"Faith is to believe what we do not see;
and the reward of this faith is to see what we believe."
and the reward of this faith is to see what we believe."
~ Saint Augustine
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Debt is like a narcotic
Have you noticed how huge the national debt is becoming in the United States? An article I read yesterday in USA Today said that our government red ink increased over $55,000 per household in the last year.
I showed the figure to my 18 year old daughter and said, “It looks like you’re going to be straddled with our current spending for the rest of your working life.” She was not impressed.
Politics aside, my prayers zeroed in on the apathy and indifference that seems to largely attend this growing and monstrous claim on future generations and their earnings. Like charging on a credit card and not thinking about how to pay the bill until the amount comes due, budget deficits don’t seem to matter much as long as voters and taxpayers have gratification of immediate wants.
I’m aware that many political and economic leaders justify the budget sinkholes by arguing that the short term run up in burden is needed for long term prosperity. But it seems that we’ve heard that argument before, and year after year budgets continue to worsen.
In my prayers for more fiscal responsibility, I thought about how debt can be like a narcotic. It acts like a drug on people’s perspective much like alcohol dulls people’s awareness and removes their sensibilities from the realm of reality and sound reasoning.
Debt-aholic or alcoholic…is there much difference?
The solution for debt to mammon is to pay one’s debt to God. And part of paying our debt to God is to be grateful for the good God has already given us.
Divine Mind has given us abundant resources in the form of the ability to reason intelligently, make sound decisions that have long run good effects, be content with what we have, exercise discipline over want and appetite, find health and healing through spiritual means, and find employment in doing good works that have value and worth.
The exercise of wisdom, sound planning, discipline, economy, honesty, and gratitude pay bills, balance budgets and employ workers. They are the primary resources of our economy, and with enough humility and desire to use them, will get our deficits under control and prosper future generations.
I showed the figure to my 18 year old daughter and said, “It looks like you’re going to be straddled with our current spending for the rest of your working life.” She was not impressed.
Politics aside, my prayers zeroed in on the apathy and indifference that seems to largely attend this growing and monstrous claim on future generations and their earnings. Like charging on a credit card and not thinking about how to pay the bill until the amount comes due, budget deficits don’t seem to matter much as long as voters and taxpayers have gratification of immediate wants.
I’m aware that many political and economic leaders justify the budget sinkholes by arguing that the short term run up in burden is needed for long term prosperity. But it seems that we’ve heard that argument before, and year after year budgets continue to worsen.
In my prayers for more fiscal responsibility, I thought about how debt can be like a narcotic. It acts like a drug on people’s perspective much like alcohol dulls people’s awareness and removes their sensibilities from the realm of reality and sound reasoning.
Debt-aholic or alcoholic…is there much difference?
The solution for debt to mammon is to pay one’s debt to God. And part of paying our debt to God is to be grateful for the good God has already given us.
Divine Mind has given us abundant resources in the form of the ability to reason intelligently, make sound decisions that have long run good effects, be content with what we have, exercise discipline over want and appetite, find health and healing through spiritual means, and find employment in doing good works that have value and worth.
The exercise of wisdom, sound planning, discipline, economy, honesty, and gratitude pay bills, balance budgets and employ workers. They are the primary resources of our economy, and with enough humility and desire to use them, will get our deficits under control and prosper future generations.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Healing words and love
A couple of weeks ago after a lecture I gave in the Northwest, a lady told me about her experiences with residents at a home for elders she lived in. She was quite talkative, full of stories and goodwill toward others. She was a happy individual and her love for humanity poured out through her personality.
At one point, she relayed how she had told a co-resident that God loved her. She put great emphasis on how she had told this woman she was loved. She didn’t say the words quietly, hesitantly or carefully. Her words gushed out with conviction as a fire hose flooding water out it’s nozzle at full force.
The object of her affection was a woman who evidently needed a lot of love. She hadn’t spoken a word in five years, according to this lady. Shortly, the woman started talking again, and hadn’t stopped chatting and sharing since, my storyteller chuckled.
It’s a simple story, but a stirring reminder how simple words, fearless sharing and powerful truths can dramatically change people’s lives.
At one point, she relayed how she had told a co-resident that God loved her. She put great emphasis on how she had told this woman she was loved. She didn’t say the words quietly, hesitantly or carefully. Her words gushed out with conviction as a fire hose flooding water out it’s nozzle at full force.
The object of her affection was a woman who evidently needed a lot of love. She hadn’t spoken a word in five years, according to this lady. Shortly, the woman started talking again, and hadn’t stopped chatting and sharing since, my storyteller chuckled.
It’s a simple story, but a stirring reminder how simple words, fearless sharing and powerful truths can dramatically change people’s lives.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
What makes spouses compatible?
Have you ever met a couple for the first time and found the husband and wife to be opposite in so many ways, that you wondered how they could ever stay happily married?
I have, and I’ve learned much from studying how they treat each other. I met one such couple yesterday.
Kathy, my wife, and I, visited a farmstead out in the middle of wheat fields west of Milton-Freewater, Oregon, to meet with an iron worker who builds utility trailers. We’re looking for a small trailer to pull behind my CRV.
The man we came to see was out working in the yard, and we struck up a conversation right away. He had a strong personality, firm opinions about things, knowledge and wisdom drawn from decades of experience, and bodily signs of wear and tear from the hard work he’d done over his life. He was a smoker. He was an “iron worker,” if there ever was one, and he was a cowboy and proud of it. He was a character, if I may use that word in a polite respectful way.
After getting to know this man and observing some of his very set ways of thinking and reasoning that might make many people uncomfortable, I wondered, “What was his wife like?” I was curious to know what kind of woman would be compatible with this rugged individualist.
Soon, we went into his house to write up a purchase order, and there we met his wife.
What a sweet dear woman! She looked exactly the opposite of what I had expected. She was anything but rough, tough and strongly opinionated. She was gentle and humble, with a country polish and refinement that spoke well of her.
She’d let her husband ramble on, and then insert some kindly compassionate remark that took the rough edges off his point of view. He would sound mean and tough, and she’d interject that he really had a compassionate heart with a very soft spot.
The more I watched them in action the more I found oneness in their marriage despite their vast personality differences. Underneath the “show,” the back and forth banter, the stories and tales, behind the rough and tough surface of the iron worker, and underneath the serene peace of his wife, was a profound respect and care for each other. It was like the storm needed the peace and the peace needed the storm. And they both knew it. Together, they found a happy middle ground that blessed them both. They had learned to not let personality differences become an issue. They simply let each other be who they were, and they remained in love with the child of God underneath it all.
