We are His. We are Hers. We are.

 

Saturday thoughts from your friend and brother in Christ

Rest easy dear one.  You are not alone in your work today.  Your Source, your Creator, your Father-Mother is there.  All in the realm of your thought and experience is actually in the atmosphere of His/Her thought.  All is part of a divine unfolding reality. A part of the universal unfoldment of Good.

Although universal and grand, this unfoldment is also individual  and perfect in its manifestation.  The very nature of infinity and allness and incorporeality means that the grand scheme of things also fosters individual integrity of each idea in your experience.

Be assured that the tiniest idea in your nest of life is cherished, beloved, protected.  Every growing child, every burgeoning project, every heartfelt desire, every new sprout, every new seedling is bathed in infinite Love's Light.  The eternal Christ love's you and your's dearly.  From Alpha Centauri to your front doorstep, from your home's hearth to your neighbor's kitchen table all is held in the Gospel of Love.

God's job is creation.  God's responsibility is universal and individual.  God's Love is nurturing Sonshine and Daughtership.  There is no insufficiency in divinity.  There is no lack in reality.  There is All in all, eternal Good, omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient, omniactive.

Acknowledge the unfoldment in thank yous.  Gratitude abounding in heartthoughts.  

We are conceived, we are planted, we are encouraged in divine Love's universe.  We sprout, we unfold, we reflect the Light of Life with no shadow.  No spot, no blemish, no darkness finds place in our experience. Goodness finds joyful existence in every detail of Life, in every aspect of our individual life.

We live in divinity's order. We breathe in infinty's harmony.  We move in the strength of divine purpose.  We are not deterred. We persist. We exist. We shine. We reflect. We accept. We succeed. We survive. We evolve. We adapt. We manifest. We rise. We encourage.  We sing. We glorify. We shine. Radiant. Strong. Alive. 

We are His. We are Hers. We are.

Rick

I am sharing the following talk by Peter Henniker Heaton as it was given to me.  It is from a talk he gave at the headquarters of The First Church of Christ, Scientist about 30 years ago.  It was to a church department, but it has such wonderful applications for us all.

Today I am specifically thinking of the refugee crisis we are facing in Europe and our attempts to respond with love and help.  I remembered Peter's second rule about hurrying!

He said, My second rule is:  “There’s plenty of time if you don’t hurry.”  This too, is more applicable to your mental state than your physical state, although it applies to both.

 

During World War II my mother was in London going to a railroad station when the sound of an air raid siren sounded.  She saw a man coming leisurely down the steps of his house pulling on his gloves and she said to , rather flustered – “Have I time to get to such and such a place before the bombs start falling?”  And he said, “Yes, Madam, you have plenty of time if you don’t hurry.” 

The entire talk follows:

Administration and Technical Services Department

The First Church of Christ, Scientist

Boston, Massachusetts.

 

October Inspirational Meeting (From some years ago)

 

Speech given by Peter J. Henniker-Heaton

(Received as type written document.  Retyped, proof read, and entered into computer 2009 by Rick Stewart CS, Dresden, Germany)

 

It’s nice to be with you all this afternoon and to have this opportunity of thanking those of you who have done so much for us, unseen, making life easier for us and caring for us in so many ways.  You’re not as big an audience as we had this morning, but you’re much better behaved.  You’ve at least come further forward and that’s awfully good.

 

I gather that your committee has invited me to speak on the strength of one qualification.  In forty years, nearly, of married life, my wife and I have only moved our address once.  When we did move, it was a beauty.   Twenty years ago, we moved from London to Boston.  Of course, that was a longer journey than the one you are going to make in your move here.  But, it’s not really the distance, the physical distance,that matters.  What matters is the spiritual thinking which goes into a move like this.  We are hoping that as each department moves into its new quarters, it will not only include its physical equipment and capabilities: but will also, at the same time, include its spiritual and mental potential in every way.  So I’m going to spend a little while drawing lessons from my own experience with moving.  It may be helpful to you for your experience with moving.

 

I’ve thought of five rules which I hope you may be able to apply in different ways.  They’re going to be stated quite briefly, so don’t be afraid.  The first is:  “Declare the end from the beginning.”  That’s based on a statement by the prophet Isaiah, put into God’s mouth.  “I am God: and there is none else.  Declare the end from the beginning.”  Whenever we have an important project to face up to, hopefully, we will take our clue from this verse and from the very beginning recognize that it is complete in every detail.  Jesus, before he raised Lazarus from the dead, thanked God, and before he fed the multitudes, he thanked God.  We too can always recognize that every right activity or idea exists at the stand-point of completeness already, and before we make any move we can thank God that it is complete and recognize that this is so, and right now.  I have found it very useful whenever I have a large or difficult project, or one that has to be cared for, for a short while and before I do anything else, I sit down or stand still and recognize that it is already complete in Divine Mind and I have yet to see it appear.  If it has to be sent somewhere when it is completed, I very often, as a first step, sit down and address the envelope in which it is to be delivered.  This is a symbol of my recognition that it is already complete.  So when I came to make my move to Boston, my wife and I, before we did anything else, recognized the move as absolutely complete in every detail.  And I am sure that you, as you contemplate your move here, although the physical distance may not be so great, you can nevertheless find advantage in recognizing that it is already complete if your declare the end from the beginning.

 

My second rule is:  “There’s plenty of time if you don’t hurry.”  This too, is more applicable to your mental state than your physical state, although it applies to both.

 

During World War II my mother was in London going to a railroad station when the sound of an air raid siren sounded.  She saw a man coming leisurely down the steps of his house pulling on his gloves and she said to , rather flustered – “Have I time to get to such and such a place before the bombs start falling?”  And he said, “Yes, Madam, you have plenty of time if you don’t hurry.”  That’s a good lesson for us all, I think.  Of course we find the same lesson in the Bible where it says, “He that believeth shall not make haste.”  And Mrs. Eddy once said to her household, “When you have a hill to climb, see that you are already at the top.”  All these are pointing out the fact that if we really do these things in an orderly fashion and know that he that believeth shall not make haste, we can expect that they will come without hurry and without delay.  Another way Mrs. Eddy put it was “according to my calendar, God’s time and mortals differ.”  Well, we need to do everything in God’s time, not in mortal's time.  Actually when I was first invited to come to Boston to head the “Home Forum” page, I had a lot of unfinished business in England, and it didn’t seem right to come at that time.  The suggestion came that if I didn’t go immediately or very soon, I’d miss the opportunity and wouldn’t be asked again.  But, at that same time, I thought well “What’s  God’s time?,” and if I did what was right for everyone in England, it would also be right for everyone here and for myself.  I wrote back and said I wasn’t ready to come yet, but if the invitation could be renewed in three year’s time, I would.  And it was renewed in three year’s time.

 

Halfway across the Atlantic I received a form to fill out, in regards to “what is your home address?”  I started to put down none and then recalled, well, if everything’s unfolding according to God’s plan and to God’s time, then I have a home waiting for me in Boston.  So, instead of putting down no home address, I put , “don’t know it yet.”  Then I realized it really would be waiting for me in God’s time.  The day after we arrived in Boston, my wife found an apartment in the block we wished to live in and it was the only one left at that time.  That evening I signed the lease.  We’ve been very happy there in the twenty years since then.  So my second rule, “he that believeth shall not make haste” or rather in the same way as “there’s plenty of time if you don’t hurry.

 

My third rule is “Expect the unexpected and make the most of it.”  And if we do this, when the unexpected comes as it nearly always does,  when you’re making a move in some way or another, instead of thinking it may be an obstruction getting in your way, you at once agree to acknowledge that it is an opportunity, something that is going to help you along and it will turn out much better than you had anticipated..  When we started, my wife and I, to get our things and documents together in coming to this country, one of the first unexpected things that happened was I discovered that my wife, instead of being a good Britain, was a Pakistani.  According to American immigration law, your basic nationality is determined not by your parents, but by the place you happen to be born in.  My wife’s father built railroads all over the length and breadth of India.  So she happened to be born in Lahore, what was then India, now Pakistan.  So when I came here I had a brand new Pakistani wife.  The second point was that in the India of those times, they didn’t have any registration of birth, so she had no birth certificate.  The best they could come up with for the immigration authorities was a baptismal certificate.  She’d been baptized in the Cathedral of Lahore.  It had the date on which she’d been baptized, and then it said a very interesting thing.  The next column said, “said to be born on such and such a date.”  And so I had a sealed and certified, officially and ecclesiastically witnessed document that my wife was only said to have been born.  This is very interesting from a Christian Science point of view because we recognize that man as a son of God, existing with God through all eternity, is never really born in the flesh.  This is part of the mortal record, said to have been born in the flesh, but here was an acknowledgement that my wife was only said to have been born by mortal evidence.  So look out for whatever unexpected things, unexpected good things may come your way in the move and don’t miss them.

