Orlando Tragedy

Orlando Tragedy.

Shock.

Here I am in Orlando. The news flash shook the area and continued throughout the day -- and will continue in changed emotions and reactions on this, the second day, after the mass shooting and murder in Pulse night club.

The extent of damage and death caused by this one individual is shocking.

There is an immediate and crucial need. Please join me in turning my thoughts to those 50-some people who were injured and in hospitals in the area. It is a sobering action.  It rivets us away from the shock of the evil to a completely higher conscious awareness -- because those who need to heal need to have such mental and spiritual qualities as love, compassion, forgiveness, and a sense of the caring, ministering angels of mercy. Condemnation and judgment, anger, frustration, or fear, are not elements that carry healing.

What can we do?

To add to the mental atmosphere of the healing force that will aid in the recovery of those injured, we must lift our conscious thought into the realm of Spirit, Love. Otherwise, we are not adding any energy to the much-needed healing essence that delivers from violence and makes whole.

Jesus taught us to go into the closet of prayer and silently pray, and listen, to our Father, divine Mind, Love. Here we turn away from persons and judgment; we look up to the Allness of God as a healing Light that disperses shadows of pain, condemnation, terror, injuries, threat, panic, shock, sadness, or grief.

Not only do we turn to this Light, as a flower turns to the sun, to realize its presence resting on the injured and their helpers, we also observe this powerful healing agent encircling the ones who have moved on through "the valley of the shadow of death," and their families and loved ones. This comforting energy of Love only needs to be spiritually observed to be seen and felt more concretely by those who need its aid. It does not need to be directed; it needs only be seen and acknowledged through our spiritual sense.

This is what we can do. This will bring much needed relief and healing.

Let us go on a "watch" that we guard against standing appalled at the tragedy and actions of this one man that harmed so many, and instead turn our thoughts to the peace and calm, the gentleness, of the divine Presence and angels that bring comfort and healing to all who have been affected by the shooting in Orlando. Let our thoughts bear witness to Love's ever-presence, thereby settling down the shock and bringing in the healing Christ presence.

Carve out a Place of Peace

At this moment, I’m heading for Assisi on a fast train in Italy. Tomorrow I will meditate in the quiet place, Eremo delle Carceri, a monastery 2 ½ miles east of the town. This tranquil place has not changed since the time of Saint Francis. When I get to this peaceful, holy place, I will go within to my own sacred place in consciousness. 

This spiritual place of refuge within is universal and changeless – available to all – but needs to be discovered and nurtured. Here is the place to hide away in times of trouble – a place where you can be still and strong while the wildness of stress-producing incidents or circumstances nag or rage. 

Stress hits. Best to have a solid place carved out and ready in consciousness – a place in which to resort and take refuge. Make it a place of stillness. Make it quiet. Fill it consciously with the Christ-presence, with soft and gentle Light. Prepare this sacred place ahead for challenging times always come.

Stress strikes fast, and when it’s an intense situation with no way to physically escape, you need a place within to be safe. Psalm 91:1 calls it the “secret place of the Most High.” This is especially wonderful for one who tends to be sensitive, shy, or introverted, and is the best place to go universally. This “secret place” or “kingdom of heaven” that Jesus said is “within you,” provides secureness amidst stress-producing inharmonious events or situations. Go there mentally and take a deep calming breath of Spirit, Soul.

Remember, only what your heavenly Father thinks of you is important, not what other people might perceive, and He looks on the heart. If you wish that someone would totally understand you, it is done. The Father, divine Mind, the all-knowing, knows you entirely and understands. 

So what does the Father see when He looks at you? His own “image and likeness,” minus the flaws, sins, and errors – and this truth of your being consciously realized to any extent has power to purify, transform, uplift, and forgive. It enables you to express the true qualities of good that have their source in God, and to awaken to your actual eternal and spiritual selfhood in His image.

Carve out that quiet still tranquil place in your consciousness through prayer and feeling after divine Love. Carve it out hard because when you need it in extreme temptation or stress, it will be there prepared and strong.

