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The Bulletin Board is for gratitude for Christian Science and the Church, as well as timely excerpts from the Bible, the works of Mrs. Eddy, and the early workers that help and encourage. We are very grateful for all posts that conform to these guidelines, but will edit or remove anything that the Practitioners feel is not in complete accord with pure Christian Science or in any way disrespectful of it.
We also ask that you keep your postings as concise as possible. If you quote the Bible, please use The King James Version, as this is what Mrs. Eddy used. Thank you!
These are important topics to consider and not to be ignored. At last we we will be neither male or female, but for now like eating and drinking we can do our best to be normal and healthy without over doing or over thinking. If we glorify God in our bodies and in our souls we can be loving and tender in our sexual relationship with a chosen mate and share a life together. Mrs. Eddy also talks about marriage as bringing completeness. “Union of the masculine and feminine qualities constitutes completeness. The masculine mind reaches a higher tone through certain elements of the Mental feminine, while the feminine mind gains courage and strength through masculine qualities. These different elements conjoin naturally with each other, and their true harmony is in spiritual oneness.” Chapter 3 — Marriage in Science and Health, page 57
Thank you Imogene.
Thank you for this post.
“Thou will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Isaiah 12
In giving much thought to what Christ Jesus said about prayer and fasting the following helps me:
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Thank you! We can always turn to God no matter the mess we are in…. usually self created.
I became very curious about Jonah after my Bible fell open to the 4th and last chapter. Even after Jonah returned to God in his prayers, was delivered from the whale’s stomach, went to Nineveh as God directed, he was still angry about the whole thing and wanted to die. I was struck about how God stayed with him and although Jonah was given a rebuke He made it clear to Jonah that he must trust God in His judgement and be content. This is a wonderful lesson not only to obey God, but also not to question what God is doing or has done.
Thank you for this post. I have been thinking and praying about many things written here and especially what Pau said. ” Paul understood the power of thought to outpicture itself in my daily life experience, which is why he wrote to the Philippians “… whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” — persevering in such thoughts as these will help usher in the millennium.” I ask myself about this list and it does help keep me on the straight and narrow in these serious days. There is joy here too when you think about what is lovely and pure… hearing children laugh in our neighborhood, birds enjoying the birdbath, and people taking the time to say hello while they are walking by our yard.
Thank you for this wonderful post. It has brought to mind the Beatitude, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Also from a song where it says,” Shine Jesus shine; set our hearts on fire.”.. yes indeed, here at the Plainfield CS Church, Independent the “fires” of Love are kept burning and that is why so many come to the website, classes and services!
Thank you for this wonderful post. It has brought to mind the Beatitude, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Also from a song where it says,” Shine Jesus shine; set our hearts on fire.”.. yes indeed, here at the Plainfield CS Church, Independent the “fires” of Love are kept burning and that is why so many come to the website, classes and services!
Thank you for this post. Deuteronomy 30:20 talks about cleaving to God. I was directed also to Deuteronomy 10:20 ” Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God; Him shalt thou serve, and to Him shalt thou cleave, and swear by His name.”
One of the meanings for cleave is to actually be bonded as with an adhesive. The Shunammite woman in her quietness of heart also showed determination. She said to Elisha, I will not leave thee. And he arose, and
followed her.” Thus this beautiful story ends with the child being healed and returned to his mother.
It is a comfort to know that when sticking to God, with God all things are made possible.
I too am very grateful for this post…Thank you!
Thank you for this post. In order to keep our thoughts straight and focused on God instead of the what the world seems to be “reporting”, continued watching is necessary. I find the following to be very helpful:
Watching
by Parthens
In Collectanea, Mary Baker Eddy gives the following two instructions in regard to Watching:
“WATCH — . . . sit down and first get yourself into a consciousness of your power with God, and then take up the Outside Watch. Sit until this is clear, — if two hours.”
“WATCH — . . . take up the Watch every two hours as long as you live or until you can make the right side real to your consciousness.”
