an extraordinary opportunity: as God waits for permission to enter the lives of others, your prayer invites His blessings into the lives of those who might not be giving Him that access.

1:5 Paul is warmed by Philemon's love and faith; he is grateful that Philemon is authentic in his kindness and spirituality and that Philemon uses it to encourage others.

1:6-7 Paul's gratitude toward Philemon's humble kindness invites us to discover a fact and opportunity of our lives here: how we live our individual lives impact the collective (humanity). We have the blessed opportunity to refresh, inspire, and encourage the people around us. Our faith becomes effective when it is 1) authentic 2) humble 3) focused 4) passionate 4) productive. Both consciously and subconsciously our words and behavior is acknowledged by others (and thus our philosophy of life is processed by them).

1:8-11 Paul begins a request from Philemon: he would like to remain in company with a man, Onesimus, who had been under Philemon's jurisdiction. Onesimus means "profitable" or "useful" and certainly Onesimus is. For Paul to make this request, we can understand that Onesimus became a beloved and studious student of Paul.

1:12-14 Although our present day global-society is undoubtedly flawed, much of society has abandoned the use of slaves. However in the context of Paul's writing this epistle, slaves were kept. As Onesimus belongs to Philemon, Paul cannot allow him to remain with him.

Keep in mind: As Philemon was within the process of spiritual development, we can guess that he was kind with those in his service. The Bible impresses freedom and impartial love and compassion and it works to lead us through the societal constructions humankind has made (ie. slavery).

1:15-16 Paul's written hope to Philemon is that Onesimus' might be allowed to become a servant of God in faith rather than a servant of man. Paul hopes that Onesimus' freedom will be given.

1:17 Paul devotes his whole self to the case of Onesimus' freedom, for Philemon to see him as the equal that he is. We are here that when we have the means and opportunity to fight for and arranged another's freedom, we have the duty, the blessed responsibility to do so.

1:18 Paul offers to absorb any of Onesimus' debts (which may have perhaps arranged his enslavement). Essentially Paul requests freedom and forgiveness on Onesimus' behalf because Paul has power and clout that Onesimus does not. Paul had grown to know and understand Onesimus and became convinced that he deserved debt-forgiveness and freedom.

1:19 And certainly this can be applied figuratively: we all have debts that we have owed others (and not only monetary debts). When we learn and grow, we should have the opportunity to be reevaluated. We should not be held as slaves to our past debts or mistakes. Paul works to arrange this possibility for Onesimus and teaches us to do the same for others.

Paul reminds Philemon that even he has had debts (an injection of humility and awareness into his plea). As an act of faith, do the right thing and refresh all involved.

1:20 Paul requests from Philemon the joy of Onesimus' redemption and second chance.

1:21-22 Paul believes that Philemon will do the right thing but requests kindly anyway because God's children do not deal any other way but fairly and kindly.

1:23 Paul is confident of their continued friendship and hopes to unite with Philemon for a visit.

1:23-24 Greetings from some of Paul's coworkers (and your ancestral coworkers if you consider yourself a child and fellow-worker of God). Their name meanings:

Epaphras: lovely
Mark: defense
Aristarchus: best ruler
Demas: governor of the people 
Luke: light-giving
Jesus Christ: Yahveh (God) is salvation

1:25 "The grace of our Lord be with your spirit. Amen." Remember that you are your soul, your spirit... more than these limited and vulnerable bodies.

NT: Epistle of Paul to Titus, Chapter 3

Titus 3:1-15

3:1 To God's children: be respectful, follow just and fair rules, be prepared at all times to do good.

3:2 Do not tarnish the name of another person. Be amicable, gentle and humble to all people.

3:3 Remember always that we are all fallible. We are each on a journey of life and faith and we are each in different places on that spectrum (and that is perfectly fine and acceptable). We each learn and grow... none of us begins perfect or reaches perfection.

3:4-5 This philosophy of faith and spiritual presence in our lives was given to us freely, despite our short-comings. With the same wise patience and compassion go into the world.

3:6-7 We have been proclaimed by God as his beloved children. The love, eternal life-energy and wisdom He has is offered to us as the material with which we learn, grow, and thrive. Through Him we become instrumental creators of Light and Good in the world.

3:8 Maintain good works. Constantly. Good is the language of our creator, of nature of all manifestation of life. Develop and strengthen a relationship with spirit. Delve deeper than the superficial. Represent the faith. 

3:9 AVOID FOOLISH DISPUTES: Much of the world is obsessed with nonsensical rules, regulations, cultural customs, religious custom... and all of it is ruinous to God's truth. All that matters is compassion for all. Do not let superficial differences distract us from the truth that is we are all, at core (soul) the same. Of the same spiritual kin.

Foolish disputes are a waste of time, potential and energy. We have purpose here to dispute only evil. Differences are not evil. Injustice is evil. Greed is evil. Deception is evil. Focus! Identify the true enemy of the world, not difference but evil. Do not be distracted: identify and target the true enemy.

3:10-11 REJECT A DIVISIVE HUMAN: Do not give power or ear to a divisive human because their intentions and motivations are corrupt, selfish and regressive. Be vigilant against people who have not developed spiritually in compassion. Be able to identify a hypocrite, a greedy person, a deceptive person so that they never gain the power to do their dirty works.

