“In Him we live and move and exist.”
~ Acts 17:28 (NIV) ~

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
~ John 15:7 (NIV) ~

“I fast from fear and feast upon faith.”
~Ernest Holmes, 365 Science of Mind (p.296.3) ~

It has been said that spiritual things must be spiritually discerned. The above verses from sacred scripture and the writings of Ernest Holmes are good examples of what this means.

First of all, let’s consider that the “Him” in the first verse is not referencing an anthropomorphic being; i.e., a deity that is humanlike. But rather, it is referencing a Presence that permeates eternity. It is like referring to the air we breathe, saying “she” was foggy today. Interpreters of the high mysticism of the spiritual realm, in whom we live, move, and have our being, used many metaphors to provide a context to describe the Love-Intelligence that transcends words and concepts.

If one took the words from the Bible literally, the second quote would suggest that it is possible to remove ourselves from The Presence and from Its Divine Mind. This couldn’t be further from the Truth. Actually, when understood from a spiritual perspective, it describes the inseparable unity that exists between The Presence of God, and humanity.

In fact, it speaks about the benefits that one receives whose consciousness (or conscious awareness of Truth) remains awake and aware of its Source in all things. The Presence is First Cause. The Presence is that great and grand Creative Energy Field that makes all things out of Itself. The Presence is Divine Mind whose intelligence yields words of Peace, Harmony, Love, Wisdom, Joy, Beauty, and Abundance.

Each one of us is an individualization of this One Cosmic Whole. While we can never be separated from It any more than we can be separated from the air we breathe, we may fall asleep (metaphorically speaking) from time to time, causing a false belief of separation, and turning to secondary causes to fulfill our dreams. The promise is, when you remain in a consciousness of unity, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. The power of God is our birthright.

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The origin of all experiences begins with a word; e.g., an idea, a belief. Scripture tells us, “In the beginning was the word and the word was with God (the principle of good), and the word was God. When we remain in this consciousness by abstaining (fasting) from limited thoughts, and partaking liberally (feasting) with ideas of Peace and Harmony, they inevitably bring Joy to our lives.

The Science of Mind is a philosophy, a faith, and a way of life that deals with the practical application of these universal truths that mystics of all time have known. The whole premise is based on cliches’ like, “Learn how to think. . . learn how to live.” Or, “Change your thinking . . . change your life.” These mental practices have a tendency to align us with The Divine Mind in whom we live, move, and have our being.

Meditation, Life Visioning, Affirmative Prayer, Journaling, Inspirational Reading are some ways we remain anchored in God Consciousness, becoming a beneficial presence of Love, Light, Wisdom, and Peace on earth.

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This Weeks Affirmation

“My mind is one with God-Mind, in which everything is possible.”

www.unity.org/article/monthly-affirmations-unity

“It is your Father’s good pleasure to give. . .”
~ Luke 12:32 ~

“Faith is the substance . . .”
~ Hebrews 11:1 ~

“—all’s love, yet all’s law.
~ Robert Browning ~

When the good we desire is secretly lodged in the quietness of our hearts, and then, suddenly, that good appears in a practical, tangible way, we are amazed by this “glad surprise.” At such times as these, there is a deep sense of The All-Pervasive-Presence that is ever so near. In this exalted state of acceptance, praise, and thanksgiving, there is a tendency for the one who receives this divine grace to express heartfelt gratitude, and in so doing, provides an opening for even greater and greater good to unfold as health, wealth, harmonious relationships, or whatever it is the heart longs for.

Truth be told, there is never a time when we are separated from this magnificent Law of Good. Actually, it is our very own words, thoughts, and feelings. These creative forces, the ceaseless activity of the mind, when filled with conviction, become visible. They become the people, places, and things we have imagined life to be.

When we become conscious of this phenomenon, just as great thinkers and mystics before us have; we begin to use this powerful Law of Mind for specific purposes. We begin unleashing unity, peace, beauty, wisdom, and intelligence into the world through our words and actions. This spiritual consciousness perpetuates a world that works for everyone.

The choice to align one’s self with the rhythm of the Divine Mind in whom we live, move, and have our being, takes courage and discipline. In some instances, we may experience an “exact struggle of the soul;” especially when one’s gaze has been a downward view of apparent conditions. However, we may be assured, the former things that no longer serve begin to fall away when the creative energy of our words, thoughts, and feelings no longer sustain them.