 

My fourth rule is, and remember I’ve only got five, so I won’t carry on too long; my fourth rule is:  “leave all unnecessary baggage behind.”  Sometimes we’re so intent on deciding what we will take, that we don’t give sufficient attention to deciding what it is we won’t take.  But that’s just as important both in the mental and the physical sense.  St. Paul says, “Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.”  Well, a move is a very good time to decide to forget those things which are behind and reach forward to those things which are before.  At the time we came from England, there were very tight and rigid exchange restrictions.  Under the law, we couldn’t bring a penny out of England, we couldn’t bring any of our small savings or anything.  With great difficulty, I persuaded the Bank of England to lend me $100.  This $100 went along with a decision we made on our own part.  We only brought with us our clothes and one packing case of favourite books, ornaments and little things like that.  Every thing else we left behind.  We were coming to a new world and we wanted it to be a new experience.  We gave all our accumulation of eighteen years in our former apartment to friends and relatives and said if we ever came back, we might ask for them and if they’d lost  them or sold them or burned them, we wouldn’t hold them responsible.  The last day at home, we had a party for our neighbors and they all said goodbye to us.  They then carried off from our house any remnants which remained.  So we started anew in this country.  It was like being married all over again after eighteen years.  Since salaries in the Publishing House where I was going to work, even allowing for inflation, were nowhere near where they are today, we didn’t furnish overnight.  It took quite a long time to earn enough to furnish our apartment properly.  But in the meantime, we got old crates and covered them with bits of cloth and various people lent us this or that.  Also we got some quite useful temporary items from the large trash room in the corridor of our apartment building.  One of my English friends who arrived about the same time was having to do much the same.  She complained that she never found anything of much use in the trash room.  I told her you must elevate your concept of trash, and the very next day, she found a very beautiful wrought iron flower stand which she carried off with joy to her apartment and although she is now married and has a beautiful home full of lovely antiques, this wrought iron flower stand which she found in the trash room, still ornaments her home.  Another thing I left behind, which I would like to just tell you briefly about, was like this.  When one came here, to the United States, in order to get a working visa, one was required to get a thorough medical examination at the United States embassy in London.  I passed with flying colors but in the course of the exam the doctor asked if I had ever had any serious illnesses.  I said I’d been discharged medically from the Naval Services and at that time the board of doctors had diagnosed me as suffering from an incurable form of paralysis and he said, “well, that can’t be right: if you’d had that, you wouldn’t be here and he refused to enter it on my record.  Of course, he was doing better than he knew, because one of the reasons I’d been healed of this condition through Christian Science was that I knew the spiritual truth that it had never been part of me and never part of my record at all.   Anyway, he struck it out and wouldn’t  have anything to do with it.  And so the medical verdict cancelled an earlier medical verdict and I left that whole business entirely behind me.  So, if you in your move really are careful and take what you need but leave all unnecessary baggage behind, we don’t know what things we may manage to shake off and we don’t know what  kinds of flower stands you may find along the way to incorporate in your new quarters.

 

And now for my fifth and last rule for moving.  And this is, “look up for good things unfolding out of God’s law, along the line of natural human normality.”  Now for a story which illustrates what I mean.  It doesn’t concern my move from England but it concerns another journey I made.  When I was with the Monitor, I was once sent, as Monitor representative in a party of fifty newspapermen and TV personalities who were visiting Greece at the invitation of the French airlines and the Greek government.  When we started from the New York airport, the Boston Herald man, who saw I was new to this kind of thing, came up to me and said, “Peter, I suppose you’re a Christian Scientist and I am a Catholic, but on this trip good old Boston stands together against the world.”  All through the trip, he took the greatest care of me, in looking after me and showing me what to do and helping me in every way he could.  But there was also another man travelling with us from Idaho who said his wife was a Christian Scientist and he took every opportunity of poking mild fun at Christian Science whenever he could or whenever he though he could, until we reached Delphi in Greece.  At Delphi, we were taken up to the temple of Apollo and our guide said there was a good echo here and when she shouted there came an echo from the cliff opposite.  But it wasn’t very strong.  She didn’t have a very strong voice and so one our party said, “let’s all call on Apollo at once and see what happens!”  So we did this and out of a practically blue sky there came a tremendous clap of thunder and a deluge of rain which drenched everybody to the skin in about two minutes except myself and the Boston Herald man.  I had seen a little niche, a little opening at the back and as the first drops fell, I jumped back into it and I pulled my friend with me and we were quite dry.  Well, the rain stopped and everyone else went running down to the motor coaches down below.  The Herald man and I followed and he went to his motor coach and I went to mine.  There, in the front seat of mine, was sitting this character from Idaho and as I came in he said, “Oh, here’s Peter, he’s a Christian Scientist. He doesn’t believe in rain.  He’ll be bone dry……..Good God, he is !!!”  Well, after that he treated me with more respect.  But my points in telling you this story are, it has a great many points:  1.  I hadn’t stood out in the rain and forbidden the drops of rain to wet me, but  I’d been thinking and seeing throughout this tour that I was cared for by God in every way and not letting anything get under my skin.  So in this moment of minor emergency, I was alert enough to see a place of refuge and to share it with my friend.  If I’d been more alert perhaps, or thought better, I might have been able to prevent anyone from getting wet.  As it was, I was dry, my friend was dry, and this character from Idaho learned a salutary lesson and so you, too, as you make your moves, can keep alert and see all the little things that come along the way, which unfold quite normally and naturally according to what I say, “natural human normality.”  We don’t have to strike the waters of the Plaza pool and have them separate in front of us and walk across on dry land, but if there was a necessity, you could do that, but in a quite natural way.  There is a lovely verse in the Bible, “Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold  wondrous things out of thy law.”  You wondrous things, they happen so naturally.  That hymn,  “How silently, how silently, the blessed truth is given” is the same way.  But we don’t want to miss these good things, we have to keep our eyes open to see them.  So now, my five rules are:

 

 Declare the end from the beginning.  God, the only Cause – Perfect Cause –perfect..

There’s plenty of time if you don’t hurry.  “He that believeth shall not make haste.”

Expect the unexpected, and make the most of it.

Leave all unnecessary baggage behind.

Look up for good unfolding to God’s law along the lines of natural human normality.

 

I’d like to end by reciting or saying half a dozen lines from a poem which appeared in the Sentinel by Leah Bohn some years ago, referring to Jesus of Nazareth when he passed through the crowds who wanted to kill him.

 

Lo, through the midst of them he passed

Unharmed and free

Naught was there that the

To him, naught but the infinite  to know and be.

 

In any move, if we want to avoid evil and enjoy good, it’s valuable to acknowledge our infinitude.  We don’t have to think of ourselves as some limited person over here, or some other individual over there, with all his belongings and such. But if we acknowledge our infinitude, that means our thought will already be where we need it to be, then our bodies and our baggage will naturally follow.

 

To sum it up in one sentence, which should perhaps be my sixth rule: 

 

Acknowledge your omnipresence: then permit your bodies and baggage to come where you are.  Thank you.

Bad day?  Press the “Reset” button !

Rick Stewart, C.S.

How's you day been? Started out pretty good, some quiet time for Bible study, prayer, listening to God. And then jump into the day's activities. Some vestige of the morning inspiration remains, but it seems to be fading. The stay on top of everything catch up begins. And suddenly you realize you are running through the day, with little direction, with lots of hurry, and it comes to you, "Time to hit the reset button !!"

Many electric or electronic devices have a reset switch. Its purpose is to allow one to restart a device that has had an electric or electronic failure. And even if there is not an accessible reset switch a trick used by many working with electronics, is to simply turn off all functions, and restart or reboot, and often voila a problem or glitch is solved.

I have found a very useful spiritual device that is similar to this reset switch concept. I simply settle my thought, turn wholeheartedly to God through prayer or quiet listening. I may think of some favorite spiritual truths, sing a hymn, or simply declare, God you are in control and I am listening.

The effect of this reset can be profound. A day that has become a rush of activities suddenly turns into a holy unfoldment.

And sometimes I have been forced into this reset mode. A few months ago I raced to a nearby Lidl market to grab some needed items. I was in a rush. I had little time. I bought the needed items and then returned to the car. When I turned the key the motor stayed silent. A recurring problem surfaced and I was sitting in my car considering my options. A race home with my purchased items had suddenly become irrelevant. The car would not start.


What did I do? Call for some emergency help? Get out of the car and hoof it? No, I simply turned to God in prayer and pulled a copy of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures out of the glove compartment. I quietly began to read. And I thought of some of my ongoing cases at the time. One involved a young man in a coma in France. He and his wife had been in a motorcycle accident. One of the passages I read in Science and Health seemed just perfect to orient my thoughts and prayers.

And suddenly I received a text message, an SMS, on my mobile phone from the mother of this young man. Actually it was a little joke and got me laughing. But I then knew the mom was available and I immediately called her. I reached her just as she was about to head across the street from her hotel to the hospital where her son was. We had a nice talk and rejoiced in the spiritual truths that supported her son and his wife in their recoveries. Much healing was being evidenced. 

And then I shared with her how my car had refused to start after my shopping trip, so I had just taken a 15 or 20 minute prayer pause. In this case I had not pushed the reset button, but I chuckled to myself as I realized that God had pushed reset. My thought, my day, had been reset right back to the original spiritual inspiration I needed. And guess what, after my prayer, my conversation with the mom, and our communing together with God, I turned the key and the car immediately started.

So simple lesson, don't let your days run you. Stay close to God and if you feel you are getting pushed around in your day by material thinking and pulls and pressures, just remember to push "Reset" and give it all right back to your Father-Mother God.

