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Archive for November, 2009

Ever-Present Help

Posted in Family Faith, Good Morning, tagged , on November 30, 2009| Leave a Comment »

Resignation in defeat is really a sin.

If an old problem continues to stick—pray for inspiration and intelligence. Stop struggling and thank God constantly for setting you free.

If nervous or frightened—throw the responsibility on God, and tell Him that you know you are safe in His hands.

If someone is being troublesome—see only the Presence of God where the troublesome person seems to be.

If you want to make faster progress—claim understanding and affirm that divine Love is working through you.

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you (1 Peter 5:7).

It is so easy to let the world weigh us down. Sometimes we just want to pull the covers over our heads and refuse to get out of bed. In such times, we have a sure source of help that never leaves us and never fails us. But to lean on God when we face hardship requires faith.

Like a person working high up on towers who has faith that his harness will keep him from falling, we too have a safety line that will save us every time. So, even when problems reoccur, or we are frightened, or we are dealing with a troublesome person, or we simply want to advance faster spiritually, we must put on our harness and safety line that God provides.

And lastly, we must never quit trusting God and turning to God for our comfort and support. God is an ever present help if we just call on him and follow God’s will. When we do this, we will be free, safe from fear and unburdened by those who would trouble us. Then we can live in our gardens each day in joy and gladness.

Casting upon Christ,
Z gardener

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Why I Am Thankful

Posted in Good Morning, tagged , on November 26, 2009| Leave a Comment »

It is my prayer today that each of us will be filled with gratitude, compassion, charity and empathy.
And that we will experience all of the joy, hope, peace, gladness and love that God would have us know.
It is also my prayer that all these blessings will abide with us and within us each day.

Listed below are the things that I thank and praise God for every day. It is my prayer that they will be a blessing to each of you, and that each of you will have a blessed, happy and safe Thanksgiving.

I am thankful and praise God:

For His blessings and protection;
For God’s existence, for revealing Himself to us and for His presence with us;
For God’s love, grace and forgiveness;
For God’s Son who created us, became Jesus, was crucified and resurrected to save us;
For the Holy Spirit Jesus left in us to counsel, guide and advocate for us.

I am thankful and praise God:

For our lives here below and all God’s earthly blessing, miracles, intercessions and protections;
For Pam and I, our love for each other, our marriage and bond, and the Us;
For our precious angels Jordan and Chance;
For the special people and spirits they are;
For the love and life we have together;
For the time and space God has given us here together;
For the time God will give here together and together forever with Him;

I am thankful and praise God:

For all our family and friends;
For our health, our home and all our material blessings;
For our church, its members and leadership;
For our employees and our business, for our partners and our network;
For our clients and our benefactors

And, I am thankful and praise God that I have the privilege to live the life given to me, in the Eden God created for me.

The peace of the Lord be with you.

Z gardener

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Mental Assent

Posted in Good Morning, tagged , on November 24, 2009| Leave a Comment »

When you give your mental assent to any idea, good or bad, you associate yourself with that idea and you incorporate it into your consciousness—to the extent that you realize it. When you read a passage of Scripture you will, if you assent to it mentally, incorporate it into your life to that extent.

This law, of course, works the other way too. If when you hear or read of some piece of injustice or cruelty, you approve it mentally by thinking that “it serves him right,” you are associating yourself with that deed, and making it a part of your own life, even though you do not speak a word. It is the mental assent that counts.

Give your assent only to Truth.

For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity….So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God…. (Romans 7:22, 23, 25).

It is said that a person who can control their thoughts will control their speech and thereby will control their experience. That could not be more true. All that we are and all that we experience begins with our thoughts. These thoughts become feelings and then will manifest themselves in our lives. However, mental assent is fully realized when accompanied by feeling and interest. So, giving mental assent is the first step. We will all harbor thoughts that are bad at some time. The key is to reject those thoughts immediately and refuse to invest them with feeling or actions. When such thoughts come to us, we could use the same phrase that Jesus used. Simply say, “Get thee behind me Satan”, and put your mind on something positive. Each time the thought returns, repeat the process. Soon, we will find the discipline to avoid such thoughts almost entirely.