In some ways the choice means being a mid-wife to one’s own new birth; providing self-care and an unwavering faith that affirms that what awaits you, is indeed an expanded life of the Light. The awakened one begins to see as God sees . . . Omnipotent Good at every turn.

In summary: Practicing the presence of a Power for Good operating in the universe by affirming absolute oneness with It, causes a breakthrough in consciousness that gives birth to a higher sphere of life, living, and purpose. The evidence, or manifestation that shows up is the natural, necessary, and logical outcome of the mindset one has entertained and embodied.

Meditation, Life Visioning, Spiritual Mind Treatment, Inspired Reading, and Journaling are some spiritual practices that are supportive in attaining a realization of the Truth that sets us free from every sense of limitation.

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This Weeks Affirmation

I live my life with love, grace, and perfect ease.

By Keith D. Childers

(Revisited)
During this moment in time when the collective consciousness of humanity is pulled between concepts of right and wrong; good and bad; them and us, and various pairs of opposites; I realize I am not an isolated being. I, too, am part of it all. I, too, contribute to the human consensus.

I begin to question if what I am thinking, saying and doing are in alignment with what I say I value. After all, Ancient Wisdom teaches, “Where your treasure is, there is also your heart.” ¹

I notice that I have strong opinions, thoughts, and emotions. I am aware that these passions are the driving forces in the invisible realm that create my world of effects. I challenge myself to be “for something and against nothing.”²

I begin to reflect on what it is that I truly treasure; i.e., what are my true values?

For sure I value practical spirituality. It is my principal treasure, inasmuch as it is all-encompassing when it comes to living life fully. The keyword is “practical.” For example, practical spirituality shows up as health, wealth, and love. They are by-products, or the out-picturing of the Wholeness and Perfection of The Eternal One.

In order to experience this natural goodness, I realize that I must provide an opening/or willingness through which the nature of God may express through me and as me.

So, I ask myself:

• Do my eating and exercise habits; my TV and social media choices; the books I read and the company I keep reflect my idea of health for the body and the mind?
  
• Do I invest in what I desire to see increase? Do I spend my energy, talents, and skills in life-giving projects?  Do I circulate the good that is mine so others may prosper in their worthwhile endeavors? Do I demonstrate my idea of wealth?
  
• Do I embrace my concept of love by practicing The Golden Rule ³ at every turn, without exception and without the temptation to give as good as I get?

In other words, are my actions congruent with my ideas about the Wholeness and Perfection of the Divine?

My conclusion is: I must be the change I desire to see in the world and then notice the following results:

1. It stops me from judging others;
   
2. It replaces complaining about others with reflection on self;
   
3. It stirs me into taking action within the only thing in the world over which I have any control: myself. ⁴

Mahatma Gandhi, a mystic of the 20^th century said: “We but mirror the world. All the tendencies present in the outer world are to be found in the world of our body. If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. This is the divine mystery supreme. A wonderful thing it is and the source of our happiness. We need not wait to see what others do.”

The decision to change is indeed a defining moment.

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This Weeks Affirmation

I draw upon my Source within and know I am a pure vessel for Wholeness and Perfection to flow through me into my experience.

by Angela “Chris” Beam

“Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus…”
~The Apostle Paul (5 AD – 67), Philippians 2:5-11 ~

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“There is one mind common to all individual men. Every man is an inlet to the same and to all of the same. He that is once admitted to the right of reason is made a freeman of the whole estate. What Plato has thought, he may think; what a saint has felt, he may feel; what at any time has befallen any man, he can understand. Who hath access to this universal mind is a party to all that is or can be done, for this is the only and sovereign agent.”
~  Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 – 1882), Self Reliance ~ 

~ ~ ~ ~ 

“When the intellect is no longer contradicted by our emotional reactions, by unconscious doubts and fears, the word of our mouth will immediately bear fruit.”
~Ernest Holmes (1887 – 1960), 365 Science of Mind p. 268.2

~ ~ ~ ~

 Ernest Holmes, a 20^th century philosopher of metaphysics, announced, “thoughts are things.”  Of course, he was speaking of the interchangeable relationship between the mental and the physical realms. 

Deep thinkers of all time have discovered the same principle operating in the universe and have taught it in the context best understood by their followers. Therefore, with our eyes wide open, we may see this one fundamental principle is the common thread that unites the worlds of spirituality, philosophy, and science alike. They all point to the One Mind, as the One Source, in whom we live, move, and have our being/existence. 