Two-thirds of God's Name Moves You Forward

I write this Joy-Restoration blog as I fly over the ocean to Italy. I will soak up some of the rich spiritual atmosphere in many of its ancient churches. The young man sitting in the seat beside me on this wonderful Lufthansa flight is going to Italy to preach. He has given me the memorable idea reflected in the title of this post -- "Two-thirds of God's name is GO."

This makes me think of the all-action of God --Go -- that "man" (in His likeness) reflects! This changes the ordinary sense of being busily "on the go." All action (divine action) is good and is peaceful. There is no rush, no hurry. The divine action, expressed in man, is harmonious and uplifting.

It is our nature as God's "image and likeness" to express action -- good action, forward-moving and positive. We cannot be stuck or suffer inertia because God's name, beginning "go," is expressed in each one of us forever.

We can prayerfully affirm the truth of one action, all harmonious (which makes us free from the various impositions of action being too fast or too slow, or stopped or clogged, etc.).

To "go" in Spirit is effortless action. There is no backward step for any one of us -- ever.

We can move forward -- "go" -- after sad events, loss, or even disasters. Moving forward cannot be avoided. Let's move forward from here then, preserving all the good, and advancing in Love. The best thing to move forward to is in the spirit of unselfish love for others, and prayer for all mankind.

So far as "coming and going" in any sense of that phrase -- the reality is that we "live, move, and have our being" in the Infinite One. We are eternally in the Life that is God, in the kingdom of heaven that is "within us," as Jesus taught. As we spiritualize our thought we are more and more aware of where we truly dwell in Spirit (even now).

You are the blessed child of Spirit, Love, under the "shadow of the Almighty."

In Despair? "Come unto me."

He who has given us the best model for living life through tough times and challenges, Christ Jesus, nonetheless offered (and still offers) encouragement and powerful help -- "Come unto me," he implores. In the midst of opposition, trickery, and hatred ("they hated me before they hated you"), the Master affirmed that "[his] burden was light."

If you have a lot to deal with right now and feel heavy, take your consciousness and heart to the Savior, to the Christ, and lay it down. Put all your cares, sorrows, and worries at the feet of the Christ. Let it go. Stop carrying the burdens, the fears, the what-ifs, around with you. Put them at his feet. Empty your hands.

Pray as Jesus taught, "Our Father..." The Father is divine Love. You are the child. The Parent-Love, the eternal One, your Creator, is present holding you right now. Prayer is that mental state of spiritualized consciousness where you are still enough to let the divine presence manifest and be felt. It is so powerful. Just be still and it will come. This is how you "Come unto me," to the Christ -- within your very being. He is in you, and you are in Him.

Despair is heavy and dark; it would block the light and lightness of Love's care that is ever present and ready to lift you up. Come to that place in your heart where you feel you can do nothing, and lay all down at the feet of Christ. Be as an infant that trusts its mommy.

The worse the situation, the more childlike you should be. Jesus' worst time was in the Garden of Gethsemane. He knew that they were coming for him, that he would be tortured, crucified, killed -- but would rise again on the 3d day. Even so, he prayed to know if they was any way that he would not have to do that. No. His crucifixion and resurrection were the way for him to teach an eternal and unforgettable lesson -- the lesson that Life overcomes death, and Love is supreme over hatred, jealousy, envy, bitterness, resentment, and any other negative emotional or psychical thing.

In Gethsemane Jesus prayed, "Father, Abba..." Abba means "daddy." See how childlike he was. He is our example. If you are in despair, if thought is half-frozen, if shock has set in -- follow the example. Pray to our Father by turning to "daddy." Feel yourself as an infant in His tender arms. Wait.

Wait. Be still. Feel. Jesus' burden is light. You are light. You are being lightened and enlightened. Stay in the stillness of the center of Love's Being. Just that. Right there. Quiet. He will come and heal you -- this is "Come unto me."

