Good Morning Garden

What has your religion done for you? For years probably, you have been attending church, reading spiritual books, studying the Bible. Now I suggest that you have a spiritual stocktaking. Ask yourself what difference religion has made in your life, in your home, in your affairs. How much peace of mind has it given you? How much courage? How much understanding? How much opportunity for service? For, make no mistake, real religion does give all these things.

If your spiritual stocktaking does not turn out to be satisfactory, I believe that you will find the explanation to lie in the following law: What you put into your religion, that you get out of it.

If you put in 5 percent of yourself, you will receive a 5 percent dividend or demonstration. If you put in 20 percent of yourself, you will receive a 20 percent demonstration. Complete returns call for a 100 percent investment.

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might… (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

“That which you sew, so shall you reap”. We have all heard this, and we should know that it especially applies to our religious life. Just as successful marriages are built on both partners giving 100 percent, so our religious development requires that we give 100 percent. There is no way around this truth. Daily prayer, constant awareness of God’s presence, subjecting our decisions to God’s will and thinking as God would have us think requires focused effort and must be applied with discipline it we are to receive the full benefits of a religious life.

Working the garden,
Z gardener

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Today most commercial flying is done on a radio beam. A directional beam is produced to guide the pilot to his destination, and as long as he keeps on this beam he knows that he is safe, even if he cannot see around him for fog, or get his bearings in any other way. As soon as he gets off the beam in any direction he is in danger, and he immediately tries to get back on the beam.

Those who believe in the Allness of God, have a spiritual beam upon which to navigate.

You are off the beam the moment you are angry or resentful or jealous or frightened or depressed; and when such a condition arises you should immediately get back on the beam by turning quietly to God in thought, claiming His Presence, claiming that His Love and Intelligence are with you, and that the promises in the Bible are true today. You are back on the beam and you will reach port in safety.

Keep on the beam and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

For this God is our God for ever and ever. He will be our guide even unto death. (Psalm 48:14).

There are so many things that can cause us to get off the beam. Some never turn on their radio and have no relationship with God so they have no beam at all. Some allow life’s static to block the beam and they get off course by listening to the interference rather than the beam. Others just decide to ignore the beam, plot their own course and end up lost and without a course that gets them to their destination.

Happy flying,
Z gardener

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Change is the law of the universe. Without change, the world would not merely remain in a static state, but it would soon become stale and stagnant. Without change there would be no progress, for change is the essence of betterment. It is obvious that to do anything in a new and better way there must be a change.

Many people look upon change with dread and foreboding. But for those on the spiritual path—for those who believe in God and the power of prayer—change is a fuller expression of life.

When a problem or condition arises in your life that indicates a change, rely upon God, and realize that it is not so much that a door has closed on a chapter of your life, but rather that a door has opened on new and more interesting things.

Behold, I make all things new (Revelation 2:15).

So often we find ourselves avoiding change at all costs when in fact, embracing change is the only way to improve our conditions. If we truly trust God, do our best and live in hopeful confidence, change will not appear as a problem, but as an opportunity. Even changes which are caused by sickness, misfortune or tragedy, will be turned to our best good if we turn to God for our direction and follow God’s will. The best way to ensure that any change is good will be to turn it over to God and apply our spiritual knowledge to the task of finding the blessing in the change. Then, whether the change is desired or dreaded, the result will be to our benefit. Embracing God allows us to welcome change and use it for God’s god purpose. Our Gardens need change in order to flourish, grow and provide joy, comfort and peace.

Let it grow,
Z gardener

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Don’t harbor superstitions of any kind, big or little. People often make a fetish of a number or a date, or a keepsake; or they believe certain things bring “bad luck.” This is denying God. The Bible says,
Thou shalt have no other gods before me (Exodus 20:3).
Because thou hast made the Lord…thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee…(Psalm 91:9-10).

One might ask, “How can a pinch of salt or a lucky rabbit’s foot cause any real problems?” The answer to that is large problems can start in small ways. Just like the addicted person who only started with a little bit, or the embezzler who only wanted a little money, or the politician who was only going to cross the ethical line once. The problem is that when one crosses the line, the line fades and shifts so that it becomes difficult to see if not impossible. The next thing you know, there is no line. Just a Satan told Eve that eating the fruit would cause no harm, we are told by a million voices that it is okay to put other things before God.

Trusting God,
Z gardener

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Don’t try to straddle the fence. If you wish to accomplish anything, you must be single- minded. It will be going the long way around if you first turn left and then right when you really want to go straight ahead.