Oh, and that young man and his mom? My sons  and I had a celebration with them just a few days ago. His family and my family rejoiced as he paddled out for his first surf since the accident. For someone who loves surfing there is nothing quite like getting wet, paddling out, and catching your first wave in a long time. All vestiges of the seeming accident are on their way out for both this young man and his wife. 

Even what appears in our experience as an "accident" can turn into one of those "reset" moments in life. Where we turn wholeheartedly to the God that governs the universe and through the presence of the Christ, we find our whole lives "reset" physically and spiritually. We are healed. We are whole. We are loved.

Rick Stewart, C.S.

Dresden, Germany

Freely Spread Everlasting Blessings! Rick Stewart, C.S., Dresden, Germany Printable Version  |   PDF    |     |   [Freely Spread Everlasting Blessings!] Knowing that your Daddy will catch you if you fall!! Metaphysical Application Ideas from CedarS Camps for the Christian Science Bible Lesson for October 28, 2012 on "Everlasting Punishment" [or Everlasting Blessings. Your choice: Trick? Or Treatment!]  by Rick Stewart, CS of Dresden, Germany (Tel.+49-351 312-4736) RickStewartCS@aol.com   This Bible Lesson is not about how God is going to punish some of us for eternity. This Lesson is designed to help us understand more of God's saving and eternal Love.    Does God select some to be saved and others to be condemned to suffer in eternity?   Many Christian denominations have historically taught that doctrine and expected their new members to subscribe to that belief. As a girl of 12, Mary Baker Eddy, then Mary Baker, had to answer that question if she wanted to be a member of her local Congregational Church.   She writes:     "At the age of twelve I was admitted to the Congregational (Trinitarian) Church... Before this step was taken, the doctrine of unconditional election, or predestination, greatly troubled me... So perturbed was I by the thoughts aroused by this erroneous doctrine, that the family doctor was summoned, and pronounced me stricken with fever.  My father's relentless theology emphasized belief in a final judgment-day, in the danger of endless punishment, and in a Jehovah merciless towards unbelievers; and of these things he now spoke, hoping to win me from dreaded heresy.  My mother, as she bathed my burning temples, bade me lean on God's love.  [Doing so, Mary was comforted and healed.] (When questioned by the pastor)...I stoutly maintained that I was willing to trust God and take my chance of spiritual safety with my brothers and sisters not one of whom had then made any profession of religion even if my creedal doubts left me outside the doors (of church)... To the astonishment of many, the good clergyman's heart also melted, and he received me into their communion, and my protest along with me" (Retrospection and Introspection, by Mary Baker Eddy pp. 13-15).   In recent days I have also been thinking about this doctrine, but in a little different way. You might remember from my CedarS MET for last month that our little Martha was just beginning to walk. In that month's time she has become pretty steady and loves to walk all over the house and outside as well. Just last Sunday she took one of her longest hikes, about 500 meters. My wife Susanne, and our dog, Theo, joined her. She was very proud of herself.    As she has been learning to walk, one of my favorite pastimes has been following along ready to give her a hand if she needs steadying and also to pick her up if she falls. And there have been lots and lots of falls. But they were not the end of the world, usually that is. And she has gained a little each day in her confidence, strength, endurance, and steadiness. There is still a long ways to go before her first marathon, but already she prefers to walk on her own rather than be carried.   And this is the context in which I have found myself thinking about this Bible Lesson. I have been prompted to think about my falls, my failings, my tumbles, and my missteps. And I have been reminded of the countless times that "my Father" has come to my aid. Just like little Martha, I have a long way to go in my "walk," but I loved seeing how the loving hand of the Father is actually always there to save and lift me up. And to me that is what this wonderful Bible lesson is all about, God's promise, "I will catch you if you fall."   Here are just a few brief insights that might make your study of this week's Bible Lesson an encouragement instead of a fear tactic.   Golden Text: Hosea 14:2   "...turn to the Lord: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously." This Golden Text is from the Prophet Hosea. He was considered one of the minor Jewish prophets. He lived probably in the 8th Century, B.C. He lived in what was known as the "Northern Kingdom" of Israel. And his writing was at a time toward the end of this kingdom. Hosea was really worried that his people were not remaining true to God, but were being enticed by the local religion, Baal worship. This Baal worship included religiously-based immorality, worshipping of golden calves, other idols, and even child sacrifice.    Responsive Reading: The Responsive Reading is from Isaiah and once again from Hosea. Both Prophets encourage a turning from sin to faithful following. Isaiah, "though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." Hosea, "...I am the Lord thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but me: for there is no saviour beside me. I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely:... for the ways of the Lord are right, and the just shall walk in them." The "Ephraim" that Hosea refers to is his actual nation. The Northern Kingdom of Israel was made up of tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, the sons of Joseph.  "When Ephraim spake trembling, he exalted himself in Israel;... Ephraim shall say, What have I to do any more with idols?"  So we are introduced to the lesson with a call to turn from sin and receive the blessing of the Lord.   Section 1 - Man is the beloved child of God, pure and perfect. This section firmly establishes the fact that God makes us good. In citation B-2 [and echoed in citation S-2], Habakkuk states: "Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil and canst not look on iniquity." [Mrs. Eddy builds her healing theology on this all-good God:] "God could never impart an element of evil, and man possesses nothing which he has not derived from God. How then has man a basis for wrong-doing?" (S-3)   Remember the conversation Jesus had with some people about the nature of God and his relationship to man,  Matthew 7: 9-11, "Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?"   We remember God's nature as a better Father or Mother than we are; and we expect very consistent parenting. Sometimes I really messed up as a kid, but did my folks condemn me to eternal punishment? Nope, not eternal, there was punishment, but usually well-deserved and definitely it did not last forever. My parents were just great, but God is an even better, more consistent, more loving Parent.   Little Martha continues to walk and sometimes fall down, is that a reason for me to get angry? Encouragement, comfort, and love go a lot further in developing a patient and steady walk through life.    The Bible citations in this section conclude with what Mrs. Eddy chose to close our Sunday Church Services with: (B-5) I John 3:1-3. I love this translation of these verses from the "God's Word" translation: "Consider this: The Father has given us his love. He loves us so much that we are actually called God's dear children.  And that's what we are. For this reason the world doesn't recognize us, and it didn't recognize him either. Dear friends, now we are God's children.  What we will be isn't completely clear yet.  We do know that when Christ appears we will be like him because we will see him as he is. So all people who have this confidence in Christ keep themselves pure, as Christ is pure."   Section 2 - Jonah does not accept God's job offer, ooops? Is it easy to do the things you are asked to do? Nope.  Is it always easy to do the right thing? Nope.  All of us usually have something else we would rather do. "I thought the job offer was a supervisory position! I didn't know I would have to scrub toilets!" (When one of my high school buddies and I got the jobs as # 1 and #2 lifeguards at our local swimming pool, we were a little surprised when we found out that at the end of every day we had to clean both the boys and girls bathrooms! But even with that responsibility we loved our jobs.) And later when that job grew into Swimming Pools manager for the City of Ocala, it enabled me to rent my first office for the Christian Science healing practice!!   Citation B-6 tells how Jonah resisted in simply following God's instruction to go and preach in Nineveh. Instead he tried to run [the opposite direction] from the job. Jonah's prejudice against the city may have started him on his path of avoidance. After all, the city had a pretty bad reputation. But because of fear, doubt, whatever self-centered motive, Jonah chose to run away from God‘s call. He could have simply obeyed and had a nice trip and good speaking tour. But instead he got an "inside cabin." But I absolutely love the fact that even though he avoided immediate obedience, Jonah was saved. Below is a link to a testimony that shows that God has not in any way reduced his saving power when it comes to taking care of His kids.   The following experience was shared with me by a fellow Christian Science practitioner, several years ago.  The mother that related the story prefers to remain anonymous.  There were news and press reports at the time, so it did occur and was noted.  It is not one of those web items that is fictional.  This did occur.  I called and confirmed its validity with the individual that sent it to me. She knew the mother in the story!! I have added some explanatory comments in my blog for those unfamiliar with this part of the world.   Saved at Sea, in the Gulf of Mexico, [a Jonah-like, 20th century confirmation of A, B, C:] [A] "If a man were drowning in mid ocean with apparently no human help at hand, there is a law of God which when rightly appealed to, would bring about his rescue." Adam H. Dickey, "God's Law of Adjustment" [B] "Undisturbed amid the jarring testimony of the material senses, Science, still enthroned, is unfolding to mortals the immutable, harmonious, divine Principle is unfolding Life and the universe, ever present and eternal".  Mary Baker Eddy, Science & Health with Key To the Scriptures [C] "If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there shall thy hand lead me and thy right hand shall hold me." Psalms 139   A young man was travelling with his boat in the Gulf of Mexico on his way to meet friends for lunch. He had not let them know he was coming. When his boat broke down he went overboard to check out the damage. While he was in the water the anchor rope slipped off and the boat floated away faster than he could swim. He was truly lost at sea, but when you read of his rescue you will see that the above quotations [A, B, C] remain true today. (And it even includes some of God's sea creatures!!)   Read the entire account of this young man's rescue:  http://rickstewartcs.blogspot.de/ If you are reading this printed out and do not have internet connection, just give me a call and I can send it to you or read it to you!   Section 3 - Deliverance without consequence, Jonah's saga continues Jonah is taken care of, he is preserved, and his opportunity to follow God's commands is renewed. As Jonah learned, "Salvation is of the Lord." (B-10)   Just goes to show God is ever-ready to save, bless and love His little ones, no matter what mistakes we have seemed to make. There is no condemnation, just Love. And you can never know how important even the littlest assignment or act of obedience can be. Just following your inspiration can give light or hope to another. For example:   Citation S-17"The purpose and motive to live aright can be gained now. This point won, you have started as you should" (Science and Health, page 326) has given me strength time and time again. It was first drawn to my attention when I was reading the Science and Health of a good friend, Cathy Manyik Kresge. She had highlighted it in her textbook. It always spoke to me of simply starting to do the right thing. And we then can be assured we will succeed with God's help.    