The same is true for our faith and our positive thoughts. Thinking about God and giving mental assent to God’s truth is the most important step, but is only the first step. Our faith and God’s power is fully realized in our lives when we feel it, invest our interest in it and act on it in our experience. When we do all these things, God’s love, peace and joy are open to us in full measure. Then we will lie down in green pastures, and then our cup will run over. Then we will spend our days and nights in the gardens God created for us.

Assenting to truth,
Z gardener

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Common Sense Vocabulary

Posted in Good Morning, tagged , on November 23, 2009| Leave a Comment »

When you apply a certain word to God, it must bear the same essential meaning as it does when you apply it to man—otherwise it has no meaning at all. When you say that God is Love or Intelligence, or that He is Just, these words must mean substantially what they mean when applied to human beings. The love of God must be essentially the same that we know as the love of the mother for her children, or the love of the artist for his creation, purified and increased to infinity, of course.

The truth is that God is Love and Intelligence; and that He works with perfect wisdom and perfect justice to all, at all times, in the ordinary and correct meaning of these words.

…God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5).
He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is Love (1 John 4:8).
Good and upright is the Lord… (Psalm 25:8).

Although there are many things in the Bible that may be hard to understand, these words have no symbolism or hidden meaning. They are plain, simple and beautiful truths. While we may have difficulty working through this or that challenge or problem that confronts us, these truths remain inviolate. We must let no hardship or misfortune separate us from these simple truths. If we light our lives with these truths, no darkness can take us from from love and protections.

Unified with the truth,
Z gardener

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Use That Broom

Posted in Good Morning, tagged , on November 18, 2009| Leave a Comment »

A good housekeeper sees to it that dust and dirt do not accumulate in nooks and corners and on shelves. Periodically, the house is gone over and given a through cleaning. Too often in our spiritual lives, we allow negative things to accumulate in the corners of our minds. We tackle the obvious problems as they come along, but allow the small difficulties to pile up in the corners.

For instance, if we are faced with a problem of health or finance, we get to work on that immediately, but if, on the other hand, someone has injured us, instead of handling the incident spiritually at the time, we tuck it away and perhaps pack in a little resentment along with it. Such problems should be dealt with as they arise. If someone has injured you, forgive him now, and be done with it. Take care of the other difficulties in like manner.

Be a good housekeeper. Clean out every nook and corner—and God will make you worthy of greater accomplishments in the future.

And he said unto him, Well done, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over then cities (Luke 19:17)

Just think; if every hurt we had experienced was erased form our hearts, if every injustice, betrayal or insult were wiped from our memories, if by some miracle we forgot all the times we were wronged, mistreated or maligned. That would be a miracle, right?

Well brothers and sisters, we have the opportunity to do that any and every day. By forgiving all those who have hurt us, turning that hurt over to God and by accepting that we are all God’s children and bound together, we can, by God’s grace be freed from the emotions, resentments and angers that lock us to our pain.

Know also, that if we do not to forgive, fail to turn those hurts over to God and refuse to recognize our brothers and sisters as God’s children, these hurts will plague us and we will remain shackled to them.

So today, let us forgive and release our feelings about those who have hurt, judged, condemned, wished ill upon us and especially loved ones who have hurt or disappointed us. Then, we will live in harmony with them and ourselves. Then we will be freed from the yoke that burdens our hearts, and we will forgiven just as we have forgiven. Forgive and live free.

Sweeping clean today,
Z gardener

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Use What You Have

Posted in Good Morning, tagged on November 16, 2009| Leave a Comment »

Many people say to me, “I want to get on faster. I want more understanding.” And as a rule they go on to ask for a list of books to read or some “advanced course” that they can take.

This attitude is quite mistaken. It implies that spiritual advancement is a question of intellectual activity—of the mere accretion of knowledge. That is true in the study of mathematics, or of physics, or chemistry, but it is not true in metaphysics. Spiritual growth comes from putting into practice the knowledge we already possess. Instead of reading another book, read your favorite book once more and apply it more carefully than ever in your practical life.

Metaphysics, like music, is both a science and an art. In metaphysics it is absolutely true that you learn by doing.

…be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only… (James 1:22).