Let nothing turn you from the path. The Bible says,
A double minded man is unstable in all his ways (James 1:8).

“Be strong and of a good courage. Turn neither to the left or to the right, but be ye strong and of a good courage”. How many of us know the right thing to do, but for some reason are afraid to do it? Or maybe we feel too weak to do it. One of the toughest things to do right is to turn our lives over to God . While there may be a million “reasons” that we want to control our own lives, there is one reason to put away the self and follow the Lord. Guaranteed success in all things is the reason. Whether spiritually, physically, mentally or emotionally, we will find our Garden here and forever by submitting to God’s will. If we are to be the creatures God created us to be, if we are to find true peace and joy, if we are to fulfill our destiny, we must single-mindedly follow God’s call to us. If we allow doubt, fear or weakness to turn us from this path, we will remain lost and will be stuck in the land East of Eden. When we have the courage strength and will to stay on God’s path, we will live each moment in our Garden here and with God forever. Almighty God, let nothing turn us from your path. Amen.

Of a single mind,
Z gardener

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IVORY, APES, AND PEACOCKS

The Bible states that five things were to be found around the temple—For the king had at sea a navy of Tharshish with the navy of Hiram: once in three years came the navy of Tharshish, bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks (1 Kings 10:22).

Then comes the ivory. This stands for undue attachment to a particular teacher, a particular textbook, or a particular church or other organization. It is a mistaken loyalty. It is an unselfish error, but a deadly one. Any religious teacher or writer, however eminent, any church or center, however much beloved, is still but a means to an end. The end itself is spiritual growth.

Recognize with gratitude all the help you receive from any source, but remember that your loyalty is due to God, through your own spiritual development. You must feel free at any time to go wherever you get the most help, irrespective of personal considerations.

The ape stands for bodily temptations such as sensuality, addiction to drink, drugs and so forth. These things are so obvious that the victim cannot deceive himself about them, so that at least he knows where he stands. They can, of course, be overcome by systematic prayer.

The peacock stands for vanity. Vanity may take the form of intellectual pride, or of a snobbish attitude, or the desire to stand in with what is fashionable and powerful. It also includes spiritual pride on the part of those who really are in Truth, and this is worse than any of the other forms.

But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness (1 Timothy 6:11).

All of these symbols have something in common. They all block us from God-centered spiritual growth. Idolatry of teachers and institutions, dependence on physical gratification or self-inflation will stifle, misdirect and deny the development of our spiritual consciousness. While some may seem harmless on their face, we should remember that the evil one appealed to Eve with a beautiful and delicious fruit not a poisonous and ugly fungus. The best way to overcome temptation is to avoid it and flee when it draws near to us.

Seeking Godliness,
Z gardener

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Next comes the silver. This stands for greed of money or money’s worth, for material objects that can be bought, and even for riches themselves. Or it may be that the offender is not interested in riches themselves but in their ability to give him a position of honor in the eyes of the world. He wants to be considered important and to have adulation or applause. Often he wants to be a “leader,” not because he has a message to give but to be important. He is the victim of egotism. Now this is a base and ignoble sin; an insurmountable barrier across the spiritual path.

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows (1 Timothy 6:10).

Money is not evil. Having money is not evil. It will not defile us nor will it corrupt us. In fact, properly used and given its appropriate status, it can facilitate great good and bring life, health, comfort and hope. The problems associated with money comes from within us. Jesus said nothing from without can defile us, but it is what we have within us that defiles us. Greed, vanity, egotism, power mongering, desire for control of others and the idolatry of wealth all comes from within and are expressed (pressed out) into the world by us. But beware of this. Money and wealth do appeal to our weaknesses, easily lend themselves to abuse and can facilitate our separation from God. Because of its power to provide material security, it often becomes a substitute for spiritual security and blocks our path to God. If we want to be sure that our relationship with wealth is a healthy one, we should ask ourselves a few simple questions. Which do we enjoy more, giving it away or piling it up and spending it? How much do we spend on ourselves versus how much we spend on others or give away? If we were penniless tomorrow, would we still be happy? The honest answers to these questions self-reveal whether our reaction to money is defiling us from within. It will also may help determine whether we live in the Garden or reside East of Eden due to our inner materialism.

Seeking the Temple,
Z gardener

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The Bible says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the beginning of knowledge. This has misled many people, because the truth is that fear is entirely evil and is indeed the only enemy we have. You can heal any condition if you can get rid of the fear attaching to it. Trouble or sickness is nothing but subconscious fear out-pictured in our surroundings. It is true at all times that “we have nothing to fear but fear.”

