Jason Versey's Blog
December 7, 2014
DO WE REALLY REAP WHAT WE SOW?
It has been said that the world is but a mirror that returns to us the reflection of ourselves. If we angrily sneer at her, she sneers right back but if we smile at her, she willfully smiles, in return, with the same beautiful intention. If we can fundamentally agree and accept this as a reliable truth then our understanding will further deepen and eventually lead us to the awareness that everything (yes, everything) is comprised of a never ending interaction of cause and effect and nothing can dissociate us from this verity. From our most insignificant actions, words and thoughts, this truth rules supremely with complete omnipotence. Therefore, it is rational to accept that every circumstance of our lives is constrained within a logical, harmonious and systematic sequence. Within that progression is the clandestine wisdom that every cause of every situation is controlled within itself. The spiritual law of ‘Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap’ is as invisible to the eye (and yet no less powerful and existent) as Newton's law of universal gravitation. And no one can deny, dupe or dodge it. For the Hindu, Jain, Buddhist and Sikh philosophies this is Karma, in the tradition of Western philosophy it is referred to as Causality or Causation, in Christianity it is emphasized as Reaping and Sowing (Gal 6:7), in Spiritism it is called the Law of Cause and Effect, in Wicca it is called the Rule of Three, in New Age and Theosophy it is referred to as the Law of Return or Threefold Law. For the sake of time and brevity I will not delve into the differences of each philosophy (please feel free to do so on your own) but I will tell you the concept of each are eerily similar to one another and I believe are founded in a common universal truth.
In the physical realm, if we touch a flame the effect is a painful burn and nothing will prevent the resulting blisters from coming upon us. Until the harmonious sequence of events works its way out nothing can be done to impede that bodily anguish from coming…not through cursing nor through prayer. That pain befalls us all.
In the realm of spirit and mind so too are we governed by this. If we touch the fires of hatred, anger, jealousy, envy, and lust we will eventually feel their searing flame. All of us who touch it must suffer the inevitable consequences. Nothing will stop that pain from coming not cursing nor prayer. That pain will ultimately manifest itself. It’s as simple as “What goes up must come down”, cause and effect. The above mentioned conditions of the mind and spirit are properly called evil, for they are the works of the “Self” that try to undermine or challenge, in ignorance, this universal law. (Like an unlearned child we keep touching that flame). And as we touch these flames we are, inescapably, led into a mind of internal turmoil and perplexing disharmony within. The unavoidable results are realized in the outward conditions of unhealthiness, tribulation and disappointment coupled with sorrow, hurt and hopelessness. Alternatively, the good news is, love, kindness, goodwill, purity and peace (all of which are selfless conditions) have a soothing effect upon our souls and being in harmony with the law what is realized is health of spirit, the attainment of wisdom, peacefulness, contentment, achievement and good fortune.
A thorough disciplined understanding of this great law (which pervades throughout all of time and space) eventually leads us to the attainment of the respectful state of mind that we call compliance or better worded…obedience. When we finally come to the understanding that living in harmony with uprightness and love is the supreme ruler of our existence and that (likewise) we recognize that all adverse painful conditions is the outcome of our own disobedience to this law (then and only then) will we find true peace in our lives. Such a self-controlled understanding further leads us down a path of true power and strength. It’s upon embracing this wisdom that an authentic life of true happiness and success can be built. To “exercise” our spirits and minds to be long-suffering under all circumstances and to endure ALL conditions as necessary elements to our “training” is to eventually triumph over our painful situations by putting into practice our new found obedience to the law. By doing so, we put to death that potential for darkness and evil within us and all its repercussions.
Those that can identify and be obedient while working in harmony with its truth, in fact, conquers darkness forever. Whatever is built can never be demolished because the source of all power as well as weakness is built from within. For the mysteries of all contentment and bliss as well as all misery and unhappiness can also be found there.
Do you know anyone like Lonny Lament?
Lonny, here, often says he feels captive to his current negative circumstances and daily bemoans his lot and living conditions. He inwardly curses the destiny that seems to bind him and has searched, in vain, for a more fruitful life. He is frustrated and often unhappy. The shackles of destitution and poverty hang heavily upon him and he is friendless and alone with an intense desire for his load in life to be lightened. Yet, his burdens continue and he is shrouded in increasing darkness. He complains incessantly and has become the poster child for self-pity. He blames his parents, his birth, his employer, Wall Street, Main Street, the government and all the other unjust entities and powers that have plunged him into hardship while simultaneously lifting up others around him to heightened levels of prosperity and ease of life. “It is just not fair!” He cries. What advice would you give Mike or anyone like him? Here’s mine.