Law of Supply: Multiplication, not Division or Subtraction

Mourning the loss of supply -- one's job, a benefactor's generosity, a connection broken, an inheritance stolen -- calls for a change in consciousness. Any sense of lack is not in accord with the true nature of the universe. Jesus illustrated and proved this when feeding a multitude of 5,000 men (besides women and children) with five loaves of bread and two fishes (Mark, chapter 6). The disciples, representing the ordinary thought of supply and demand as material and finite, see no solution for the hungry thousands other than to send them away so they can buy food and eat. Jesus challenges their sense of things, saying, "Ge ye them to eat." The disciples are incredulous, having only five loaves and two fishes. They think, even if each person took one crumb, there would not be enough (no division).

Jesus takes charge with his limitless sense of infinite good and boundless abundance. He makes the people sit in groups of fifties and hundreds (organize the huge problem into smaller chunks). He looks up and blesses the loaves and fish, giving thanks, and then breaks the bread and gives it to the disciples, commanding them to distribute to the people. He, himself, distributes the fish. So what must that look like? In your hand is a half loaf -- you break some off and hand it away -- and then there it is again, a half-loaf (no subtraction).

Multiplication is the Law of supply. Jesus was acting in accord with this Law. It is expressed in Genesis, "Let there be light, and there was light." We should say, "Let there be abundant supply," and there is abundant supply. One sure way to manifest more-than-enough is to give. The more we give, the more we receive, even ten to one-hundred fold more. Give away smiles, compliments, good deeds, money, food, time, whatever -- "freely give" and "freely receive." Take this next week and give generously, not hoping for anything back, but be a "cheerful giver" for the joy of giving. In this unselfish and high attitude you attract supply, it comes naturally. No mourning over loss, no fear of losing anything or using up resources, but an attitude of ever-present good and supply of all things needful -- gratitude -- this is the secret behind wonderful manifestations of good (loaves and fishes today). This story is sandwiched into the midst of chapter 6 in Mark, and is one of the lessons we learn as present day disciples focused on practical healing and help. See my course, "Training Today's Twelve" at scripturalstudycenter.org, for more!

Listening in Prayer Comforts and Heals

As your online Coach, I want to share the idea of "listening" in prayer -- rather than telling, asking, or even begging or bargaining! When we get desperate we can get crazy! BE STILL.

In order hear what God has to tell you, we must stop talking and "listen" in prayer.

To do this you must do what Jesus instructed with his analogy-teaching of going "into the closet" to pray. You must be still and quiet -- like being shut into a closet alone. There is a place in your consciousness like this. Once you establish this for yourself you can go there quickly -- even in the midst of loud confusion or fear. If it is a new place to go mentally ... here is how you find it:

Go to a quiet place (even if it's in your car alone).
Close your eyes (in order to shut out thoughts that involuntarily come as you see things around you).
Think "Spirit" and hold your attention there for a minute or so.
Say "Spirit" and "Love" over and over ... keep attention there.
Adopt a "listening" attitude...expectant of an idea -- not necessarily a sound -- but an idea or feeling.

As your Coach, I am giving this assignment to you for the weekend (through Monday). Do this at least once a day (even if it is not a new thing for you). If you have already established your "closet of prayer" place in consciousness, and you already have had many experiences of healing the divine messages and inspirations -- then when you do this you will find yourself receiving and feeling in more depth than usual. There is always progress -- more clarity, more spiritual power. The Source is infinite. You are loved and divine Love will speak to you.

Listen. To pay attention; to receive an impression.

Because man is God's "image and likeness" or reflection -- and you are "man" (male/female) -- you reflect the thoughts of Mind, and this is the deepest meaning of "listening" in prayer. "How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee" (Psalm 139:17-18).

God's thoughts are thoughts of peace -- listen and feel after this peace. 