The path to full spiritual attainment is best traveled by applying our spiritual knowledge and awareness in the physical world. It is when we put our faith to work in the material world that greater knowledge and awareness are given us. For those who want to have greater progress, try greater application of what is already known. Give more, love more and believe more. Take less, fear not and flee doubt.

The more we act in accordance with God’s will, the faster we run down the path to enlightenment. Spiritual fulfillment will not come from some startling new facts, it will come from a thousand kind words and deeds. It will appear when overcoming evil by outdoing evil. It will come from practicing patience during duress, tolerance during mistreatment and forgiveness during judgement. It will also come from keeping ourselves open to the will of God and God’s continuing revelations as they manifest themselves in the joys and challenges of life in the material world.

Running to the light.
Z gardener

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Cash That Bill

Posted in Good Morning, tagged on November 13, 2009| Leave a Comment »

Within you is an inexhaustible source of power, if you can but contact it. That power can heal you, and it can inspire you by telling you what to do and how to do it. It can give you peace of mind, and , above all, it can give you direct knowledge of God. That power is scientific prayer. There is no problem that prayer cannot overcome and no good thing that it cannot bring into your life.
This is the message of the whole Bible. It was summed up by Jesus when he said,

…the kingdom of God is within you (Luke 17:21).

This truth was dramatically illustrated by an incident in real life. The body of a tramp, clad in rags, was discovered near a lime kiln where he had evidently crept for warmth. After the autopsy his clothes were torn up to be put into the incinerator, and sewn into the lining of the trousers was a bank note for a large amount. Unquestionably the original owner of the suit had had it sewn in there for safety, and for some unknown reason lost track of it.
Consider the situation! This poor hobo had sat down many a time to lukewarm coffee – and all the time he was sitting on a thousand dollars. People may have plenty of money and yet be hoboes for health or happiness or spiritual experience. Riches do not become wealth until they are realized. Cash your bill at the Bank of Heaven and make it productive.

But my God shall supply all your need… (Philippians 4:19)

How many treasures do we hold hidden within, unused, unnoticed or unknown to us? The answer is all the treasures that exist. We are not poor, destitute beggars trying to squeak through a life devoid of value, resources or joy. Instead, God has freely given us everything the universe can offer for our happiness, fulfillment, peace and joy.

Yet we deny that we possess these gifts, we even deny the giver. We seek our own will and ignore the will and love of God. We struggle against problems great and small even while in possession of all power and might. Why? Because we either don’t believe, refuse to yield or fail to obey the nature, power or will of God within us.

This power is given by God to us, the creatures given dominion over all creation.
When we say God does not exist, or I don’t want to give God control or I just can’t obey God, we cut ourselves off from God’s infinite power and love.

When we accept God’s existence, give God control and obey God’s will, then all the hidden or unrecognized power of God flows through us into the material world. Then we will seek that which is good, find that which is good for us and live in the Eden created for us. Seek God; find power.

Seeking,
Z gardener

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Can Happiness Be Found?

Posted in Good Morning, tagged , on November 12, 2009| Leave a Comment »

Volumes have been written on the secret of happiness, but I like the simple old story that has been told so often.

In the old days, there was a king who was so miserable and unhappy that he called together all of his soothsayers, magicians, and other court advisers to find a remedy. They tried all sorts of methods to rouse the king out of his deep despair— but alas, to no avail. Finally, one of them suggested that a search be made for the happiest man in the kingdom, for it was thought that if the king could put on the man’s undershirt, he would become happy too. In due course, the happiest man in the kingdom was found. But, of course, he had never even owned an undershirt. His happiness sprang from within.

And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:13).

Our search for happiness begins and ends within us. God created us with everything we need to be happy, fulfilled and at peace. God did not fill creation with our sources of joy, instead God filled us with them. Things, places, position or status will never make anyone happy. Freedom from want or fear won’t do the trick either. The world is full of wealthy, successful and powerful people who are unhappy, empty and unfulfilled.

No, the source for true happiness comes from God and is given to us as a gift. It comes into our lives when we follow God’s will and obey God’s instructions. We become happy when we act, think and feel according to God’s spirit within us. When we manifest God’s will through loving, giving and caring, the grace and mercy of God flow through us into our lives and outward into our world. When we live with an humble and grateful spirit that puts God first and demonstrates God’s love in us, then God’s love and happiness fill our hearts and our lives.