I would offer Mr. Lament a solution that would bring about an improved condition in his life if he would, simply, make a commitment to cultivate his inner life. Perhaps he would scoff and say that my guidance was empty and ridiculous. But then I would say it only seems so upon first sight but that if he’d venture closer and commit to undertaking this walk with me he would begin to eradicate his weaknesses while strengthening the spiritual might within himself which will eventually change his circumstances for the better.
The Truth Is….
Quite simple....actually. In order to begin changing our outward circumstances we must first stop complaining and fault finding. None of the things we complain about are the cause of our hardships. The root cause is within ourselves. The good news is that where we find the cause, there too is the cure. I have discovered (sadly, through my own personal experiences) that the very fact that we complain demonstrates that we actually deserve our quandary. It is evidence that we lack faith which is the absolute cornerstone of all of our efforts for permanent improvement. To comprehend the universal law of reaping what we sow one must understand, emphatically, that there is no place for complaining and to worry is spiritual suicide.
Self-pity is the sworn enemy of your ambition. It is the number one killer of your aspirations and goals. Give it a foothold in your life and you’ll chase away every dream, dreamt and every friend, befriended.”-A Walk with Prudence
When we complain, by our very attitude of mind, we are strengthening the chains that bind us and are drawing upon ourselves the very gloom and darkness that we are swathed in. If we change our outlook on life then our outward life will change (The world we live in is but a mirror in which each of us is a reflection of ourselves). What we then must do is build ourselves up in the faith and knowledge of this truth and make ourselves worthy of better surroundings and better opportunities. So, you might ask, how do we do this?
In short, if we indeed reap what we sow, then it makes perfect sense that we must be sure that we are making the best of our current situations by being grateful and thankful for what we currently have. We must come to a centered place, within, that allows us to begin to be good stewards and appreciative of all that we’ve been given…no matter how shabby or small. And doing so with pride, gratitude and love. We cannot deceive ourselves into believing that we can simply step into abundant advantages while disregarding the smaller more insignificant ones. Honestly, if we could then whatever improvement we would experience would only be temporary and we’d quickly fall back into the same difficult situation again. (Simply because the lessons that were needed to be learned were thwarted and or bypassed) Remember there is a logical, harmonious and systematic sequence to everything…no one can deny, dupe or dodge it. We reap what we sow. If we are friendless then we must become a friend by opening ourselves up to selfless service and care to others. If we have limited means and humble living conditions then we must learn to take delight and care in them. We must prepare our plain food with diligence and set our modest tables with appreciation and cheer while maintaining our humble homes with an inner virtuous warmth and outward cleanliness and purity. By doing these little things we prepare ourselves for the logical, harmonious, systematic sequence of better and bigger things to come. And when they do, we will be well prepared to receive them. So what are these bigger or better things?
Sowing and Reaping Real Wealth
Instead of making financial wealth our major aim, we should all be aiming for selfless service to others with the pursuit of making ourselves useful for the common good of mankind. In order to become authentically rich we must first become virtuous. It is therefore extremely unwise to aim directly towards prosperity by making it our one and only object in life. To do this, ultimately, sets forth a cause and effect of destruction upon ourselves. Money does not constitute true wealth, nor position, nor power. For a rich man void of virtue is, in reality, poor but the man that is outwardly poor but rich in virtue is truly rich. In the midst of his physical poverty he is surely journeying towards the spiritual prosperity of abounding happiness and gladness. To be free from true impoverishment is to break from the bondage of self. Lust, hatred, anger, vanity, pride, self-indulgent and self-seeking behaviors always lead to genuine spiritual depravity and weakness. The real elements of our poverty and weakness can only be conquered and overwhelmed by the power that is continually evolving within us. For the devout learner, the logical harmonious systematic sequence of personal growth of the universal law of whatever we reap…we sow ultimately leads us to the highest virtue attainable and the greatest riches among all of mankind, self-mastery. There we will discover, within us, the deeper, everlasting, experience of abounding love, wisdom, patience, purity, gentleness, grace, mercy, humility and true power of spirit…the very presence of God.