The implication of the power of the mind is far-reaching. It implies that Mind, being Pure Intelligence, is the origin of all things, without exception. This One Source is absolute in its nature, and having no opposites, it is complete and indestructible. 

Through the practice of meditation, when the individual becomes quiet, stilling the mind of its incessant chatter; the essence of this energetic field of infinite possibilities surfaces and is realized as love, peace, harmony, wisdom, beauty, joy, prosperity, and all that brings satisfaction in an ever-changing world.  These qualities of the Divine, being absolute in their nature, are the inherent presence infused in all things. 

Since there is no contradiction to the Absolute Intelligence that permeates eternity, It is God, the Living Spirit Almighty. It is known in all and as all, as there is nothing else to know. It is Omniscience. The enlightened one, when aligned with this Reality, sees “beauty even when it’s not pretty.” In so doing, the joy of living is revealed and once more perfect health, loving relationships, financial sufficiency, fulfilling creative expression, and whatsoever the heart desires is restored. 

You and I are today’s teachers of the reality of Absolute Intelligence every time we demonstrate the universal law of unity that brings about peace on earth and good will towards all people. It’s within every one of us.

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This Weeks Affirmation

“I give thanks that I am one with infinite loving intelligence, the ever-renewing, the ever-unfolding expression of infinite life, health, and love.”

https://www.centerforspiritualawakening.org/csa-thought-for-the-day/deep-dive-into-dynamic-affirmations

“God is closer than breathing, and nearer than hands and feet.”
~ Alfred Lord Tennyson ~

~ ~ ~ ~

“I am the way and the truth and the life.”
~ John 14:6 ~

~ ~ ~ ~

“Through spiritual discernment, we see that we have within us a power which is greater than anything we shall ever contact; a power that can overcome every obstacle in our experience and set us safe, satisfied, and at peace, healed and prosperous in a new light and a new life.”
~ Ernest Holmes, The Science of Mind p.146.2 ~

Oral history is not always factual, but often an allegory or metaphor, inasmuch as the storyteller may add a little “color” to enhance the story being told. Or, they may add a bit of “yeast” to expand the main point being conveyed. This innocent hyperbole has a tendency to keep the interest of the listener alive.

It was in the mid-1970s that I first heard about the origin of “What We Believe”, also called “The Declaration of Principles,” that is recited in Religious Science communities. I was deeply impressed when hearing the story of Ernest Holmes’ spontaneity, wisdom, and clear articulation as he spoke about what his heart and soul embraced. He expressed with conviction, what he believed to be the Truth about God, the Universe, humanity, and the unlimited possibilities stretched before us all.

The story goes that a reporter, interviewing Holmes, asked him about the fundamental beliefs of the spiritual philosophy he was teaching. It is said that Holmes paused and reflected on the inquiry before speaking. After a few minutes, he reached for a nearby brown paper bag and tore it open. With pencil in hand, he began writing. The following is the first of thirteen principles or beliefs he shared that day.

“I believe in God, the living Spirit Almighty; one, indestructible, absolute, and self-existent Cause.”
Imagine for a moment, that this all-powerful God that Holmes describes is the Presence that is the very essence of our being; i.e., the Self that is the “I” that “I AM” indwelling humanity, and is the life force of every individual.

“This One manifests Itself in and through all creation, but is not absorbed by Its creation.”
Imagine “this One” that Holmes speaks about is an infinite and creative mind in whom we live, move, and have our being. This field of pure energy out pictures in the physical world, all that It accepts as truth. Imagine this Power is never exhausted, always creating out of Itself, and is never limited by what has gone before.

“The manifest universe is the body of God; it is the logical and necessary outcome of the infinite self-knowingness of God.”
Imagine that everything you experience in the world is the sum total of the collective thoughts and beliefs humanity has embodied about itself; and, the subsequent choices humanity has made.

~ ~ ~ ~

While the story of the brown paper bag is charming and got my attention right away; it is the changeless principle of Oneness, when understood and practiced that is the life-changing fact. It is through meditation and practicing the presence of God that we come to a realization that it is our very own all-powerful inner voice, whose pronouns are “me” and “I” that is the ceaseless, creative activity of Spirit; i.e., the very Source that gives birth to the people, places, and things all around.

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This Weeks Affirmation
“My thoughts, words, and actions contribute to a peaceful world.”

https://www.unity.org/article/monthly-affirmations-unity