The testimony in the link illustrates that saving power of divine Love, even when we seemed to have made terrible mistakes [even inside the belly of a steel "whale"]. You can find it at JSH Online through the following link: http://sentinel.christianscience.com/issues/1945/6/47-22/on-december-12-1943-the-first [Or you can haven't yet started to reap the great blessings of JSH Online, you can find] Roland H. Allen's testimony in a Bound Volume from the June 2, 1945 issue of the Christian Science Sentinel [or on an old Reading Room recording with "God's Law of Adjustment"]     Section 4 - Jonah discovers a receptive audience After a rather roundabout trip to the lecture, Jonah finds a very receptive audience in Nineveh. They take to heart Jonah's observations and his mission brings great fruit.   Some years ago I received a call to lecture in Ft. Worth, Texas. It was at a time of long lecture tours. I was already scheduled to be up in Illinois and Minnesota. The clerk in Ft. Worth asked if I was free for a certain Sunday afternoon. I told her yes, but I would be in Illinois. I thought she would say, oh well that is quite a distance, perhaps another date. But instead she insisted on that date. My first reaction was, "What willfulness!!" We were having a family Bar B Q at the time of the call. When I hung up I rejoined the family and murmured to my mom about the telephone call. When I said, "I have never encountered such [human] will before," my mom simply asked, "And are you free that date?" "Well, yes I am." "Okay, where is the willfulness?" Being properly and wisely admonished I went back and called the clerk requesting the lecture. I let her know I would check and see if I could make plane connections for her date. And guess what, there was a late night flight on Saturday evening. I could make their date, leave my van at the airport, and come back on Monday morning.    It is interesting that this lecture prompted lots and lots of prayer from my side. There were great obstacles and resistance that had to be met prayerfully. My lecture was entitled, "Home: God-Provided, God-Maintained," and it handled the belief of homelessness. When I arrived for the lecture I found that the lecture chairman had collected newspapers for several days before the lecture as I had requested. The front page of the newspaper for the day of the lecture told the story of a mother who had taken her small children to the Police Station. She was hopeless and had no prospects for being able to continue to provide a home for them. So we opened the lecture with this article. And together we all considered how we can pray to heal this problem of homelessness for ourselves and for the world.   As I said the preparations for this lecture had been rather rocky and had required lots of prayer on my part. Also lots of humility and spiritual growth. The day after the lecture I flew back up north and continued on my lecture tour. Suddenly I realized that I had not been paid. When I called the lecture chairman, she told me, "Oh but Mr. Stewart, remember I told you there was something "in there for you" with the fruit basket and the newspapers!" Oooops, I had not gotten the message. At first I thought I may have thrown the envelope out with the newspapers. I went into my suitcase, looked through the newspaper clippings, and sure enough there was the envelope. I called the lecture chairman with the good news. She was overjoyed to hear from me, "Mr. Stewart, I have the most wonderful news. The morning paper had the following story. That mother came back to the Police Station to reclaim her children and had said she would just do whatever it took to keep her family together. And lots of people have come forward to help her out. It is just so wonderful." Obviously I hung up the phone rebuked, humbled, and with tears of gratitude. Just like Jonah I had found a receptive audience, a spiritually responsive audience, and Love had indeed been the Savior. But I did have to get a lot of "self" out of the way, and thanks to my mom that had begun that summer day nine months before the lecture.   Section 5 - No everlasting punishment from "materialistic codes" [Trick? Or Treatment!] "Who did sin, this man or his parents that he was born blind?" (B-17) John 9: 1-7, 32 In Jesus' day there was an automatic reaction that illness, handicaps, and physical disorders were often a punishment for sin. In these times physical scientists are certain that DNA and hereditary causes are the foundation for disease. But what says the Christ? "Neither hath this man sinned or his parents, but that the works of God should be made manifest in him." [Bible Scholar, Cobbey Crisler said that this was like Jesus responding "None of the above" to the either-or choice of who did sin. Another appropriate reply would be: "Does Not Apply!" Just so, the heredity of D.N.A. Does Not Apply to you; nor can it shackle your freedom-centered life with fear. The appearance of sinning mortal man is the "Trick" that would deceive us, and not just during Halloween season.  The Treat is the Christian Science Treatment that reverses all tricks.  As Citation S-23 states it:] "Jesus beheld in Science the perfect man, who appeared to him where sinning mortal man appears to mortals. In this perfect man the Saviour saw God's own likeness, and this correct view of man healed the sick. Thus Jesus taught that the kingdom of God is intact, universal, and that man is pure and holy." And citation S-27 continues the treatment:  "The law of Christ or Truth, makes all things possible to Spirit, but the so-called laws of matter, would render Spirit of no avail and demand obedience to materialistic codes, thus departing from the basis of one God, one lawmaker."   The consistency and the simplicity of Mary Baker Eddy's faith in the First Commandment were demonstrated time and again in her healing work. Wonderful examples can be found in the biography, Mary Baker Eddy, Christian Healer. Here are links to purchase the audio or print version of this inspiring book. Or you can always visit your local Christian Science Reading Room to obtain a copy for purchase or possibly for loan. http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Baker-Eddy-Christian-Amplified/dp/0875104797   Section 6 - God's man is sinless, perfect and blessed eternally. A Bible-based Christian Science treatment of perfect God & perfect man continues as easy as 1, 2, 3: 1. "I will love thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright; With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect." (B-19) | Psalms18:1, 2, 25- 26, 32 2. "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." (B-20) |Matt.5:48 3.  "The perfect man - governed by God, his perfect Principle - is sinless and eternal." (S-30) | 304:14   As The Message translation of Matthew 7 puts it in such a loving way, "If your child asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust? If he asks for fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? As bad as you are, you wouldn't think of such a thing. You're at least decent to your own children. So don't you think the God who conceived you in love will be even better?"   Our Father does love to make our way perfect, just like I love to make Martha's way a little easier. And that is not a way of everlasting punishment but everlasting Love, revealing our nature as the beloved and perfect child of God's creating.    As Hymn 278 from our Hymnal tells us "Pilgrim on earth, home and heaven are within thee, Heir of the ages and child of the day. Cared for, watched over, beloved and protected, Walk thou with courage each step of the way."   [These application ideas from a CedarS Camps' Resident Christian Science Practitioner are provided primarily to help CedarS campers and staff (as well as friends) see and demonstrate the great value of study and application of the Christian Science Bible lessons daily throughout the year, not just at camp! You can sign up to have them emailed to you free -- by Monday each week in English; or by each Wednesday you can get a FREE TRANSLATION: in German, thanks to Helga and Manfred; or in Spanish, thanks to a team of Ana, Erick, Claudia and Patricio.  A voluntary French translation by Pascal or Denise cannot be guaranteed due to their busy schedules. An "official" version of the weekly Portuguese translation should be coming soon on a new webpage for CedarS Mets, but in the meantime you can email Orlando Trentini to be added to the list. YOU CAN ALSO SIGN UP for weekly emails from past CedarS staff of fun approaches & possible ways to teach lesson ideas to older and to younger Sunday School classes at www.cedarscamps.org/newsletters   Warren Huff, CedarS Director & editor of these notes with bracketed, italic additions.]   [Additional Camp Director's Note: This sharing is the latest in an ongoing, 11-year series of CedarS Bible Lesson "Mets" (Metaphysical application ideas) contributed weekly by a rotation of CedarS Resident Practitioners and occasionally by other metaphysicians.  (Ask and look for "Possible Sunday School Topics "and "Possible Younger Class Lessons" in subsequent emails.) These weekly offerings are intended to encourage further study and application of ideas in the lesson and to invigorate Sunday School participation by students and by the budding teachers on our staff. Originally sent JUST to my Sunday School students and to campers, staff and CedarS families who wanted to continue at home and in their home Sunday Schools the same type of focused Lesson study, application and inspiration they had felt at camp, CedarS lesson "mets "and Sunday School ideas are in no way meant to be definitive or conclusive or in any way a substitute for daily study of the lesson. The thoughts presented are the inspiration of the moment and are offered to give a bit more dimension and background as well as new angles (and angels) on the daily applicability of some of the ideas and passages being studied. The weekly Bible Lessons are copyrighted by the Christian Science Publishing Society and are printed in the Christian Science Quarterly as available at Christian Science Reading Rooms or online at eBibleLesson.com or myBibleLesson.com. The citations referenced (i.e.B-1 and S-28) from this week's Bible Lesson in the "Met" (Metaphysical application ideas) are taken from the Bible (B-1 thru B-24) and the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health With Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy (S-1 thru S-30). The Bible and Science and Health are the ordained pastor of the Churches of Christ, Scientist. The Bible Lesson is the sermon read in Christian Science church services throughout the world. The Lesson-Sermon speaks individually through the Christ to everyone, providing unique insights and tailor-made applications for each one. We are glad you requested this metaphysical sharing and hope that you find some of the ideas helpful in your daily spiritual journey, in your deeper digging in the books and in closer bonding with your Comforter and Pastor.]   [Thanks for sending to the address below your appreciated & still needed gift to help support summer & fall programs that nurture the spiritual growth of Christian Science youth: CedarS Camps, 19772 Sugar Drive, Lebanon, MO 65536 or call us at 417-532-6699]   [More websites of interest found by Rick relating to the Jonah story, ocean rescues...] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9fBM3oU-lQ Phillipine man saved by dolphins and whales. http://libertinethought.blogspot.de/2007/11/dolphins-save-mans-life.html surfer saved by dolphin pod from great white shark attack. http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/the-dolphin-defender/interview-hardy-jones/810/ Hardy Jones the dolphin defender. http://www.bluevoice.org/about.php