Inside watch first …. then the outside watch!
This entire article can be found on the website carousel.
Thank you for this post. While working with the denial of worrisome thoughts and embracing true humility and concentrating on following God instead of my plans, citation 2 from SH is helping me.. 114 : 23-29
Christian Science explains all cause and effect as mental, not physical. It lifts the veil of mystery from Soul and body. It shows the scientific relation of man to God, disentangles the interlaced ambiguities of being, and sets free the imprisoned thought. In divine Science, the universe, including man, is spiritual, harmonious, and eternal.
This lead me to the Bible Study on May 9th with the introduction from Visions of September 10, 1891 where it says,” … as long as there is one student on earth who is working on the demonstration that connects man with God so that the divine Mind may be brought into the world, the Cause is safe.” Thank you for the classes and Lessons that bring us into all Truth.
Thank you for this post. I am very grateful for your paraphrasing. ” Teaching me in Your way…” Is a prayer …and keeping me in Your way. I believe Mrs. Eddy said something very close to that about keeping and staying in God’s way.
Thank you for this post! In thinking about dominion that was mentioned and when looking the word up in 1828 Wester I found the following (in part)
5. Predominance; ascendant.
6. An order of angels.
Whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers. Colossians 1:16.
7. Persons governed.
Judah was his sanctuary; Israel his dominion Psalms 114:2. Also Genesis I: 26 (p.316 SH) mentions dominion. This dominion can only be given and directed by God. For me this dominion starts with myself and comes under self-government … for instance dominion over my feelings and how I am radiating out to the world is very important and this is done by totally submitting/giving myself to God….here again is the first commandment.
Thank you for these posts. SH 196 The less that is said of physical structure and laws, and the more that is thought and said about moral and spiritual law, the higher will be the standard of living and the farther mortals will be removed from imbecility or disease.
We should master fear, instead of cultivating it. It was the ignorance of our forefathers in the departments of knowledge now broadcast in the earth, that made them hardier than our trained physiologists, more honest than our sleek politicians.
The Readings from this Wednesday speak to me of the Lesson for this week on Matter.
Christ’s Keynote is ‘Be Not Afraid’
We are to rejoice in all things and i must say that to practice what I have learned here at Plainfield and to pray without ceasing has been a source of joy. Comforting everyone in thought, blessing them and all whom I meet or talk to. This is an opportunity to let CS shine and see hatred, malice, lies, fear …. all disappear!
Thank you very much for these posts. I have been using them in my Watches.
Thank you for this post. I have been thinking about Daniel and how he had the confidence to turn to God without even knowing the dream that the king was talking about. Daniel expected God to reveal what was necessary for him to know. 1828 Webster says that expectation differs from hope because … “it is founded on some reasons which render the event probable.” Daniel already had a relationship with God and as was stated by another post, he had put off the “old man” of pagan thinking that surrounded him. I am learning that expectation is an important part of prayer because we are already one with God and as His image and likeness naturally receive his Love when we are obedient and open to His goodness. It is done… “so be calm, quiet and patient while waiting for the right answer or result to be revealed to us….” (from Dede’s article in the September 2017 issue of Love is the Liberator).
Thank you for this post. The article mentioned is very timely and a call to all Christian Scientists. It is our duty to watch and pray without ceasing and teach others. This helps me understand the term Shekinah. One dictionary from Google defines Shekinah as..” the glory of divine presence , conventionally represented as light.” 17th century : from late Hebrew…dwell,rest.
“She centered the gaze upon the Shekinah, and led willing ears to listen to the oracles of Good. –and, listening, to obey.”
Very beautiful thank you!!!