A New View for Comfort and Freedom

A relationship involving loss can be torturous (whether you lose the person or lose their love), but this misery can be abated by how you choose to think, which governs how you feel. Thinking is first, feeling follows along -- like the steering wheel is first and the car turns in accord with it (not vice versa). Usually people think that if such-and-such a thing changes (or if only it could change, or come back to a previous state) that then they would be happy and relieved. This is like waiting for the car to make the turn without touching the steering wheel. If the car is heading straight toward a cliff we should put our hands on the steering wheel and turn it! Here is the good thing -- we can change how we think without hindrance from any one or any situation -- and we change our thought best by turning awareness to God and then bringing the fact of being His likeness to bear on the condition or situation. This true healing of thought and emotion is not mere positive thinking or human mind affirmations, it is the reflection of the One Consciousness or Intelligence of the universe, the Creator, God, Good, Love. It is by the law of reflection as His likeness that our thought comes into alignment with His, and God, Mind, is always in perfect peace and absolute control.

Often our reasoning out from the way things appear, the thinking that seems so incontestable, so concrete and unquestionable, is the very culprit that binds us with chains of misery worse than actual steel. In a Grief coaching session, the intuitive and highly spiritualized thought of the Christian coach can read the case, discern the problems in reasoning and conclusions, and offer the key to unlock the shackles that bind one to stress, grief, fear, and agonizing. Behind this sharp discernment that pierces the black cloud over the sufferer's consciousness and feeling, is the basic spiritual fact that God is Good and infinite, filling all space, ever-present, and that man is His "image and likeness" (Genesis 1:26).

What God is determines what you are as His "image and likeness." You are His reflection, If God is not in a state or worry, His reflection cannot be either. To be successful in changing thought (turning the steering wheel, or in biblical terms, repenting) you must first give your consent to receive the angels of His presence, the messages of the Christ speaking to your soul --  consent to be comforted.

Once you consent to be comforted, you can declare or affirm spiritual truths as the angels whisper them to your consciousness. Often it helps open the door to hear these inwardly when you open your Bible for a message. Pray and then open the Scriptures and begin to read -- stop and contemplate. In a healing, coaching session with a highly inspired present day disciple of Christ Jesus -- the exact spiritual truth you need will be discerned and communicated to you. This still is God helping  you directly. Go to your Bible and ask for the truth you need, and read, contemplate, be quiet in spiritual listening. Jesus said, "Ask and ye shall receive."

If you are in a constant state of worry or grief that is wearing you down, consent to be comforted, pray for the spiritual truth you need, open the Scriptures, listen for angel messages, and then hold to the spiritual illumination that comes to you. Hold tight. A change of thought must be held to as illustrated by Jacob at Peniel who wrestled all night and finally had an epiphany -- a change of thinking so intense that he even changed his name (Jacob to Israel). He gives us the perfect example of stick-to-itiveness when he says to the angel, "I will not let thee go until thou bless me." Don't let go of the affirmation of truth that comes to you until you are free and lifted up. Once you feel this, all the other uncontrollable bad things that have brought the fetters of agony will adjust, and/or your feeling will adjust (Genesis, chapter 32).

Declare: I am in perfect peace and ease. I can sleep all night. I am confident in good. I have complete trust in God who is Love.

How can you say these things? Because God, the one Mind, is in perfect peace and is infinite Good -- and you are His reflection (image and likeness). Jesus said that we would "know the truth" and it would "make [us] free." I cannot be disturbed -- is implied by the declaration, I am in perfect peace. Hold tight to that angel until your experience changes in accord with it -- and let that happen in God's own way -- no outlining. God's plan is infinitely better than anything we could ever imagine. Complaint and worry turn to gratitude when we turn the steering wheel of our thought in accord with the angels' comforting directions.

Comfort and Spiritual Empowerment

As a Certified Christian Grief Coach (Joy-Restoration Coach), my main concern is to bring comfort and spiritual empowerment to those struggling with adversity and loss.

For this reason, I would like to invite you to take my new course, Training Today's Twelve found on my website (scripturalstudycenter.org). If you are suffering disappointment, loss, grief, sadness, stress, or a sense of insecurity -- you can find comfort, direction, healing, and spiritual empowerment by making use of this course. 

