By spiritual, I mean my own opinion of what a genuine spiritual experience would be, that is not Created in our minds and body in response to outside or inside stimuli. Also, the concept of “eternity” and how we may experience it, both in our Earthly forms, and our Spiritual forms.

     Most people, when they hear the word “Flesh” in a biblical sense, will usually think of Fleshly weakness in our defense of committing “Sins”.  This is an important and extremely valid point that needs to be understood, both in the reality of it, and the consequences of our actions regarding it.  This discussion is simply my opinion of how our physical flesh bodies and minds, whether conscious or unconscious, would actually perceive and experience the reality of spiritual existence.

     Most of which I have read or watched in the Media, or heard in sermons on this subject was usually presented in an intelligent manner by individuals far more qualified than I, both from a theological and secular viewpoint. It is not my intention to undermine any of this in any way. I have the utmost respect for both viewpoints.  This is simply my own interpretation of what it means to me. Nothing more

     The key to finding Truth would be, I believe, would be to look at this question with a clear perspective thought process that would be uncluttered by the myriad of opinions that we collect during our lives. We must take a step back and observe the entire forest and not just the most prominent trees of opinions in it. So how can we do this?

We need to try to see it as if through the eyes of a Child.

     I will focus first on our Flesh Bodies and the senses we have. Every emotion, every sensation, every vision, every taste, smell and everything we feel is brought about through our body or mind. Without our senses, we would not have any concept of anything. Everything pertaining to our Bodies, whether it is physical or imaginary, is generated by something in our bodies, Even our very thoughts and dreams.

     We sometimes tend to put almost magical explanations when it comes to certain emotions or thoughts or dreams that we find difficult to explain.  However we look at this, it is still all generated by our bodies. I am not going to go into a discussion of the meaning of emotions or dreams or thoughts, I am simply saying that it all comes from the scientific wonder of our body and brain.  It has been said,  “Any science sufficiently advanced, will appear to be Magic to the primitives”.   In this case, I would be speaking of our mind and body, and ourselves as the primitives.  We only use 10 percent of our brains, as far as we know anyway, so how could we try to say we understand completely how it works?  We Cannot.

     Even the Biological wonder of the Human Brain is Mortal, and will someday run out of time. That brings us to the greatest question of all time. We are all appointed to die. No one is going to live forever, even though we all feel like we will. We won’t.  That great question has always been, what happens then?  Whatever it is that is going to happen, we are all going to experience it. No matter what our personal belief system may be. No matter how intelligent or opinionated we may be. We can either have an afterlife, or for argument’s sake, we just end, like turning off a light. Whatever it is that is going to happen, is inevitable. Fair enough?

     When our passing occurs, are bodies stop functioning. All the senses that were contained in that body also stop functioning. So if we do continue in a spiritual form, how can we feel, or experience what will happen next, since we no longer will be using our Body’s senses?  There are no physiological or neurological organs to process any information. They were left behind in the physical world.  This physical world we left, would also include everything in and around that world.  By that I mean ourselves, the world, the sky, the stars, everything. It is all included. If we can see it, feel it, observe it, or imagine it, no matter how deep inside we looked, or how far away we looked or envisioned it to be, it was all part of the physical realm. The realm our fleshly bodies were in. Even our very thoughts are manifested by physical means.

      Everything. Pain, pleasure, sight, feelings, whatever was in the past, or in the future, Every single thing that is real to us is part of the physical realm. The Universe is Creation, meaning it was created. If it was created, then someone had to have created it. Or, it could have all happened by chance. That would mean that chance would have made certain that every single thing everywhere was existing perfectly in its purpose, and perfectly in precise harmony with everything else. No matter how large or small it was. Or how far away and beyond our understanding it is.  Or whether we, as humans even noticed it. In my opinion, there are signs of the creator everywhere.

      I try to keep in mind, that God has created everything to Glorify Himself. Just because we are not aware of it, or cannot see it, does not mean that it was not created to Glorify God. From the smallest microbe, to the largest Galaxy. We cannot and will never understand, or even be aware of it all. As great as it all is, it is just a creation. As we are also. I cannot begin to comprehend how much Greater the Creator is.

