“… behold, the kingdom of God is within you. ~ Luke 17: 21, KJV ~

“… Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty…” ~ Malachi 3:10 (NIV) ~

“… test and approve what God’s will is …”  ~ Romans 12:2 (NIV) ~

From time to time, one may feel as though they are being tested by God. Perhaps you have experienced this. If so, it is a false belief about your relationship with The Divine. Old beliefs, such as a“sense of separation” from one’s Source, linger on until they are resolved through logical thinking and an unwavering faith in the ever-evolving consciousness of unity; i.e., the awareness that the nature of God and your inherent nature is one and the same.  

Practicing the Presence of The Infinite One as our very own life may mean having to sit with the feelings, or emotional responses to the beliefs that were taught, developed, and cultivated during childhood ~ beliefs based on blind faith. Should this occur, instead of resisting or persisting the established beliefs that may suggest separation, let it be a time for focused discipline; a time to affirm Truth statements, such as: There is only One Life, that Life is God, and that Life is my life now.

Practicing Spiritual Awareness by embracing the nature of God as our very own, is often easier said than done. In fact, such a practice requires us to test God, the universal principle of Life. This takes time, focus, and dedication.  First, we must start with a premise such as, “God in me, as me, is me.”

Such an affirmation gives us the courage to declare our divine inheritance (Love, Peace, Harmony, Beauty, Wisdom, Order, Abundance, Joy, etc.) and move forward claiming the highest good (God’s Will .. or Nature) moving through all the decisions we make. We move forward in life with confidence that the Perfect Law of God’s Love reveals perfect right action for all that concerns us. We prove the Principle of Unlimited Love and Law through the spiritual practice of affirmative prayer.

~ ~ ~ ~

With the Principle of Oneness undergirding all we think, say, and do; time and time again we prove the Reality of God in the midst of all our affairs. The more these expansive ideas are developed and cultivated, and the more we engage in the possibilities that Ernest Holmes and other New Thought metaphysicians agree; e.g., “Man, by thinking, can bring into his experience whatsoever he desires–if he thinks correctly, and becomes a living embodiment of his thoughts. This is not done by holding thoughts but by knowing the Truth.”

“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” ~ Matthew 21:22 ~

Imagine for a moment, that the motive of every prayer you pray is to express and experience the nature of God as the particular thing you are praying about. 

Imagine, for a moment, that our word of Truth spoken from a place of certainty is a transformative factor in the world; bringing peace on earth and good will towards all of humanity. So, we may move forward with confidence in the Principle of Oneness, while listening to the still small voice whispering, “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”  

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This Weeks Affirmation

“I now practice the Presence of Oneness by affirming that there is One Life, that Life is God and that Life is my Life now.”

By Mary Jane LaBonte

“In this world you will have trouble.
 But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
~ John 16:33 (NIV) ~ 

“As I say yes to life, life says yes to me!”
~ Louise Hay ~

“I call forth the peace that is deep within my soul.” 
~ Annie P. Clark, Our InVisible World ~
 

We are always saying “yes” to Life by giving our consent to what we perceive to be true about life.  Life, in turn, is always saying “yes” to us by responding in kind; giving us more of that for which we accept. 

I believe the following biblical scripture speaks to this. I believe it is referencing one’s perception or spiritual consciousness when it says: “For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.” (Matthew 25:29)  What is (metaphorically) taken away is the ability to see/and experience the blessings that are at hand because of one’s point of view. 

When one’s attention pulls the creative energy in the direction of the challenges in the world (both personal and collective), the unillumined mind is unable to perceive the field of unlimited possibilities that exist in this very moment. It believes there is a power it must cope with or contend against.

On the other hand, the illumined ones become observers of life. They are in the world, but not of it. They pierce the veil of illusion and see beyond the transitory things that seem broken and troublesome. They perceive the underlying Presence and Power that transcends anything, unlike Its own nature. These light-bearers, people just like you and I, keep the high watch of infinite wholeness.

