Beyond the Seen: Journey Within, a Story Recollecting the Path Through the Depths of Sorrow to the Heights of Joy in Discovering the Revelation of Our True Birthright and Spiritual Essence.

Copyright © 2010 Michael Journey

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ISBN: 978-1-4497-0636-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4497-0638-8 (dj)

ISBN: 978-1-4497-0637-1 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number 2010938169

Printed in the United States of America

WestBow Press rev. date: 11/2/2010

Journey Within, a story recollecting the path through the depths of sorrow to the heights of joy in discovering the Revelation of our true birthright and spiritual essence.

–Michael

Contents

This book will compose of my writings which begin May 2002. I sincerely give all praise to our heavenly Father, for without Him I am nothing.

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Chapter One - Awake To The Light

1. Me Against The World

2. (Me Against The World)

3. Society

4. (Society)

5. Let Us Pray

6. (Let Us Pray)

7. One Truth

8. (One Truth)

9. My Love

X. (My Love)

11. Unshakeable

12. (Unshakeable)

Chapter Two - Journey Within

13. Beyond The Seen

14. (Beyond The Seen)

15. The Narrow Road

16. (The Narrow Road)

17. Journey Within

18. (Journey Within)

19. Broken

20. (Broken)

21. A Cause To Shine

22. (A Cause To Shine)

23. Overcome

24. (Overcome)

25. From Low To High

26. (From Low To High)

27. Forever In Spirit

28. (Forever In Spirit)

29. Rock

30. (Rock)

31. Let Go

32. (Let Go)

33. Eyes As A Child

34. (Eyes As A Child)

Chapter Three - Hope in the Vision

35. The Fallen One

36. (The Fallen One)

37. The Night Sky

38. (The Night Sky)

39. Believe Then Receive

40. (Believe Then Receive)

41. Jesus

42. (Jesus)

43. Abundance

44. (Abundance)

45. Service To Many Leads To Greatness

46. (Service To Many Leads To Greatness)

47. Shadow of Christ

48. (Shadow Of Christ)

49. Living For Christ

50. (Living For Christ)

51. Faith Without Works

52. (Faith Without Works)

53. Meditation

54. (Meditation)

Chapter Four - In the Storm

55. Buried in Christ

56. (Buried In Christ)

57. To The Top

58. (To The Top)

59. Reflection

60. (Reflection)

61. Cup Of Life

62. (Cup Of Life)

63. To Go Beyond

64. (To Go Beyond)

65. Conquering Fear and Doubt

66. (Conquering Fear And Doubt)

67. Beginning To Surface

68. (Beginning To Surface)

69. Without Bound

70. (Without Bound)

71. Nothing By Chance

72. (Nothing By Chance)

Chapter Five - In His Steps

73. One Mind

74. (One Mind)

75. Definite Purpose

76. (Definite Purpose)

77. Its Time

78. (Its Time)

79. The Parallel You

80. (The Parallel You)

81. Heaven Awaits

82. (Heaven Awaits)

83. This Moment

84. (This Moment)

85. Infinite Reason

86. (Infinite Reason)

Chapter Six - It Is Time

87. The Potters Touch

88. (The Potters Touch)

89. As It Is

90. (As It Is)

91. Reach

92. (Reach)

93. What Becomes Of You

94. (What Becomes Of You)

95. What Is Yet To Be

96. (What Is Yet To Be)

97. Ultimate Destination

98. (Ultimate Destination)

99. In The Making

100. (In The Making)

101. History Made Eternal

102. (History Made Eternal)

103. The Dream

104. (The Dream)

Chapter Seven - Preparation in the Unseen

105. Noah Poet

106. (Noah Poet)

107. Man In The Mirror

108. (Man In The Mirror)

109. Lost

110. (Lost)

111. Escape

112. (Escape)

113. My Word

114. (My Word)

115. Free Thoughts

116. (Free Thoughts)