      If there is indeed a Creator, then maybe we, as humans, should at the very least, try to understand that. Because, if that is the case, maybe we should wake up a little and pay some attention to that, and stop being worried about what people will think of us if we do.  Remember, God is Eternal. That means that there are no limits involved. God can take as much time as he wishes to care for anything. If he wants to concentrate on some tiny tree on a desert island he does. Or something we will never see or know about, he does. The Son Of Man is supreme and patient in everything. We, as Humans, are his children. All he asks of us is to believe and have faith in Him. That’s all.

      Take a second to let that sink in, so you can understand what I mean. When our life on Earth is over, everything will become new, I believe.  We would now be somewhere completely different. We are in the Spiritual Realm. It will probably be as new to us as the world is to a newborn child. This will be the awakening of our Eternal Soul, into everlasting truth and light.

     Let’s also say that sometime during our life, we were told about the existence of The Almighty God, the Everlasting Perfect Creator of everything, everywhere, including Heaven and everything therein Someone who exists above all, from past Eternity to future Eternity. Perfect, limitless, and loving. Beyond our capacity to understand. Even with our Eternal Soul.

     We were created for God to Love us, and for us to love God. Everything that was seen, felt, known, imagined or explored in the vast physical universe was made for showing only a tiny speck of the Glory that is God. Perfect in his design. If Earth was the only planet that had life on it, think of the magnitude of the Love that was used in that creation. It is beyond even the very thought of beginning to be able to comprehend an explanation. At the same time, if there are trillions of other planets created in the same way as ours was, as science, the language of human intelligence would suggest, it would only prove to magnify the Glory and Perfection of God Almighty. Glory without Limits.

     During our lives, we learned that God existed in 3 persons. The Father, The Holy Spirit, and The Son. Each of which are God Himself. Ruling everything everywhere with an Almighty Agape Love. 

We also became aware, during our lives, that God had a plan. This plan not only included the world, but each and every person ever born on it individually.

     As I said before, God being the perfect Almighty Creator could not let anything enter into his presence that was not perfectly spotless and clean. I am referring to us. We were created in God’s image. Our soul was incorporated within us as we lived our life.  Being Human and corruptible, existing in our Mortal Flesh, our Soul was no longer clean. Meaning that we could not enter into the presence of God without our being able to cleanse it someway.  We are not able to do that, no matter what we do. We can never gain entry into the perfect house of God. We are responsible for the fact that we are unworthy. God had created us with the capability of Free Will, and even if we only ever did the smallest thing, or thought the smallest thought that was not perfect, it made us liable to have to experience eternal separation from God.

 There is however, Good News.

     I believe that God had and still has a plan for that. God would send down his only son to take our place at his judgment. The only person who could ever do that could only be God himself. No one else is worthy. No one else is able. It requires the Greatest act of Love possible. The Lord defines the meaning of the greatest love possible. “There is no greater Love than he who would lay down his life for his friends”.

God, being perfect in his ways, knew through Eternity that it would be necessary for someone to stand in our place when the time came. Not only did God know, But He created and designed it that way, to demonstrate the Greatest Love possible.

     Understanding God’s definition of this greatest love was shown to us over 2000 years ago. It was at that time when he sent his only Son to us. His name is Jesus. The Almighty Prince of Peace. Both Man and God Incarnate. He came to Earth to take our place and bear the burden of mankind’s inability to stand pure before the Throne of the Living God.

The price of that inability is death and separation from God for Eternity. God, in his mercy, is not willing that any should perish. So in his great love for us, God came and sentenced himself in our place. The entire penalty due billions was paid in full for all. No questions asked. God laid down his own life for his friends. Us.