In the physical realm, if we touch a flame the effect is a painful burn and nothing will prevent the resulting blisters from coming upon us. Until the harmonious sequence of events works its way out nothing can be done to impede that bodily anguish from coming…not through cursing nor through prayer. That pain befalls us all.
In the realm of spirit and mind so too are we governed by this. If we touch the fires of hatred, anger, jealousy, envy, and lust we will eventually feel their searing flame. All of us who touch it must suffer the inevitable consequences. Nothing will stop that pain from coming not cursing nor prayer. That pain will ultimately manifest itself. It’s as simple as “What goes up must come down”, cause and effect. The above mentioned conditions of the mind and spirit are properly called evil, for they are the works of the “Self” that try to undermine or challenge, in ignorance, this universal law. (Like an unlearned child we keep touching that flame). And as we touch these flames we are, inescapably, led into a mind of internal turmoil and perplexing disharmony within. The unavoidable results are realized in the outward conditions of unhealthiness, tribulation and disappointment coupled with sorrow, hurt and hopelessness. Alternatively, the good news is, love, kindness, goodwill, purity and peace (all of which are selfless conditions) have a soothing effect upon our souls and being in harmony with the law what is realized is health of spirit, the attainment of wisdom, peacefulness, contentment, achievement and good fortune.
A thorough disciplined understanding of this great law (which pervades throughout all of time and space) eventually leads us to the attainment of the respectful state of mind that we call compliance or better worded…obedience. When we finally come to the understanding that living in harmony with uprightness and love is the supreme ruler of our existence and that (likewise) we recognize that all adverse painful conditions is the outcome of our own disobedience to this law (then and only then) will we find true peace in our lives. Such a self-controlled understanding further leads us down a path of true power and strength. It’s upon embracing this wisdom that an authentic life of true happiness and success can be built. To “exercise” our spirits and minds to be long-suffering under all circumstances and to endure ALL conditions as necessary elements to our “training” is to eventually triumph over our painful situations by putting into practice our new found obedience to the law. By doing so, we put to death that potential for darkness and evil within us and all its repercussions.
Those that can identify and be obedient while working in harmony with its truth, in fact, conquers darkness forever. Whatever is built can never be demolished because the source of all power as well as weakness is built from within. For the mysteries of all contentment and bliss as well as all misery and unhappiness can also be found there.
Do you know anyone like Lonny Lament?
Lonny, here, often says he feels captive to his current negative circumstances and daily bemoans his lot and living conditions. He inwardly curses the destiny that seems to bind him and has searched, in vain, for a more fruitful life. He is frustrated and often unhappy. The shackles of destitution and poverty hang heavily upon him and he is friendless and alone with an intense desire for his load in life to be lightened. Yet, his burdens continue and he is shrouded in increasing darkness. He complains incessantly and has become the poster child for self-pity. He blames his parents, his birth, his employer, Wall Street, Main Street, the government and all the other unjust entities and powers that have plunged him into hardship while simultaneously lifting up others around him to heightened levels of prosperity and ease of life. “It is just not fair!” He cries. What advice would you give Mike or anyone like him? Here’s mine.
I would offer Mr. Lament a solution that would bring about an improved condition in his life if he would, simply, make a commitment to cultivate his inner life. Perhaps he would scoff and say that my guidance was empty and ridiculous. But then I would say it only seems so upon first sight but that if he’d venture closer and commit to undertaking this walk with me he would begin to eradicate his weaknesses while strengthening the spiritual might within himself which will eventually change his circumstances for the better.
The Truth Is….
Quite simple....actually. In order to begin changing our outward circumstances we must first stop complaining and fault finding. None of the things we complain about are the cause of our hardships. The root cause is within ourselves. The good news is that where we find the cause, there too is the cure. I have discovered (sadly, through my own personal experiences) that the very fact that we complain demonstrates that we actually deserve our quandary. It is evidence that we lack faith which is the absolute cornerstone of all of our efforts for permanent improvement. To comprehend the universal law of reaping what we sow one must understand, emphatically, that there is no place for complaining and to worry is spiritual suicide.
