Are you struggling with a sense of failure because something you have prayed for diligently and deeply has not come to pass? Taking on false responsibility can lead to feeling burdened down, like the woman in the Bible with a 'spirit of infirmity'. She was so overwhelmed by whatever it was that had not been resolved that she was physically bent under its weight. All who saw her could see her belief in dragging around some burden by herself.
A little boy tried hard to lift a heavy object. His father saw what was happening and asked him, "Are you using all your strength?" The boy said that he was. "No, you are not," his father said gently, "You have not asked me to help you." If a burden seems too much, have you asked God for help? In
I Corinthians it says, "God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also may a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."
We sometimes feel like we have failed when the answer does not come or the healing occur. Our job is to not give up but to wait patiently. The prayer is effective, we might not understand the timing. The healing must be complete and sometimes there are pieces at work that we do not see.
1. The woman with the 'spirit of infirmity' was not so far depressed that she took to her bed. She was out and about despite appearances. She must not have given in completely.
2. When Jesus saw her he may have been in the Temple. The account in Luke says that the ruler of the synagogue was a witness to what happened. Others saw it as well and rejoiced when they saw what was done.
3. Jesus was present. The Christ was right there bringing them together. She would not have approached him as Jewish custom did not think women should speak to men in public. But he sensed that she was spiritually receptive to his healing message. He called her to him. She must have obeyed because she was then close enough for him to put his hands on her, maybe even on those very shoulders bowed down. He was not daunted by an eighteen year history. He only saw her bound by Satin, shackled with believing in mortal laws. In his sight, these did not apply to her. She needed to be told that she was 'loosed' from it.
What an example of divine Love's grace toward us. No situation, no matter how serious it appears to be or how long it has been present, can resist the power of Love. Love which fills all space leaving no room for a belief in illness or misfortune. Think of what this healing must have meant to Mrs. Eddy in her deep study of the Bible during the years she was struggling with chronic back pain and illness. Writing about this incident she says, "Then classify sickness and error as our Master did, when he spoke of the sick, "whom Satan has bound," and find a sovereign antidote for error in the life-giving power of Truth acting on human belief, a power which opens the prison doors to such as are bound, and sets the captive free physically and morally." (S&H 495)
Do you believe yourself to be bowed down with an incomplete resolution or healing? Remember who is responsible for your health and well-being. Divine Love. Always present and operating, even if we do not see how the healing is moving forward. What would have happened if she had just stayed at home?
Rejoice that you are free to walk in the Truth all day today and every day. That Truth will make you free.
Tuesday, January 23, 2018
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
An assignment for 2018 with your input
Every year we get assignments from our Christian Science teachers or speakers with suggestions for thing to be working on to further our spiritual journey. We should never stop striving for a deeper and clearer understanding of God, Christian Science, and our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy.
Many years ago, when I first started studying Christian Science, I found the textbook a bit of a challenge. Working with our daily Bible Lesson was opening up the Scriptures in new and exciting ways. But when I began visiting the reading room on a regular basis, I peppered the patient librarians with questions about Mrs. Eddy. It seemed important to understand who she was and what she accomplished in an age where women's rights were struggling to be acknowledged. What had brought her to her discovery? How did she overcome her many challenges? I asked them to recommend a biography that would get me started on appreciating her life. I found it fascinating that a woman could found a movement like Christian Science. I was coming from a different religious background, one I had turned from because I could not agree with their view of God. Most of my childhood I struggled with health problems and the idea of finding not only relief but complete healing appealed to me. She had chronic health problems and tried all the remedies available in her time. Her family did not think she could raise her rambunctious son and sent him away without her permission, she had been widowed and then her second husband was unfaithful to her and abandoned her. When she wanted to share her discoveries women were frowned upon as public speakers. She wrote the textbook and struggled with many editors to get it published, revising it many times as her own understanding increased. She healed the cases the physicians of her day considered incurable. She founded a church, established its Manual and fulfilled her vision of an international newspaper with the Christian Science Monitor. She faced lawsuits and came away victorious. What an amazing achievement for someone who grew up homeschooled in New England in the 1800's. She was one of the most famous women of her times, greatly respected, with many influencial people and publications soliciting her opinion on world events.