Besides finding increased peace and comfort, you will learn how to heal through Spirit based on God's laws as shown in Christ Jesus' ministry. You will be able to comfort others and gain deeper insights into your own self and identity. Your life-purpose will come alive, be clarified, and more active. These are good unselfish things that help us overcome debilitation from grief, loss, or disappointment. 

The first Unit, based on the Gospel of Mark is free. You will be directed to the course by one easy click on my home page. Start at any time. The preceding Modules remain available. There is also a wonderful Journal with ideas, quotes, how-to notes, and contemplation prompts and questions (free download). 

We have launched Module 3 this week, with a specific focus on healing. You can reflect on comments and questions throughout the module, and put what you learn into practice immediately with full confidence in Spirit and divine Love. Observe the compassion of Jesus in dealing with those in sorrow or need, as well as with those who opposed or hated him. Studying the masters in any field or discipline is required for fast and accurate progress. How important, when needing comfort, to turn to the Master of Comfort and sit at his feet as a humble disciple (learner) today. 

Let divine Love encircle and embrace you. Be still and think on this, feel after it, and let yourself be strengthened by the grace of Spirit. Be quiet and "listen" to the angel messages. Then reflect and express the Love that enters your heart. 

Course on Training Today's Twelve

Hello Readers,
You are specially invited to take my new Scriptural study course. Go to my website scripturalstudycenter.org to check it out. It is important that we train to the fullest to be the best we can "about our Father's business," therefore I have launched, Course on Training Today's Twelve. Module 1, Unit 1 (Mark, chapter 1), is now available. You will also find introductory materials including an exquisitely beautiful Journal to help you get the most from the course. This is a practical hands-on metaphysical, healing course that brings the ideas and teaching of the Master into your life.

http://tinyurl.com/TrainToday-s12

Come and I Will Give You Rest

It is time to rest, but rest with gentle action in unselfed love. The words of the Master, "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and i will give you rest," offer comfort and healing. He continues to graciously invite those who seek peace to "learn" of him for he is "meek and lowly in heart," -- thereby you will "find rest unto your souls" (Matthew 11:28). To systematically learn of Jesus and imbibe the Spirit is to become strong and find inner joy that lifts one's emotional state and quality of life -- and this is a blessing for everyone. To this end, I have launched a new course on my website that begins with the first Gospel written, Mark. It is the shortest and most active, healing-packed writing of the four Evangelists, yet imparts a sense of peace, grace, rest, and assurance. The course is free (donations gratefully accepted). The title is, Course on Training Today's Twelve. You are officially invited. http://tinyurl.com/TrainToday-s12

The Christ invites you to rise up and follow, to become "fishers of men" (Mark 4:19). Active in spiritual learning and sharing brings the highest sense of rest and joy. Turning from worry or thought for one's self to reflecting the Light of Love that blesses mankind, brings healing and rest to your soul, your heart, your very being. Come and join me in gently learning about the Master, Christ Jesus, and rest in his loving counsel, instruction, and example. He once said to his students (disciples), after hearing about all their hard work and efforts, "Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest awhile" (Mark 6:31). Come and rest awhile. Rest in active Love.

I'll be happy when...

How would you complete this sentence?
I'll be happy when....

If we must wait for outside circumstances, other people, changes in finances or job opportunities -- for any wish, want, hope, or desire that is outside of our own thought or consciousness -- to come to pass before we will be happy, then we will find this joyful state to be elusive.

Where does happiness reside? Within.

Happiness is eternal and uninterrupted in Spirit, in the kingdom of God. When asked where the kingdom of God was, Jesus responded that it's "within you" (Luke 17:21).

Perhaps we should finish a different sentence...
I am happy because...

If at this moment you are "anything but happy" then this is the right moment to work on that statement... I am happy because... WHY?