Testimony by  Roland H. Allen

I originally heard this testimony as a supportive testimony of an Audio Recording of the article, God’s Law of Adjustment by Adam H. Dickey.    It was always a favorite.  With the new resource of the Christian Science Publishing Society, called:  Journal, Sentinel, Herald Online or JSHOnline you can find this testimony and thousands and thousands more.  With an affordable subscription you can access all articles, poems, and testimonies published in the Christian Science Journal, Sentinel, or Herold.  What a incredible resource.

On December 12, 1943, the first...

By Roland H. Allen

From the June 2, 1945 issue of the Christian Science Sentinel

On December 12, 1943, the first really cold day of the winter, I was working at my wartime job as a shipfitter at New England's largest shipyard. For several days I had been installing "swash lids" on the fuel tanks of a large combat vessel. The fuel tanks of warships are scattered along the bottom of the hull, occupying space not utilized for other purposes, and separated from one another by bulkheads which are watertight and fireproof.

The most difficult and tiring part of my work resulted from this method of placement, as it necessitated much crawling through cramped areas and numberless small openings known as "escape holes." I had to pull an electric welding line over one hundred feet long to the many compartments where lids were required, to carry a welder's shield, an extension electric light cord, and a tool bag.

On this particular day I thought I was going to finish the assignment by installing the last of thirty-nine lids, only to find when checking my work list that somewhere I had missed one tank. This was very discouraging, for, numb with cold from lying on the frigid steel, I was anxious to get through and do some other work that would allow me to stand up and move about.

I was tempted to leave the one lid undone and let someone else do it when it was found incomplete. However, it was my habit to complete my assignments before asking for another job. So I explored the whole ship's bottom and found that the tank I had missed was the one I should have done first, situated way up forward near the bow of the vessel.

I started installing the lid, which necessitated my getting inside the tank through the "escape hole," an opening of fifteen by twenty-three inches, because the "swash lids" open downward into the tanks.

I had to weld the hinge on which the lid swung to the interior of the tank and to the lid. In order to locate the hinge correctly and to allow the lid to swing freely when opening and closing I had been instructed always to bolt the lid in place with the thirty-six bolts required to hold it and then weld on the hinge.

I tried to put the first bolt in place while holding the lid on top of my head with one hand, but I was so numb with cold, and so tired from crawling so far with my equipment, that I could not accomplish this simple act until the eighth attempt. Finally, the threads of the first bolt caught and I soon had enough bolts to hold the lid in place. Then when I looked for my wrench to tighten the bolts, I discovered that somewhere along the way I had dropped it. I was faced with the choice of taking the lid down and crawling back through the inner-bottom of the ship until I found my wrench or going ahead with the work by tightening the bolts as much as I could with my fingers and welding the hinge on. I decided on the latter course.

When the welding was finished and I was ready to leave, satisfied the work was properly done, I found that the bolts I had put on with my fingers would not come out. The welding had caused a distortion of the steel which had added a strain somewhere and I was a prisoner by my own hand.

Instantly sensing the seriousness of my position, I realized I had to demonstrate for myself the truths I had so often professed. Many aggressive mental suggestions came to my consciousness. I met each one with its counterfact. The first scientific thought that came to me was the subject of the Lesson-Sermon to be read in all Christian Science churches the next day, "God the Preserver of Man."

I never let go of that one fact and I worked as I had been taught. When Satan whispered, "You're alone and no help will come," I knew that God was infinite, ever present, and that therefore I was not alone. Again the whisper came: "It's four degrees above zero and it's now Saturday noon. If you don't get out by three o'clock you will be here until seven o'clock Monday morning. Do you think you'll survive?" Then the truth came to my consciousness: "God is your Life; you cannot die."

A fierce mental battle was fought in my consciousness, inside that cold tank. It was not ended easily or very rapidly. Aggressive mental suggestions sought to gain control over me by fear. But, thank God, I knew the counterfacts of every lie.

All the while I was striving to twist the bolts out with my fingers, working at one then another to find one I could move. Picking up my electric light to examine the bolts I saw threads of flesh clinging to the heads of the bolts. Looking at my fingers, I saw the torn flesh. I had felt no pain. My fear of imprisonment was greater than my sense of pain and overshadowed it.

The devil prompted me to scream, to pound on the steel, to seek another opening, to use my welding rod to burn the bolts off. But I knew that no one could hear. Rivet guns were roaring down aft somewhere on the hull. I started to crawl into the other compartment of the tank, but my fear of leaving the comfort of my electric light, and the knowledge that there was no other escape hole, put an end to that temptation. Wisdom told me: "You have never tried burning a bolt away. It has been done, but you don't know how. If you fail to burn it through and add weld to the bolt you'll be welded in."

I was still striving to twist the bolts out. It finally came to me that I must stop my human efforts and trust wholly in God. It required an actual physical effort to take my hands away from the bolts. But I finally put them down in my lap, and then I spoke to God. I said, "God, I'm listening." The change was wonderful. A message from an article written by Adam H. Dickey entitled, "God's Law of Adjustment," came to me. The statement was, "If a man were drowning in mid-ocean with apparently no human help at hand, there is a law of God which, when rightly appealed to, would bring about his rescue."

With this thought came absolute calmness, a sense of peace, a certainty of God's nearness, a positive assurance of deliverance. I waited and heard the direction, "Take out the pin in the hinge." Even as I moved to obey, the dark angel said: "What good will that do? The bolts hold the lid, not the hinge." But there was no contest. I knew the voice that I would follow.

I removed the pin from the hinge, dropped my hands into my lap, and waited. Again the voice came: "Take out the bolt at the left." My fingers grasped the bolt at the left and strained to twist it. It moved. I took a new hold, putting my whole effort into keeping it turning until it came free. I continued removing one bolt after another until only one remained that I could not move.

Again I dropped my hands to my lap and waited. The words of a much loved hymn can best describe the amazement I felt as I say my deliverance working out step by step,

"I was not ever thus, nor prayed that Thou
Shouldst lead me on;
I loved to choose and see my path; but now
Lead Thou me on."

The angel voice said, "Pull down on the lid." The lid bent as I pulled with all my strength so the hole was partly open. The impulse came to try to wedge my way through. But the right thought came in time: "Don't try that; you will get caught part way and be unable to go ahead or back. Pull down again." This time there was more than the strength of muscles. The threads were stripped from the bolt and the lid crashed into my lap. I was free! Looking out into the dark inner bottom of the ship, I saw my welding line and extension electric light cord winding back the way I must go to get to the "escape trunk" and then up to the deck of the ship. I had felt the need to see that the way was unobstructed.

Then I sat back in the tank and silently praised God, rejoicing that Christian Science had given such power to men. I reviewed my many blessings and counted not least among them the class instruction I had received. My gratitude to Mrs. Eddy was profound and beyond words.

I installed the lid properly on the hinge and left the ship. When I arrived home my wife met me and said, "I have been working all day for you to come home safely." She had felt my need, and supplied it by right knowing and persistent declarations of the truth about man. I was so overcome with gratitude that it was hours before I could speak of what had occurred.

No other experience has given me the sense of nearness to God that I gained from this one. I felt His presence and followed His angels' voices. I believe I have learned to recognize divine guidance.—Roland H. Allen, West Newton, Massachusetts.

Saved at sea in the Gulf of Mexico 

The mother in the above referenced testimony would prefer that the testimony not be shared further.  Please feel free to contact me directly regarding this testimony.  Rick Stewart

Öffne den Vorhang, um die geistige Wirklichkeit

Öffne den Vorhang, um die geistige Wirklichkeit, hier und jetzt, zu sehen!
Rick Stewart, C.S., Dresden, Germany

Druckbare Version | PDF
| |
Öffne den Vorhang, um die geistige Wirklichkeit, hier und jetzt, zu sehen!