Thank you for this post. I am learning about this and have great gratitude to have been led to the Plainfield Independent Church where we are supported in a spiritual way of living that takes us higher and enables all of us to overcome our old ways of doubt. Some of my fears and wavering were obvious and easy to see, while others were more hidden and need to be rooted out, overturned, and smashed. I have learned that I can’t be easy on the fears, but must face them squarely with courage and firmness. I think that this is part of the ” states and stages” that Mrs. Wilcox talks about in the chapter on Translation in her Association Addresses. I do believe it was Mrs. Eddy who said that fear is, “useless and unreal”!
Thank you for these posts. “When I hold a personal or human sense of myself, I am unable to love divinely or express unselfed love.” I have been really thinking about this! While praying today I asked myself how am I loving. I have found the directive to Peter ( and to all of us) ….to “Feed my sheep”, to be a wonderful command. Since coming to Plainfield I have come to realize what I had been doing in supporting others was often from a human standpoint. I have much room for improvement. To me this is why the classes and these posts are so important.
Everything explains, upholds, and guides us when studying the weekly Lessons.
Thank you. I too have been thinking about this truth that there is none other than God. It is a huge concept and brings me back to thinking and what am I thinking. I know I can do a better job and other verses help me also : “I am all there is to thee, I and my Father are one, one with God is a majority.” Here is the meaning of none in the 1828 Webster’s Dictionary 1. Not one; used of persons or things.
There is none that doeth good; no, not one. Psalms 14:1.
2. Not any; not a part; not the least portion.
Six days shall ye gather it, but on the seventh day, which is the sabbath, in it there shall be none Exodus 16:26.
3. It was formerly used before nouns; as, thou shalt have none assurance of thy life. This use is obsolete; we now use no; thou shalt have no assurance. This is none other but the house of God; we now say, no other.
Thank you. This powerful post reminded me of what Mrs. Eddy wrote on p. 470- 471
“The relations of God and man, divine Principle and idea, are indestructible in Science; and Science knows no lapse from nor return to harmony, but holds the divine order or spiritual law, in which God and all that He creates are perfect and eternal, to have remained unchanged in its eternal history.”
Thank you. I will be using this before I do my Watches.
From Irma Stewart’s Beattitudes – man …. “that he is the full, uninterrupted, infinite, joyous activity of one indivisible divine good, all-inclusive, satisfied, and pure in heart.”
“There is an old legend taken from the Aquarian Gospel,
which tells of Jesus when he was seven years old. He was
telling the people who had gathered before his home, of a
dream. He said, “I had a dream, and in my dream I stood
before a sea, upon a sandy beach. The waves upon the sea
were high; a storm was raging on the deep. Someone
above gave me a wand. I took the wand and touched the
sand, and every grain of sand became a living thing; the
beach was all a mass of beauty and song.”
Addresses by Martha Wilcox page 362
Thank you for this post. Since discovering this passage from John 10 after coming to Plainfield I have used it in my prayers for all mankind- especially children . Because the Christ is within us and Jesus loved the little children, no matter what the material or human circumstances may be, they cannot be “plucked” away from divine Love. I just read today, ” No power can withstand divine Love.” SH p.224 There seem to be many outside influences invading the lives of our children and grandchildren, but when I pray this prayer I feel a peace within me.
Thank you. This prayer is a “keeper”.
Thank you very much for this post. I have been thinking about truth-Truth a lot lately and God is Truth and is within me – us. I thought the Wednesday Readings called NEVER ALONE, OUR GOD IS OUR HELP really guide us to this inward place where healing happens. In the story of Asa this trust in Truth is available to all, ” whether with many or with them that have no power: help us O Lord our God; for we rest on thee.”
Thank you for this post!248 : 26-32
We must form perfect models in thought and look at them continually, or we shall never carve them out in grand and noble lives. Let unselfishness, goodness, mercy, justice, health, holiness, love — the kingdom of heaven — reign within us, and sin, disease, and death will diminish until they finally disappear.
I was given this citation first as a prayer for all children from my practitioner and use it constantly….often in Watches. This is a wonderful and powerful prayer for all of us.