I read my way through the reading room's lending library, starting with the biography aimed at very young readers and ending with what was a recent publication made with deep scholarship.
Others in the church were interested in learning about Mrs. Eddy and I wrote to Principia College and got permission to use a syllabus about her life and works for leading a study group. It was centered around the three biographies written by Robert Peel. Each book had 10 chapters so we read one chapter each month and then met to discuss it, working with the questions in the syllabus. We completed it in three years, taking the summers off. Then I lead another group through it but stopped after the third time. Nine years seemed like enough focus!
That was some time ago and several biographies have come out since then. So, this year I am going to pick one to study. Right now I am deciding between Come and See, The Life of Mary Baker Eddy by Isabel Ferguson or the We Knew Mary Baker Eddy extended version.
Have you read a biography about her lately? Or do you have a favorite from years past? Being in the full time practice of Christian Science, I want to feel prepared to recommend a biography to those sincere seekers who would like to know more about her life and discovery. I would love to hear your thoughts.
Many years ago, when I first started studying Christian Science, I found the textbook a bit of a challenge. Working with our daily Bible Lesson was opening up the Scriptures in new and exciting ways. But when I began visiting the reading room on a regular basis, I peppered the patient librarians with questions about Mrs. Eddy. It seemed important to understand who she was and what she accomplished in an age where women's rights were struggling to be acknowledged. What had brought her to her discovery? How did she overcome her many challenges? I asked them to recommend a biography that would get me started on appreciating her life. I found it fascinating that a woman could found a movement like Christian Science. I was coming from a different religious background, one I had turned from because I could not agree with their view of God. Most of my childhood I struggled with health problems and the idea of finding not only relief but complete healing appealed to me. She had chronic health problems and tried all the remedies available in her time. Her family did not think she could raise her rambunctious son and sent him away without her permission, she had been widowed and then her second husband was unfaithful to her and abandoned her. When she wanted to share her discoveries women were frowned upon as public speakers. She wrote the textbook and struggled with many editors to get it published, revising it many times as her own understanding increased. She healed the cases the physicians of her day considered incurable. She founded a church, established its Manual and fulfilled her vision of an international newspaper with the Christian Science Monitor. She faced lawsuits and came away victorious. What an amazing achievement for someone who grew up homeschooled in New England in the 1800's. She was one of the most famous women of her times, greatly respected, with many influencial people and publications soliciting her opinion on world events.
I read my way through the reading room's lending library, starting with the biography aimed at very young readers and ending with what was a recent publication made with deep scholarship.
Others in the church were interested in learning about Mrs. Eddy and I wrote to Principia College and got permission to use a syllabus about her life and works for leading a study group. It was centered around the three biographies written by Robert Peel. Each book had 10 chapters so we read one chapter each month and then met to discuss it, working with the questions in the syllabus. We completed it in three years, taking the summers off. Then I lead another group through it but stopped after the third time. Nine years seemed like enough focus!
That was some time ago and several biographies have come out since then. So, this year I am going to pick one to study. Right now I am deciding between Come and See, The Life of Mary Baker Eddy by Isabel Ferguson or the We Knew Mary Baker Eddy extended version.
Have you read a biography about her lately? Or do you have a favorite from years past? Being in the full time practice of Christian Science, I want to feel prepared to recommend a biography to those sincere seekers who would like to know more about her life and discovery. I would love to hear your thoughts.
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
...and there arose a great storm
Those prophetic words could have been written for today. Here in Texas there were dire predictions for dangerous conditions as the result of a cold front that brought with it freezing sleet and icy roads. Schools announced last night that they would be closed today and many businesses have told their employees to stay home and be safe. Looking outside, it is quite pretty with the flakes flying through the air. The heater is on in the house, our kitty is inside and all are safe and warm.