Rick Stewart, C.S. Dresden, Deutschland
CedarS MET, metaphysische Ideen zu Anwendung zum Thema: Wirklichkeit
der Bibellektion der Christlichen Wissenschaft für die Woche vom 19. bis 25. September 2011
von Rick Stewart, C.S., Dresden, Deutschland
RickStewartCS@aol.com + 49-351-312-4736
[Anmerkungen in eckigen Klammern von Warren Huff, CedarS Direktor und Herausgeber des Newsletters]


Der Goldene Text und das Wechselseitige Lesen: Psalm 48: 1, 2, 8, 9-14
Diese Wochenlektion wird mit dem 48. Psalm eröffnet - sowohl im Goldenen Text als auch im Wechselseitigen Lesen. Ich habe mich selbst gefragt: „Warum der 48. Psalm?" Wovon handelt dieser Psalm, und was hat er mit dem Thema „Wirklichkeit" zu tun?

Man betrachtet die Psalmen 46-48 meist im Zusammenhang. Man weiß nicht genau, von wem und wann diese Psalmen geschrieben wurden. Aber das Thema dieser Psalmen ist klar. Es hat etwas mit der Rettung der Stadt Jerusalem zu tun. Einige Bibelwissenschaftler glauben, dass sich diese Psalmen auf die Zeit des Assyrischen Königs Sanherib beziehen, als dieser Jerusalem angegriffen hatte (s.a. 2. Kön 19). Das war 701 vor Christus, zur gleichen Zeit als der Prophet Jesaja seine Bücher schrieb. Und weil es gewisse sprachliche Parallelen gibt, halten viele Jesaja für den Verfasser dieser Psalmen. Zu dieser Frage gibt es im Internet einen interessanten Artikel (www.easyenglish.info/psalms/psalm046-048-taw.rtf - englisch)

Die meisten Kommentare, die ich zu Rate zog, stimmen darin überein, dass das Thema des 48. Psalms Jerusalem ist („die Stadt Gottes") und dass der Berg Zion keine andere Örtlichkeit ist, sondern sich auf das ganze Jerusalem bezieht. Dieser Psalmist (und möglicherweise ja der Prophet Jesaja) bezieht sich nicht nur auf die geographische Lage sondern auch auf die symbolische Bedeutung dieses Ortes. Das alte Jerusalem war wohl eine sehr schöne Stadt und das besonders, wenn man sich ihr vom Norden her näherte. Und aus dieser Richtung kamen auch die Angriffe der Armeen und Könige, hauptsächlich, weil auf der anderen Seite tiefe Täler waren, und aus strategischen Gründen greift man selten aus einer niedrigeren Lage aus an. Also wurden Angriffe immer vom Norden aus geplant. Und was diese Angreifer von dort aus sahen, hat einige von ihnen direkt zur Umkehr veranlasst. Die Nordseite vom Berg Zion war sehr beeindruckend - eine mächtige Zitadelle mit Befestigungen und Bollwerken. Wer mehr darüber wissen will, benutze diesen Link: http://bible.cc/psalms/48-2.htm (englisch!)

Auf dem Berg Zion gab es aber auch noch eine andere Verteidigung, die Gegen wart eines rettenden Gottes. Hier war etwas untergebracht, was die alten Juden als das Herz ihrer Beziehung zu Gott betrachteten, die Bundeslade. Hier war das, was die Juden an den Gott erinnert, der sie in Ägypten erhalten und verteidigt hatte und der sie aus der Sklaverei dort befreit hatte, sie durch die Wüste auf ihrem Weg in das gelobte Land geführt hatte. Diese Verteidigungslinien lagen in der Anerkennung und Erinnerung an die rettende Macht der Gegenwart Gottes [und an Seine liebevolle Aufmerksamkeit].

Doch statt lediglich eine historische Lektion über das alte Jerusalem zu sein, bringt uns diese Lektion eine andere, noch viel eindrucksvollere Ansicht. Eine Ansicht der ewigen, universalen Stadt Gottes, auf die die göttliche Wirklichkeit der Schöpfung Gottes. Durch diese Wochenlektion zieht sich die Ansicht oder Vision, die Johannes hatte, als er sich auf der Insel Patmos befand. Diese Ansicht ist eine Offenbarung, eine „Öffnung des Vor­hangs" vor der Wirklichkeit. Statt der Betrachtung eines jüngsten Gerichts, einer „Apokalypse", wie sie in Hollywoodfilmen dargestellt wird, finden wir in dieser Wochen­lektion eine klarere Darstellung der ewigen Wirklichkeit. Wir werden in die Betrachtung der „Stadt Gottes" eingeführt, die über die sterbliche Betrachtungsweise hinausgeht. Wie Johannes von Patmos können wir durch die Öffnung des Vorhangs der Materie die geistige Wirklichkeit erkennen - hier und jetzt.

Und wie dankbar können wir für Mrs. Eddys wunderbares Kapitel über die „Apokalypse" sein (Griechisch: apokálypsis; „den Vorhang heben" oder „Offenbarung"). Es ist das Offenlegen von etwas, das der Mehrheit der Menschen verborgen ist - auf einem Gebiet, das von Falschheit und Missverständnis beherrscht wird, das ist der Vorhang (oder Schleier), der gelüftet wird. http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apokalypse

1. Abschnitt: Johannes auf Patmos, die Offenbarung der Wirklichkeit

In Offenbarung 1: 9 heißt es: „Ich, Johannes, euer Bruder und Mitgenösse an der Bedrängnis und am Reich und an der Geduld in Jesus, war auf der Insel, die Patmos heißt, um des Wortes Gottes willen und des Zeugnisses von Jesus."

Diese Reihe von Visionen der Offenbarung Jesu Christi wurde Johannes gegeben, als er in der Verbannung auf der Insel Patmos war. Die kleine Insel liegt etwa 50 km vor der Küste Kleinasiens im Ägäischen Meer. Sie ist nur zehn mal sechzehn km groß - ein von Schlangen, Eidechsen und Skorpionen verseuchter Felsen. Da sie keinerlei wirtschaft­lichen Wert hat, haben die Römer dort eine Strafkolonie für hoffnungslose Verbrecher, politische Gefangene und dgl. eingerichtet. Und hier befindet sich jetzt Johannes.

In dieser menschenfeindlichen, unfreundlichen und öden Gegend erhielt Johannes also einen Schimmer der Wirklichkeit. Wie wir im Zitat S1 in Wissenschaft und Gesundheit lesen, ist hier
„Alle Wirklichkeit ... in GOTT und Seiner Schöpfung, harmonisch und ewig."

Wie Johannes, so haben viele andere Menschen in der Gefangenschaft [oder im Alleinsein, (im Eins-sein) - einer Solo-Erfahrung] die tiefe, geistige Wirklichkeit gefunden. Ein Bekannter von mir aus Brasilien fand die Christliche Wissenschaft, als er im Staats­gefängnis in den Vereinigten Staaten war. Er hatte als junger Mann sehr erfolgreich damit begonnen, mit Waren zwischen den Vereinigten Staaten und Brasilien zu handeln. Dann brachte ihn jemand dazu, verbotene Drogen einzuführen. Seine Kunden waren erfolg­reiche Geschäftsleute und Gewerbetreibende. Aber er wurde dabei ertappt und einge­sperrt. Während dieser Zeit fiel ihm ein Christian Sciene Sentinel in die Hände. Der Artikel eines zwölfjährigen Mädchens handelte von der „wirklichen" Identität. So bekam er eine ganz neue Vision seiner selbst, die ihm sehr gefiel. Auch im Gefängnis sah er jetzt eine geistige Wirklichkeit.

Als er weiter las und diese neue „Offenbarung" studierte, fingen andere Gefängnisin­sassen an, ihn um Gebetshilfe zu bitten. So fanden viele, viele Heilungen statt. Er begann, Gottesdienste zu halten - manchmal mit 200 Teilnehmern. Als er entlassen wurde, erhielt er die Auflage, direkt nach Brasilien zurückzukehren und die Vereinigten Staaten nie wieder zu betreten. Das schmerzte ihm im Herzen, denn er kam gerne in die USA. Etwas später bekam er eine Arbeit als Reiseleiter angeboten. Dafür brauchte er aber ein Visum für die USA. Zuerst wollte er sich nicht bewerben, aber weil der neue Arbeitgeber darauf bestand, beantragte er das Visum und bekam es. Als er dann in den USA war, ging er zum Büro der Bundesbehörde, um seine Akte einzusehen. Was er da feststellte, war, dass sein Akte vollkommen gelöscht worden war. [„Die menschliche Geschichte bedarf einer Überprüfung, und der materielle Bericht muß daraus gestrichen werden." Rückblick und Einblick S.22:1] Es gab weder eine Akteneintragung noch eine Komputerdatei über irgendeine Straftat seinerseits. Seine neue „Vision der Wirklichkeit" hatte seine wahre geistige Identität begründet, seine vollständige Unschuld in den Augen Gottes.

Als ich in Brasilien Vorträge hielt, sprach ich auch für die Kirche, die er zu gründen geholfen hatte. Eine geistige Vision der Wirklichkeit manifestierte sich in einer gegen­wärtigen Realität, die für viele ein Segen war.

