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Archive for September, 2008

Largess Unlimited

Posted in Good Morning, tagged , on September 12, 2008| Leave a Comment »

The most mischievous thing in life is man’s reluctance to perceive his own dominion. God has given us dominion over all things, but we shrink like frightened children from assuming it, although that assuming is the one and only escape for us.
 
Jesus, who knew the human heart, and understood our weakness in this respect, commands us,
 
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened (Matthew 7:7-8) .
 
Is not this the Magna Carta of personal freedom for every man, woman, and child on earth? Is not this the decree of the emancipation of the slaves of every kind of bondage, physical, mental, or spiritual? We have no business to accept ill-health, or poverty, or sinfulness, or strife, or unhappiness, or remorse, with resignation. We have no right to accept anything less than freedom and harmony and joy, for only with these things do we glorify God, and express His holy will, which is our raison d’etre.
 
We are to reorganize our lives in accordance with his teaching, continuously and untiringly until our goal is attained. That this attainment, that our victory over every negative condition is not merely possible but is definitely promised to us, finds its proof in these glorious words.

How many times do we fail to knock, seek and ask God for what we need? It is oftentimes when we don’t  want to assume the responsibility of acting on God’s will for our lives. When we shirk our responsibility to carry out God’s will and to shoulder the yoke of dominion, we are thwarting the flow of God’s infinite blessings and are being disobedient. Assume dominion today and live in the joy, peace harmony and love that God intended. Accept responsibility today and enter the Garden.

In acceptance,
Z Gardener

 

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Children of the Most High

Posted in Good Morning, tagged , on September 10, 2008| Leave a Comment »

Read Matthew 7:7-11.
 
This is the wonderful passage in which Jesus enunciated the primary truth of the Fatherhood of God. He says here, definitely and clearly, that the real relationship of God and man is that of parent and child. It is extremely difficult to realize the far-reaching importance that this declaration holds for the life of the soul.
 
It is axiomatic, of course, that the offspring must be of the same nature and species as the parent; and so if God and man are indeed Father and child, man must be essentially divine too, and susceptible of infinite development up the rising pathway of divinity. That is to say, as man’s true nature unfolds, he will expand in spiritual consciousness until he has transcended all bounds of human imagination. It is in reference to our glorious destiny, that Jesus himself says elsewhere, quoting the older scriptures:
 
Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken…(John 10:34-35).

It is an awesome thought…we are children of the creator who is the ultimate power in the universe. Each of us is a divine being planned from the beginning of time to become part of God’s family. What do we think God had in mind for each of us when he brought us into existence. Do we think he put us here to worry and fret through a short physical life and then to cease our existence? Or do we think there is a divine purpose for each one of us that God expects us to fulfill? Let us accept today our divine nature and our divine responsibilities and be about carrying out the will of Almighty God. Then we will experience the peace that transcends all human understanding. Then we will return to Eden and stand in the presence of God as his children.

Standing in,
Z Gardener

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With What Measure Ye Mete

Posted in Good Morning, tagged , on September 9, 2008| Leave a Comment »

 

With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again (Matthew 7:2).
 
If the average man understood for a moment the meaning of these words, they would turn his everyday conduct inside out, and so change him that, in a comparatively short space of time, his closest friends would hardly know him.

 
The Golden Rule in Christianity is: Think about others as you would wish them to think about you. In the light of the knowledge that we now possess, the observance of this rule becomes a very solemn duty, but, more than that indeed, it is a debt of honor.

 
However, it is a poor law that does not work both ways, and so it is equally true that for every good deed that you do, for every kind word that you speak, you will in the same way, at some time or other, get back an equivalent. The opposite is also true.

The plain fact is that it is the law of life that, as we think, and speak, and, act toward others, so will others think, and speak, and act toward us. Everything that we do to others will sooner or later be done to us by someone, somewhere. Perhaps by someone who knows nothing of our previous action, but for every unkind word that we speak to or about another person, an unkind word will be spoken to or about us. For every time that we cheat, we will be cheated. Every time we neglect a duty, or evade a responsibility, or misuse authority over other people, we are doing something for which we will inevitably have to pay by suffering a like injury ourselves.