( I have looked up all the words and think about what they mean. )
I am so grateful for the words Mrs. Eddy chose for us to use as models to reign or rule within us.
Thank you!
II Timothy 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
The Bible Studies here at Plainfield teach us the deeper meaning of the Bible and lead us to a better understanding of what the Bible is telling us. When I looked up the Biblical meaning of reproof it said that the rebuke is not always harsh, and that is exactly what I have experienced from my practitioner too. This love, is meant to guide us and guard us as God directs. We actually are the good soil that God created and our teachers keep us humble and fresh to receive the Word or seed.
Thank you! “My identity is not lost. I am God’s child and His child is never deprived of her birthright or any other good necessary to her happiness and well being.” MBE, Watches- Prayers – Arguments
Yes, thank you!
The moment by moment is what I am working on . I get tripped up when someone in my family tries to give me advice ….for my own good. The following partial”song” in the July Love Is The Liberator called THE DEER’S CRY helps calm my thinking.
Christ shield me today
Against wounding,
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye that sees me,
Christ in the ear that hears me.
I arise today
Through the mighty strength
Of the Lord of creation.
Thank you for this post. I have come to love the last quotes. To know that this spiritual consciousness is already a present possibility is a wonderful truth that Mrs. Eddy shared because of her understanding of what John wrote in Revelation. It seems to me that only through Christian Science can mankind be awakened to what we are meant to claim under God’s dominion and how the Christ is drawing all of us to Him. ” Take heart, dear sufferer….” As I work through my own issues and pray each day to love God more, listen, and then to follow Him, I then do my best and know that He loves me
This Bible story about Elijah at Mt. Carmel in Israel demonstrating the power of the ONE TRUE AMD ONLY GOD, is applicable to our times thousands of years later. In I Kings 18:37 it says,” Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the Lord God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again.”
I have been using this prayer for our nation and all mankind. I have learned here at Plainfield how important it is to know the Bible and I am very grateful!
Thank you for this post. 336 : 25 (God)-26, 30-31
God, the divine Principle of man, and man in God’s likeness are inseparable, harmonious, and eternal. … God is the parent Mind, and man is God’s spiritual offspring.
I have given much thought to the meaning of inseparable. It sounds easy to say we cant be separated from God, but old beliefs and incorrect thinking seem to creep in and I must check in with myself often. It was said during a class to cling to God (no matter what) and being like a little child helps.
I also want thank everyone for all their posts this week. What a support system we have here!
Thank you for this post. I too have loved this Bible quote from Isaiah for many many years. What a reminder that since God created us He knows us individually and is forever calling us to Him …. by name no less! What a blessing, “help and comfort”!
Addresses by Martha Wilcox p. 411, As Christian Scientists, we strive to get an understanding
of our own being, and life, in order that the manifested
form of these may be our bodies and our daily living.
Understanding in its concrete form is proof of demonstration,
and these are always a unit in consciousness, and
are inseparable and inseverable; the actual is always the
practical.
Truth discerned must have an accompanying concrete
manifestation.
For me these statements explain what the Bible tells us about our being one with God and that we are in fact the “temple of the Holy Ghost”.
Thank you… I have been thinking a lot about God maintaining us. From the 1828 Webster’s Dictionary: Maintain: To hold, to preserve, to keep, not lose or surrender, to affirm, and defend! And yes, it is, ” daily work and daily learning,” no matter what.
Thank you! Sober is one of the five qualities for warding off animal magnetism. the others are: diligence, patient , loving, and meek. I love how we are taught here at Plainfield and how many ideas are interwoven and take us to new levels of understanding.It all makes sense.
4 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king.
25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.
27 And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king’s counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.
I have been thinking about this all week how it was that Nebuchadnezzar recognized the fourth figure in the furnace as the Son of God. An awakening that is possible for all!
Matthew 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Beautiful, Thank you.
Thank you!