3:12-13 Paul sets Timothy and other apostles on a mission. Paul has much to accomplish before his departure from earth. Before he leaves, he and God work to establish kind, just and faithful people in positions where they can do much good for humanity. 

God's children act with passion and good-intention. God's children do not hesitate. The preparedness and faith of God's children allow them to be sufficiently equipped for their every mission.

3:14 Some final directives: Learn. Maintain Good Works. Do good without hesitation. Be fruitful: productive, purposeful, necessary.

3:15 Grace be with you all. Amen.

NT: Epistle of Paul to Titus, Chapter 2

Titus 2:1-15

2:1 "But as for you," Paul first instructed Timothy but now instructs you, be:

2:2 ... present in life. Give the earth and humanity your clear and focused presence of mind. Revere creation, discover the miracle and wonder that are the true uber-elements of all life in order to remain grounded and simultaneously inspired. Be serene, allowing faith, love and patience manifest in every of your thoughts, words, and actions.

2:3 Act, speak and think always through compassion (the foundation of this faith). Be truthful and respectful of others and all manifestations of life. Be sober and strive for good in every opportunity and experience presented to you.

2:4 Love your family (be attentive and respectful, present and joyful with them). The nuclear family is a unit, and we should all use that opportunity to use the unit as a foundation and a propeller, a cheerleader, an adviser, a home at all times.

2:5 Be humble. Be loyal. Be productive in your life (in home and career and relationship).

2:6 Passionately encourage the humans around you; insist on their purpose and their potential, the ability of their natural minds.

2:7 Be a display, an organized pattern and expression of good. Use your life as a platform, show the world what you believe it should value and strive for through the way that you live. Show integrity (honest and morality), faith, incorruptibility (be bold and unwavering against injustice).

2:8 Firm, just and consistent speech and behavior defends itself (and cannot be accused of wrong-doing). Live and express in a way that reiterates your innocence. Do not give anyone the material to accurately accuse you of any evil. Be blameless, as Paul taught us in the previous chapter.

2:9 At home, at work, at school... wherever you are, do what you are supposed to do and do it well. Show the world how a child of God does things: completely, readily, properly, passionately, patiently, calmly, kindly. After all, if you are innocent... what argument can anyone have against you?

2:10 Do not pilfer; be honest. Be loyal. Represent this faith well.

2:11 This philosophy of faith is available to all of humanity (in various forms, not always the Bible; spirituality supersedes religion).

2:12 This philosophy of faith teaches us how to become (and continue as) honorable souls.

2:13 This philosophy of faith gives us hope and joy in the inevitability of the unification of earth and Spirit. Hope in the promise of our Creator.

2:14 The beauty of this faith is its core selflessness. Faith gives us its devotion and constant presence. Spirituality manifested as a guide and pillar for us to find comfort and direction in. Life on earth is complex, sometimes difficult and our Creator reaches toward each of our souls to help us navigate.

Our creator is zealous for good. Our greatest blessing is the compassion from which we originate and journey again toward.

2:15 Paul's advice continues: Speak these truths of justice and compassion, honest and kindness. Passionately encourage good. Passionately discourage evil with the support of God. Be innocent.

NT: Epistle of Paul to Titus, Chapter 1

Titus 1:1-16

An introduction to this epistle to Titus from Kregel's  King James Version Companion Bible:

The apostle Paul had no more highly esteemed fellow laborer than Titus, yet his name is not mentioned in the Acts. It has been suggested that this is owing to his being the authority to whom Luke is indebted for various portions of the book. A Gentile (Gal.2) and possibly a native of Crete, the words "Titus, mine own son after the common faith" (Tit. 1) indicate that he was led to the truth by Paul himself. The two were companions in Antioch prior to the Council assembled at Jerusalem as recorded in Acts 15, for to this Council he accompanied the apostle (Gal 2). Titus is repeatedly referred to in the two Epistles to the Corinthians, to which church he was apparently sent on two occasions. From this epistle we learn that after Paul's release from the Roman prison, the two journeyed together and preached in Crete, where the apostle left him to "set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city". Later, he was instructed to join Paul at Nicopolis, and it is probable that from there he went to Dalatia. The apostle's affectionate regard for him is shown in 2 Cor. 2. The Epistle was one of the latest written by Paul, probably in the end of A.D. 67.

1:1-3 By now we are lovingly familiar with Paul's spiritual character and letter-writing. First and foremost Paul proclaims himself a servant of God, a student of the philosophy of compassion Jesus manifested in the earth. He proclaims his belief in these faithful truths; he proclaims his dedication to God's children through preaching.

1:4 This epistle is written to Titus who Paul reveals to us is a beloved and studious child of God. With a pray for grace, mercy and peace he begins this letter first written to Timothy but now belonging to us.

1:5 Paul appointed Timothy as a preacher in Crete because Paul trusted Timothy's dedication to this faith. Timothy's job in Crete was to assign other authentic, compassion teachers of this faith to places where their guidance would be helpful. God ensures that each of His children who request His presence in their life receive and feel that presence at all times. God has fellow-workers and messengers place throughout the earth to be there for you as soon as you ask.