Here are the unchanging reasons for happiness that come to my thought... I am happy because God is infinite Love, and loves me (no matter what).  Because He is all-loving and merciful, I am loving and merciful -- I forgive everyone everything, and God forgives me everything. "Be thou clean," Jesus said as he instantly healed a leper, and his words extend to us to cleanse us from any past or present sin or wrong thoughts/feelings. I am happy because I'm washed clean. I am happy because God is eternal Life and each of us lives in that Life forever (without beginning or end). I am happy because I know that everyone is all right, everyone is expressing and enjoying life now and always. I am happy because there is no real separation from God or from one another.  I am happy because God supplies me with overflowing good that is right here, right at hand, and available -- "I shall not want" (Ps. 23:1). I am happy because angels surround me all the time and because I can discern their holy and inspirational messages. I am happy to be always protected and always in the presence of the omnipresence. I am happy to reflect and express God's Love and do His will which is always good.

Are we smiling a little bit yet? Think of more ways to finish the sentence, I am happy because... It honors God to do so and lifts you up -- everyone is benefited when you are uplifted!

Turning Grief to Meaningfulness

Grief, defined as the pain of mind produced by loss, misfortune, injury or evils of any kind; sorrow; regret, comes almost involuntarily -- but we do not need to be burdened and held down by it forever.  Grief paralyzes and time goes by. The question is, what do you want to do with the time that is going by? What could you do with a right focus and energy? 

When we suffer loss, we naturally grieve, but there is a day that we need to redirect -- use the force of the grief in a turn toward forward moving accomplishment. This direction comes from unselfish motives. Thinking about helping others brings high energy -- enough to succeed. There is an incredible power that Spirit imparts when our heart is set on helping others in some way. 

This may be the day when you think on how to best use your time, and how to use it to help others. Being ready to move on does not mean you are completely over some tragic event, but it does indicate that good is actively supreme and asserting itself. Jumping over the hurdle of paralyzing grief into active good to help others will bless many. Not doing this will deprive them. 

Think about giving your consent to make this change. Think of what you could do to help others and take an action step in that direction. You will feel a peace coming to you even as you think about this.  

Ps. 107:13. "Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses."

Love Restores Joy

Love restores joy.

Loss is defined as a failure to keep (or to continue to have) something, but if "every good gift" is "from above" -- all originating in the one Source of Being, God, -- then in reality, nothing can ever be lost. Love can never be lost, nor can we be separated from Love.

Take a moment with this spiritual fact. Put aside the personal sense for just a little while in favor of realizing Love's presence with you right now, right where you are -- full and complete and pure. Let yourself feel the embrace of the gentle Light of Love. This Love of the universe fills all space and consciousness -- it waits only for us to be silent momentarily and listen -- and feel after it.

Love is infinite. You cannot get away from it. It cannot be lost. You are stuck with it.

Love comforts and uplifts. It makes you all right. It helps you to function in first days of grief. It replaces grief with consoling tenderness and finally, joy. The joy is in the presence of Love, and if you are worried over another who may be having difficulties, or who may have passed on, take these quiet meditative moments to consciously realize him/her in this Light of Love, this tender ever-presence -- safe. There is no place where Love is  not. It's warmth is absolutely everywhere throughout all time and through all space.

Love swallows up the black hole; the black hole does not swallow you. Jesus said, "Nothing shall by any means hurt you," and nothing shall by any means separate you from Love, Love, and more Love.

It is your job to reflect and express this Love and spread it freely through a smile, a gentle word, an unselfish deed. When you feel most down, reflect and express Love more. Lift up another and you will be lifted up yourself. Love restores joy.

Scope of Grief and What to Do

Scope of Grief and What to Do

We grieve all kinds of loss, not just death, but loss of job, career, home, family, friends, a car, a cherished possession, and so forth. Loss of harmony in a relationship or loss of a marriage is incredibly upsetting. Not only this, but everyone that has to do with the situation feels the impact.

We cannot take grieving off like we can take off a jacket and leave it at home. It seems to be stuck with us. Therefore we need to find ways to handle it, so it does not take over and overwhelm us to the point of debilitating hurt. In many cases, especially soon after an intense event, it is normal to find ourselves in tears or in a state of depression, but if we build a strong base  spiritually we can withstand and overcome that which would otherwise seem unbearable.