But that was not the case for the disciples one night as they struggled with wild winds and high waves on the Sea of Galilee. The gospel of Mark sets the scene. Jesus had been teaching a great multitude and he told them the parable of the Sower. Jesus himself is the Sower and the seeds are the Word of God. He illustrates how those 'seeds' fall on different types of soil, much as the Word of God falls on different hearts. His disciples must have soaked up every word he spoke but hours later they would be put to the test. Following his day of teaching and healing he told them to send away the multitude and go into a ship, probably one of Peter's fleet, as they were accompanied by a few other ships. A great storm arose with strong winds and high seas. These men were experienced fishermen and this was not their first encounter but this storm frightened them. The ship filled with water and they feared for their lives. Jesus was in the back of the ship, asleep on a pillow. Nothing about that storm seems to have disturbed his rest. But they awakened him saying 'Master, carest thou not that we perish?"
Had they grasped the full import of who he was, God's own beloved son, how could they have thought that God would let that boat sink with him aboard?
Rembrandt painted this scene in 1633. It shows Jesus calming the waves. It is the only seascape he ever painted. It is widely believed, because of the fourteen people in the boat, that Rembrandt painted himself into the boat along with the twelve disciples and Jesus. The crew member looking out towards the viewer of the painting may be a self-portrait.
Jesus arose. He lifted up his thought even as he lifted up his body. He was secure in His father's care and aware of his dominion over all the earth and the sea. He said, "Peace, be still" and there was a great calm.
Perhaps some of the tumult was a reflection of how the disciples were feeling, their shifting thoughts as they spent time with the Master hearing his words and seeing the miracles that he did.
Some 'storms' come upon us as we spend sincere time in prayer working out some challenge in our lives. We have read the many authenticated healings published in Science and Health and in the Christian Science periodicals for over 100 years. And yet, when faced with something that seems like an overwhelming force we cannot control or overcome, we fearfully turn to God for help. What we need to pray about is not the situation which seems so real, but our fear of it, as if something could exist that God could not and would not cause. God will never let you sink!
I recently came across a poem by Edith Mapes. One verse reads: When the thunder's roarin' and the torrents pourin' and sweeping in the tide, when we're rowin', rowin, and our courage goin', O Lord, support us, on the leanin' side."
That reminds me of the first line in Science and Health, "To those leaning on the sustaining infinite, today is big with blessings."
If a 'great storm' seems to loom over you, choose to lean on God, knowing He is there for you, loving you and keeping you safe by His mighty power and love.
But that was not the case for the disciples one night as they struggled with wild winds and high waves on the Sea of Galilee. The gospel of Mark sets the scene. Jesus had been teaching a great multitude and he told them the parable of the Sower. Jesus himself is the Sower and the seeds are the Word of God. He illustrates how those 'seeds' fall on different types of soil, much as the Word of God falls on different hearts. His disciples must have soaked up every word he spoke but hours later they would be put to the test. Following his day of teaching and healing he told them to send away the multitude and go into a ship, probably one of Peter's fleet, as they were accompanied by a few other ships. A great storm arose with strong winds and high seas. These men were experienced fishermen and this was not their first encounter but this storm frightened them. The ship filled with water and they feared for their lives. Jesus was in the back of the ship, asleep on a pillow. Nothing about that storm seems to have disturbed his rest. But they awakened him saying 'Master, carest thou not that we perish?"
Had they grasped the full import of who he was, God's own beloved son, how could they have thought that God would let that boat sink with him aboard?
Rembrandt painted this scene in 1633. It shows Jesus calming the waves. It is the only seascape he ever painted. It is widely believed, because of the fourteen people in the boat, that Rembrandt painted himself into the boat along with the twelve disciples and Jesus. The crew member looking out towards the viewer of the painting may be a self-portrait.
Jesus arose. He lifted up his thought even as he lifted up his body. He was secure in His father's care and aware of his dominion over all the earth and the sea. He said, "Peace, be still" and there was a great calm.