Chapter Eight - Consuming Sorrow

117. Pain

118. (Pain)

119. My Confession

120. (My Confession)

121. So Far Into The Distance

122. (So Far Into The Distance)

123. Imagination

124. (Imagination)

125. Let Us Stand

126. (Let Us Stand)

127. It Runs Deep

128. (It Runs Deep)

Chapter Nine - Destiny Embraced

129. Journey to Eternity

130. (Journey To Eternity)

131. Contrary To The Cause

132. (Contrary To The Cause)

133. Reflections In The Mirror

134. (Reflections In The Mirror)

135. All That I Am

136. (All That I Am)

137. You Can Be Touched

138. (You Can Be Touched)

139. Till My Last Breathe

140. (Till My Last Breathe)

141. To That Which Is Within

142. (To That Which Is Within)

Chapter Ten - Faith in Action

143. Transformation

144. (Transformation)

145. The Received

146. (The Received)

147. My Report

148. (My Report)

149. Council Of The Mind

150. (Council Of The Mind)

151. To My Friend

152. (To My Friend)

153. The Game

154. (The Game)

155. To My Friend Part Two

156. (To My Friend Part Two)

Chapter Eleven - Revelation Revealed

157. So That I May Become

158. (So That I May Become)

159. Servant To All

160. (Servant To All)

161. I See You

162. (I See You)

163. The Greater Impact

164. (The Greater Impact)

Chapter Twelve - Beyond The Seen

165. It Is Finished

166. (It Is Finished)

167. Caught Up

168. (Caught Up)

169. The Remarkable Few

170. (The Remarkable Few)

171. I’m Ready

172. (I’m Ready)

173. The Lions Den

174. (The Lions Den)

175. A True Friend

176. (A True Friend)

177. The Truth Shall Set You Free

178. (The Truth Shall Set You Free)

179. The Final Word

180. (The Final Word)

Closing Thought To Ponder

Remarkable Story

Sources I have been inspired by

Glimpse of my next book

Afterward

The Exception Deception

2-180. Are the conversations of each corresponding writing having the same title.

I completed Beyond The Seen this morning, July 23rd, 2010. Glory to God!

The 180 writings represent the turn to Christ from the world we should embrace.

Acknowledgements

I want to first thank the Lord God through Christ Jesus for all He has blessed me with. My incredible son Noah Poet, your love has been the purest I have ever known from another human. My brothers, Mark and Kevin, we have not always been as close as I desired, but I love you both deeply. To the few who have stayed true to me, you know who you are, I am forever grateful. I want to thank every person who has inspired me along the journey, and everyone who ever lived that used their life in service to others. I also want to thank those who have caused me pain or had a negative intent towards me, for the challenges I was presented are what forged my unshakeable faith in our Creator. Finally, I am truly humbled by all who will read my book and with all my heart I hope your life is magnificently blessed by the Lord and I pray that you will come to know the Lord’s Love and salvation, and do all that you do to His glory!

Introduction

My writings are placed in progression to the time in which they were written. All of the conversations of each corresponding writing however were all written in the final couple months of my books completion. They are a recollection of my journey which span over eight years. My ultimate hope is that what I have written may inspire and awaken a willingness, passion and urgency within you to know and live in truth and love. For indeed you are a fascinating being, and it would be priceless to maybe one day have you share your incredible and unique expression of this truth to the world so that we also may be encouraged by you. Whatever that is yet to come and all that has been, I am greatly humbled and grateful for and shall do my reasonable service in seeing my work through to the finish. I love you all to the glory of the greatest that ever lived, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

This book is dedicated to every child of God He created; I pray you may open your heart to His Love and truth. Noah Poet my son, I love you always and forever.