1:6 Paul's advice to Timothy in choosing preachers is to find humans who are honest and kind, and who care compassionately for their family. Humans whose children are gentle and precocious (living examples of present, patient, and attentive parents). 

1:7 In describing to Timothy the qualities which enabled a person to be capable and worthy of teaching this philosophy, Paul describes to us the type of people we should work to be (by listing the type of qualities we should not have). We should be work to be:

• Blameless: If we walk through life always acting only on our good-intention, we render ourselves innocent. Although we are fallible manifestations of life, when we do our best in every moment, we are blameless.
• Humble: The purpose and motivation of our lives should be to create a more joyful, just world for all of humanity. When we focus too heavily on just ourselves, we love sight of the core values of this faith.
• Serene and Patient: Our best chance at navigating life with both logic and compassion is to not react explosively to unforeseen or undesirable circumstances. When we fill our heads with anger and chaos we miss opportunities, chances of fixing our problems or escaping tribulation. We deprive ourselves of perspective when we are quick-tempered. Having perspective is essential in today's world, one must be able to think beyond themselves in order to fully understand circumstances (and thus deal with them appropriately).
• Sober: Value the beautiful, capable, miracle of a brain our creator has given. Not only does our brain expertly operate our own complex bodies but it also works tirelessly to help us operate through a complex life. Allow your brain to do its best job, unencumbered by unnatural influences. Let your brain be.
• Gentle: Although anger tries to persuade us differently, violence does not solve problems. Logic solves problems and logic works best under gentle conditions.
• Do Not Be Avaricious: A life focused on procuring material wealth is a life wasted. Contentment and happiness cannot be bought with money. What we should value is our interaction with other manifestations of life: nature, animals, humanity.

1:8

• Hospitable: Be a home for others, literally if you can and they require it but also figuratively. You are a vessel through which God's love and compassion can enter the world and the lives of others.
• Good: Do not be cruel. You have the blessed opportunity to Light this earth. Promote, support, create, defend, allow good in all of its forms to abound in the earth.
• Sober-minded + Self Controlled: Do not allow yourself to be ruled by the ideas of another person or by your emotions. Be able to  think clearly and independently, uninfluenced by potentially-corrupted external factors.
• Just: Be fair and be honest. In this frequently disparate world, humanity requires all of the justice it can get. Be fair in your life, in your expressions, actions and interactions with others.
• Holy: Do not taint yourself with evil and its qualities of vengeance and greed, impatience and violence. Do not contribute to the detriment of the world.

1:9 

• Faithful: Passionately maintain your relationship with Spirituality. Our God, our creator is your comfort, your guide, your source of wisdom and ability to discern. He is your pillar and protector. Your faith is your lifeline with the energy that can wisely propel you through the circumstances of your life with peace, justice and clarity.

1:10-14 An important ability for the preacher and for any individual is to be wary of evil, hypocrites, deceivers, and gossipers. There are corrupt people here (even within religious institutions) who do things for the sake of their own dishonest gain. 

1:15-16 Children of God look for and find Light and goodness in any circumstance. However, disrespectful people, unkind people, unjust people respect nothing (not even themselves). They use people and manipulate circumstances for their own selfish benefit. Not only does Paul implore us not to be that type of person but he also encourages us to be vigilant of those types of people (so that they can never cleverly lead us astray).

NT: Second Epistle of Paul to Timothy, Chapter 4

II Timothy 4:1-22

4:1-2 Here we receive inspirational directives from Paul on what to do with our lives and our faith:

• Preach The Word: in whichever manner is unique to you and your expression, display and spread your faith and everything it stands for. Not everybody is an official teacher yet we are all teachers in that our behavior influences others.
• Be Ready: Always be and do your best so that at any moment you would be able to stand up confidentially for what you have represented and done. 
• Convince: Be convincing in that you are consistently sincere and passionate about your faith and values.
• Rebuke: Reject, oppose and deny injustice whenever you come into contact with it. Never allow it to continue unchecked, unchallenged by justice.
• Exhort: Emphatically encourage the souls around you to have hope, to have joy, to be purposeful and kind and courageous.
• Persevere: Be brave, be persistent, hold onto your patient hope. Trust in the love and wisdom of creation to guide you out of all suffering (with your permission, He will always help you).
• Teach: Literally for Timothy (who is a teacher of the faith) but it also applies to you. Let your behavior, your words, your thoughts, your relationships with others teach (by way of influence) the people around you.

4:3-4 In the previous chapter, Paul prophesied of a wayward condition of humanity. He continues here in explaining that as time goes on, in general, humanity will pull further away from this faith. Many religions today are full of hypocrisy (people who say one thing but do the opposite, and people who pretend to value compassion but really value material wealth).

4:5 Paul speaks to Timothy (and us) and implores us to be vigilant of the aforementioned, of humanity distancing itself from natural spirituality. Do good (compassionate) work and persevere against injustice. 

4:6-7 Paul worked closely with God throughout his life and therefore was able to spiritually-recognized when the time approached for him to leave the earth. Certainly Paul had fought the good fight, working arduously against injustice in the name of faith. He finished the race, his time in this classroom grew to a close and he was to graduate. He kept the faith.