Perhaps some of the tumult was a reflection of how the disciples were feeling, their shifting thoughts as they spent time with the Master hearing his words and seeing the miracles that he did.
Some 'storms' come upon us as we spend sincere time in prayer working out some challenge in our lives. We have read the many authenticated healings published in Science and Health and in the Christian Science periodicals for over 100 years. And yet, when faced with something that seems like an overwhelming force we cannot control or overcome, we fearfully turn to God for help. What we need to pray about is not the situation which seems so real, but our fear of it, as if something could exist that God could not and would not cause. God will never let you sink!
I recently came across a poem by Edith Mapes. One verse reads: When the thunder's roarin' and the torrents pourin' and sweeping in the tide, when we're rowin', rowin, and our courage goin', O Lord, support us, on the leanin' side."
That reminds me of the first line in Science and Health, "To those leaning on the sustaining infinite, today is big with blessings."
If a 'great storm' seems to loom over you, choose to lean on God, knowing He is there for you, loving you and keeping you safe by His mighty power and love.
Thursday, January 11, 2018
Get a bar of DIAL soap
I was standing in the cosmetic aisle at my supermarket, staring at a wide array of soap products. Many of them were liquid but I wanted to replace my bar. As I ran my eye over the various brands, I saw one that reminded me of something and made me smile.
A few years back, a bought bars of Dial soap, wrapped them in festive paper, and put one in everyone's Christmas stocking, along with a note. "When you use this bar of soap, take a moment to look at what is written on it."
What is written on it are the letters "D" "I" "A" "L".
Divine
Image
And
Likeness
Let this be a reminder of who you are, your true spiritual identity as the true reflection of God, make in His image and likeness, as we read in the Creation story in Genesis One.
Divine. Some of the definitions of the word divine are sacred, supremely good or beautiful, magnificent, extremely pleasant. It should be part of our daily prayers for ourselves to claim those qualities because they belong to God and therefore to us by reflection.
Image and likeness. Something exactly resembling the original. A mental picture of something.
I also like the think about how truth washes away all error, removes anything that is not made by God, cleansing the body. Mrs. Eddy writes "We should strive to reach the Horeb height where God is revealed; and the corner-stone of all spiritual building is purity. The baptism of Spirit, washing the body of all the impurities of flesh, signifies that the pure in heart see God and are approaching spiritual Life and its demonstration." (S&H 241)
So, the next time you are buying a bar of soap, consider Dial, and let it be a friendly reminder of who you are, the divine image and likeness of God.
A few years back, a bought bars of Dial soap, wrapped them in festive paper, and put one in everyone's Christmas stocking, along with a note. "When you use this bar of soap, take a moment to look at what is written on it."
What is written on it are the letters "D" "I" "A" "L".
Divine
Image
And
Likeness
Let this be a reminder of who you are, your true spiritual identity as the true reflection of God, make in His image and likeness, as we read in the Creation story in Genesis One.
Divine. Some of the definitions of the word divine are sacred, supremely good or beautiful, magnificent, extremely pleasant. It should be part of our daily prayers for ourselves to claim those qualities because they belong to God and therefore to us by reflection.
Image and likeness. Something exactly resembling the original. A mental picture of something.
I also like the think about how truth washes away all error, removes anything that is not made by God, cleansing the body. Mrs. Eddy writes "We should strive to reach the Horeb height where God is revealed; and the corner-stone of all spiritual building is purity. The baptism of Spirit, washing the body of all the impurities of flesh, signifies that the pure in heart see God and are approaching spiritual Life and its demonstration." (S&H 241)
So, the next time you are buying a bar of soap, consider Dial, and let it be a friendly reminder of who you are, the divine image and likeness of God.
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
It seemed carved in stone...