II CORINTHIANS 4 : 1
1. Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
Faint Not! ” Let not your heart be troubled.. ” Work, work, work with joy!
Thank you for the posts. I have been thinking this week about David remembering how the Lord delivered him our of the paw of the lion and the bear and KNEW that God would protect him from the hand of the Philistine. It is well to remember all that God has done for us and to even make a list lest we forget His kindness and mercy which are unchanging and they indeed do follow us all the days of our life.
Wonderful posts! ” Emerge gently to spirit”
I recently told one of my grandchildren who plays sports to keep his eye on the ball –God!!
He understood.
Thank you for this beautiful post. While reading a book called The Cross and The Crown by Norman Beasley I found this on p. 88 about The Trinity: ” In one class she,( Mary Baker Eddy) called for an explanation of the Trinity. The answers did not satisfy her. She gave her own explanation, and a short time afterwards, did an unusual thing. she sent to each student a copy of her explanation:
THE TRINITY
Father , is man’s divine Principle Love.
Son, is God’s man– His image, or spiritual idea.
Holy Ghost, is Divine Science, the Messiah or Comforter
Jesus in the flesh was the prophet or wayshower to Life,
Truth, Love, and out of the flesh Jesus was the Christ, the spiritual idea or image and Likeness of God.” MARY BAKER EDDY
Thank you! The citation you picked ends with – The age seems ready to approach this subject, to ponder somewhat the supremacy of Spirit, and at least to touch the hem of Truth’s garment.
I too love this citation and we know just to touch the hem of Truth’s garment brings spiritual growth and healing.
Thank you Michael!
410 : 14-17
Every trial of our faith in God makes us stronger. The more difficult seems the material condition to be overcome by Spirit, the stronger should be our faith and the purer our love.
I think about this … Before coming to Plainfield I never realized that every trial can help make me and everyone stronger in our faith. I too find this” seeking and digging, as deeply as I can to get the meaning behind the words” … something that must be done daily.
Thank you for these posts! What a lesson in this Lesson! Can you imagine arguing with an angel? Well, I think I am sometimes guilty of this. Zacharias couldn’t believe what he was hearing because he was believing instead that he and he wife were too old to conceive. Of course this didn’t stop God but because of his doubting Zacharias was made speechless until after John was born. Upon thinking about all of this I chuckled to myself and thought it is a wonder I am not turned to stone with all the doubting I seem to do. I am learning that we are ageless …. no older or younger than our most wonderful, merciful and loving God.
THANK YOU
This is a beautiful story about Mrs. Eddy……thank you!
In Finance By Bicknell Young, he writes, ” If you are under Spirit, you are no longer under the curse of law ( God-power is entirely outside thought-taking.)
Grace :
Appropriately, the free unmerited love and favor of God, the spring and source of all the benefits men receive from him.
And if by grace then it is no more of works. Romans 11:5.
3. Favorable influence of God; divine influence or the influence of the spirit, in renewing the heart and restraining from sin.
My grace is sufficient for thee. 2 Corinthians 12:9.
5. A state of reconciliation to God. Romans 5:2:2.
6. Virtuous or religious affection or disposition, as a liberal disposition, faith, meekness, humility, patience, etc. proceeding from divine influence.
7. Spiritual instruction, improvement and edification. Ephesians 4:29.
Thank you ! This makes me think of so many things I have learned about and use after coming to Plainfield : The article Body accredited to Mrs. Eddy, The article A Treatment for Every Day also by Mrs. Eddy where the first line states,” Every time you declare you are perfect in God, there goes through the body a health giving power.” And that we are made perfect in Christ- Matthew 5:48 and ll Corinthians 12:9.
Thank you!
Thank you both. It makes so much sense that Jesus asked his question about loving him three times since Peter denied him three times. I have asked myself … what would I have done if I had been Peter? It is a sobering question because whenever I am afraid it is a form of denying Christ. I also think about how Jesus knew everything —even before it took place and he read the minds of those around him. I like this because nothing is hid from God and we can ask for help at all times under all circumstances which certainly helps combat fear.