I have found the same to be true in my marriage. The outward differences mean little in the long run. It’s what you find spiritually in common with each other that has meaning and significance and builds a relationship that endures. It’s called the stuff of love.
Love finds the good and holds on to it, no matter how deep it has to go to discover its treasure. In true love, the earthly characterizations, differences and attitudes don’t matter anymore. For to love, mutual respect, care and admiration is what matters.
This couple had found that mutual respect and it brought love into their marriage and home. I am a better person for noticing it in action.
I have, and I’ve learned much from studying how they treat each other. I met one such couple yesterday.
Kathy, my wife, and I, visited a farmstead out in the middle of wheat fields west of Milton-Freewater, Oregon, to meet with an iron worker who builds utility trailers. We’re looking for a small trailer to pull behind my CRV.
The man we came to see was out working in the yard, and we struck up a conversation right away. He had a strong personality, firm opinions about things, knowledge and wisdom drawn from decades of experience, and bodily signs of wear and tear from the hard work he’d done over his life. He was a smoker. He was an “iron worker,” if there ever was one, and he was a cowboy and proud of it. He was a character, if I may use that word in a polite respectful way.
After getting to know this man and observing some of his very set ways of thinking and reasoning that might make many people uncomfortable, I wondered, “What was his wife like?” I was curious to know what kind of woman would be compatible with this rugged individualist.
Soon, we went into his house to write up a purchase order, and there we met his wife.
What a sweet dear woman! She looked exactly the opposite of what I had expected. She was anything but rough, tough and strongly opinionated. She was gentle and humble, with a country polish and refinement that spoke well of her.
She’d let her husband ramble on, and then insert some kindly compassionate remark that took the rough edges off his point of view. He would sound mean and tough, and she’d interject that he really had a compassionate heart with a very soft spot.
The more I watched them in action the more I found oneness in their marriage despite their vast personality differences. Underneath the “show,” the back and forth banter, the stories and tales, behind the rough and tough surface of the iron worker, and underneath the serene peace of his wife, was a profound respect and care for each other. It was like the storm needed the peace and the peace needed the storm. And they both knew it. Together, they found a happy middle ground that blessed them both. They had learned to not let personality differences become an issue. They simply let each other be who they were, and they remained in love with the child of God underneath it all.
I have found the same to be true in my marriage. The outward differences mean little in the long run. It’s what you find spiritually in common with each other that has meaning and significance and builds a relationship that endures. It’s called the stuff of love.
Love finds the good and holds on to it, no matter how deep it has to go to discover its treasure. In true love, the earthly characterizations, differences and attitudes don’t matter anymore. For to love, mutual respect, care and admiration is what matters.
This couple had found that mutual respect and it brought love into their marriage and home. I am a better person for noticing it in action.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
North Korea's nuclear bombs
The nuclear race is ratcheting up in North Korea’s part of the world. Evidently, the country detonated a nuclear bomb underground that is as big as the bomb dropped on Hiroshima. Then they launched two more test missiles, heightening worries and concerns among rulers in Japan and South Korea on how to protect their land from being incinerated in the future.
In thinking about these latest tests of North Korea to exercise nuclear muscle, I thought about isolated and lonely kids in school that act in nonconformist ways to get attention or somehow prove themselves. Outwardly, their actions may be offensive and even dangerous, but inwardly, they are starving for love, comfort and understanding. There may be a hard shell of misguided reasoning, self-will, fear, ego and even malice to penetrate, but underneath the evil is a good person that needs to be recognized and brought to the surface.
I pray that the world, and especially countries near North Korea, don’t panic, get overwhelmed by fear, and escalate an arms race. There is a greater power in the world than bombs to maintain order and preserve the peace.
World leaders can hear wisdom from above that enables them to discern a wise course of action to deal with latest developments. It’s not the destiny of mankind to be terrorized by local bullies, but to be governed by a universal divine Love.
In thinking about these latest tests of North Korea to exercise nuclear muscle, I thought about isolated and lonely kids in school that act in nonconformist ways to get attention or somehow prove themselves. Outwardly, their actions may be offensive and even dangerous, but inwardly, they are starving for love, comfort and understanding. There may be a hard shell of misguided reasoning, self-will, fear, ego and even malice to penetrate, but underneath the evil is a good person that needs to be recognized and brought to the surface.
I pray that the world, and especially countries near North Korea, don’t panic, get overwhelmed by fear, and escalate an arms race. There is a greater power in the world than bombs to maintain order and preserve the peace.
World leaders can hear wisdom from above that enables them to discern a wise course of action to deal with latest developments. It’s not the destiny of mankind to be terrorized by local bullies, but to be governed by a universal divine Love.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
God employs the unemployed
There was a lead article in our local newspaper recently that reported increasing numbers of new companies being formed. This is good news! The unemployed are finding employment. Rather than sitting around and waiting for a company to ring their phone, the article stated, they are taking initiative, looking for good business ideas to act on, and following through with a plan.
I saw this report as a positive sign of one way God meets needs of the unemployed. Not everyone is perhaps “cut out” to be a business owner or manager, but the more new companies form, the more positions open elsewhere. So, it all works together for the benefit of everyone.
Businesses exist to meet human needs. Human needs are great right now. Thinkers and doers who rise to the occasion and meet these needs are going to prosper.
The belief that the present state of the economy is limiting workers from finding profitable work is a chance to prove otherwise. The work we collectively do tomorrow may look much different than it did yesterday, but nonetheless, millions of people are reaching out for progressive ways to live, and those who respond find themselves employed.
The Christian Science practice is certainly one area of work in great demand today. People in ever-increasing numbers are turning to God for help, seeking healing through prayer and looking for spiritually minded professionals to help them.
It seems to me that any area of employment that meets people’s needs is going to be in demand and offer work to those willing to do it.
God employs the unemployed by giving them the ideas, inspiration, wisdom, guidance and direction they need to meet those needs. It takes a lot of humility and persistence to hear these ideas amidst the clamor of mortal mind trying to discourage and stop initiative. But hear those ideas we must, for through them we triumph over the lies of lack and demonstrate supply here and now.
I saw this report as a positive sign of one way God meets needs of the unemployed. Not everyone is perhaps “cut out” to be a business owner or manager, but the more new companies form, the more positions open elsewhere. So, it all works together for the benefit of everyone.
Businesses exist to meet human needs. Human needs are great right now. Thinkers and doers who rise to the occasion and meet these needs are going to prosper.