     Incredible isn’t it?  OK, I need to make a point here. We grew up and most of us learned about this. It’s not like I am telling you something you don’t already know. However, consider this.  We all have this picture in our mind of stained glass pictures of clouds and Angels and figures with Halos over them depicting all these things.  Magnificent and Beautiful. But I think we miss something. This was not a far away God, unreachable and distant in the past, sitting on a cloud in some artist’s idea of heaven, looking down in judgment watching all this, all seeming so far away and vague. It is so much more than that. Please don’t misunderstand. Me. It is all beautiful and I love it. Here is my point.

     This person Jesus was, and is you’re very best friend. He did this for you! Personally. You and I. He knows us better than we know ourselves, and completely understands all we know and feel. He did this because he Loved you and I, and wanted to do it just for that reason. There is no reason to have any fear.

     Think of your best friend and how you feel about that person, and how they feel about you. Are you afraid?  Well of course not. You speak to each other. You do things with each other. You laugh and cry together. You know each others secrets. You enjoy each others company, and look forward to seeing that person. You are there for that person, and they are there for you. No matter what! No matter when!  They are part of you, and you them. You have a mutual trust that only best friends have. You can be silent together without tension, or talk all night on any subject. No matter how silly it may be.

      A friend! A best Friend! Somebody who will drop everything at 2 on a snowy morning and be there when you need them, no questions asked!  Somebody who will laugh at you’re Jokes, even when they aren’t funny. Or hit you with a pillow for the same reason and laugh about it anyway. Somebody who will never leave you, not ever. Someone who would lay down their very life for you, without hesitation. Someone you would never ever have to be afraid of, for any reason, and would accept you as you are Even if you were in trouble. Even if it was your fault. Someone who would listen and comfort you when your heart is broken and you are helpless and alone, and in mortal fear for your life, and have nothing to offer anyone and have been forgotten and discarded.

      When bitter tears of hopelessness that no one will ever see but you, run down your face in rivers and burn your skin like acid.  When you have reached the very end of yourself and your strength and you are staring over the edge of the abyss of despair, and the only direction you can take is forward and you are frozen in terror and indecision and crying out for anyone anywhere with no answer.  A friend is someone who will find you. No matter where you are, and wipe your tears away and replace them with hugs. A friend will hold your hand and stand beside you, and be willing to take your place if necessary.  A friend is someone who will love you unconditionally. For Ever.

     And his name is Jesus. And he is all that and much, much more.

     Not only did God send his only Son to take our place, and not only did he die. He was executed for us at a time in history when the form of execution was the most brutal the World has ever known. Crucifixion.

He then Rose again and returned to his rightful place. His task accomplished. This was called Salvation. Saving us all from the Eternal separation of God. This was freely given as a Gift to all who would accept it.

     Now, all that is necessary for us to do is recognize this amazing gift, and accept it. There is nothing else that needs to be done.  I would think the gifts of Christmas are like this gift. Something given by your father. Just for you, and just what you needed. With a lot of thought and Love behind it. I remember when I was 10. I got a Bike for Christmas. It was great, and I loved it. Just what I needed And wanted! I couldn’t wait to show my friends. In fact I told my friends about it as soon as I could get dressed. We all have had moments something like that I’m sure.  But, you know what?  I could not have enjoyed that bike at all if I didn’t accept the gift could I?

     It’s the same way with God’s gift to us. All we have to do is accept his gift. That’s all there is to it. You don’t have to do anything else. You don’t have to do good works, you don’t have to stop anything that you are doing. You don’t have to become perfect and holy and all that.  You don’t have to stop whatever bad habits you may have, or hide them because you feel guilty. You don’t have to go to church 10 times a week and do all those things that people think they have to do. You don’t have to change anything at all. You simply are accepted exactly as you are. Faults and all. What a beautiful and wonderful gift.

     Think of this. God will accept you just the way you are. No questions. No Judging. Like that Christmas morning after I got the bike. I didn’t have to go and change into some fancy bike riding outfit and comb my hair or wash my face to go out and enjoy it.

I didn’t do anything. I just got up rolled the bike out the door, and rolled off cheering.