Thank you! While thinking about -No shortcuts- for our “progression and probations” I noticed –I Corinthians 58: Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
We never are working in vain or fruitless endeavors when truly working for the Lord. I never understood what real work was for the Lord until coming to Plainfield. I found a place where everything and everyone puts God first. No shortcuts. This is true reflection as mentioned above which brings joy and peace even while striving and working toward the third phase of understanding.
Thank you!. 573 : 29-2
Take heart, dear sufferer, for this reality of being will surely appear sometime and in some way. There will be no more pain, and all tears will be wiped away. When you read this, remember Jesus’ words, “The kingdom of God is within you.” This spiritual consciousness is therefore a present possibility.
I too have been thinking about this passage from Science and Health and the last sentence ,”This spiritual consciousness is therefore a present possibility.” is so uplifting as we work daily to do all the things mentioned in the above post. Glory be to God and thanks to Mrs. Eddy for her clear understanding!
Thank you for these posts. They help me to know HOW to,” come out from the material world and be separate.” This has been a hard concept for me. Yes, it is an ongoing work that is possible by knowing God’s great Love for us. When I think of pleasing God it makes me smile, for that is the desire of the heart.
Thank you!. What is written here also applies to our hurricane Watch.
Thank you! And -this substance -” It shall be for ever:nothing can be put to it , nor any thing taken from it : and God doeth it, that men should fear before him” Ecclesiastes 3:14
Thank you both!What a blessing!
Thank you! I never thought of Moses as meek, but of course he had to be! I have come to realize through study here at Plainfield that meekness is not weakness, but now I am gaining a deeper understanding of what this meekness really is. What an example, never straying from obedience to God, always alert, acting without questioning, vigilant, and compassionate ( always praying for his people and asking for Miriam to be healed).
Thank you!
Lamentations 3 : 22-26
22 It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
24 The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
25 The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.
26 It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.
This citation helps me in working to stick with God. To”…Get nearer to God and listen to His voice….” Here is this word wait again.” Wait on the LORD and fret not” for He is Perfect.
Thank you for this beautiful post! I have been thinking about the quality of being like a little child when seeking God.
Ephesians 5 : 1, 10
1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
I looked up proving and two things it said : trying and experiencing. I think this goes along with what Mrs. Eddy said, ” ..lean on God as a little child.” then you can experience His Love. I recall that Mrs. Eddy’s mother told her to lean on God when she was a little girl.
Thank you! Faith and understanding have become very important to me and one thing I have been studying, as directed, is Hymn 291. In part it reads: Quiet, Lord my froward heart, Make me gentle, pure and mild, Upright, simple free from art; Make me as a little child…….Let me thus with Thee abide, As my Father, friend, and guide.
Thank you! I love how it says “and be baptized” after repent and Mrs. Eddy in the Glossary says in part of Baptism, “Purification by Spirit; submergence in Spirit.” To me this means that when we truly repent we are purified in Spirit, forgiven and receive through Christ “the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
Thank you! This is such a good reminder! Even when we feel that our understanding may be lacking we must come in humility, obedience and acceptance of His promises to all of us. I have been working with “Be still, calm your thought, and then feel God’s Love.”
Thank you both!
Mary going to check on the tomb of where Jesus supposedly lay —even before daybreak , finding the tomb empty, weeping. Jesus saw Mary and called to her. What joy and relief to see her Master. She obeyed Him and went to tell the others. Jesus saw Mary as he see us and will we hear Him –the Christ as he calls to us?
Yes, thank you for the Lesson on Substance and this post! It hit me today at 7:30 .. not 5 .. that I do not have to be afraid of this belief in the medical laws of heredity! Although I have thought about this before it is this Lesson that convinced me that I am dishonoring God to even consider human heredity when God so lovingly created us in His image. I have been thinking about pre-existing and coexisting with God, which takes me to the 91st Psalm..” Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.”