How then do we account for the texts quoted? The answer is that in the Bible the fear of God means reverence for God, not fear in the usual sense of the word. Reverence for God is the beginning of wisdom. Howe do we show reverence for God? By seeing God everywhere, refusing to recognize anything unlike Him, and by living the Christ life.

Confidence is worship. You worship whatever you trust. Are you trusting more in fear or in God? What are you worshipping? That is the test.

Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace. (Job 22:21).

Overcoming fear is a true test of our faith. Whether facing lif e threatening illness, issues that are trying to tear our family apart, financial ruin or other personal tragedy, our faith is challenged by fear. If we are trusting in our own ability, intelligence or strength, fear will overcome us and rob us of our faith. When we trust in God and work according to that trust, our faith will vanquish our fear. The key is to remember that God sends all things to us for our best good, especially fear. For just as the tree grows stronger because it is blown by fierce winds, so our faith increases when we depend in it to overcome fear. Our reverence for and faith in God is the beginning of wisdom and the end of fear.

Facing fear with faith,
Z gardener

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GOLD

We know that the spiritual consciousness which we are all engaged in building is spoken of in the Bible as the Temple of Solomon. The name Solomon means peaceful, and symbolizes wisdom. This is logical, for peace of mind is the foundation of all spiritual building, the hallmark of understanding.

The Bible states that five things were to be found around the temple—For the king had at sea a navy of Tharshish with the navy of Hiram: once in three years came the navy of Tharshish, bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks (1 Kings 10:22).

This is the Scriptural manner of telling us that there are five principal temptations that may come to the soul that is striving to build the spiritual temple. The particular form that each temptation takes will vary according to the temperament and circumstances of the subject, but in principle will be the same.

First comes the gold, and this stands for desire for personal power over other people, the desire to regulate their lives, to make them toe the line—our line, naturally—and even to make use of them. Many people on the spiritual path have given way to this temptation. They must dominate other people’souls. They tell themselves that it is done for the good of the victims, of course, but it is really a craving for personal power and glorification. It is not an ignoble sin like that connected with the silver, but for that very reason it is far more dangerous, far-reaching, and enduring.

The thing that gold symbolizes when rightly understood is the omnipresence of God; and of course religious tyranny is a denial of this. You should do all you can to help, to enlighten, and to inspire others, as far as your own understanding will permit, but you must never try to dictate their convictions; or to hold to your own opinions. Religious tyranny is poisonous to the victims; but it is absolutely mortal to the tyrant.

Woe be unto that believer who attempts to force their religious convictions on others. That believer usurps the role of God and convicts themselves of putting their judgement above God’s. Now this is bad enough for the non-believer or the ignorant. But for those who know God’s truth, it is paramount to self- damnation. All believers should tend to the beam in their own eyes and leave the splinters in their sisters and brothers eyes to God. Remember, judge not, lest ye be judged my brothers and sisters.

Tending my beam,

Z gardener

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Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you (Matthew 5:10-12).

In view of what we know about the teaching of20Jesus, that the will of God for us is harmony, peace, and joy, and that these things are to be attained by cultivating right thoughts, or “righteousness,” this is a very startling statement . Jesus tells us again and again that it is our Father’s good pleasure to give us the Kingdom, and that the way in which we are to receive it is by cultivating serenity, or peace of soul. He says that the peacemakers who do this, praying in “meekness” shall inherit the earth, have their mourning turned into joy, and that, in fact, whatever they shall ask the Father in the manner of this teaching, that will He do. Yet here we are told that it is blessed to be persecuted as the result of our “righteousness” for by this means we shall triumph; that it is cause for rejoicing and gladness to be reviled and accused; and that the prophets and Illumined Ones suffered these things too.

All this is indeed very startling, and it is perfectly correct. However, persecution only becomes an occasion for rejoicing when we are deeply aware of our real nature, our true immortality, and know that the suffering of our bodies can be transcended and even transmuted by our state of consciousness. Pe rsecution can be for us a blessed condition when we realize that in such moments we are really advancing… be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life (Revelation 2:10) is a promise that may become a reality right here on this earth.

How strange it seems that our righteousness would cause us to suffer. On its face it seems unfair and counterproductive. Yet, our suffering does accomplish God’s purpose when we understand and accept that through God we can overcome our troubles and be better for the struggle. It is not what we want, nor is it meant to punish us. It is merely part of life that elevates us when we overcome it. God, please send to us that which we need to live in our Garden. Grant us the faith and trust to accept that which you send as a blessing and to give thanks for it.

In thanks,
Z gardener

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