Chapter One - Awake To The Light

Will include the first twelve writings and their conversation, Me Against The World to Unshakeable. These are the beginning of my new life in search of truth and the Lord’s plan upon my life. The six writings actually were written over almost a year span, when I first started out in my writings it was usually about two months in between each writing. In this period I did a lot of reading of scripture as well as other books, and was when my first six month cruise occurred in the Navy. My book all began at age nineteen, May of 2002 right after I finished boot camp.

1. Me Against The World

Its time the change that I have long awaited and continuously visualize be made my reality become one. There are two directions in which we choose to live ultimately, and many side roads which tempt us everyday that we give into to. We are weak, for it is difficult to be otherwise. Many of us are in disguise, close to all of us are constantly running and hiding, always escaping what’s real, the truth. The fact is many of us do not know where to begin, therefore we settle with our situation at hand, resulting as an excuse to make no real attempt to change our situation. We are scared to be vulnerable and do not have faith in a change which is on us to make happen. Its just like moving to new surroundings from a place you have grown comfortable and adapted to, and its not that we are scared to make a change, but we are discouraged our situation will worsen, so we keep it the same continuing our search deep within, hoping something will happen out of the blue. The act many of us put on is our escape, our way of ignoring the truth and rolling with the flow, relieving the weight from our shoulders and being a part of the crowd. If you could only realize how great a mistake this is and that there is a way. My belief is, there is a God, One God, and He is the way, the truth and is within all of us. The deeper we look within ourselves the deeper our thoughts, and the more in touch we are with that special sense, the more God is working His miracle through us. Even though I know God is with me, sometimes I feel alone and hopeless like nothing good is to come, but I know good things which last forever don’t come easy and usually take a while to take effect for we are becoming prepared for something great. Continue to set forth your best and always know God is with you.

2. (Me Against The World)

Mahatma Gandhi – Be the change you want to see

I wrote this after boot camp, May of 2002. I was really in the chapter of finding myself. I always wanted to know the essential questions of life. I’ve always carried a heaviness and sorrow, for my eyes are open to the truth. I’ve felt quite alone for most my life in the sense of not being understood and coming to believe that most people don’t care to understand to begin for they have become de-sensitized by society. It’s always been hard for me to even smile for there is so much pain all around. On the outside I seem very distant and unmoving, yet within I have a heart of compassion and a thoughtful mind. I consider all that I am presented and do my best to always give the benefit of the doubt to the unknown or to that which I myself have not yet witnessed or experienced. I care so much, even of the small things and therefore my emotions are very vulnerable, for I am very aware and sensitive to the pain across the land. I look deeply into things, which in some ways have been a blessing, yet some seemingly a curse. Expressing myself socially has always been difficult except when I am in the company of just one other. I’m definitely an introvert therefore I write to convey my thoughts. I’m horrible with small talk and just being able to let go and laugh a little for my mind is always consumed in the serious aspects of what is taking place. I bottle things up and still have yet to explode. Each night when I lay down to rest, a tear comes down my face for I am always heavy within and know I have yet to rise to my calling. I truly love people yet I hate their ways and that includes my own. The positive change and incredible life I speak of in this writing I believe is available to all who seek it out. I also believe nothing great comes fast or easy, and much refinement is required for a masterpiece to emerge. To those who desire to lift others and inspire them in the journey, I have great admiration and respect for you. For we all have a story, and though our memories may be full of so much sadness, let us hold more dear to the joys for it is not by chance that we must endure challenges, for they are what make us strong and present the opportunity to lift one another upon the journey to the Light.