Thank you! ” I too must listen more fervently to God!”
Thank you! Obedience is mentioned 14 times in our Lesson this week. 1828 Webster dictionary states in part about obedience;”Compliance with a command, performance of what is required, or abstaining from what is prohibited in compliance with the command or prohibition, forbearance to act must be in submission to authority, the command must be known to the person, and his compliance must be in consequence to it. Voluntary obedience alone can be acceptable to God.(!)”
It is then that sometime we…”shall rest , sit down with him in full understanding of the divine Principle which triumphs over death.”
Thank you! “..tried and purified”. In working with this idea I have been using ONENESS by Bicknell Young. He states .”Because he understands his being to be the individual appearing or manifesting of God, this individual works effectively , with power. He loses a sense of himself as having a mind separate from God. He feels sure of his work…..” This article can be found on our website.
Thank you! Yes, Peter and John must have know the power of Spirit or they could not have healed the lame man through the power of Christ Jesus. What a wonderful thing that this LOVE is stronger than any and all opposition!
Thank you for this beautiful post. In thinking about the remnant this week and preparing for the Bible Study it came to me that God always has a remnant whom he shall call.
Joel 32. ” And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.”
We must first call on Him. I read recently that we must love God before we can be obedient.. that makes sense to me. We must give all for the Christ. I also read that we must never give up in the battle for the recognition of the ONE SOVEREIGN POWER that governs all nations and man.
Thank you! I especially like …..”demonstration continued long enough, will surely silence the voice of suggestion, and leave God’s voice alone holding the field.” I think this gives great hope and encouragement to hang on and go forth with demonstrating the truths we have learned about Christian Science as taught here at Plainfield Church , Independent. Thank you God, Christ Jesus, and Mrs. Eddy!
Thank you! This is what I strive for every day. I say to myself often…. your are not mortal , you are spiritual!
Thank you! These posts made me think about what Elizabeth wrote about Noah and an article by E.Earl Jones (Sentinel, 1907) called SINGLENESS OF VISION. She talks about how Noah ” builded but one window in his ark, and it was ‘above,’ opening not upon the earth.” He did not gaze on destruction but saw only, ” the fathomless heavens of peace and harmony.” She goes on to ask ,” Which should I see at all, evil or good?”
Thank you for this lovely strong post filled with wonderful things to ponder. I have also been thinking about this phrase that tells us three important things : sheep hear their Master’s voice and follow ONLY that voice (learned from our Bible Study),Christ Jesus knows us !, and as we follow The Christ we are led to green pastures, still waters and life everlasting.
Thank you. 14. 227 : 14-16 (to 2nd .), 21-26
Discerning the rights of man, we cannot fail to foresee the doom of all oppression. Slavery is not the legitimate state of man. God made man free.
Christian Science raises the standard of liberty and cries: “Follow me! Escape from the bondage of sickness, sin, and death!” Jesus marked out the way. Citizens of the world, accept the “glorious liberty of the children of God,” and be free! This is your divine right.
This text jumped out at me this week because I have been reading DISCERNING THE RIGHTS OF MAN by Richard Oaks (1971). This pamphlet explains how Gilbert Carpenter Junior and Senior went about sharing, with the public, the writings of Mary Baker Eddy and other early workers as well as his own involvement in supporting their tremendous efforts. Jesus said, “And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.”
Thank you! ….governed by Soul… The 1828 Webster Dictionary says in part about govern,” To maintain the superiority, to direct, to control, regulate by authority, restrain , administer the laws.” Being governed by Soul is a holy blessing.
Thank you! And Colleen put this in her own words, ” It is God alone that exists, and there is nothing else.”
Thank you for this post ! I love the way Mrs. Eddy explains the falsity of Genesis 2 and 3. One of my favorites is to remember that there is NO talking lying serpent to tempt us away from who we really are. Romans 13 in the Lesson states,” …now is high time to awake out of sleep: for NOW is our salvation nearer than when we believed.” High time to remember that we are God’s creation and never in the Adam dream!