Self-pity is the sworn enemy of your ambition. It is the number one killer of your aspirations and goals. Give it a foothold in your life and you’ll chase away every dream, dreamt and every friend, befriended.”-A Walk with Prudence
When we complain, by our very attitude of mind, we are strengthening the chains that bind us and are drawing upon ourselves the very gloom and darkness that we are swathed in. If we change our outlook on life then our outward life will change (The world we live in is but a mirror in which each of us is a reflection of ourselves). What we then must do is build ourselves up in the faith and knowledge of this truth and make ourselves worthy of better surroundings and better opportunities. So, you might ask, how do we do this?
In short, if we indeed reap what we sow, then it makes perfect sense that we must be sure that we are making the best of our current situations by being grateful and thankful for what we currently have. We must come to a centered place, within, that allows us to begin to be good stewards and appreciative of all that we’ve been given…no matter how shabby or small. And doing so with pride, gratitude and love. We cannot deceive ourselves into believing that we can simply step into abundant advantages while disregarding the smaller more insignificant ones. Honestly, if we could then whatever improvement we would experience would only be temporary and we’d quickly fall back into the same difficult situation again. (Simply because the lessons that were needed to be learned were thwarted and or bypassed) Remember there is a logical, harmonious and systematic sequence to everything…no one can deny, dupe or dodge it. We reap what we sow. If we are friendless then we must become a friend by opening ourselves up to selfless service and care to others. If we have limited means and humble living conditions then we must learn to take delight and care in them. We must prepare our plain food with diligence and set our modest tables with appreciation and cheer while maintaining our humble homes with an inner virtuous warmth and outward cleanliness and purity. By doing these little things we prepare ourselves for the logical, harmonious, systematic sequence of better and bigger things to come. And when they do, we will be well prepared to receive them. So what are these bigger or better things?
Sowing and Reaping Real Wealth
Instead of making financial wealth our major aim, we should all be aiming for selfless service to others with the pursuit of making ourselves useful for the common good of mankind. In order to become authentically rich we must first become virtuous. It is therefore extremely unwise to aim directly towards prosperity by making it our one and only object in life. To do this, ultimately, sets forth a cause and effect of destruction upon ourselves. Money does not constitute true wealth, nor position, nor power. For a rich man void of virtue is, in reality, poor but the man that is outwardly poor but rich in virtue is truly rich. In the midst of his physical poverty he is surely journeying towards the spiritual prosperity of abounding happiness and gladness. To be free from true impoverishment is to break from the bondage of self. Lust, hatred, anger, vanity, pride, self-indulgent and self-seeking behaviors always lead to genuine spiritual depravity and weakness. The real elements of our poverty and weakness can only be conquered and overwhelmed by the power that is continually evolving within us. For the devout learner, the logical harmonious systematic sequence of personal growth of the universal law of whatever we reap…we sow ultimately leads us to the highest virtue attainable and the greatest riches among all of mankind, self-mastery. There we will discover, within us, the deeper, everlasting, experience of abounding love, wisdom, patience, purity, gentleness, grace, mercy, humility and true power of spirit…the very presence of God.
WE ARE WHAT WE THINK WE ARE
The late Norman Vincent Peale shared a story about one of his trips to China. Dr. Peale writes that while walking through the congested twisted roads of Kowloon in Hong Kong, he came upon a tattoo shop. The outside window displayed a multitude of examples that could be chosen from. As he gazed upon the different varieties he came upon one that simply said "Born to lose." Somewhat unsettled he entered the shop and pointed to that particular tattoo and then asked the Chinese tattoo artist,"Does anyone really have that terrible phrase, "Born to lose," tattooed on their body?" The tattoo artist answered, "Yes" "But," Mr. Peale then said, "I can't imagine anyone in their right mind would do that." The Chinese man simply tapped his forehead and said in broken English, "Before tattoo on body…tattoo on mind."
The ideas that we foster (about ourselves) in our own minds often have a positive or negative affect on our reality. The words we tell ourselves are manifested in our reality (whether good or bad) and often have a weighty impact on the actuality of our lives. The wisdom of the bible says this in Proverbs: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” One could interpret…that there is living power in the things we say and the consequence and rewards of them can and will be manifested. I believe this is even more applicable in the words we express to ourselves. Those constant affirmations (lovely or ill) we tell ourselves are eventually tattooed into the very fiber of our being and inks healing or sickness, joy or pain, love or fear into the very fabric of our lives.