In both of the above instances the “yes factor” is ignited. The former signals a vibratory energy of resignation; an attitude of, “this is the way it is; struggle is the normal way of life.”  The latter signals a vibratory energy of great expectations.   It denotes a perception of wholeness, one that Ernest Holmes describes as a perception of healing or a restoration of the natural state of being.

When our gaze is downward; judging by the appearances and experiences that are subject to change; our measure of life may be, life is hard, unfair, scary, dangerous, and other negative assessments. The vibratory energy of our perception causes more of the same to be experienced in our lives.

On the other hand, when we perceive the greater possibilities of Life, such as the intangible qualities of Love, Peace, Beauty, Harmony, Joy, we tap into the natural essence of Being. Thus aligned, we ignite the YES factor. The Blind Force then responds by corresponding to the vibratory energy of our perception and our attention. 

Yet, no one is immune or exempt from the experiences of the world. However, the elevated consciousness, practicing the realization of God, the Omnipotent Good in all things rises above the sense of limitation that causes mental or physical suffering. They call forth a new and liberating thought that transcends the former.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy…”  (Philippians 4:8) Say yes to such things!

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This Week’s Affirmation

“Today I call forth my blessings as I say YES to the Good.”

by Judy Hilley

“Only love knows love, and love knows only love.”
~Ernest Holmes, Science of Mind, p.478~

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“If you think Love is weak ~ you are asleep.
If you think Love isn’t everything ~ you might be confused.
If you think Love is only passion ~ you don’t know who you really are.”
~ Ade Anifowose, Spiritual Appetizers for the Soul ~

~ ~ ~ ~ 

“When you love you should not say “God is in my heart,” but rather, “I am in the heart of God.”
~ Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet ~

~ ~ ~ ~ 

“God’s the love that I Am. God’s the love that I Am. 
God’s the love that I Am. God’s the love I Am.”
~ The GodSong Chant, Sacred Days ~

Yes,. .. artists, philosophers, poets, theologians and people of all walks of life and perspectives have attempted to describe Love, only to find that, like trying to describe God, every attempt falls short of Its Absolute Nature. However, when any aspect of this Many Splendored Thing is realized, the potential for life-enhancing transformation is activated in one’s life.

Whether one says Love is God, or God is Love, it is a declaration that the two are one and the same. And, to celebrate Love is to recognize, acknowledge, and worship Its existence. It is the first step that moves one toward wholeness. What has been called “miraculous healings” have occurred as a result of an experience of Love.

While it may validate our sense of self-worth to receive Love; the real fulfillment is when we give It. Now we all know you can’t give what you don’t have; so, the far-reaching implication is, we each have Love right now.  It is our inherent nature.  It is the Presence of God within us. True fulfilment is always when we express our true nature. No wonder it is written, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) 

When celebrating the legend of St. Valentine, it is also well to remember that the word valentine comes from the Latin word for “strength.” It is the strength and power of Love that make all things new. It is the power of forgiveness. It releases the errors of yesterday – mine and yours. The self-givingness of the Indwelling Spirit of Love is God’s grace personified. 

It is good to pause and celebrate the Reality of Love all around, expressing not only as romantic relationships (Eros)’ but as friends, neighbors and co-workers (Philia); as family (Storge); and as humanity (Agape); all flowing from the Self-Love of the Indwelling Spirit.

Celebration is a form of gratitude – appreciation. Gratitude has a tendency to expand that for which we are grateful. The more each one of us consciously participates in the divine circulation of giving and receiving Love, we become a beneficial presence that constitutes a world that works for everyone. Yes, “Love loves us back.”  

Candy, flowers, jewelry, a greeting card, a special dinner, an original poem, a mini vacation, or a simple walk in the park are just a few examples of gifts that are offered to symbolize the heartfelt feelings that Love ignites that words cannot express. Enjoy! 

This Week’s Affirmation

“I express Infinite Love at the center of my being right here, right now!”