It is then we realize that we already have our gardens, and that we are surrounded by and filled with love, peace, joy and gladness. There is no need to search for it, there is nothing in the world that can take that joy away, nor can we travel anywhere and lose it.

First within, then without,

Z gardener

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That Illogical Fellow

Posted in Good Morning, tagged , on November 11, 2009| Leave a Comment »

People sometimes say, “ I believe firmly in the spiritual teaching, and I have done so for years, but I have never been able to make it work—isn’t that strange?” And sometimes they say this with quite an air of triumph.

Such people remind me of a man who used to boast that he had an ailment that no one could heal. He had successfully defied every school of healing and had emerged triumphantly still in possession of his affliction. As it happens, his wife did heal him later on by prayer alone, but she was a patient and persevering woman. That man’s wife probably points the way to the overcoming of such illogicality. The key to success lies in just the qualities that she obviously had; patience combined with a gentle and unhurried expectation of success.

The patient whom she healed is not a rare specimen, nor is he unknown to any one of us. We are all likely to encounter him under our own hat at any moment!

I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works…(Revelation 2:19).

Patience and a gentle and unhurried expectation of success are lacking in most of us. The world pushes for instant gratification, aggressive action, immediate results and the assumption that success only results from our direct action. However, true success is only assured when we turn to God in patience and confidence. It is when we drain out the self and its aggressive assumptions that patience and expectation replace hurried-ness and doubt. Even those who believe in God will have problems demonstrating if they do not expect success and are patient enough for it to happen in God’s way and according to God’s timetable. The wise old gardener plants a seed and then waits expectantly until its time has come to sprout. The impetuous youngster plants the same and watches impatiently each day for the sprout. The child may lose their expectation and even their confidence in the sprout long before it is due. The old gardener goes about his business with confidence until the time is right and then welcomes the new sprout with a smile. If we cultivate our gardens as wise gardeners, we will live in a state of quiet, patient and confident expectation of God’s grace and our gardens will flourish.

In expectation,
Z gardener

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Tidal Water Heals

Posted in Good Morning, tagged , on November 9, 2009| Leave a Comment »

If you have explored some of the back waters within a few miles of the ocean you will know how much difference tidal water makes. Here you come upon a stagnant pool, partly covered with weeds and slime, an unpleasant place to be near. Not far away is another pool but this is filled with clean, salt-smelling sea water, and the growing things around it are pleasant and wholesome. The difference is that in one case the living ocean water pours in twice a day charged with vitality, and then flows out again carrying away anything stale or lifeless. It is this circulation of life that makes the difference between the two pools.

When the tide is out, we sometimes see a boat stranded, unable to move, but we know that this condition is only temporary because the tide always comes back and refloats the boat. As long as you keep up your daily visit with God, your soul is open to tidal water, and even if you should seemingly be left high and dry for a period, it is only a question of time before the living ocean will float you off once more.

Keep your soul flooded with the tidal water of eternal life and …nothing shall by any means hurt you (Luke 10:19).

Just as we must nourish our bodies each day with food and water, we must nourish our souls and spirits. What is it with which we feed our spirits.

Daily prayer is a great breakfast that gives us the strength and clarity to order our day around God. A balanced spiritual breakfast includes a warm serving of praise, two sides of gratitude, three pieces confession, a large glass of forgiveness and two buttered blessings. Then we will be fortified to start our day on our best foot.

With a fully nourished spirit, we will then be ready to do our spiritual work for the day. Spreading love and joy into the world is hard work. By lunch time we will need a hearty helping of grace and probably and quarter pound of mercy with some forbearance on the side. Gulping down an ice cold glass of redemption, we can take on the afternoon. Sharing our strength and spreading compassion, support and understanding will take most of our energy before we settle in for supper. Then we can sit down in the evening with a good day’s spiritual activity behind us.

What better way to prepare for our evening rest than to look around the table at our loved ones and to share the bowl of love, contentment and peace that will sooth our souls and prepare us for the night. Sharing the spiritual blessings of a life that comes from filling ourselves with the hope, faith and sure knowledge of God’s providence. And spiritually fulfilled because we have nourished ourselves with the love, word and will of God.

Spiritually full,
Z gardener

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