“Man can only be what he sees himself to be, and only attain what he sees himself attaining....Man sees first his failure or success, his joy or sorrow, before it swings into visibility from the scenes set in his own imagination.” —Florence Scovel Shinn
Science has affirmed this notion. Émile Coué de la Châtaigneraie (February 26, 1857 – July 2, 1926) was a French psychologist who introduced a popular method of psychotherapy based upon optimistic autosuggestion. By using the power of positive thinking he developed a technique which relied upon a principle that any idea solely inhabiting the mind often becomes our reality, to the extent that the idea is within the realm of possibility. For example, a person missing a finger is not able to make it regenerate, however, if a person firmly believes that his (or her) illness is disappearing, then this may actually happen, as far as the body is able to physically overcome or control it. Conversely, he believed that thinking negatively about the illness ("I am not feeling well") encouraged both the mind and body to accept this thought as truth and thus the mind and body responded accordingly. Emile Coué recognized and determined, based upon his experiences, that it was highly beneficial for his patience to focus on a desired, positive result (ex "I am healthy and energetic" rather than “I am unhealthy and tired”. Coué believed strongly in the value of medication but he also believed that our mental state of mind is able to affect and even amplify the action of those medications. By consciously using autosuggestion, he observed that his patients could cure themselves by replacing their thoughts of “illness" with new thoughts of a “healing cure". He would often give his patients a placebo and then ask them to apply this now famous mantra of conscious autosuggestion phrase; "Every day, in every way, I am getting better and better" and observed how his patience actually began to get better.
There is power when we say “I AM…” for whatever follows those two simple words determines exactly who and what we become. No matter your circumstance the power to turn things around begins with your thoughts. No matter what we’ve been through the power to endure it begins with our thoughts. No matter where we come from or mistakes we have made the power to change begins with our thoughts. When we say I Am…”poor, unemployable, stupid, ugly, unlovable, fat, ect…” we are reinforcing a negative belief system that attracts more of the same in our lives. Conversely, when we earnestly say I Am…”blessed, grateful, loved, healthy and filled with joy” it’s amazing what we in turn experience.
“A particular train of thought persisted in, be it good or bad, cannot fail to produce its results on the character and circumstances. A man cannot directly choose his circumstances, but he can choose his thoughts, and so indirectly, yet surely, shapes his circumstances. ” ― James Allen, As a Man Thinketh
We are made in the image of God. God, The Great I AM resides in all of creation. His power and His love resides within us all.
So say it with me…
"Every day, in every way, I am getting better and better"
Proverbs 18:21; Émile Coué." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2008. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 26 Dec. 2008,
The ideas that we foster (about ourselves) in our own minds often have a positive or negative affect on our reality. The words we tell ourselves are manifested in our reality (whether good or bad) and often have a weighty impact on the actuality of our lives. The wisdom of the bible says this in Proverbs: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” One could interpret…that there is living power in the things we say and the consequence and rewards of them can and will be manifested. I believe this is even more applicable in the words we express to ourselves. Those constant affirmations (lovely or ill) we tell ourselves are eventually tattooed into the very fiber of our being and inks healing or sickness, joy or pain, love or fear into the very fabric of our lives.
“Man can only be what he sees himself to be, and only attain what he sees himself attaining....Man sees first his failure or success, his joy or sorrow, before it swings into visibility from the scenes set in his own imagination.” —Florence Scovel Shinn
Science has affirmed this notion. Émile Coué de la Châtaigneraie (February 26, 1857 – July 2, 1926) was a French psychologist who introduced a popular method of psychotherapy based upon optimistic autosuggestion. By using the power of positive thinking he developed a technique which relied upon a principle that any idea solely inhabiting the mind often becomes our reality, to the extent that the idea is within the realm of possibility. For example, a person missing a finger is not able to make it regenerate, however, if a person firmly believes that his (or her) illness is disappearing, then this may actually happen, as far as the body is able to physically overcome or control it. Conversely, he believed that thinking negatively about the illness ("I am not feeling well") encouraged both the mind and body to accept this thought as truth and thus the mind and body responded accordingly. Emile Coué recognized and determined, based upon his experiences, that it was highly beneficial for his patience to focus on a desired, positive result (ex "I am healthy and energetic" rather than “I am unhealthy and tired”. Coué believed strongly in the value of medication but he also believed that our mental state of mind is able to affect and even amplify the action of those medications. By consciously using autosuggestion, he observed that his patients could cure themselves by replacing their thoughts of “illness" with new thoughts of a “healing cure". He would often give his patients a placebo and then ask them to apply this now famous mantra of conscious autosuggestion phrase; "Every day, in every way, I am getting better and better" and observed how his patience actually began to get better.