2. Abschnitt: Unseren Weg finden „aus der großen Trübsal" in die Wirklichkeit
Vor vielen Jahren hatte ich in meiner Heimatstadt ein Zeugnis gehört, das ich niemals vergessen habe. Die Zeugnisgeberin, Mary Beth, berichtete von einem Autounfall. Der Wagen war ein Totalschaden, ein richtiges Wrack. Sie war körperlich unverletzt aber tief im Herzen getroffen. Sie wandte sich an einen Ausüber, dass er für sie betete. Der Ausüber sagte zu und sagte nur, „schau auf den Segen!" Mary Beth in ihrer „großen Trübsal" (B4) fand diese Aufgabe nicht sehr verheißungsvoll. Aber gehorsam begann sie zu beten, um den Segen zu erkennen. Zunächst war sie dankbar, dass sie und auch der andere Fahrer unverletzt waren. Dann fand sie noch andere Gründe für ihre Dankbarkeit und bald änderte sich, was man für Trübsal halten konnte. Schließlich bekam sie ein viel besseres Auto und die Gewissheit, dass man auch „in Trübsal" den Segen sehen „kann" [und so in ungetrübter Freude „mit weißen Kleidern" (Unschuld) stehen kann. B4 und Lied Nr. 19]

Im Zitat B6 sehen wir, wie Jesus einen Menschen aus der Blindheit erlöste, indem er jedes Gefühl der Schuld, der Verdammung und der Beschuldigung abwusch. [Als er von seinen Jüngern im Multiple Choice (Unsinn-)Verfahren getestet wurde, („Wer hat gesündigt, (A) dieser Mensch, (B) seine Eltern, dass er blind geboren wurde? da verweigerte sich Jesus dieser Wirklichkeit der Unvollkommenheit und schuf die Antwort (C) beides falsch oder Trifft Nicht Zu.{englisch: Does Not Apply entspr. DNA} Macht diese DNA-Übersetzung (trifft nicht zu) immer dann, wenn von einer Vergötterung der Genetik die Rede ist, die von DNA bestimmt wird! Mit diesen Heilverfahren zeigte uns Jesus, „der wissenschaftlichste Mensch, der jemals auf Erden wandelte", wie man hinein taucht in das geistige Heilen, statt nur die Symptome zu behandeln. „Er tauchte unter die materielle Oberfläche der Dinge und fand die geistige Ursache." (W&G 313: 27) Jesus zeigte uns die geistige Ursache als er in den Staub spuckte, wie der Bibelwissenschaftler Cobbey Crisler sagte. Cobbey sagte, dass er durch das Spucken auf die Erde seine Verachtung zeigte für den angenommenen Staub (oder die Erde) als Ursprung des Menschen nach dem 2. Schöpfungsbericht (ein Brauch, der sich im nahen Osten noch heute findet). Indem er damit die Augen des Blinden ‚salbte‘, - weit entfernt davon, die medizinischen Eigenschaften von Spucke anzuwenden -, zeigte uns Jesus den wahren physischen Zusammenhang mit der wirklichen Ursache der Blindheit, die mit ein wenig der D.I.A.L. des Menschen abgewaschen wurde, (DIAL ist eine Seife und hier die Abkürzung für Divine Image And Likeness = göttliches Bild und Gleichnis) dem Ursprung nach dem ersten Kapitel der Genesis (1. Mose 1:26)]

Im Zitat S6 erklärt Mrs. Eddy, wie Christus Jesus die Menschen zu einer höheren Selbstvorstellung erhob, wo sie einen Schimmer von ihrer wahren Identität als Bild und Gleichnis Gottes bekommen konnten.

3. Abschnitt: „Josua bei der Schlacht um Jericho"
Die großen Mauern der Materie können manchmal ziemlich hoch über uns stehen. Wer von uns hat nicht schon erlebt, wie scheinbar unüberwindliche Hindernisse unserem geistigen Fortschritt im Weg stehen? Das kann eine Krankheit, eine Diagnose, eine finanzielle Last, ein Familienproblem oder eine nationale Katastrophe sein. Wenn wir dem einfachsten Gebot oder der kleinsten Führung Gottes gehorsam folgen, dann kann uns das aus dem Problem herausführen, und dann stürzen die Mauern der Materie ein.

Im Zitat B8 beschreibt Johannes sieben Engel, die sieben Posaunen blasen. Mit B9 ermahnt uns Jeremia, auf den Ton der Posaunen zu achten. Und im Zitat B11 lesen wir die inspirierende Geschichte über den Fall der Mauern von Jericho, und wir erfahren, wie der Gehorsam Josuas Gott gegenüber die Stadtmauern von Jericho zum Einsturz brachte. Gleich wie wirklich uns der materielle Widerstand erscheinen mag, Tatsache ist, dass der Gehorsam gegen Gott uns geradewegs hindurch bringen wird. Indem wir den Ruf der Wissenschaft beachten, den Klang der Posaune, erheben wir uns über die Materie in die geistige Wirklichkeit. In Grundzüge der göttlichen Wissenschaft schreibt Mrs, Eddy: „Stellt das Heilen der Kranken alles dar, was die Wissenschaft in sich schließt? Das Heilen von körperlicher Krankheit ist der kleinste Teil der Christlichen Wissenschaft. Es ist nur der Weckruf zum Denken und Handeln im höheren Bereich der unendlichen Güte." (Grundzüge der göttlichen Wissenschaft 2: 30-35)

Auch wenn Mrs. Eddy sagt, dass das Heilen der Kranken nur der Weckruf ist, dann müssen wir doch sichergehen, dass wir den Wert dieses Weckrufes erkennen.

Hier ist ein interessantes Beispiel aus der Geschichte, das aus dem Spanisch-Amerikanischen Krieg stammt: Die 10. US Reiterdivision war in Lakeland in Florida ausgebildet worden. Sie wurde in Tampa eingeschifft und kamen am 22. Juni 1898 vor der Küste Kubas an. Die Überfahrt war für Pferde und Maultiere schwierig gewesen. Die einzige Möglichkeit, sie an Land zu bringen, war, sie über Bord zu werfen. In der Verwirrung begannen viele Pferde, auf das offen Wasser hinaus zu schwimmen. Ein schnell reagierender Bläser blies das Signal: „nach rechts". Die Pferde drehten nach rechts und erreichten den Strand. (http://www.spanamwar.com/10thcavhist.htm)
Das Heilen mag „nur der Weckruf zum Denken und Handeln" sein, aber oft bringt es uns in die richtige Richtung. Und wenn der Ruf im Gehorsam gegen Gott gemacht wird, dann bringt er die Mauern des materiellen Widerstandes einfach zum Einsturz. Vielleicht gefällt Euch dieser Link zu dem Gospel Song von Mahelia Jackson:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPZuWzZvoYQ

4. Abschnitt: Johannes sieht und hört das „stille, sanfte Sausen"
(In der englischen Bibel: die „stille sanfte Stimme")
Die Offenbarung Jesu Christi entfaltet sich weiter für Johannes. Seine Isolierung auf der Insel Patmos hat sein Hören auf keine Weise beeinträchtigt. Genau so beginnen wir zu lernen, dass uns kein körperlicher Umstand, keine Bedingugen der Materie, keine geographische Lage darin begrenzen kann, die Stimme Gottes zu hören, die Stimme der Wahrheit.

Als mein Sohn Noah zwischen zwei und vier Jahren alt war, verbrachten wir den ganzen Tag zusammen. Ich bekam meine Anrufe von Menschen, die um Gebetshilfe baten, und dabei war Noah oft an meiner Seite. Viele Male, wenn ich mit Patienten sprach und geistige Ideen mit ihnen austauschte, sagte Noah ziemlich direkt zu mir: „Papa, sag ihnen doch, sie sollen auf die stille sanfte Stimme hören"! Und das tat er sehr deutlich. Wenn ich einfach weiter redete, ohne seine Botschaft weiterzugeben, drängelte er mich, das zu tun. Da lernte ich, auf ihn zu hören, und wenn ich schließlich gehorchte, dann war die Reaktion der Patienten gewöhnlich: „O, das ist genau richtig, danke!" Und oft waren dann auch die Heilungen sehr schnell. Ich lernte, die Botschaft selbst aus einer kleinen unerwarteten Quelle zu akzeptieren.

Über die Jahre habe ich viele Berichte von denen gehört, die die Botschaften der Wahrheit „gehört" hatten, die in Wissenschaft und Gesundheit enthalten sind. Manchmal, wenn die Menschen dieses „kleine Büchlein" erst einmal zurückgewiesen haben, wurden sie später zu dieser Botschaft zurückgerufen. Eine Bekannte hatte Wissenschaft und Gesundheit als Geschenk bekommen. Sie stellte das Buch gleich in das Bücherregal, wo es erst einmal ungeöffnet eine Weile stand. Sie hatte viel durchzumachen, aber das Buch blieb dort stehen. Und dann, als sie in eine besonders schwierige Lage kam, scheinbar ohne Hoffnung für eine Lösung, ging sie am Bücherregal vorbei, und das Buch fiel ihr buchstäb­lich in die Arme. Jetzt las sie im Buch und fand die Hilfe, die sie brauchte. Und sie hat bis heute nicht aufgehört, in dem Buch zu lesen.