The belief that the present state of the economy is limiting workers from finding profitable work is a chance to prove otherwise. The work we collectively do tomorrow may look much different than it did yesterday, but nonetheless, millions of people are reaching out for progressive ways to live, and those who respond find themselves employed.
The Christian Science practice is certainly one area of work in great demand today. People in ever-increasing numbers are turning to God for help, seeking healing through prayer and looking for spiritually minded professionals to help them.
It seems to me that any area of employment that meets people’s needs is going to be in demand and offer work to those willing to do it.
God employs the unemployed by giving them the ideas, inspiration, wisdom, guidance and direction they need to meet those needs. It takes a lot of humility and persistence to hear these ideas amidst the clamor of mortal mind trying to discourage and stop initiative. But hear those ideas we must, for through them we triumph over the lies of lack and demonstrate supply here and now.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Which wolf are you feeding?
Two Wolves
One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.
He said, "My son, the battle is between 2 "wolves" inside us all. One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy,sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?"
The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."
One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.
He said, "My son, the battle is between 2 "wolves" inside us all. One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy,sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?"
The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
No heaviness in Spirit
Last week, Tuesday, I believe, near the end of the day I started to feel heavy, a bit low, and stressed about keeping up with the demands of the moment. A headache started to set in and inspiration was hard to find.
I had USTA tennis team practice that evening. I went, praying on the way for the darkness to lift and joy to return.
During practice, my prayer was simple: there is one Spirit, God, and there is no heaviness in God, no depressed feelings, no pain, no suffering. There is no “hurting spirit,” I protested.
Part way through our drills I looked around at the other 8 players working on their strokes, their volleys, their serves, their returns, and everyone was having a great time. There were smiles, and goodwill, cheer and positive expectancy.
I thought, “That’s the one Spirit!” I reminded myself that there are not many spirits, many mortals, with their own little struggling minds, but one Spirit, expressed equally and abundantly through every child of God. And evidence of Spirit's goodness is all around if one looks for it.
In this glimpse of the one Spirit so actively and tangibly expressed on court through my friends, I forgot about myself, my problem and my suffering. And to my delight, I quickly discovered the heaviness vanished. The pain was suddenly gone.
I was free.
My joy returned!
Wow!
What a great healing. I rejoiced.
It was such a simple spiritual insight: one Spirit, one God, a good Spirit, a happy Spirit, a pain free Spirit. There is no heavy spirit, dark spirit, lost spirit, or struggling spirit. As a child of God, I reflect the one Spirit that is always on top of the demands of life, never struggling underneath of them.
And you reflect this same pain free Spirit too.
Enjoy…
I had USTA tennis team practice that evening. I went, praying on the way for the darkness to lift and joy to return.
During practice, my prayer was simple: there is one Spirit, God, and there is no heaviness in God, no depressed feelings, no pain, no suffering. There is no “hurting spirit,” I protested.
Part way through our drills I looked around at the other 8 players working on their strokes, their volleys, their serves, their returns, and everyone was having a great time. There were smiles, and goodwill, cheer and positive expectancy.
I thought, “That’s the one Spirit!” I reminded myself that there are not many spirits, many mortals, with their own little struggling minds, but one Spirit, expressed equally and abundantly through every child of God. And evidence of Spirit's goodness is all around if one looks for it.
In this glimpse of the one Spirit so actively and tangibly expressed on court through my friends, I forgot about myself, my problem and my suffering. And to my delight, I quickly discovered the heaviness vanished. The pain was suddenly gone.
I was free.
My joy returned!
Wow!
What a great healing. I rejoiced.
It was such a simple spiritual insight: one Spirit, one God, a good Spirit, a happy Spirit, a pain free Spirit. There is no heavy spirit, dark spirit, lost spirit, or struggling spirit. As a child of God, I reflect the one Spirit that is always on top of the demands of life, never struggling underneath of them.
And you reflect this same pain free Spirit too.
Enjoy…
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Quickly adjust
Have you ever had a hard time adjusting to new circumstances?
Perhaps a spouse changes his or her mind about how to manage family affairs, or your boss demands a course of action that you don’t agree with, or your dreams and hopes aren’t being fulfilled?
Do you sit around and moan and complain and grumble? Or do you quickly adjust to the revised plan, keep your cheer intact and happily move forward knowing that all is well under the one Mind’s harmonious control?
I learned a pointed lesson on the benefit of quickly adapting to changing circumstances from my new Garmin GPS locator.
What a fabulous invention the Garmin is! I just discovered them two weeks ago after I almost got lost in the belly of Los Angeles and decided I needed a more full-proof way of navigating unknown city streets.
The Garmin has a 4 by 3 inch screen that shows me exactly where I am on any street and then tells me where to drive next to get to my desired destination.
While in Chicago, I was following my Garmin’s directions but came to an intersection blocked by firetrucks and police cars.
“Uh-oh,” I panicked a bit. Not wanting to get stuck in that auto mess, I turned around and headed in the opposite direction. I worried because I had just totally deviated from the Garmin’s directions, and I didn’t know where to go on my own. But to my surprise, the Garmin instantly adapted.
“Just a moment please. Re-calculating.” The women’s voice in the box said. In a few seconds, the Garmin had a new route for me to travel and arrive safely where I needed to be.
“Fabulous!” I exclaimed. I loved the quick response and revision to changing circumstances.
After a few miles, I encountered severe delays on a highway I was supposed to travel. I skipped the exit Garmin told me to take. “Uh-oh,” I worried. “Now what?”
“Just a moment. Re-calculating,” the women’s voice told me again. Presto, a new plan appeared on my Garmin’s screen.
“Amazing!” I was so thrilled to know that no matter where I turned, wrong or right, a new plan would always appear to get me to where I needed to be.
And the Garmin never complained! It never protested, “You dummy, you just took the wrong turn. You idiot, you didn’t follow my directions. If you would have listened to me, you wouldn’t be lost now!” Nope. No complaints from Garmin. Garmin simply instantly re-calculated a new plan, and off we went without delay.
What a great attitude for life!
I’m striving to be more like Garmin.
When plans don’t work out to my expectation or outline, well, that just means I need to re-calculate and figure out a plan that works. There’s always a way to get to where I need to be. Not a moment should be wasted, grumbling, complaining, fretting or worrying about plans that did not work out. There is always a plan that works, and if we keep our thought open, receptive and eager to follow, we will discern it and continue on our way as if no roadblock was encountered in the first place.
Happy journeys!