I love the Christmas stories and specials. Every year I delight in reading Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol. It never gets old. What a beautiful illustration of reformation and renewal. Near the end of his visit with the Spirits Scrooge finds himself in a grave yard. The brushes away the snow and sees his own name carved in stone. He had profited by the lessons shown him that night, looking back at the choices he had made in his life and he pleads with the Ghost for those words to be erased. Nothing can seem so inevitable as something carved in stone. He has had an altered thought, a new way of seeing himself and his fellow man, and is resolved to live his life with love and generosity. This will change the outcome. To his new way of thinking, until his name was carved in stone proclaiming his death, it would be possible to live a more spiritual life. It would be possible to right wrongs. There could be friendship and fellowship. He could become a better a man, a better master,. He not only had a reformation...he had a revelation of his true nature.
A few days ago many religions celebrated the Epiphany, the Three Kings visit to the Christ Child to honor him with gifts. A time to put our worship first and recognize the wonder of the Christ. We should seek every day epiphanies. New opportunities to express our true identity as God's beloved child, made in His image and likeness. Ways to practice the Golden Rule of showing love as we would have love shown to us.
God is Life, without beginning or end. Each of us are the reflection of that Life. Our name is written in heaven, not in material stone. When Scrooge realizes he has been given that chance he literally jumps for joy. He revels in his childlike happiness. We can do that too.
There is plenty of time today to uplift thought, to take a fresh look at our family and friends, to appreciate our co-workers, to support our church activities, to show tenderness.
God bless us, every one.
A few days ago many religions celebrated the Epiphany, the Three Kings visit to the Christ Child to honor him with gifts. A time to put our worship first and recognize the wonder of the Christ. We should seek every day epiphanies. New opportunities to express our true identity as God's beloved child, made in His image and likeness. Ways to practice the Golden Rule of showing love as we would have love shown to us.
God is Life, without beginning or end. Each of us are the reflection of that Life. Our name is written in heaven, not in material stone. When Scrooge realizes he has been given that chance he literally jumps for joy. He revels in his childlike happiness. We can do that too.
There is plenty of time today to uplift thought, to take a fresh look at our family and friends, to appreciate our co-workers, to support our church activities, to show tenderness.
God bless us, every one.
Tuesday, January 9, 2018
ziggurats and the number seven
There are so many things to appreciate about our Christian Science Sentinel. Along with fresh new articles and testimonies they reprint some things from years past. In this week's issue they reprinted Lessons from a ziggurat by Kathryn Knox from February 2012. There is a reference to a ziggurat in this week's Bible Lesson, the one the people were building in Babel. That story is in Genesis 11:1-9.
A ziggurat is like a seven-story pyramid with each story slightly smaller than the one below it and this one would have been visible from anywhere in the city. I live in a smaller town in the hill country of Texas and if we had a seven-story building it would be easy to spot!
The writer of the article was reminded of the seven synonyms for God Mrs. Eddy uses in her writings. She wondered if she should examine her own thinking to see if she was building a mental 'tower' in her life that was getting her attention instead of God. What a wonderful idea! It got me thinking about how easy it is to do just that. So today I am going to keep a closer eye on what is getting my attention. We almost don't realize what sneaks up on us, building up a case for seeing ourselves as material people plagued with problems and challenges about our health, wealth, relationships, etc.. Are we devoting one of those 'stories' to anxious or fearful suggestions instead of trusting God for our well being and being well? Is one 'story' a repository for old resentments? Are we accepting a picture of illness? Or aging? Or lack? Before you realize what is happening your personal ziggurat could be even more than seven 'stories'!
The Bible tells us that God has given us dominion over everything. And that everything that He created is good. He fills all space - more like a ziggurat describing those seven synonyms; Principle, Life, Truth, Love, Mind, Soul, Spirit. That is what we should be looking to.
Nothing harmful or frightening can build up on our thinking if we are turning often to our Father Mother God and seeing only His goodness present, seeing our oneness with Him as His image and likeness. That is a structure worth cultivating.
A ziggurat is like a seven-story pyramid with each story slightly smaller than the one below it and this one would have been visible from anywhere in the city. I live in a smaller town in the hill country of Texas and if we had a seven-story building it would be easy to spot!