Not only is it a good, noble and godly way to be, but being kind and loving to one another is also very rewarding. How would our lives be if everyone we ever met was loving us, talking good about us and trying to help us. Give that ye may receive and receive abundantly. Remember, one can’t give away more than one gets in return for the giving.

Not measuring,
Z Gardener

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Reciprocal Judgment

Posted in Good Morning, tagged , on September 8, 2008| Leave a Comment »

Read Matthew 7:1-5.

 
These few verses consist of only about one hundred words, and yet it is hardly too much to say that at their simple face value they comprise the most staggering document ever presented to mankind. In these five verses we are told more about the nature of man and the meaning of life, and the importance of conduct, and the art of living, and the secret of happiness and success, and the way out of trouble, and the approach of God, and the emancipation of the soul, and the salvation of the world, than all the philosophers and the theologians and the savants put together have told us—for it explains the Great Law. “Burn the rest of the books, for it is all in this one,” would hold in reference to those words.
 
People are very apt to think, especially when they are strongly tempted, that they can probably escape the clutches of authority in some other way. If, however, they understood that the law of retribution is a cosmic law, impersonal and unchanging as the law of gravity, they would think twice before they treated other people unjustly. The law of gravity is never off duty, and no one would ever dream of trying to evade it, or coax it, or bribe it, or intimidate it. People accept it as being inevitable and shape their conduct accordingly—and the law of retribution is even as the law of gravity.
 
You may like or dislike the law, and if you wish, you may try to ignore it; but you cannot deny that Jesus Christ taught it, and in the most direct and emphatic way when he said:

 

Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged (Matthew 7:1-2).

How would we like to be judged? Would we want to have a merciful and just judge or a cruel and heartless soul evaluating our behavior, thoughts and words. The good news is that we will determine the nature of our judgement. So, how harshly are we judging others? How quickly do we decide someone deserves the worst or is not worth giving another chance? We must be careful about throwing around judgement and retribution. It always lands at our own feet.

In forgiveness,
Z Gardener

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A Thrilling Experiment

Posted in Good Morning, tagged , on September 5, 2008| Leave a Comment »

 

Why not make the following experiment, which will not only be thrillingly interesting, but will certainly teach you more in one day than you could learn from books or lectures in many weeks.
 
Here is what you have to do. For one whole day think, speak, and act exactly as you would if you were absolutely convinced of the truth of the statements that God has all power and infinite intelligence, and that His nature is infinite goodness and love.
 
To think in this manner all day will be the most difficult thing, because thought is so subtle. To speak in accordance with these truths will be easier, if you are vigilant. To act in accordance with them will be the easiest part, although it may require much in the way of moral courage.
 
And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform (Romans 4:21).

Try this today. There is no better time than now for this life changing experiment. Then at the end of the day, look back and assess what you have experienced. You will realize how much better this day has been, how much better you feel and how much easier every problem was to handle. Now just think how life would be if every day like today was followed by an even better tomorrow. This is God’s promise if we truly believe that He is all-powerful, all intelligent, all goodness and love. He has given us the key. We must knock, turn the key and enter. Is there a better day than today to enter the Garden God gave us?

Fully persuaded,
Z Gardener

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How To Get A Demonstration

Posted in Good Morning, tagged , on September 4, 2008| 2 Comments »

Here is one way of solving a problem by scientific prayer.
 
Get by yourself, and be quiet for a few moments. Do not strain to think rightly or to find the right thought, but just be quiet. Remind yourself that the Bible says “Be still, and know that I am God.”
 
Then begin to think about God. Remind yourself of some of the things that you know about Him—that he is present everywhere, that He knows you and loves you and cares for you. Read a few verses of the Bible, or a paragraph from any spiritual book that helps you.
 