Perhaps a spouse changes his or her mind about how to manage family affairs, or your boss demands a course of action that you don’t agree with, or your dreams and hopes aren’t being fulfilled?
Do you sit around and moan and complain and grumble? Or do you quickly adjust to the revised plan, keep your cheer intact and happily move forward knowing that all is well under the one Mind’s harmonious control?
I learned a pointed lesson on the benefit of quickly adapting to changing circumstances from my new Garmin GPS locator.
What a fabulous invention the Garmin is! I just discovered them two weeks ago after I almost got lost in the belly of Los Angeles and decided I needed a more full-proof way of navigating unknown city streets.
The Garmin has a 4 by 3 inch screen that shows me exactly where I am on any street and then tells me where to drive next to get to my desired destination.
While in Chicago, I was following my Garmin’s directions but came to an intersection blocked by firetrucks and police cars.
“Uh-oh,” I panicked a bit. Not wanting to get stuck in that auto mess, I turned around and headed in the opposite direction. I worried because I had just totally deviated from the Garmin’s directions, and I didn’t know where to go on my own. But to my surprise, the Garmin instantly adapted.
“Just a moment please. Re-calculating.” The women’s voice in the box said. In a few seconds, the Garmin had a new route for me to travel and arrive safely where I needed to be.
“Fabulous!” I exclaimed. I loved the quick response and revision to changing circumstances.
After a few miles, I encountered severe delays on a highway I was supposed to travel. I skipped the exit Garmin told me to take. “Uh-oh,” I worried. “Now what?”
“Just a moment. Re-calculating,” the women’s voice told me again. Presto, a new plan appeared on my Garmin’s screen.
“Amazing!” I was so thrilled to know that no matter where I turned, wrong or right, a new plan would always appear to get me to where I needed to be.
And the Garmin never complained! It never protested, “You dummy, you just took the wrong turn. You idiot, you didn’t follow my directions. If you would have listened to me, you wouldn’t be lost now!” Nope. No complaints from Garmin. Garmin simply instantly re-calculated a new plan, and off we went without delay.
What a great attitude for life!
I’m striving to be more like Garmin.
When plans don’t work out to my expectation or outline, well, that just means I need to re-calculate and figure out a plan that works. There’s always a way to get to where I need to be. Not a moment should be wasted, grumbling, complaining, fretting or worrying about plans that did not work out. There is always a plan that works, and if we keep our thought open, receptive and eager to follow, we will discern it and continue on our way as if no roadblock was encountered in the first place.
Happy journeys!
Friday, May 15, 2009
The Bell
THE BELL
I KNOW WHO I AM
I am God's child (John 1:12)
I am Christ's friend (John 15:15 )
I am united with the Lord (1 Cor. 6:17)
I am bought with a price (1 Cor 6:19-20)
I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)
I am a personal witness of Christ. (Acts 1:8)
I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt 5:13-14)
I am a member of the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27)
I am free forever from condemnation ( Rom. 8: 1-2)
I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant (Phil 3:20)
I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31 -34)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God (2 Cor 5:17-21)
I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18)
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6)
I cannot be separated from the love of God (Rom 8:35-39)
I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor 1:21-22 )
I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8:28 )
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16 )
I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3: 12)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13)
I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5)
I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3: 16) I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10)
I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3). I have been justified (Romans 5:1)
I am God's worker (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1). I am God's workmanship (Eph. 2:10)
I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected. (Phil. 1: 5)
I have been redeemed and forgiven (Col 1:14) I have been adopted as God's child (Eph)
I belong to God
Do you know
Who you are!?
I KNOW WHO I AM
I am God's child (John 1:12)
I am Christ's friend (John 15:15 )
I am united with the Lord (1 Cor. 6:17)
I am bought with a price (1 Cor 6:19-20)
I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)
I am a personal witness of Christ. (Acts 1:8)
I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt 5:13-14)
I am a member of the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27)
I am free forever from condemnation ( Rom. 8: 1-2)
I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant (Phil 3:20)
I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31 -34)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God (2 Cor 5:17-21)
I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18)
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6)
I cannot be separated from the love of God (Rom 8:35-39)
I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor 1:21-22 )
I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8:28 )
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16 )
I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3: 12)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13)
I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5)
I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3: 16) I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10)
I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3). I have been justified (Romans 5:1)
I am God's worker (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1). I am God's workmanship (Eph. 2:10)
I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected. (Phil. 1: 5)
I have been redeemed and forgiven (Col 1:14) I have been adopted as God's child (Eph)
I belong to God
Do you know
Who you are!?
A new standard for living
So many good things are happening during this recession. The blessings for humanity are quite huge, actually.
The news tends to focus on indicators that are supposed to alarm, like rising unemployment rates, unacceptable deficits and budgets awash in red ink. But these temporary aberrations don’t tell the whole story.
The good news is, people are re-examining and improving their priorities. Families are spending more time together. Workers are paying down debt and building up savings. Wanton consumerism has slowed. Citizens with wealth are less likely to flaunt it. Modesty and humility are on the increase. People are learning to enjoy the simple things of life.
This is all good stuff!
It shouldn’t require an economic downturn to learn these lessons, but sometimes that’s what it takes to shake the worldly inclined thought out of its dream of seeking happiness in fame, fortune and position. The greatest joys in life are spiritual, and freely bestowed upon all.
One does not have to go into debt or put his economic well being at risk to enjoy the best life has to offer. It comes from God, in the form of spiritual mindedness, gratitude, unselfish living, and goodwill toward others.
Hopefully, a new standard of living will rise out of the ashes of this recent economic upheaval. Rather than measuring success in terms of dollars earned, possessions acquired, and position attained, success should be measured in terms of love expressed, generosity shared, morality lived and spiritual mindedness acquired.
In a consciousness of Truth and Love the riches of heaven are unleashed. Enter this realm of thought today and enjoy the boundless wealth!
The news tends to focus on indicators that are supposed to alarm, like rising unemployment rates, unacceptable deficits and budgets awash in red ink. But these temporary aberrations don’t tell the whole story.
The good news is, people are re-examining and improving their priorities. Families are spending more time together. Workers are paying down debt and building up savings. Wanton consumerism has slowed. Citizens with wealth are less likely to flaunt it. Modesty and humility are on the increase. People are learning to enjoy the simple things of life.
This is all good stuff!
It shouldn’t require an economic downturn to learn these lessons, but sometimes that’s what it takes to shake the worldly inclined thought out of its dream of seeking happiness in fame, fortune and position. The greatest joys in life are spiritual, and freely bestowed upon all.