4:8 Paul explained that he was about to experience something that all of God's children will experience: a rejoining with Him in Spirit. A joyous unification after a job of teamwork with God well done. It is an experience which all those who have loved and developed their relationship with spirituality will experience.

4:9-13 Paul has some requests for Timothy's help. Before his departure, Paul has a few more things to set in place for this ministry of faith to continue to thrive.

4:14-15 Be vigilant of deceitful and crooked intentions. And certainly we know that we do indeed reap what we sow. What we produce is given back to us (and that should be utilized as a blessing).

4:16 Paul prays for forgiveness for the people who worked against his good works because Paul is compassionate and also humble. Paul knows that all happiness and success in his life was made possible through God's forgiveness of his transgressions. 

4:17-18 Here is what our God will do:

• Stand With You: You will never be alone. You will never feel alone if you remember his presence and love and guidance in your life. Against any enemy and every tribulation He will stand firmly, boldly by your side at your defense.
• Strengthen You: He will fill you with the energy and ability to withstand every difficulty and difficult time. He will give you the tools and materials you need to thrive when something is working to demean or diminish you.
• Deliver You From Evil: He will guide you away from injustice and disparity if you reach out for His hand.
• Preserve You: He will help you to maintain and grow your faith, your happiness, your wisdom, the energy and life of your spirit.

4:19-21 Paul closes this epistle to Timothy, hoping for his timely help and updated Timothy on his condition. Paul prepares for his final few missions on earth before he rejoins God and with Timothy's help, will do so.

4:22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.

NT: Second Epistle of Paul to Timothy, Chapter 3

II Timothy 3:1-17

3:1-4 As Paul describes the future to Timothy, it seems like a stunningly accurate description of our present. First and foremost, there is good in the world and there is justice on the earth. However, recent global desires and unchecked material consumption has increased exponentially and has caused greed to be present as well. Greed, the mother of all all disparity in the world.

We have and are experiencing selfish and reckless behavior. Good works tirelessly to create customs and laws which protect basic human rights because it is no longer common sense that all people should have them.

Paul prophesies a future we do not have trouble envisioning because hypocrisy, pride, greed, deceit, selfishness, recklessness and selfishness unfold around us in every country (on large and small scales). Mass-market companies pillage the earth, humanity and environment without considering the consequences. People place value in outward appearances, material wealth, fame and power rather than in humility and servitude to kindness. Paul predicts what we are viewing and we should be aware of that, conscious of the condition of life right now in our time... not out of fear for "the end" because "the end" is nothing but another beginning but because it is our reality.

3:5 (Some) People are not utilizing their potential to be productively-purposeful. We must be able to recognize the condition of our world in order to navigate it properly (in order to navigate away from joining in with its mistakes).

3:6-7 We must be vigilant so that deceit never gains control over us. Paul predicts a future filled with people who, although they are experiences the lessons of life, are not discovering truth. People who are learning that anger and evil do not accomplish or even bring them joy but continue to repeat their actions without ever using that knowledge to discover truth.

3:8-9 People resist the truth: the truth that is this fundamental philosophy of life. Compassion. Rest assured, evil and folly will inevitably confront their stagnancy and regressive nature.

3:10-11 Timothy (and you now) has followed Paul's doctrine of life inspired by this faith: purpose, faith, love and perseverance through persecutions and afflictions. Timothy (and you) have seen how God has delivered Paul out of all suffering from the very beginning of their relationship. Timothy (and you) witnessed Paul and God's relationship because it represents the relationship you can have with Him too.

3:12 Of course anyone who opposes injustice will be confronted by it. When you stand for something you automatically sign yourself up for standing against that which threatens it. No problem for you, you and God become an undefeatable majority against any opposition.

3:13 Evil continues to destroy itself, continues to fester in its misery. Evil, because it is neglectful and rejecting of truth and compassion, will continue to do so.

3:14-15 Focus on your good work, your fellow-work with God: 1 Corinthians 3:9. Remember what you have learned from this compassionate philosophy of life, continue to learn within it, continue to be assured and confident of it... knowing, trusting and loving Creation, who established it.

Since childhood Timothy was committed to this faith. Paul implores Timothy to remember who he is and to remember the divine force and energy which motivated him, raised him, loved and guided him all his life. No matter when you began to develop spiritually, our God is with you in the same way. Keep Him as close to you as He keeps you to Him.

3:16-17 As is customary for Paul, there is complete gratitude and credit given to God for inspiring all good on the earth. Our spirituality edifies us, allows us to establish ourselves in truth and growth, in love and wisdom. We become honorable through it, through the good work that we do in its name.

NT: Second Epistle of Paul to Timothy, Chapter 2

II Timothy 2:1-26

2:1 Be strong, have courage and a boldly expressed passion for who you are and what you believe. Paul often speaks of the grace that is in Jesus and therefore it is imperative that you understand: Jesus is a manifestation of the qualities of grace you are meant to stay strong in: patience, hope, compassion, wisdom, truth. There is no one correct religion, there is a philosophy from our Creator which has been interpreted in many different ways, in many different cultures and languages.