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

3. Society

So many words yet no meaning. Multitudes of actions yet no purpose which is positive or true. Its as though your only mission is to cause quarrel and grief and for what. Are you truly that hopeless to where your only content is delivered by others suffering. Let me guess, it was just a joke right, you meant no harm, yet it is the harm you create that fuels your meaningless ways. Its that false gratification your searching for, the spotlight that puts you in the center, for all others to witness and provide you with foolish praise due to your phony exhibition. Its sad this person you portray your self as, an act impatiently awaiting the next scene. You are far from wise and lack understanding. You fall in so many holes you create yet have no idea why you fell. Your like a child but worse, no self control yet the age of a young man or woman, which was shown at some level guidance yet ignored it. I realize life is hard and not all of us were raised in a good way however you perceive good to be but there is no excuse for us as man or woman, regardless. We are now in control and decide which path we take, forward or below ourselves. We all have extraordinary gifts and potential which is on us individually to apply and expose. Great things which last forever will not come easy just as a layout of dominoes, we can only build ourselves one domino at a time but many go for more and fall back to nothing cause they attempt for more than they were prepared or earned yet the patient and wise one builds slowly yet effectively without stumble. Its what you make it to be is definitely true, don’t attempt to be like others, but be as yourself and always keep an open mind constantly willing to learn and excel for this life is but a test and this brief test determines our eternal existence. What is will be whether we believe or not, there are no exceptions. Follow what is righteous and show every regard to discipline and believe that God is with each of us and hears our every whisper. Maintain yourself through God and the faith He will give if you seeketh. Share your blessings and be positive no matter how rough it gets. Stay strong and may we each reach our true, complete beautiful selves.

4. (Society)

Martin Luther King Jr. - Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.

This writing was several months after my first once I reported to my first ship in the Navy. So many people speak a big game yet have nothing to show for in comparison. They have fallen into the mindset of being fake, putting an act on as appropriate to their given circumstance. There is almost always an agenda in mans pursuit, very little is done just out of a genuine desire to help and uplift. It has become a spectacle, of who can be the biggest and loudest, and make joke’s at the expense of another. We really ruin what life can be for each other, for we carry our pasts full of betrayal and lies which cause us to not trust or be open to those who come along in the future. We assume this person or potential opportunity will be yet another disappointment so we settle with what we believe keeps us comfortable and secure. For then at least we cannot be hurt again, but the definition of insanity is said to be doing the same thing over and over again yet expecting different results. Let us not submit to this passive mentality which puts us into categories and clichés, always ready to change who we truly are just to fit in. We are all capable of so much and each have gifts which many desperately await, let us not trade this profound blessing for the temporary status man has deemed cool.

Matthew 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

5. Let Us Pray

Our Father in heaven, give me strength to allow You to shine through me and doubt You in no way. Allow me to spread Your Word righteously, and follow the example of Your One and only Son, Jesus Christ. Help me let go of all my desires and wants which are meaningless, and put complete trust in You knowing You are the way, the truth, the light and will make my paths straight. Help me meditate You always, and spread Your Word effectively without confusion. Allow me to be one spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically so I may spread Your Word wisely and complete. Let me grow in my walk and learn from my mistakes. Give me the strength to not walk in sin, and even not to think it to the up most of my ability. Please help me to be patient and take nothing for granted. I am weak yet You give me strength. I sometimes fade yet You are always there. Ship full of strife and You bless me peace. To others I am distant, yet You hold me close and lift me up. I pray one day, I can share the gift You have blessed me to have with all who will hear and to all who are searching. Allow me to never turn anyone away in vain nor judge anyone for You are the only Judge, our heavenly Father which is perfect. Through all I have done You still forgive me, please help me to do the same unto others without grudge. Please help me to not do things based on my way, but Yours only and to always remind myself You are with me. God is with me, how amazing this is, I can truly walk with God and be free from stumble by putting my faith in God. I pray all these things only if it be in Your will in Jesus name, Amen.