One does not have to go into debt or put his economic well being at risk to enjoy the best life has to offer. It comes from God, in the form of spiritual mindedness, gratitude, unselfish living, and goodwill toward others.
Hopefully, a new standard of living will rise out of the ashes of this recent economic upheaval. Rather than measuring success in terms of dollars earned, possessions acquired, and position attained, success should be measured in terms of love expressed, generosity shared, morality lived and spiritual mindedness acquired.
In a consciousness of Truth and Love the riches of heaven are unleashed. Enter this realm of thought today and enjoy the boundless wealth!
"The less that is said of physical structure and laws, and the more that is thought and said about moral and spiritual law, the higher will be the standard of living and the farther mortals will be removed from imbecility or disease." Mary Baker Eddy
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Days on vs. days off
Do you look forward to a day off? A lot of workers do.
A couple of weeks ago, after listening to a professional talk about his heavy work schedule and how he looked forward to days off when he could lounge about and do nothing, a new view of time off from work struck my point of view.
I thought, “Instead of looking forward to days off, why not look forward to days on!”
I mean really! The concept of “days off,” is not very inspiring. It works out from a negative premise, implying that a large part of one’s life is spent doing things one would rather not do and needs to get away from.
If that is the case, then some major change in priorities needs to take place. Life is designed to be a joy to live. Yes, difficult and challenging periods occur, but overall, we should be enjoying our entire life, at work, at home, and everywhere else.
But, aside from that…why not look forward to “days on” instead of “days off?”
And by “days on” I’m talking about days that are filled with progressive spiritual exploration, adventure and inspiration.
A “day on” is not one of emptiness, idleness and frivolity, but space where worldly worries and fears are put aside and time and effort is dedicated to growing spiritually and living that spirituality. It’s a day with God.
Everyday should be a day with God. Everyday should be a “day on!”
If you can’t see that far yet, though, and still look forward to Friday evening, I’d encourage you to at least see the weekend in terms of days on with God rather than days off from work.
The rest of the week might become more enjoyable too!
Smiles…
A couple of weeks ago, after listening to a professional talk about his heavy work schedule and how he looked forward to days off when he could lounge about and do nothing, a new view of time off from work struck my point of view.
I thought, “Instead of looking forward to days off, why not look forward to days on!”
I mean really! The concept of “days off,” is not very inspiring. It works out from a negative premise, implying that a large part of one’s life is spent doing things one would rather not do and needs to get away from.
If that is the case, then some major change in priorities needs to take place. Life is designed to be a joy to live. Yes, difficult and challenging periods occur, but overall, we should be enjoying our entire life, at work, at home, and everywhere else.
But, aside from that…why not look forward to “days on” instead of “days off?”
And by “days on” I’m talking about days that are filled with progressive spiritual exploration, adventure and inspiration.
A “day on” is not one of emptiness, idleness and frivolity, but space where worldly worries and fears are put aside and time and effort is dedicated to growing spiritually and living that spirituality. It’s a day with God.
Everyday should be a day with God. Everyday should be a “day on!”
If you can’t see that far yet, though, and still look forward to Friday evening, I’d encourage you to at least see the weekend in terms of days on with God rather than days off from work.
The rest of the week might become more enjoyable too!
Smiles…
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Successful lecture
I had a terrific lecture experience in Santa Barbara, CA, last Monday night. When I arrived at the local library, I was greeted by a large contingent of ushers preparing to welcome and invite people to the event. I haven’t met such an enthusiastic group of greeters in a long time.
They had attractive half-letter sized flyers with the title “Realize your Potential: unlimited opportunities and possibilities,” to hand out to passers-by and library patrons. Located one block off of State Street, which is a very heavy foot traffic area, I understand some ushers went out into the crowds and welcomed strangers to the event. And they came, and came. The room was filled to capacity by 7 p.m.
I had to chuckle when one usher caught the attention of a young man walking along in his low-rider blue jeans and told him about the lecture. He looked a bit unsure of what to think about her invitation, but she persisted. “You can learn all about realizing your potential!” she urged. He thought a moment. Then he replied in agreement, “Well, I certainly could realize more of MY potential!” And he ambled in. He stayed for the whole event and appeared to be a very earnest listener.
The audience was alive, alert, attentive, responsive, and so enjoyable to speak to. At the end, 24-28 copies [I had earlier reported 42, but since have been corrected] of Science and Health were picked up by attendees as they left the room.
Several of the newcomers came and spoke to me. One said, “I was led here tonight.” Actually one of the ushers invited her in, and she accepted. But during the lecture, she heard so many spiritual ideas that she already believed in, that it was like coming home, and she concluded beyond a doubt, that God had brought her to that room that night. She left clutching her new textbook and Christian Science Monitor.
With so many newcomers taking the message of Christian Science home that evening, Santa Barbara received a large influx of new, fresh scientific thinking that will benefit it for years to come.
Interestingly, one of the main points I brought out in my talk was the importance of defending one’s progress from resistance. In light of the fires in the Santa Barbara area capturing headline news across the country over the last few days, this has been a good time to put the ideas discussed Monday night into practice.
I pointed out how reformatory steps are often greeted with resistance from elements of the carnal mind which wants to stop progress and hold a status quo. For instance, Jesus met resistance every step of the way in his ministry. The more he preached God’s goodness and demonstrated it, the more intense was opposition to his efforts. But he triumphed over all his enemies through his understanding of the omnipotence of divine Love. And we can too.
There is a spiritual perspective that stops the fires for the benefit of the Santa Barbara neighborhood.
I pray to know that God sends showers of Love their way to douse out the fear, conquer worry, cancel doubt and preserve calm. Fire does not have a power of its own. I affirm. It cannot rage out of control. God governs and controls the universe we live in, not evil elements of the carnal mind.
Fire has a useful purpose, but not a destructive one. It has its right place, and racing through the desert into residential homes is not its right place. God draws a line in the hills and says, “Thus far and no farther.” The fear subsides, the fire stops, and all is safe.
I take heart in knowing that the potential of Santa Barbara is spiritual, and cannot be hurt, harmed, burned or adversely impacted. The beauty, order, peace and calm of the region are divinely supported, evidence of heaven on earth and eternal. They are not in danger. This is a truth we all can realize now and see the picture of error presently identified as fires out of control, brought under control and stopped. Santa Barbara cannot be denied its potential!