Paul does not want you to revere a mere name. Paul does not want you to trust or pray to some anthropomorphic being. Paul wants you to delve into spirituality, into the truly visceral elements of life and to draw your strength from its ever abundant source.

2:2 Spread your faith through the way you express and interact with all life. Family, friends, acquaintances, coworkers, strangers... every person around you is a witness to your behavior, your temperament, your passion, your outlook, your action, your words. Take that opportunity, the platform that is your life, and spread it. Both how you handle your struggle and your achievement can be an instructive and even inspiring lesson for others.

2:3 We must endure hardship because when you are a loving and compassionate being, the world is not always going to meet your standards of love and compassion. The very reason we must endure hardship is because we are loving and compassionate beings and for love and compassion to prosper here, we are needed to be hopeful propellants of love and compassion.

2:4 Anyone who is engaged in promoting, ensuring, creating, defending compassion on the earth is too busy, too passionate to become encumbered by frivolous matters. That means letting go of inhibiting emotions like anger, greed and frustration. They are distractions from the bigger picture, the more purposeful meaning of life.

2:5 We cannot take shortcuts. Our passion must drive us in every moment of interaction, thought, action and expression. We cannot be fair and generous only when it is convenient for us... in fact, our fairness and generosity are often most needed when it is really inconvenient (in angry, impatient or selfish moments). Think of this life as a race, you must complete the race following the rules of compassion in order to achieve. Stay on the track of kindness, honest and hard work and do not deviate.

2:6 We plant the seeds of compassion and we nurture their growth. We protect them. It's a system: the energy we put into the earth abounds until it again reaches us, its origin. Each life, each soul has works to do, crops to tend to. It is our responsibility but also our blessed opportunity. Growing is arduous, continuous work but what we create is ours.

We create smiles on others' faces. We create laughter in rooms. We become pillars and shoulders and listening ears... the seeds of compassion come in so man different forms.

2:7 Contemplate this philosophy of compassion. Paul wants us to truly listen and understand in order to decide if this is something our soul is in agreement with. His hope and prayer is that we will be able to see the compassionate order and purpose of all life but ultimately he wants us to understand that the decision is ours.

2:8-9 It's important to Paul that we understand our spirituality as the foundation of all life rather than humankind's idea of "religion." Paul devoted his life to this philosophy and never abandoned it, even when his passion vexed his opposition to the point of imprisoning him. Paul's body might have been imprisoned but this philosophy and the work he did with it were not, could never ever be held back. In fact, Paul's work in faith abounded so much that he garnered the attention of the world.

2:10 Paul's devotion was passionate and authentic and selfless. He did not devote himself to a religion, he devoted himself to a way of life. He devoted himself to doing his part to ensure that all people have at least the opportunity to hear of this philosophy. He knew how much healing and instruction, guidance and joy comes from this way of life and he passionately wanted, worked for that for others.

2:11 Figuratively, if we give our lives to justice and compassion, justice and compassion give us its life: everlasting and invulnerable.

2:12 When we endure hardship, our resilience puts cracks in its foundation. Doing just work is the work of God and therefore we reign with creation when we join its mission.

2:13 Although we are fallible and at times wavering in faith, Creation is infallible and always committed. We have Its promised presence in ourselves; Creation is our Constant: the truth and honesty, love and guidance we can always rely on.

2:14 Paul begins speaking about fellow-workers with God. In order to work with creation we must not waste our words or actions on distractions. Everything we say must have thought and passion as its origin and intention. Our life is a message and workers with God are constantly aware of the message they present and are utilizing the opportunity to inspire others.

2:15 Be diligent in working to understand this philosophy... in order to accurately interpret the events of your life. Life is going to constantly present you with choices and varying perspectives and you need to have the wisdom to choose correctly. We do not always get it right but when you are able to understand the core of yourself, your soul, it is going to help you to manifest your ideals and beliefs within your life.

2:16 Profane and idle babbling is when what comes out of our minds through our mouths is unproductive. We should work to have complete focus and control of ourselves. Everything we think, say and do should agree and should work together to complete or strive toward the development of joy and cohesion in the earth.

2:17 Negativity, negative actions and negative energy cripple humanity. A bad mood, a bad temperament, a bad outlook, a mean comment, a mean look, an inconsiderate action... all of it influences the people around it in a detrimental way. We are responsible for how we send others out into the world. Did they leave our presence with a sense of hope and kindness? We should ensure that they do because what we do and say is going to impact every other interaction they have throughout their day.

2:18 Paul wants us to be especially cautious of negativity and deceit. He wants us to understand and find comfort in the fact that this philosophy is not going anywhere. Sometimes people mock God, or mock good people, or mock kindness or meekness... never let those people overthrow you or your beliefs.

2:19 The Lord knows who are His... you are never out of his radar. Other people may not know that or even believe that but you do. Use that strength to sustain your zeal for this philosophy of compassion.

2:20 This is a figurative description of all of the life within God's family. There are many different kinds of people, we have different journeys and talents and experiences here, different goals and purposes. Each is beloved by God but likewise each must establish itself either as honorable or dishonorable.

2:21 Honorable works (actions, words and thoughts) here on earth establish and verify as soul through which God can help to bring wisdom and love to the earth.