6. (Let Us Pray)

Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you. - Saint Augustine

I wrote this a couple months after reporting aboard my first ship, the USS Tarawa. The transition of Navy life was a challenge for me as I knew it would be. Working, living and taking orders from people from all walks of life. Up until boot camp, I had never been away from family nor traveled anywhere outside Nevada and California. As I expressed in my previous writing, I was never comfortable in the social scene but I knew I had to get out of my comfort shell and it is the main reason I joined the military. I figured in a structured setting where discipline, awareness and focus were forefront, the leader within me would rise up and I would open up. However, I quickly realized that many of the ways of the world I was trying to evade were still present and more so to my disappointment. I’ve never been someone who fit in nor do I try to but being this way in close quarters with people I had no choice to be around presented its difficulties. During this time my fire for truth and wisdom were never greater up to that point, and fortunately I did meet several others I began fellowship with. I read the bible daily, many chapters worth and my passion was to know the Lord and pretty much just talk about things of the spirit. In the Navy there is a lot of hurry up and wait, and to my shock a lot of just sitting around or doing mundane work over and over and there is nothing more I hate than wasting my time for something that ultimately doesn’t bare fruit. However, looking back on my military experience I believe it was an essential chapter in my life and many positive things came from it. This writing was basically a prayer of mine asking God to give me strength, thanking Him for His grace and mercy and most of all His forgiveness. Giving me courage to stand for what I believe but also humbling myself and not acting negatively upon my judgments. It was a challenging time in my life as I was trying to find my way and remain focused on what the experience was ultimately trying to get me to see.

Matthew 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name.

7. One Truth

What must I do to be one within myself? There are so many obstacles throughout life and countless choices and decisions which I encounter everyday. How do I tell which choice is the one to take? How do I know another choice may have been more rewarding? Who can say this way or that way is the truth? My answer would be Jesus and I recommend to those who truly want to know the truth to read the Word (Holy Bible preferably King James) and ask the Lord for His understanding and not your own. We must understand that there ultimately is but one way to salvation, and these are not my words but our heavenly Father’s. The truth which seems is there are many thousands which lead to salvation. Many religions which may be slightly different or extremely say we worship the same God just under different names and all these roads lead to the same heaven. Unfortunately, you are calling God a liar for He said there is only one way to salvation and that is through Jesus Christ our Savior. The living God in whom I worship is perfect and Almighty. He created all things, He owns them and whether we believe in Him or not His Will, will be done. If all religions led to Him, this would mean He is a God of divisions or groups, yet a perfect God must be One. All religions believe different, whether slightly or major. God doesn’t tell one group to worship Him one way and another to worship Him another, that would be contradictory. His Word is One, and there is no compromise in His Word for its complete. It is as it is but many of us, though sincere and of good intention to live by the truth righteously, fail to see it as it is but as they see it to be. Two people can see the same thing and have completely different interpretations or revelations in what they believe it to be. For example, some consider forty degree weather to be quite cold, while others who were raised in colder climates wouldn’t think twice to say it was normal weather. If someone from San Diego moved to Alaska, he would consider it quite cold cause it was different from what he was used to and vice versa. You see, this is exactly how our whole foundation of beliefs comes about. Many are born in to this religion or that religion and are raised to believe a certain way. People raised in Alaska adapt to their climate, people from San Diego to theirs unconsciously and consider each other completely different. From our youth we are taught to believe a certain way and more than likely after being around it for a time we become a part of it, and believe it is the way naturally. We become brainwashed and eventually don’t even consider that were lost. We truly believe what we believe is the way to believe even though some are kind and tell others its just fine for them to believe otherwise cause we are free to our own beliefs. I agree we are free, but if you are not in Christ Jesus you are lost no matter how great your faith. God is not the Author of confusion, nor is He a God of divisions, partiality and temptations. God cannot be tempted, He cannot lie and He cannot learn. God is a God of love, grace, truth, peace, joy, patience, righteousness, glory, wisdom and all things great beyond imagination. Through His grace we were blessed with a way to salvation, through His Son Jesus Christ who died on the cross so we may be saved and have everlasting life. Jesus is God manifest in the flesh who was a spotless Lamb, who suffered all evil and endured to the end and His blood was shed for us, so that we shall not be in bondage to sin but to life in Him, and will be one with Him. We must