During this state it is important not to think about your problem, but to give your attention to God. In other words, do not try to solve your problem directly (Which would be using will power) but rather become interested in thinking of the nature of God.
 
Next claim the thing that you need. Claim it quietly and confidently, as you would ask for something to which you are entitled. Then give thanks for the accomplished fact as you would if somebody handed you a gift. Jesus said when you pray, believe that you receive and you shall receive.
 
Do not discuss your treatment with anyone.
 
In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength…(Isaiah 30:15).

How many times a day do we sit quietly thinking about anything? One way to accomplish this in a hectic world is by committing to daily prayer. If we start each day communing with Him in prayer, we will have better days and nights, and will also witness God demonstrating in our lives. The Seven R’s is a simple formula for effective prayer and goes like this: relax body and mind (three deep breaths), recognize God’s presence, release all earthly concerns, rejoice in all blessings , review (and take responsibility for) our own behavior, repent of and reject all wrong thoughts, words and deeds and reaffirm our faith and God’s granting of our prayers. Take five and try it right now.

Ahh, doesn’t that feel better?

Demonstrating,
Z Gardener

 

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Self-Analysis

Posted in Good Morning, tagged , on September 3, 2008| Leave a Comment »

Jesus has told us that we always demonstrate our consciousness. We always demonstrate what we habitually have in our mind. What sort of mind have you? Do not let anyone else tell you, because they do not know. People who like you will think your mentality is better than it is; those who do not like you will think is worse. Just examine your conditions and see what you are demonstrating. This method is scientific and infallible.
 
If an automobile engineer is working out a new design for an engine, for instance, he doesn’t’t, say:  “I wonder what Smith thinks about this. I like Smith. If Smith is against this I won’t try it.” Nor does he say, “I won’t try this idea because it comes from France.” He is impersonal and unemotional about it. He says, “ I will test it out, and decide by the results I obtain.” All that anyone can do for you is to help you change your thought. You yourself must keep it changed. No one else can think for you. “No man can save his brother’s soul or pay his brother’s debt.”
 
…and I will put a new spirit within you… (Ezekiel 11:19).

Controlling that about which we think is the most essential and challenging form of self discipline. When mastered, all other principles and practices will conform. When we are thinking of God, of others and of our blessings, our spirits soar as fear and pain cling to the ground far below us. When we feel grateful, hopeful and confident, anxiety hides its face from our light and doubt runs with guilt from our glory. God has put this spirit in us. It is our job to think and feel in harmony with that spirit.

Analyzing this,
Z Gardener

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An Inexhaustible Supply

Posted in Good Morning, tagged , on September 2, 2008| Leave a Comment »

 

          As far as God is concerned, there is no check of any kind upon the amount of divine energy that we can do or be. Yet, for practical purposes, you can draw from the inexhaustible Source only in accordance with the measure of your understanding, just as you can draw water from the Atlantic only in accordance with the size of the vessel that you use. Almost everyone is foolishly content to fill his pitcher, small as it may be, to somewhere very short of the top.
 
The true manner of God’s working is illustrated by a simple anecdote. A certain man was working in his garden, assisted by his little girl who had undertaken the task of watering the lawn by means of the usual rubber hose. Suddenly she cried out: “Daddy, the water has stopped.” The father looked over, and, taking in the situation quietly, said, “Well, take your foot off the hose.”
 
The ultimate cause of all our troubles is just this. Behind all secondary and proximate causes lies the same primary mistake. We have been pressing our feet and the whole weight of our mentality upon the pipe line of life, and then complaining because the water does not flow.
 
And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought…and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not (Isaiah 58:11).

How much more beautiful would our garden be if we would take our foot off the hose? Can we imagine exchanging our spiritual water hose for a fire hose? Then our garden would be the whole neig hborhood. Then think what would be possible if we could let all of God’s divine energy flow through us as the sea currents flow. Then the whole world would be our garden. As the songwriter said, “Let it flow”.

Flowing freely,
Z Gardener

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