2:22 Mature yourself by being present and productive in every moment; be passionate about bringing good to more than just yourself. Praying and working for a good earth is good for you and others. Consider the kind of earth you would like to live in, envision it and then every day wake up working to make that a reality. We cannot control everything but we can control our own contributions.

2:23 Oh if only this verse was heard and held in the hearts of humanity: Avoid foolish and ignorant disputes. Why? Because they generate strife. Strife! That wretched thing from we we all wish to flee forever.

Creation and Paul want you to realize and wholeheartedly understand that ignorant disputes are regressive at worst and unproductive at best. Any thought, word or action manifested without compassion and perspective is a disservice. Actions of anger do not ever produce the result we desire. Productive action is action done with patience, perspective and good-intention. Be in control over caustic emotions because in life, you will inevitably have them sometimes... and they destroy rather than build.

2:24 An argumentative nature accomplishes nothing. Listen, be gentle, be patient. These qualities are necessary to inspire goodness, to convey your fundamental beliefs and guidance.

2:25 We have to be humble in recognizing that although we are sometimes in the right... we are also fallible creatures who make mistakes. A hypocritical or superiority complex is going to block communication and render a potential opportunity useless.

2:26 We will not ever be able to inspire someone if we are not inspiring. Nobody wants to listen to, never mind follow or emulate a hypocrite or snob. If you want to use your potential to accomplish your purpose of being impactful here on earth during your life, be humble, be kind.

NT: Second Epistle of Paul to Timothy, Chapter 1

II Timothy 1:1-18

1:1-2 Paul begins his second epistle to Timothy, teacher of this philosophical faith and wishes Timothy (and all of God's children) grace, mercy and peace. Grace, the serenity and wisdom to navigate life. Mercy, the space and time to learn and grow from the mistakes we make as we navigate. Peace, the comfort and joy required to persevere and understand in life and faith.

1:3 Paul serves (works dutifully toward justice and compassion for God and His children) with a pure conscience because he knows that his intentions and motivations are always focused in goodness and faith, humility and love. Moreover, Paul's gratitude for God is wide and brimming as He continuously answers the daily prayers Paul expresses for the people around him.

1:4 Paul wishes to be able to be with his fellow workers, like Timothy, apostles who are doing God's work (both for their own strengthening and for his own).

1:5 He is filled with joy when he considers the compassionate work that God's love and philosophy is inspiring among humanity on the earth. Timothy's genuine faith inspires and warms Paul. Finding and meeting a person who has developed their spiritual character is a blessing. Be that person.

1:6-7 Paul's emphatic reminder to Timothy is also a passionate reminder to us: be inspired, be emboldened by the potential and purpose of your own soul, given to by God. Upon receiving your trust and permission through faith, He's going to work with you to create and draw out your best self.

God's children have no need to cower in fear or worry because He upholds us with the presence and strength of love and a wise and peaceful, healthy mind.

1:8 Let your faith strengthen you against any disheartening that the conditions of the world might work to cause within you. Paul reminds Timothy that though it appears his body suffers, God protects and guides his soul as he moves through the earth on a divine mission and path. 

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 

9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Paul wrote the aforementioned verse to explain that he understands, accepts and even appreciates the sometimes tumultuous journey of life. He appreciates even the difficult times because 1) he knows he can grow in character from them 2) he perceives meaning and reason in all circumstances and 3) his struggle is a call (through a direct line) to God to enter into the situation and guide Paul through. Creation, God, however you envision the concept of divinity seeks balance and stability of the Whole. With your permission, creation is going to extend its abilities to help you restore balance in your own niche as It, you, are a part of its Whole.

1:9 God has given us this chance, this opportunity, this blessing, this classroom, this blank slate on earth without our having to earn it. We have it because we are his children. Now that we have it, life and freedom given freely, we can decide to create His qualities within us. This life we were given freely, the next life we find through the path of good works. James 2:14-26 teaches us that faith here without works is dead.

God has a purpose here and He invites us to join Him.

1:10 When we join God in His compassionate purpose, we defeat mortality because justice, wisdom, kindness and truth (Light) are eternal. When we envelop our souls and feed our souls with immortality, we will find ourselves within in after earth.

1:11-12 Paul is committed to working as a fellow with God on this compassionate purpose of life. Everything Paul endures he is honored to endure because he passionately believes in the fundamental elements of this faith. Paul's faith and trust in God is strong; he believes in the authenticity and boldness of God's love and power and in the inevitability of God's presence with His children.

1:13-14 Envelop yourself in spiritual faith... grip onto it. The love and wisdom within these words exudes the Light of our Creator and will forever hold you and remain within you. God makes you strong from within that you may make strong that which is around you. He gives the perspective and the strength that have a beautiful soul and to give and express that beauty to the earth and humanity.

1:15 The inauthentic believes dropped off at the first sign of work. God's authentic children are busy constantly being a pillar, beacon and voice for justice. If someone isn't up to this spiritual work, they turn away.

1:16-18 Those who do not turn away offer comfort and refreshment for hard-working people and Paul is grateful. What we can earn from Onesiphorus is to offer refreshment to a tired soldier of God, to offer his zealous compassion and to seek out children who need some kind of help we are able to give. Moreover we learn to support others with our faith, with the love, guidance and comfort we have become familiar with within these pages.