They had attractive half-letter sized flyers with the title “Realize your Potential: unlimited opportunities and possibilities,” to hand out to passers-by and library patrons. Located one block off of State Street, which is a very heavy foot traffic area, I understand some ushers went out into the crowds and welcomed strangers to the event. And they came, and came. The room was filled to capacity by 7 p.m.
I had to chuckle when one usher caught the attention of a young man walking along in his low-rider blue jeans and told him about the lecture. He looked a bit unsure of what to think about her invitation, but she persisted. “You can learn all about realizing your potential!” she urged. He thought a moment. Then he replied in agreement, “Well, I certainly could realize more of MY potential!” And he ambled in. He stayed for the whole event and appeared to be a very earnest listener.
The audience was alive, alert, attentive, responsive, and so enjoyable to speak to. At the end, 24-28 copies [I had earlier reported 42, but since have been corrected] of Science and Health were picked up by attendees as they left the room.
Several of the newcomers came and spoke to me. One said, “I was led here tonight.” Actually one of the ushers invited her in, and she accepted. But during the lecture, she heard so many spiritual ideas that she already believed in, that it was like coming home, and she concluded beyond a doubt, that God had brought her to that room that night. She left clutching her new textbook and Christian Science Monitor.
With so many newcomers taking the message of Christian Science home that evening, Santa Barbara received a large influx of new, fresh scientific thinking that will benefit it for years to come.
Interestingly, one of the main points I brought out in my talk was the importance of defending one’s progress from resistance. In light of the fires in the Santa Barbara area capturing headline news across the country over the last few days, this has been a good time to put the ideas discussed Monday night into practice.
I pointed out how reformatory steps are often greeted with resistance from elements of the carnal mind which wants to stop progress and hold a status quo. For instance, Jesus met resistance every step of the way in his ministry. The more he preached God’s goodness and demonstrated it, the more intense was opposition to his efforts. But he triumphed over all his enemies through his understanding of the omnipotence of divine Love. And we can too.
There is a spiritual perspective that stops the fires for the benefit of the Santa Barbara neighborhood.
I pray to know that God sends showers of Love their way to douse out the fear, conquer worry, cancel doubt and preserve calm. Fire does not have a power of its own. I affirm. It cannot rage out of control. God governs and controls the universe we live in, not evil elements of the carnal mind.
Fire has a useful purpose, but not a destructive one. It has its right place, and racing through the desert into residential homes is not its right place. God draws a line in the hills and says, “Thus far and no farther.” The fear subsides, the fire stops, and all is safe.
I take heart in knowing that the potential of Santa Barbara is spiritual, and cannot be hurt, harmed, burned or adversely impacted. The beauty, order, peace and calm of the region are divinely supported, evidence of heaven on earth and eternal. They are not in danger. This is a truth we all can realize now and see the picture of error presently identified as fires out of control, brought under control and stopped. Santa Barbara cannot be denied its potential!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Supply all around
One reader commented to me that discovering God’s supply is like standing in a huge dark vault filled with massive reserves of gold, coin and cash and not seeing any of it until the light is turned on.
The belief that supply is material—in the form of money, stocks and bonds, real estate, and more—is mental darkness that causes people to fear when the value of their portfolio sinks. Real supply is not matter-based, but Spirit-based.
Wisdom, love, intelligence, creativity, patience, joy and their kin are Spirit-based supply, and they meet human needs. They exist in abundance. They are infinite, without end. Understanding this truth is the light that illuminates consciousness with enlightened perspective that sees God’s supply at hand.
Jesus did this with the multiplication of the loaves and fishes. Through gratitude, understanding and faith, he opened the hungering crowd’s thought to supply at hand, and they saw it. It was there all along, but required a higher view to reveal it.
You are standing in God’s vault of superabundance right now. Enjoy use of the vast riches in your grasp!
The belief that supply is material—in the form of money, stocks and bonds, real estate, and more—is mental darkness that causes people to fear when the value of their portfolio sinks. Real supply is not matter-based, but Spirit-based.
Wisdom, love, intelligence, creativity, patience, joy and their kin are Spirit-based supply, and they meet human needs. They exist in abundance. They are infinite, without end. Understanding this truth is the light that illuminates consciousness with enlightened perspective that sees God’s supply at hand.
Jesus did this with the multiplication of the loaves and fishes. Through gratitude, understanding and faith, he opened the hungering crowd’s thought to supply at hand, and they saw it. It was there all along, but required a higher view to reveal it.
You are standing in God’s vault of superabundance right now. Enjoy use of the vast riches in your grasp!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
The recession is over
Many economic observers are seeing signs that the recession is headed out the door. There are still many concerns about a commercial real estate crash, rising unemployment, and huge unknowns about the derivatives market, but it appears that severe losses are receding and signs of hope surfacing.
I decided last night, that, as far as I’m concerned, the recession is over. I don’t have to wait several months to see if the economy is going to improve before I consent to the recession being finished. That’s like waiting for a disease to disappear from the body before consenting to health. It doesn’t work that way. One finds freedom first in thought and outward evidence then confirms what one already knows.
So, if you want to be free of the recession now, consent to it being over!
I thought about Mary Baker Eddy’s astute observation concerning what she labeled “chemicalization.” She wrote:
"Here let a word be noticed which will be better understood hereafter, — chemicalization. By chemicalization I mean the process which mortal mind and body undergo in the change of belief from a material to a spiritual basis.
"Whenever an aggravation of symptoms has occurred through mental chemicalization, I have seen the mental signs, assuring me that danger was over, before the patient felt the change; and I have said to the patient, "You are healed," — sometimes to his discomfiture, when he was incredulous. But it always came about as I had foretold." Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures
The recent turmoil in the economy has been an aggressive form of chemicalization. Greed, lust, ego, blind-will and their kin grew to such a feverish pitch in economic reasoning that principle held up a standard and said, “No more!” Mortal pride and ego rebelled, wanting to continue its unbridled pursuit of wanton material gain, but could go no further. Turbulence, storms, chaos occurred in thought while truth sifted out error for the benefit of humanity. It’s still going on. But there comes a point when the tables are turned and principle is obviously gaining the upper hand. Peace and hope begin to take over. The storms recede, and a purer ideal evolves.
The signs of the tables being turned on the economic evils of recent times are starting to appear. This is a good sign. There will be more turbulence, ups and downs, but Truth always wins the day. A better, stronger economy will be the outcome.
The recession is over. Or, in other words, truth is winning the day and its ultimate triumph is absolutely certain. There is no need to fear a claim that is being destroyed.
We live in a divine economy. There never has been a recession. The life-blood of our existence is not the circulation of money or credit, but spirituality lived and abundantly expressed. Each of us can live this supply today, and with unlimited joy and liberty of mind. Nothing is holding us back.