Angela “Chris” Beam

Repost

Prayer is indeed a phenomenal way of participating fully and freely in this thing called life. There are many schools of thought, combined with one’s personal experiences, that influence one’s prayer life.  For example:

In Ancient Chinese philosophy,” Yin and Yang is a concept of dualism, describing how seemingly opposite or contrary forces may actually be complementary, interconnected, and interdependent in the natural world, and how they may give rise to each other as they interrelate to one another. – Yin is the receptive and Yang the active principle, seen in all forms.” (Wikipedia) 

In the Christian Bible we find: “There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens. A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant.”  (Ecclesiastes 3)

The Science of Mind teaches: “This is a Universe of Wholeness, All-ness, Oneness. Spirit is a transcendent, perfect Whole that, in Its Infinite Inclusivity, harmoniously embraces all seeming opposites. ~ Each human being is endowed with free will and can thus choose to experience freedom or bondage, abundance or lack, joy or misery, all of which lie within the Infinite Inclusivity of God.” (Core Concept Five)

There is a common thread running through all of these concepts that may support us greatly when we discern the One Truth permeating them all.

When I was first introduced to the vastness of the ocean, I learned of its natural ebb and flow. I was amazed how far into its waters I could walk during low tide. It was in these early morning hours I discovered some of the mysteries of the sea that would otherwise be hidden. Attempting to walk the same distance during high tide would put my life at risk. However, both aspects require careful scrutiny, for they each had their advantages. High tide is a sheer delight for surfers as they catch the wave. Low tide allowed one to see just below the surface.

~ ~ ~

There’s no point in wishing, hoping, begging, and pleading for God to express something other than what It is. Instead, when we pray, the more we adhere to the Nature of Being, the more of Life’s secrets are revealed.  Prayer is not for the purpose of convincing a God out there somewhere what would be the best outcome for a particular situation, and in return assure It of our allegiance – sort of a quid pro quo. 

The All-Powerful One is changeless in Its nature and cannot be persuaded otherwise. However, the good news is, the apparent good we seek for our lives is already the nature and the Presence of God within ourselves. Ernest Holmes teaches, “the highest God and the innermost God is One.”

Therefore, prayer is for the purpose of affirming our faith in that which is already so.  The affirmative prayer of New Thought is not new. It is simply conveying the Ancient Wisdom that has always been known by the great mystics throughout time. New Thought conveys The Truth of Being in today’s language. Health, Wealth, Beauty, Love, Peace, and Joy are our inherent nature. They belong to us now.

From The Living Bible, the words of Jesus are translated saying, “Listen to me! You can pray for anything, and if you believe you have it; it’s yours!” 

 Let us pray for a world that works for everyone!

This Week’s Affirmation

My experiences in life are just perfect expressions of my gratitude.

by Keith Childers

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ANNOUNCEMENT

StillPoint ~ a doorway to the infinite ~  
www.stillpointcsl.org

P R E S E N T S

TECHNIQUE and FIRE

“In prayer our spirit makes its great demand upon the Universe. Through faith in the invisible Source of good, it claims the particular good it desires. And when our whole inner being is in continual harmony with the Source, knowing it is ever pressing forward into expression through our acts, then it is that we shall come to have and experience an abundance of good for all that makes life worthwhile.”
~ Ernest Holmes, The Spiritual Universe and You ~

~ This two-part experiential workshop is designed to awaken the Creative Genius within both the seasoned traveler as well as those new to the path. ~

Each stage of Spiritual Mind Treatment is an art and your mind the canvas.

The guided meditations, exploratory exercises, and authentic sharing become the blueprint for the manifestation of your soul’s sincere desire, in both form and experience.

~ ~ ~ ~

When: Saturday, February 11, 2022 and Saturday, February 18, 2022

Time:   10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Where: Zoom Room (Will receive link registration)

Facilitator: Reverend Mary L. Ruffner

Suggested Tuition: $75.00

Register Today: https://stillpointcsl.org/donate-2/

Indicate: T&F (Technique and Fire)

~ ~ ~ ~

Bring an open heart and an open mind. 