NT: First Epistle of Paul to Timothy, Chapter 6

I Timothy 6:1-21

6:1 Paul explains that we should give our most authentic and focused effort in everything that we do (including our jobs). We should respect hard work and should discipline ourselves to be timely, studious and attentive.

6:2 We should not resent anyone for their position. Instead, we should work together, and learn from each other in the process. We should represent ourselves and our faith with our best effort and best attitude in every take we undertake and interaction we participate in.

6:3-5 Paul encourages us to withdraw ourselves from: arrogant pride, obsession, disputes, envy, strife, insulting and abusive behavior, evil, paranoia, nonsensical arguments, untruth, and greed. We cannot have internal peace and clarity if we give ourselves and our attention to the aforementioned. They will never lead us out of darkness, suffering or confusion. 

6:6 The great gain that is the internal peace and clarity that we all seek is prodded out by our contentment. Contentment with ourselves and our lives. 

6:7 Contentment is having the gratitude and humility to love ourselves and life without needing material wealth, power or fame to do so. All that we need to survive and be happy is in the package that is our soul. God sent us to earth with every tool we needed to learn and grow here. The development of our souls is all that we will bring with us when we depart from the earth. 

6:8-9 It is reasonable to want to have food and clothing (basic life essentials here on earth) but Paul cautions against greed. Greed can develop quickly and quietly: humans desire and continue to do so the more that they acquire.

Greed is our ultimate downfall as it encompasses all of our worst traits: selfishness, desire, obsession, pride... and on and on. Our souls are hungry and pleading for nourishment and many make the mistake of believing that a certain material will satisfy that hunger. But we must understand our souls and what they hunger for: compassion, love, justice, wisdom, truth. If we feed our souls the right nourishment, we have a lasting, bold contentment that cannot be bought by anything else.

6:10 Important to realize and remember: the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Money becomes a cruel and insatiable master: Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and money.

Paul uses interesting language here: we pierce ourselves with sorrow when we devote ourselves to a corrupted thing. Look at this beautiful universe... none of it was done with or relies on money. God wants you to understand that He can care for you better than any material can.

6:11 God's children, those who are spiritually awakened are on a journey in pursuit not of money but of these: righteousness, godliness, faith, love patience, and gentleness. Through their journey they find all of the guidance, comfort and contentment that the greedy search tirelessly for but never find.

6:12 Battle for justice in every moment, every day of your life. Fight the good fight of faith meaning fight for justice, compassion, patience, truth and wisdom for all life. You were divinely placed here and this opportunity was given to you to take hold of. If you have professed your belief in this philosophy, express it in everything that you do.

6:13-14 Represent the faith well. At all times be conscious of what your words, thoughts and behavior is expressing to others. You can inspire people to seek their own spiritual awakening, or even to deeper their faith. Likewise poor behavior can derail another person... you have responsibility here, grasp it and honor it.

6:15-16 Prepare for the moment when you meet the Life inside of you. Be able to greet that profoundly gracious and wise Light with familiarity... as a fellow worker of Its compassion. The essence of Life, the Creation of Life is honorable and everlasting and if you are going to tether yourself to something, it might as well be that.

6:17 Instructions for Paul on what to do with our surplus. First and foremost remain humble, remembering that things of value come from God and exist in manifestations of LIFE not wealth.

6:18 Do good work. Like is true for all of God's children, whatever you possess that someone else does not (wealth, opportunity, space, friendship, etc), share it with those who are in need that they may also flourish.

6:19 Good, compassionate works here on earth purchases true wealth (pure, happy, wise, everlasting life) in Spirit. Establish a foundation of faith, the connection with guides you toward true wealth: God's love.

6:20-21 Finally, remain committed to your passionate faith and personal values. You were entrusted with so much down here, be trustworthy with it. Do not become encumbered by distractions, anger, gossip and the general chaos of the world. Stay focused.

NT: First Epistle of Paul to Timothy, Chapter 5

I Timothy 5:1-25

5:1-2 We are meant to interact respectfully with the people around us. Through disagreement and difficulty we are supposed to carry ourselves with grace and respect. With the same respect we give a parent or sibling we must give an acquaintance and even stranger. We must respect every human being as if they were our family member... because they are our spiritual kin.

5:3-4 We have the responsibility but also blessed opportunity of caring for the people around us. Ensuring the health and well-being of our own family is our closest duty. Our parents and grandparents care for us and when we are grown and strong (because of their efforts) we are meant to repay that generosity. 

5:5 Paul is giving Timothy advice on how to maintain a church. We an infer from this chapter that the care of widows was of particular importance. In the context of when this was written, husband-less women had almost no place in society and therefore it become the responsibility of others to care for them. Yet as is true for all of God's children, through faith and compassion His blessings enter and guide our lives.

5:6 Again, as is true for all of God's children, those who lives lives of greed and vanity suffer (not out of punishment but because they are not spiritually content and led away from distraction and even corruption).

5:7 Paul's advice is for Timothy to encourage his church members to care for others with empathy and also to seek and retain God's counsel in all that they do, hope and pray.