Ein besonders anrührender Bericht findet sich in der Familie von Doris Henty, einer langjährigen Ausüberin der Christlichen Wissenschaft. Diese Familie war in großer Not, sie brauchte dringend Heilung: Ihre Mutter konnte nicht arbeiten und verbrachte die meiste Zeit liegend auf dem Sofa. Ihr Bruder hatte Tuberkulose und keine große Lebens­erwartung. Doris selber hatte ein verwachsenes Gesicht und war jederzeit von Tod bedroht. Jemand hatte ihrem Vater Wissenschaft und Gesundheit geborgt, und der hatte es ungelesen zurückgegeben. Später hatte er irgendwie ein schlechtes Gewissen und kaufte sich das Buch in einem chrislich-wissenchaftlichen Leseraum in Manchester in England. Kurz darauf griff sich seine Frau das Buch, las darin und fing sofort an, das Gelesene in die Praxis umzusetzen. Als Ergebnis wurden alle in dieser Familie geheilt. Und viele Jahre öffentlicher Praxis folgten für Doris Henty. Ihr könnt den wunderbaren Bericht über diese Familie in meinem Blog lesen: http://rickstewartcs.blogspot.com/2011/09/doris-dufour-henty-cs.html

5. Abschnitt: Der Vorhang im Tempel geöffnet.
Das Buch der Offenbarung wird oft als ein Brief des Johannes an die Kirchen seiner Tage betrachtet, ganz besonders an die sieben Kirchen in Kleinasien. Wahrscheinlich wurde es im zweiten Teil des ersten Jahrhunderts geschrieben. Über den genauen Zeitraum gibt es verschiedene Meinungen. In dem Stil, wie das Buch mit Symbolen geschrieben ist, sieht man eine Möglichkeit, die Botschaft für die christlichen Kirchen verständlich und für die Behörden verborgen zu machen. Eine Art des Schutzes in Zeiten der Verfolgung. Schließ­lich befand sich Johannes in der Verbannung auf der Insel Patmos, einer römischen Strafkolonie.

Interessant, sich vorzustellen, dass das Buch, das etwas enthüllt oder offenbart, auf eine Weise geschrieben wird, die beabsichtigt, die Botschaft zu verbergen. Und die besondere Botschaft dieses Abschnitts befasst sich damit, den Vorhang in einer Zeit der Verfolgung, zu öffnen.

Ist das wohl paradox? Eine Offenbarung oder Enthüllung, die gleichzeitig schützt und verbirgt? Bedenkt, das ich in einem Teil Deutschlands lebe, der früher zur Deutschen Demokratischen Republik, zur DDR gehörte, wo die Christliche Wissenschaft 40 Jahre lang verboten war. Doch kann eine Regierung, die andere verfolgt, die Ausübung einer Religion wirklich unterbinden? Man kann Versammlungen verbieten, aber gibt es nicht noch andere Wege, um mit einem Glauben weiterzumachen?

Vor gerade zwei Wochen haben wir von vielen Beispielen gehört, wie man inmitten von Verfolgungen an der Bibel festhalten und die Christliche Wissenschaft praktizieren kann. Christliche Wissenschafter aus der alten DDR waren zu einem Treffen mit der [neuen] Präsidentin Der Mutterkirche, Marta Greenwood, CSB, geladen. Bei zwei Treffen in Magdeburg und in Dresden berichteten Christliche Wissenschafter Marta ihre Geschich­ten, die sie inmitten von Verfolgungen gelebt hatten. Es war spannend zu erfahren, wie die Kirche tatsächlich in einer verbotenen Zeit „lebte". Aber auch, wie sie im Leben der Christlichen Wissenschafter heute weiterlebt. Doch jetzt in Offenheit und in freiem Austausch!! Ihr könnt einige davon in Martas Blogspot lesen: https://community.christianscience.com/community/church-alive/presidentsblog

[Zur Bestätigung davon] steht im Zitat S19: „Gerade den Umstand, den dein leidender Sinn für bedrohlich und schmerzlich hält, kann Liebe zu einem Engel machen, den du ohne dein Wissen beherbergst." W&G 574:29-31

6. Abschnitt: [Beachte die höchste Autorität Gottes und Seines Christus]
In diesem Abschnitt wird gezeigt, wie das Evangelium, die Botschaft Christi, die Kirche inmitten der Verfolgung lebt. Nicht alle „Herrschenden" sind blind für die Kraft und Gegenwart des Christus.

Zitat B18 im Matthäus 8 berichtet von einem Römer von der Besatzungsmacht, einem Centurion, der Heilung für einen geliebten Diener suchte. Ein Mann der herrschenden Autorität wendet sich an die höchste Autorität des Christus, und das Ergebnis - eine Heilung. Auf diese Weise kann Heilen zur Einheit führern, ohne Debatte und ohne Bürokratie. So kommt inmitten eines Konflikts ganz einfach Trost und Harmonie zustande.

Bei unserer Zusammenkunft mit Marta hörten wir auch von einem solchen Beispiel der Heilung beim Kontakt mit Behörden. Das war für mich ein besonderes Beispiel dafür, wie man die Christliche Wissenschaft selbst in Zeiten der Verfolgung leben und mitteilen kann. Elisabet berichtete uns von einer Erfahrung, die sie und ihr Mann mit der Stasi gemacht hatten. Ein Stasi-Agent hatte sie schon mehrmals aufgesucht. Sie bekamen diese Besuche, weil sie als Christliche Wissenschafter geführt wurden. An einem Punkt klagte der Stasi-Agent über starke Magenschmerzen. Er fragte Elisabet und ihren Mann, wie sie auf „ihre" Weise mit einer solchen Sache umgehen würden. Was könnte er in diesem Falle lesen? Weise antworteten sie ihm, er habe doch nun alle ihre Bücher. „Wenn Sie das wissen wollen, dann lesen Sie doch darin!" Sie waren sich sicher, dass der Mann die Bücher noch hatte, die er ihnen weggenommen hatte. Als derselbe Agent bei einem anderen Besuch wieder über Magenschmerzen klagte, sagte Elisabets Mann nur: „Ob Ihr Ihr Magen wohl Ihren Beruf nicht mag?" Einige Wochen später wurden sie im normalen Verkehr von einem Polizisten angehalten, den sie als ihren Stasi Besucher erkannten. Es ergab sich, dass er in den Polizeidienst gewechselt war und durch die Christlichen Wissenschaft geheilt worden war. Heilung? Das ist unsere Geheimwaffe gegen jede Verfolgung durch die Materialität. Und sie wird durch die wirkliche Autorität, den Christus, vollbracht.

7. Abschnitt: [Siehe hier und jetzt das Geistige]
In diesem Abschnitt wird dargestellt, wie wir hier und jetzt die Öffnung des Vorhangs, die Offenbarung des neuen Jerusalems erleben können. Eine Vision einer Stadt, die von Gott regiert wird, wo das Licht niemals ausgeht. Diese Vision, diese Offenbarung, kann nicht durch geographische Gegebenheiten begrenzt sein, durch soziale Umstände, durch die Gesellschaft, durch Furcht, falsche Annahmen oder Böses irgendwelcher Art. Liebe ist ihr Licht. Liegt nicht im Gebet für unsere Städte und Gesellschaften eine machtvolle Botschaft? In einem früheren Blog teilt Marta ihre Gedanken zu den Unruhen in englischen Städten mit: https://community.christianscience.com/community/church-alive/presidentsblog/blog/2011/08

Zitat S26 erinnert uns daran: „Der Offenbarer befand sich auf unserer Daseinsebene, während er doch schon erblickte, was kein Auge sehen kann - was für den uninspirierten Gedanken unsichtbar ist. Dieses Zeugnis der Heiligen Schrift stützt die Tatsache in der Wissenschaft, dass Himmel und Erde für das eine menschliche Bewusstsein, für das Bewusstsein, das Gott verleiht, geistig sind, während für das andere, das unerleuchtete menschliche Gemüt, die Vision materiell ist. Das zeigt unmissverständlich, dass das, was das menschliche Gemüt Materie und Geist nennt, auf Zustände und Stufen des Bewusst­seins hinweist. Dieses wissenschaftliche Bewusstsein ging mit einer anderen Offenbarung einher, nämlich der Verkündigung vom Himmel, der über allem erhabenen Harmonie, dass Gott, das göttliche Prinzip der Harmonie, immer bei den Menschen ist und dass sie Sein Volk sind. Dadurch galt der Mensch nicht länger als elender Sünder, sondern als das gesegnete Kind Gottes. Warum? Weil Johannes' körperliche Auffassung von Himmel und Erde vergangen und an die Stelle dieser falschen Auffassung die geistige Auffassung getreten war, der subjektive Zustand, durch den er den neuen Himmel und die neue Erde sehen konnte, die die geistige Idee und das Bewusstsein der Wirklichkeit einschließen." Wissenschaft und Gesundheit S. 573

Manchmal spielen wir in unserer Familie das Spielchen: „Ich sehe was, was Du nicht siehst und das sieht ... aus." Könnten wir nicht zu dem Verfasser der Offenbarung sagen: „Ich sehe, was Du siehst, und es ist geistig? Die geistige Wirklichkeit von Himmel und Erde wie Gott sie offenbart, offen, hier und jetzt und immer!!"
Met Posted : 9/19/2011