The writer of the article was reminded of the seven synonyms for God Mrs. Eddy uses in her writings. She wondered if she should examine her own thinking to see if she was building a mental 'tower' in her life that was getting her attention instead of God. What a wonderful idea! It got me thinking about how easy it is to do just that. So today I am going to keep a closer eye on what is getting my attention. We almost don't realize what sneaks up on us, building up a case for seeing ourselves as material people plagued with problems and challenges about our health, wealth, relationships, etc.. Are we devoting one of those 'stories' to anxious or fearful suggestions instead of trusting God for our well being and being well? Is one 'story' a repository for old resentments? Are we accepting a picture of illness? Or aging? Or lack? Before you realize what is happening your personal ziggurat could be even more than seven 'stories'!
The Bible tells us that God has given us dominion over everything. And that everything that He created is good. He fills all space - more like a ziggurat describing those seven synonyms; Principle, Life, Truth, Love, Mind, Soul, Spirit. That is what we should be looking to.
Nothing harmful or frightening can build up on our thinking if we are turning often to our Father Mother God and seeing only His goodness present, seeing our oneness with Him as His image and likeness. That is a structure worth cultivating.
patience must have her perfect work
Do you know the story about the woman who had found a flask-shaped cocoon of an emperor moth? It had a narrow opening near the neck of the flask through which the insect forces its way out. The size of the opening does not seem to be wide enough to allow it to exit easily. This must be done with patience. To the onlooker it would seem a difficult process. One day the woman saw that the moth was now struggling to get out from its long confinement. Hours passed and it seemed unable to overcome its challenge. It could get so far and but no farther and it appeared to be exhausted. As an act of charity she took a scissor and cut just a few threads to help it. Immediately the moth crawled out with a swollen body but shriveled wings. She watched the rest of the day for the wings to strengthen. She longed to see it if flying free. It spent its short life span earth bound.
Have you ever felt you were in just such a confining situation? Or maybe someone you love appeared to be making a valiant effort to work through a problem but could only get so far? Sometimes stepping in with what we think is a perfectly good human solution does not really help them in their spiritual growth toward understanding their present perfection and divine Love's constant tender presence.
The Bible tells us "...let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." (James 1:4) There was a time when I prayed daily to express more patience. I had three children under the age of 5 and some days seemed to demand that. A dictionary definition helped me than and continues to help me now .... patience is expecting good calmly.
Mrs. Eddy writes in Science and Health, "Each successive stage of experience unfolds new views of divine goodness and love." (p.66) On that same page she says "Trials are proofs of God's care." I uses to struggle with that idea until I saw the beauty of it. It wasn't what seemed to be a trial that was real, it was God's tender loving ever-presence, caring for us at all times and under all circumstances.
Impatience is not trusting that divine care. Not trusting God. Thinking there is something else present to harm us or restrict our progress or hold us back from expressing perfection.
Today I will go about my day rejoicing in my ability to express patience, to face any negative suggestions with courage, confidence and strength. My success is assured and learning these lessons allows me to soar and fly free. Like a beautiful emperor moth.
Have you ever felt you were in just such a confining situation? Or maybe someone you love appeared to be making a valiant effort to work through a problem but could only get so far? Sometimes stepping in with what we think is a perfectly good human solution does not really help them in their spiritual growth toward understanding their present perfection and divine Love's constant tender presence.
The Bible tells us "...let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." (James 1:4) There was a time when I prayed daily to express more patience. I had three children under the age of 5 and some days seemed to demand that. A dictionary definition helped me than and continues to help me now .... patience is expecting good calmly.
Mrs. Eddy writes in Science and Health, "Each successive stage of experience unfolds new views of divine goodness and love." (p.66) On that same page she says "Trials are proofs of God's care." I uses to struggle with that idea until I saw the beauty of it. It wasn't what seemed to be a trial that was real, it was God's tender loving ever-presence, caring for us at all times and under all circumstances.