My parents stood in the door watching me. Smiling. They were as happy as I was I think. They were happy, cause I was happy. That’s it. They didn’t want anything in return. That’s what Love is. Love gives, and doesn’t ask for anything in return. Getting it now?

     In the early 70’s my parents died. Part of me died with them. I miss them to this day, and I would give anything to have them here for 10 minutes. Anything. But it doesn’t work like that I’m afraid, and life goes on. And it will. 

     In 1974 I accepted the great gift that God had to offer. Very quietly and privately I talked to God one day, and asked to be forgiven, and I was. I said I would accept his great gift and thanked him. You know what? From that minute my life turned totally around. It happened so fast that I didn’t even have time to realize what was going on. Before I even knew it, the incredible horrible situation I was in was just a memory. Everything was completely different and new! Looking back at it now, it still seems unreal. But it happened. It did. My story has never really been told about those days before and after I said that prayer. No one knows the entire story. I have never told anyone all of it. I take all the blame for the bad things, but I cannot take the credit for the good things. It was not myself doing it. It was God. I just happened to be in this body when it happened.

     In the days before this all happened?  I was at the end of the world. I had nothing. There is a very long story attached to that, however I’m not going to go into details of that right now. I will say this. It is an incredible amazing story, what happened to me. Like nothing you have ever heard before. Of this I am certain. If I was someone listening to it in full detail, not only would I be fascinated by it, I would be amazed by it. And it has nothing to do with anything I did. I cannot and will not take the credit. There is no way I could have done what I did back then. No way.

      I think that one reason I never told any of that is because people would think I was talking about myself and bragging. I have no interest in bragging, especially when it could be about me.  I suppose that I kept pretty much quiet because due to my own fallibility and self doubt. I knew I would not be able to live up to whatever lifestyle people would have expected from me. So I didn’t say anything more about it. However, I think that it may be time for me to change that. I think I may start telling that story now. I feel that someone needs to hear it. I feel that very strongly, so yes, I will start talking about it. If anybody is actually reading this, please take note. If I do tell my story, remember, I’m just repeating what happened, nothing more. Some people will like it, some won’t like it. Some people will not believe it, some will. I’m sure that some will think It’s not true or whatever. Again, No one has ever heard this. Not anywhere. Not even members of my family. This happened to me, and even I can hardly believe it. If I didn’t live through it myself, I probably would not. So, I will just repeat the story and leave it at that.

     Well as I started to say at the beginning of this. To look at it through the eyes of a child.

When we get to the Spiritual Realm, after our lives, The first thing we may see would be a person waiting there with outstretched hands. This would be Jesus. And as we would get closer we could feel the feeling of peace until we would be standing face to face. This is our Everlasting Father who has been there throughout our entire life. Which to us, would feel like it was ages. But for him, it was not. He was there. The entire time. Watching over us.

     God, in his wisdom, always knew that we would take the wrong road sometimes. Sometimes, even on purpose. He knew everything we would do and think. From the second of conception to the second of our passing.  There is no way to measure love on that scale. My mind cannot comprehend it. Neither can it comprehend what it will feel like to finally see him, knowing that every single thing I have done wrong has been forgiven. Put as far as the East is from the West. Knowing that it is all true.

      Being in Heaven will be great enough, knowing that we are there, because he wanted us to be with Him, regardless of our faults. Knowing that our faults are forgiven, because He Himself took our place for them and that is why we are there, is beyond words.  As I said, The Son Of Man has power over everything. Even our sins, they are no more, because they have been erased Forever!  The price has been paid. Our Father has paid, making us free. You will not be held accountable. You will not have to prove anything to justify your being there. At that moment, you will realize that it was all done in Love. Now our unseen heavenly Father, who has watched and guided us our entire life, is standing before us with outstretched arms, welcoming us home.

     How could you describe heaven? What could heaven be like?  Well through the eyes of a child, who was gone and now has returned home, and embraces his father, heaven could not be any better than that moment.  Finally safe. Finally home. Safe and finally home. At last.

Thanks for listening
G