5:8 The core of this philosophy is compassion. Therefore living selfishly and neglecting the health and well-being of others is a direct affront against God.

5:9-10 Paul speaks specifically of the church's responsibility for elder widows: take in the kind and the faithful (to God especially) not to punish the unfaithful but because God will only care for the children who allow Him to through their faith.

5:11-15 Paul's advice here is for younger, windowed women to remarry. Out of experience he has seen that women who give up on their lives too soon (after tragedy) often lose sight of their faith and life goals. Paul's advice is to live and experience and be productive. 

5:16 Care for the people you are able to care for in order for there to be space, time and material to care for those who truly have no where else to go. This verse is simply practical advice on how to care for the most amount of people, the most sufficiently.

5:17-18 Have gratitude for the good and faithful work of others, reciprocate their generosity; they have earned it.

5:19-20 Paul wanted Timothy to be able to distinguish truth from gossip. He wanted Timothy to build a church of trustworthy people so that he would be able to have confidence in their work. At the same time, he advised Timothy to take seriously valid accusations against teachers. To always remember to let your own and other's behavior be an example to those around.

5:21 Love and give and respect without partiality; treat all people fairly and equally as has been the example of our God.

5:22 Think carefully before you act. Do not follow others' behavior if it is not aligned with your values. 

5:23 Wine in this context was not the wine we know now. It was more like a healthful fruit drink (and was not meant to be consumed in copious amounts).

5:24-25 We cannot hide our true character from God. Our acts, thoughts and intentions are known by Him. Both our good acts and bad acts precede us. He knows precisely who we are before we reach Him in Spirit.

NT: First Epistle of Paul to Timothy, Chapter 4

I Timothy 4:1-16

4:1 Paul foreshadow's humanity's future: people losing the core message of this philosophy and adopting wayward faiths.

4:2 One massive way to make faith "wayward" is hypocrisy. Paul predicts that people will become unknowing students of hypocritical religious leaders with selfish and corrupt motives. We were forewarned of this in the Gospel chapters (In example: Luke 20:46, Mark 12:38).

4:3 It is common in our world today for people to turn away from even exploring faith because of the rigid rules and judgmental nature of present-day teaching. The core message of love is lost. 

4:4 Ultimately, Paul explains, nothing done with love and gratitude is judged as a sin by him. We makes mistakes but our good-intentions define us. God created this earth for us to explore and He created these bodies for us to explore earth with... He knows of our fallibility and not only does He understand, He continues to love us.

4:5 Some churches and ideologies teach that all people are destined for eternal torture if they do not accept some very specific rules and religious regulations. Paul warns of the toxicity of that method. God created all of His children and loves all of His children; He is patient with each of our individual paths of faith and expression of faith.

4:6 "Nourished on the truths of the faith..." Paul's advice to Timothy is to let God's love and instruction flow through him, healing, correcting, guidance and comforting him as he navigates through life as a child of God and also a fellow-worker of God.

4:7 Paul's advice continues as he reminds Timothy to disentangle spiritual truths from myths and tales... to always be rooted in God's word.

4:8-9 We are here on earth in physical bodies and it is understandable that during our journey here we might believe things that this experience teaches us... but those things are not always good or true. For example, a series of difficult events might influence us to believe that life is unfair or that we must step on others to elevate ourselves... Paul wants us right now to dedicate ourselves to God's way. He created this place and this experience and thus we can trust that He knows the most about it. The correct path is kindness, God teaches us... and though a circumstance here might inspire us to feeling differently, the godly method is the one which is going to propel us forward.

4:10 We labor and strive in our patient hope and work with God because His philosophy of life agrees with our hearts, minds and souls. God is the savior of all people but not just after this life... it is during this life that He does so much of His compassionate work on you. Life here can be difficult and confusing, unpredictable and scary... through your faithful and trusting connection with Him, He is able to dismantle that negativity in your life. 

4:11-12 Paul encourages Timothy (and us) to be bold about expressing our passionate faith. As a soul created by God, Timothy (and you) have the right, the privilege, the blessing, the opportunity, the responsibility of proclaiming and expressing your truth.

We set an example, display an example to the rest of humanity by:

• How we conduct ourselves as we live and interact with people and circumstances
• How we love others
• How we express and maintain our faith
• How purely, honestly, authentically we think, speak and act 

4:13 Devote yourself to your purpose and your potential. For Timothy specifically, Paul encouraged him to embrace his apostleship. The purpose might be different for you but the advice is the same: devotion to your cause.

4:14 "Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy..." Take ownership of your life, your ability to be and to express and to make an impact on the world. Following God is a personal choice; He has given us the complete freedom to make our own choices and establish our own values... grasp that opportunity and fulfill your potential and your purpose.

4:15 Be diligent and wholehearted in passionate faith in order to give to humanity your truth. The people around you are able to see the changes and growth within you as you delve deeper into your relationship with God. Your truth inspires people to create their own.

4:16 Be consistent with your truth in order to never confuse or dishearten the people around you with hypocrisy. What you think, say and do must be equal. If you are honest with yourself and others, you save yourself from disorder and the discontent it breeds.