There is power when we say “I AM…” for whatever follows those two simple words determines exactly who and what we become. No matter your circumstance the power to turn things around begins with your thoughts. No matter what we’ve been through the power to endure it begins with our thoughts. No matter where we come from or mistakes we have made the power to change begins with our thoughts. When we say I Am…”poor, unemployable, stupid, ugly, unlovable, fat, ect…” we are reinforcing a negative belief system that attracts more of the same in our lives. Conversely, when we earnestly say I Am…”blessed, grateful, loved, healthy and filled with joy” it’s amazing what we in turn experience.
“A particular train of thought persisted in, be it good or bad, cannot fail to produce its results on the character and circumstances. A man cannot directly choose his circumstances, but he can choose his thoughts, and so indirectly, yet surely, shapes his circumstances. ” ― James Allen, As a Man Thinketh
We are made in the image of God. God, The Great I AM resides in all of creation. His power and His love resides within us all.
So say it with me…
"Every day, in every way, I am getting better and better"
Proverbs 18:21; Émile Coué." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2008. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 26 Dec. 2008,
September 19, 2014
The Fruits of Dying to Self
The Fruits of Dying to Self
23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. Luke 9:23-24 (KJV)
Our mirrored reflections reveal very little of our true essence, of our souls or of our abounding potential for truth and goodness. No, one must go infinitely deeper…beyond the surface and color of our skin, our features, physiques and curves in order to see our true selves. Once there, we must venture even further, delving deeper still within the depths of our hearts to trudge through the clutter of our inner biases, our opinions, our egos and vanities, our pride and prejudices, vices and virtues, all of which have compelled and shaped us up to this point…to be us. Once we begin to see ourselves how God sees us, only then can we begin to remove the dross of our sinful and selfish nature and begin a pathway to true spiritual growth and righteousness. At the spirit’s core of our genuine character of truth are seeds of selflessness which flower into humility, love, faithfulness, forgiveness, chasteness and sympathy which germinate daily…exponentially. In order for these seeds to thrive, grow and transform into Godly character within us…selfishness, the self that feeds off of our pride, ego, vanity, hatred, lusts, jealousy, and faithlessness, must wither and ultimately die. Those selfish desires within us must decrease as the selfless virtues within increase.
This will be a noble and silent pursuit, this striving for a sacrificial spirit within ourselves but it can and will only be fought and won in the stillness of our prayers, meditations and solitude. It’s a silent spiritual war that is waged within the depths of our souls where no mortal will discern our pain and or the defeats and triumphs over ourselves. Yet once attained, everyone around us will smell the beautiful aroma of a transformed spirit as those seeds of selflessness bloom into the fruit and flowers of a Godly character within us. What inevitably takes root will be a legacy of peace, love and sincere devotion to a life of blessedness and of quiet divine inner truth that will produce a fruit of inner and outer serenity…one that will pass all understanding and mortal comprehension. So whatever it is, whatever the struggle let us endeavor into that storm, together, with a selflessness and sacrificial heart. For if we do... righteousness and truth await us on the other side. -Jason Versey from "Silent Sacrifices"
23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. Luke 9:23-24 (KJV)
Our mirrored reflections reveal very little of our true essence, of our souls or of our abounding potential for truth and goodness. No, one must go infinitely deeper…beyond the surface and color of our skin, our features, physiques and curves in order to see our true selves. Once there, we must venture even further, delving deeper still within the depths of our hearts to trudge through the clutter of our inner biases, our opinions, our egos and vanities, our pride and prejudices, vices and virtues, all of which have compelled and shaped us up to this point…to be us. Once we begin to see ourselves how God sees us, only then can we begin to remove the dross of our sinful and selfish nature and begin a pathway to true spiritual growth and righteousness. At the spirit’s core of our genuine character of truth are seeds of selflessness which flower into humility, love, faithfulness, forgiveness, chasteness and sympathy which germinate daily…exponentially. In order for these seeds to thrive, grow and transform into Godly character within us…selfishness, the self that feeds off of our pride, ego, vanity, hatred, lusts, jealousy, and faithlessness, must wither and ultimately die. Those selfish desires within us must decrease as the selfless virtues within increase.