Good riddance recession. It's time to move on with life and enjoy the multitude of God's blessings that stand before us.
I decided last night, that, as far as I’m concerned, the recession is over. I don’t have to wait several months to see if the economy is going to improve before I consent to the recession being finished. That’s like waiting for a disease to disappear from the body before consenting to health. It doesn’t work that way. One finds freedom first in thought and outward evidence then confirms what one already knows.
So, if you want to be free of the recession now, consent to it being over!
I thought about Mary Baker Eddy’s astute observation concerning what she labeled “chemicalization.” She wrote:
"Here let a word be noticed which will be better understood hereafter, — chemicalization. By chemicalization I mean the process which mortal mind and body undergo in the change of belief from a material to a spiritual basis.
"Whenever an aggravation of symptoms has occurred through mental chemicalization, I have seen the mental signs, assuring me that danger was over, before the patient felt the change; and I have said to the patient, "You are healed," — sometimes to his discomfiture, when he was incredulous. But it always came about as I had foretold." Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures
The recent turmoil in the economy has been an aggressive form of chemicalization. Greed, lust, ego, blind-will and their kin grew to such a feverish pitch in economic reasoning that principle held up a standard and said, “No more!” Mortal pride and ego rebelled, wanting to continue its unbridled pursuit of wanton material gain, but could go no further. Turbulence, storms, chaos occurred in thought while truth sifted out error for the benefit of humanity. It’s still going on. But there comes a point when the tables are turned and principle is obviously gaining the upper hand. Peace and hope begin to take over. The storms recede, and a purer ideal evolves.
The signs of the tables being turned on the economic evils of recent times are starting to appear. This is a good sign. There will be more turbulence, ups and downs, but Truth always wins the day. A better, stronger economy will be the outcome.
The recession is over. Or, in other words, truth is winning the day and its ultimate triumph is absolutely certain. There is no need to fear a claim that is being destroyed.
We live in a divine economy. There never has been a recession. The life-blood of our existence is not the circulation of money or credit, but spirituality lived and abundantly expressed. Each of us can live this supply today, and with unlimited joy and liberty of mind. Nothing is holding us back.
Good riddance recession. It's time to move on with life and enjoy the multitude of God's blessings that stand before us.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Swine flu update
Good work with your prayers! Swine flu fears are rapidly dissipating. Experts say the contagion is not the pandemic they fear and media headlines are not so alarming.
Don’t entertain for an instant that it was anything less than consecrated prayer by many around the globe that stopped a possible pandemic. It was.
Prayer-warriors are unsung heroes on the landscape of earthly experience. When they get busy and do their metaphysical work, alarms of error die down, just like we’ve seen with the swine flu hysteria. People involved act more intelligently and make better decisions.
Observers, ignorant of the power of prayer, make summary judgments like, “It was overblown. It isn’t that serious.” and so on. But the fact is, at first, it did appear very serious to those caught up in the panic. Scientific prayer turned the mental tide on the fear and sucked the oomph out of its claims, causing it to die down and dissipate just as we’ve seen.
Prayer is powerful stuff. It can change the world, and it doesn’t take large numbers of people to do it. The truth in the prayer is the power, not the person uttering the prayer.
It’s fun to be part of a spiritual movement that is making such a huge difference in the world today with its efforts. I can’t think of a greater Cause to unite with. Good work!
Don’t entertain for an instant that it was anything less than consecrated prayer by many around the globe that stopped a possible pandemic. It was.
Prayer-warriors are unsung heroes on the landscape of earthly experience. When they get busy and do their metaphysical work, alarms of error die down, just like we’ve seen with the swine flu hysteria. People involved act more intelligently and make better decisions.
Observers, ignorant of the power of prayer, make summary judgments like, “It was overblown. It isn’t that serious.” and so on. But the fact is, at first, it did appear very serious to those caught up in the panic. Scientific prayer turned the mental tide on the fear and sucked the oomph out of its claims, causing it to die down and dissipate just as we’ve seen.
Prayer is powerful stuff. It can change the world, and it doesn’t take large numbers of people to do it. The truth in the prayer is the power, not the person uttering the prayer.
It’s fun to be part of a spiritual movement that is making such a huge difference in the world today with its efforts. I can’t think of a greater Cause to unite with. Good work!
Monday, May 4, 2009
Be grateful for what you have
If there is a sin against life;
It consists perhaps not so much in despairing of life
It consists perhaps not so much in despairing of life
as in hoping for another life.
And in eluding the implacable grandeur of this life.
~ Albert Camus
And in eluding the implacable grandeur of this life.
~ Albert Camus
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Swine flu and contagion
With fear of Swine flu running rampant in public thought, it’s been important to defend oneself from the belief of contagion.
It’s helpful to remember that one person does not have to get sick because their neighbor is ill, that there is no law of God that says disease has to spread, and we have Christian Science to check beliefs of contagion and stop them from having an effect.
Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, made some astute observations about contagion. She wrote,
We weep because others weep, we yawn because they yawn, and we have smallpox because others have it; but mortal mind, not matter, contains and carries the infection. When this mental contagion is understood, we shall be more careful of our mental conditions, and we shall avoid loquacious tattling about disease, as we would avoid advocating crime. Science and Health
The words “mental contagion” explains how contagion works.
Medical theory teaches contagion via germs, viruses and bacteria. Christian Science explains that germs have no more power than belief gives them. It’s fear of disease that needs to be guarded against. A consciousness of spiritual truth is effective protection against contagion, even more so than washing hands and wearing face masks.
Because the human body is human consciousness, anything that does not get into thought, cannot get into the body. Through prayer we can keep the thought-germs of Swine flu out of thought, and thus protect the body.
I’ve flown in airplanes quite a bit this week to lecture in different parts of the country. I have not naively boarded planes and mingled amongst the crowds unaware of popular fears at the moment regarding the spread of Swine flu. I have actively prayed to protect myself and those around me from these fears, and I’m enjoying my flights accordingly. I have absolutely no fear of the disease, and am grateful to see fellow passengers calm about it too.
Spiritual consciousness of Truth is immunity to contagion. Truth is God, and God is all. In God, there are no Swine flu germs. We circulate in the omnipresence of God wherever we go when our thinking is centered on God, filled up with spiritual truth and rejoicing in the omnipresence of Love. A consciousness of spiritual reality is like an impenetrable armor to current fears and concerns concerning Swine flu.