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(Repost)

“Man’s world of affairs is the result of his self-contemplation. He is at first ignorant of this and so binds himself through wrong thought and action. As he reverses this thought, he reverses the condition attendant upon it.” ~ERNEST HOLMES~

“The unexamined life is not worth living.” ~SOCRATES~

Early on in my studies of the Science of Mind, I learned that the Principle of Oneness was the foundation of all life. I was also taught how hidden beliefs that suggest separation and division influence our thoughts and actions without our conscious consent.  

Hidden beliefs are ideas and concepts that are subjectively introduced to our consciousness.  Many judgments, biases, and prejudices that cause a sense of separation and disunity are the result of hidden beliefs operating in the creative medium of our minds. 

Once I grasped the concept, the Universe, as usual, provided an opportunity for me to see it play out in real-time, starting with the moment I accepted an invitation to visit a co-worker’s church. 

~ ~ ~ ~

 Upon entering the sanctuary, I immediately felt out of place – almost like being an intruder. It appeared there were several rituals going on simultaneously, even before the designated starting time. I wasn’t sure what to do. It all felt very strange. I began to feel like I was the “other;” or, for sure, they were.

I began to remember, from my childhood, having heard about this church and its practices. Stories, opinions, myths, and negative judgments about how they worshiped began to flood my memory. Before I knew it, I began to form an opinion about the co-worker who invited me to this event; a lovely person who, up until then, I held in high esteem.

I found a seat and joined those who were focused on the woman who was preaching.

I was stunned by what I heard. She was saying what I was learning, only couched in her own language and style that were different from mine. During her entire talk, the congregation celebrated her words with music and dancing even as she spoke them. I had to remain completely focused, lest I become distracted. 

After the service, I was eager to tell the speaker, not only how much I enjoyed the message, but how it was the same principles I was being taught at my church. With a twinkle in her eye and an elbow to my rib, she said, “Honey, when we get to heaven, no one will ask what church we belong.” 

So maybe she was talking about heaven as a geographic location while I imagined arriving at a place of perfect peace within myself. I don’t know. In that moment those possible differences seemed like semantics.

~ ~ ~ ~

The next time I sat in the comfort and familiarity of my own beloved church home, enjoying the quiet stillness of the pre-service meditation, I thought,’ how strange this might seem to someone experiencing this form of spiritual practice for the very first time.’

~ ~ ~ ~

What stories did you hear in your childhood about race, gender, lookism, nationality, social status, sexual orientation, religion, and other concepts that are subject to “otherness?” Whether positive or negative, those stories have the propensity to become hidden beliefs, automatically operating in creative mind and out-picturing in the world. Through the application of The Principle of Oneness and the exercise of critical thinking, you may begin to reverse the thoughts that lend to separation and divisiveness. In so doing you participate in creating a world that works for everyone.

This Week’s Affirmation

Every day and every way, I focus on always being open at the top.

by Keith Childers

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ANNOUNCEMENT

StillPoint ~ a doorway to the infinite ~  
www.stillpointcsl.org

P R E S E N T S

TECHNIQUE and FIRE

“In prayer our spirit makes its great demand upon the Universe. Through faith in the invisible Source of good, it claims the particular good it desires. And when our whole inner being is in continual harmony with the Source, knowing it is ever pressing forward into expression through our acts, then it is that we shall come to have and experience an abundance of good for all that makes life worthwhile.”
~ Ernest Holmes, The Spiritual Universe and You ~

~ This two-part experiential workshop is designed to awaken the Creative Genius within both the seasoned traveler as well as those new to the path. ~

Each stage of Spiritual Mind Treatment is an art and your mind the canvas.

The guided meditations, exploratory exercises, and authentic sharing become the blueprint for the manifestation of your soul’s sincere desire, in both form and experience.

~ ~ ~ ~

When: Saturday, February 11, 2022 and Saturday, February 18, 2022

Time:   10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Where: Zoom Room (Will receive link registration)

Facilitator: Reverend Mary L. Ruffner

Suggested Tuition: $75.00

Register Today: https://stillpointcsl.org/donate-2/

Indicate: T&F (Technique and Fire)

~ ~ ~ ~

Bring an open heart and an open mind.