This will be a noble and silent pursuit, this striving for a sacrificial spirit within ourselves but it can and will only be fought and won in the stillness of our prayers, meditations and solitude. It’s a silent spiritual war that is waged within the depths of our souls where no mortal will discern our pain and or the defeats and triumphs over ourselves. Yet once attained, everyone around us will smell the beautiful aroma of a transformed spirit as those seeds of selflessness bloom into the fruit and flowers of a Godly character within us. What inevitably takes root will be a legacy of peace, love and sincere devotion to a life of blessedness and of quiet divine inner truth that will produce a fruit of inner and outer serenity…one that will pass all understanding and mortal comprehension. So whatever it is, whatever the struggle let us endeavor into that storm, together, with a selflessness and sacrificial heart. For if we do... righteousness and truth await us on the other side. -Jason Versey from "Silent Sacrifices"
September 17, 2014
Everybody Falls Into Dark Places
Everybody falls into dark places. Life throws us many curves that can ultimately plunge us into an abyss of darkness and once we are there it may seem impossible to pick ourselves back up again. We have all experienced tough situations whether it be a personal tragedy, financial struggles, difficulties in our relationships and marriages, a reoccurring sin or addiction or all of the above…which in the end, leads us to wrestle with our very own spiritual relationship with God. In the dark it’s hard to find our way. It’s hard to see the things worth fighting for. In the dark it’s easy to hide our sins, our insecurities, our pain and our shame. It’s easy to be blinded from the joys and blessing that are right before our eyes which is why God calls us to be in the light. In 1 Peter 2:9 it reads: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” Our God wants us to live in the light that is His shining glory. He knows that in our darkness the enemy lurks and looks for ways to plunge us further away from His redeeming promise. It’s in the light that we can begin to see what’s truly important to us. It’s in the light that we begin to find our way. Our Father knows we will fall. In Roman 3:23 Paul writes: “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” But that doesn't mean we need to stay there. In Proverbs 24:16 is says “for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again,...” Rising again simply means finding the courage to accept God’s grace and get back in line. God says in Isaiah 43:25 “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake and remembers your sin no more.” Knowing this truth, it’s imperative that we do not allow the shame of our sins and struggles keep us buried in the dark. Conversely, it should be the very cornerstone that motivates us to repent and get back up. My challenge for us is to acknowledge the dark places we may be in today but then take the courageous steps towards the light of redemption. It’s my prayer that the dark places we fall into will never prevail over the love, mercy and grace God has bestowed upon us. It’s vital that when we fall down that we get back up again. If we don’t then the sacrifice of our savior Jesus Christ and all he endured for our sake was all for not…let that never be so. ~Jason Versey
May 29, 2014
Do You Have a Light?
Buddy, do you have a light? Light…is life giving and absolutely essential to our physical existence, without it every physical living organism on earth atrophies and dies. The Sun, with all its vibrant photosynthesizing power, is a magnificent symbol of vital energy that enriches our very being at a cellular level. Can you imagine a world without the Sun? Let it never be! So what about our spiritual existence? Jesus plainly tells us in John 8:12 “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” If we have chosen to follow Him then we too have the light of life within us and should not be hidden. It says in Mathew therefore “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Jesus is essential to our spiritual enrichment and existence. Without His vibrant power of life and love our spirits eventually atrophy and die. Can you imagine a world without the Son? Let it never be! ~Jason Versey
April 21, 2014
Living with Death
Death, as we have come to know it, is for those that have gone before us. Empty and as cold as the hole they leave behind, one thing is harrowingly true…Life is for the living. What remains are memories wrapped in a legacy of tender emotions and thought. It’s a final endowment, a beautiful gift. So is it too much for us to honor the dearly departed with our lives? Can we do it without unabated regret, without fear, without immobilizing woe? Can we not memorialize a life no longer with us with a deep appreciation of life itself and live perhaps how they would want us to live or how they would live…if they could? Can we breathe this extraordinary breath of life and drink from its fountain of joy, laughter, love and inexhaustible promise with gratitude…for yet another day? The greatest honor we can give to those who have passed on is to live “ever present” experiencing all of life good and bad…among the living. Do we not owe a debt of appreciation for the gift of a legacy? Can we live among the living with courage gifting the here and now with what the foregone have given us? Is that not, at a minimum, what we want for our loved ones when we eventually leave this world? ~Jason Versey