In the case of a death, moving away from emotional agony actually honors the individual who has passed and who more than likely desires that you will be "all right" and that you "recover." Giving your consent to function normally at right activities, to take care of yourself and others, and to move forward with purpose and joy again -- allowing for these things -- opens the way for recovery.

It was and is important for me to realize that my husband, who passed away ten years ago, desires that I live happy and full days with purpose. Would you not want this for ones you love? I was able to consent to recovery and begin to act more freely in everyday life by holding to this thought. Perhaps if you think about this in your own case, it will help you too. Emotions will run up and down during this process, but it is a stable base to accept and hold to the fact that we wish for happiness and well-being for those we love -- whether here or hereafter -- this truth remains because it is grounded in universal divine Love.

There are times it will be good to be left alone. There are times when screaming into a pillow is good therapy! There are times when forcing yourself to be still, pray, meditate, and calm yourself in silence, is the best. Try to align with the divine, with Spirit and Love, and feel after His direction, feel after His comforting.

These ideas work as well for loss of job, of reputation, of money, home, a friendship -- whatever it is that causes grief or upset.

One should not be alone altogether, however. We need opportunities to share memories and emotions, to share fears and hopes, to be with a positive supportive person -- friend or professional -- but someone who actually cares. Be careful that you confide only in those you feel you can trust and who are naturally positive -- not negative.

Support must continue for a long time. If you are supporting another who has suffered loss, remember to check with that individual over a period of months, and even years. Just the fact that you are there and accessible brings an element of Love that is healing and comforting.

Resolution Sure of Success

My New Year's Resolution is to assimilate and express the qualities of love as found in I Corinthians 13: 1-13. Reviewing the past series on the healing power of Love, including sage insights from Henry Drummond's, The Greatest Thing in the Word, equips us for this resolution. You will see Drummond's specific challenge to us in the last paragraph of this blog. Let's resolve together to take him up on it and see what happens.

Know that today Love is ready to complete its healing action within you in some particular situation of your life or condition of health. The greatest healer in the world, Christ Jesus, instructed us to ask and to believe that we receive. Ask for the endowment of Love through the Holy Spirit. Ask that it permeate consciousness and overflow from your heart. Conform your words and actions to this Love. I Corinthians explains the ingredients of Love. We have them all for the expressing!

Put your pure desires, requests, and wishes in the Father's hands and affirm that He is caring for us perfectly through His law with harmonious and wise adjustments and precise timing. Trust and be grateful. Put your burden at His feet. Gratitude and expectation open the way for healing emotionally and physically.

 This blog post concludes our series on Love's healing based on I Corinthians 13:

1Cor. 13:1 ¶ Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 

1Cor. 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 

1Cor. 13:3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 

1Cor. 13:4 ¶ Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 

1Cor. 13:5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 

1Cor. 13:6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 

1Cor. 13:7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 

1Cor. 13:8 ¶ Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 

1Cor. 13:9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 

1Cor. 13:10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 

1Cor. 13:11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 

1Cor. 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 

1Cor. 13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. 

Henry Drummond, concluding his remarks on I Corinthians 13, in his short book, The Greatest Thing in the World, challenges us to take action. He writes, "Now I have all but finished. How many of you will join me in reading this chapter once a week for the next three months? A man did that once and it changed his whole life. Will you do it? It is for the greatest thing in the world. You might begin by reading it every day, especially the verses which describe the perfect character. “Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself.” Get these ingredients into your life. Then everything that you do is eternal. It is worth doing. It is worth giving time to" (21). You may want to read over the past series of blogs focusing on the healing power of Love as herein described. Commit to three months as Drummond advises, and see if you do not have more joy, health, and peace in this new year! This is a resolution sure of success!

Drummond, Henry (2011-01-01). The Greatest Thing in the World, Experience the Enduring Power of Love (p. 21). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.