We have a choice. We can decline to participate in the popular fear. We can choose to stay healthy and also bless those around us with calm, peace and loving assurance that all is well in the sanctity and security of Love in which we all circulate together.
There is no contagion in God’s Kingdom. Love is all. Good is everywhere. There is no room or space for evil to occupy in God’s allness.
Eddy also wrote,
"Admitting only such conclusions as you wish realized in bodily results, you will control yourself harmoniously. When the condition is present which you say induces disease, whether it be air, exercise, heredity, contagion, or accident, then perform your office as porter and shut out these unhealthy thoughts and fears. Exclude from mortal mind the offending errors; then the body cannot suffer from them." Science and Health
So, no need to wait around and see what happens. Be an active participant in stopping unnecessary fear of Swine flu by not fearing it yourself! It’s time for the current show to stop and go away. God is in control of the environment we live in, and divine Love fills the air we breathe with health, harmony and peace.
It’s helpful to remember that one person does not have to get sick because their neighbor is ill, that there is no law of God that says disease has to spread, and we have Christian Science to check beliefs of contagion and stop them from having an effect.
Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, made some astute observations about contagion. She wrote,
We weep because others weep, we yawn because they yawn, and we have smallpox because others have it; but mortal mind, not matter, contains and carries the infection. When this mental contagion is understood, we shall be more careful of our mental conditions, and we shall avoid loquacious tattling about disease, as we would avoid advocating crime. Science and Health
The words “mental contagion” explains how contagion works.
Medical theory teaches contagion via germs, viruses and bacteria. Christian Science explains that germs have no more power than belief gives them. It’s fear of disease that needs to be guarded against. A consciousness of spiritual truth is effective protection against contagion, even more so than washing hands and wearing face masks.
Because the human body is human consciousness, anything that does not get into thought, cannot get into the body. Through prayer we can keep the thought-germs of Swine flu out of thought, and thus protect the body.
I’ve flown in airplanes quite a bit this week to lecture in different parts of the country. I have not naively boarded planes and mingled amongst the crowds unaware of popular fears at the moment regarding the spread of Swine flu. I have actively prayed to protect myself and those around me from these fears, and I’m enjoying my flights accordingly. I have absolutely no fear of the disease, and am grateful to see fellow passengers calm about it too.
Spiritual consciousness of Truth is immunity to contagion. Truth is God, and God is all. In God, there are no Swine flu germs. We circulate in the omnipresence of God wherever we go when our thinking is centered on God, filled up with spiritual truth and rejoicing in the omnipresence of Love. A consciousness of spiritual reality is like an impenetrable armor to current fears and concerns concerning Swine flu.
We have a choice. We can decline to participate in the popular fear. We can choose to stay healthy and also bless those around us with calm, peace and loving assurance that all is well in the sanctity and security of Love in which we all circulate together.
There is no contagion in God’s Kingdom. Love is all. Good is everywhere. There is no room or space for evil to occupy in God’s allness.
Eddy also wrote,
"Admitting only such conclusions as you wish realized in bodily results, you will control yourself harmoniously. When the condition is present which you say induces disease, whether it be air, exercise, heredity, contagion, or accident, then perform your office as porter and shut out these unhealthy thoughts and fears. Exclude from mortal mind the offending errors; then the body cannot suffer from them." Science and Health
So, no need to wait around and see what happens. Be an active participant in stopping unnecessary fear of Swine flu by not fearing it yourself! It’s time for the current show to stop and go away. God is in control of the environment we live in, and divine Love fills the air we breathe with health, harmony and peace.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
From glory to glory...
Have you noticed that, from a material perspective, its one tragedy after another on the world scene?
At the dawn of the new millennium, millions of people feared Y2K disasters when the clocked ticked midnight on December 31, 1999. Then we had the dotcom bust, the terrorist attacks on September 11th, war in Iraq, SARS, tsunamis, floods, and recently the economic malaise, and now Swine flu.
It helps to get a spiritual perspective to see through these calamities in order to keep one’s sanity!
Life is not about dealing with one catastrophe after another. Life is about moving from one glorious insight into the nature of God to the next.
God is a source of supply for every need humanity faces. Challenges are our opportunity to turn to God and find the supply that meets the need. We do not have to stay stuck in despair and discouragement. We can intelligently deal with any looming trouble and successfully conquer it with God’s help.
I love the words of Hymn 65 in the Christian Science Hymnal by Frances Havergal:
From glory unto glory,
Be this our joyous song;
From glory unto glory,
'Tis Love that leads us on;
As wider yet and wider,
The rising splendors glow,
What wisdom is revealed to us,
What freedom we may know.
Every time we conquer a fear, we glorify God. Every time we spread comfort and love in our neighborhood, we glorify God. Every time we pray and find peace, we glorify God. We have unlimited opportunities to glorify God everyday.
When we cave to fear and worry, we do not glorify God. Quite the opposite. We contribute to despair.
Choose to glorify God today! Side with God and be a positive light of hope and healing.
Life is not about moving from trouble to trouble, but about moving from one inspired idea to the next.
From glory to glory, may this be our joyous song…
At the dawn of the new millennium, millions of people feared Y2K disasters when the clocked ticked midnight on December 31, 1999. Then we had the dotcom bust, the terrorist attacks on September 11th, war in Iraq, SARS, tsunamis, floods, and recently the economic malaise, and now Swine flu.
It helps to get a spiritual perspective to see through these calamities in order to keep one’s sanity!
Life is not about dealing with one catastrophe after another. Life is about moving from one glorious insight into the nature of God to the next.
God is a source of supply for every need humanity faces. Challenges are our opportunity to turn to God and find the supply that meets the need. We do not have to stay stuck in despair and discouragement. We can intelligently deal with any looming trouble and successfully conquer it with God’s help.
I love the words of Hymn 65 in the Christian Science Hymnal by Frances Havergal:
From glory unto glory,
Be this our joyous song;
From glory unto glory,
'Tis Love that leads us on;
As wider yet and wider,
The rising splendors glow,
What wisdom is revealed to us,
What freedom we may know.
Every time we conquer a fear, we glorify God. Every time we spread comfort and love in our neighborhood, we glorify God. Every time we pray and find peace, we glorify God. We have unlimited opportunities to glorify God everyday.
When we cave to fear and worry, we do not glorify God. Quite the opposite. We contribute to despair.
Choose to glorify God today! Side with God and be a positive light of hope and healing.
Life is not about moving from trouble to trouble, but about moving from one inspired idea to the next.
From glory to glory, may this be our joyous song…