Impatience is not trusting that divine care. Not trusting God. Thinking there is something else present to harm us or restrict our progress or hold us back from expressing perfection.
Today I will go about my day rejoicing in my ability to express patience, to face any negative suggestions with courage, confidence and strength. My success is assured and learning these lessons allows me to soar and fly free. Like a beautiful emperor moth.
Thursday, January 4, 2018
My spiritual assignment for 2018
Well hello! It has been awhile since I kept up with my blog. I have missed writing up the inspirations and healing that have been a lovely part of my spiritual journey. A new year is a good time to set some goals and aspirations.
Serving as First Reader in our branch church gave me the opportunity to put together readings from the Bible and Science and Health about resolutions and the motives behind them. I once spent a year studying the story of Nehemiah rebuilding the walls around Jerusalem. It had been attacked by enemies who tore down the walls and destroyed the temple. Nehemiah wanted to help and was given permission and support from the king he served to do it. Is motive was a good one, an unselfish desire to help that demoralized community. rebuilding the walls was the result of their joint efforts to accomplish this despite the interference of their enemies.
Today I am grateful for Nehemiah's example. Knowing he was doing this to serve God he moved forward with confidence and compassion. He found a way to get everyone working together and he overcame all attempts to divert, intimidate and delay them. Those walls were back up in 52 days, a major achievement. But there was more to be done than just the physical reconstruction. the people needed to hear the word of God and be reminded of His laws. So Ezra was brought in to read aloud those passages of the Bible. It took all day and the people were downcast when they were reminded of their duty to God and each other.
Last year I dedicated time each day to pray with the Daily Duties Mrs. Eddy gave us in her writings. One thing I am going to do this year is set aside time each Sunday afternoon. Mrs. Eddy said that to her sense, "the Sermon on the Mount, read each Sunday without comment and obeyed throughout the week, would be enough for Christian practice." That Sermon is in Matthew's Gospel, chapters 5 - 7. It includes the Beatitudes, much guidance in loving others, the directive to be perfect, the Lord's Prayer, and the Golden Rule. It shows us how to build our 'house' (consciousness) upon a rock, a bedrock of spiritual Truth, Life and Love.
Listen quietly for direction for a spiritual assignment of your own. I'd love to hear what comes to you!
Serving as First Reader in our branch church gave me the opportunity to put together readings from the Bible and Science and Health about resolutions and the motives behind them. I once spent a year studying the story of Nehemiah rebuilding the walls around Jerusalem. It had been attacked by enemies who tore down the walls and destroyed the temple. Nehemiah wanted to help and was given permission and support from the king he served to do it. Is motive was a good one, an unselfish desire to help that demoralized community. rebuilding the walls was the result of their joint efforts to accomplish this despite the interference of their enemies.
Today I am grateful for Nehemiah's example. Knowing he was doing this to serve God he moved forward with confidence and compassion. He found a way to get everyone working together and he overcame all attempts to divert, intimidate and delay them. Those walls were back up in 52 days, a major achievement. But there was more to be done than just the physical reconstruction. the people needed to hear the word of God and be reminded of His laws. So Ezra was brought in to read aloud those passages of the Bible. It took all day and the people were downcast when they were reminded of their duty to God and each other.
Last year I dedicated time each day to pray with the Daily Duties Mrs. Eddy gave us in her writings. One thing I am going to do this year is set aside time each Sunday afternoon. Mrs. Eddy said that to her sense, "the Sermon on the Mount, read each Sunday without comment and obeyed throughout the week, would be enough for Christian practice." That Sermon is in Matthew's Gospel, chapters 5 - 7. It includes the Beatitudes, much guidance in loving others, the directive to be perfect, the Lord's Prayer, and the Golden Rule. It shows us how to build our 'house' (consciousness) upon a rock, a bedrock of spiritual Truth, Life and Love.
Listen quietly for direction for a spiritual assignment of your own. I'd love to hear what comes to you!
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