Yes, thank you! This text was pointed out to me again today …” The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him,…. In the past I would get hung up on the word fear. In the 1828 Webster Dictionary it says in part, ” Fear- a holy awe or reverence of God and his laws….. real love of the divine character.” Living this brings ,”… his righteousness unto children’s children.” Thank you for this Post.
Thank you!!
Thank you! Gratitude and Faith! It has been pointed out to me that we can’t love (Love) and be fearful at the same time. Gratitude with faith is the sword to combat this unholy feeling. As we face the challenges of the world today the Lesson Sermon, like this week’s Sermon, arm us with the highest and only Truth to be found … and realized. ” Fear thou not; for I AM with thee …..for I AM thy God!
Thank you!
When I read the above post it brought to mind the following citation from Science and Health that is in the Lesson for this week. The rules and Principles of God must be obeyed and it has dawned on me to face a wrong thought before it has a chance to get a hold on me, is a wise thing to do. Since coming to Plainfield and becoming a member it is somewhat easier to recognize a wrong thought or error and do something about it right away. Then the unreality of it is right there to behold. (I am the servant and child of God.)
452: 5-6, 12-17
The wrong thought should be arrested before it has a chance to manifest itself.
When error confronts you, withhold not the rebuke or the explanation which destroys error. Never breathe an immoral atmosphere, unless in the attempt to purify it. Better is the frugal intellectual repast with contentment and virtue, than the luxury of learning with egotism and vice.
The firmament of light as explained in Genesis is given to the earth and Mrs. Eddy explains that, Firmament: (is) Spiritual understanding; the scientific line of demarcation between Truth and error, between Spirit and so-called matter.” Through God’s grace we are given this gift of understanding as we seek Him. Mrs. Eddy teaches us the Science of Christ that enables us to “see ” this light, and here at Plainfield we are taught how to strive in order to understand.
Thank you! Since coming to our Plainfield Church I am learning that human so called goodness was not real spiritual living. I now see that much of what I did was done to keep human peace, not face the issues head-on and pretend that everything was okay. When we live with the Christ Mind …. waiting on God everything feels different and true Love is expressed.
Thank you! This is very helpful. What I am learning here at Plainfield also helps because since we are reflection of God,Spirit, we can’t be matter!
Thank you — this made me think about real substance from Science and Health p. 468. “Spirit, the synonym of Mind, Soul, or God is the only real substance.” “and …. individual man, is a compound idea, reflecting the divine substance of Spirit.”
Also, I like to read A TREATMENT FOR EVERY DAY by Mrs.Eddy where it states, ” No power can bind you. God is the only life, SPIRIT IS THE ONLY SUBSTANCE, Love is the only cause, harmony is the only law, now is the only time.”
Thank you! I have been thinking a lot about reflection and the Lesson has truly helped me have a deeper understanding. When you think about it, your reflection in a mirror can do absolutely nothing without you doing or moving …. and so it is as we reflect God …. God is our being therefore we can only move and live in accord with Him.
Thank you! Tangible- substantial, formidable -capable. And our..” life is not at the mercy of matter.” I think the question is wonderful, “Am I claiming this real individuality…. ?”
Wonderful…thank you!
it is amazing what I have learned here at Plainfield. I don’t even allow myself to think about my family, duties or the world until I declare God as my Mind and my Life. Next comes the Lesson Sermon and something from our website. Then I usually pray using Bicknell Young’s article Day Which states,”Infinite unfoldment never begins, never ends,is never interrupted for a moment, and when you are declaring this forever unfoldment of God’s day, plan and purpose this is healing for today..” I also repeat as best I can from the Bible Psalm 143…”Cause me to hear Thy loving kindness in the morning for in Thee do I put my trust; cause me to know the way in which I should walk for I lift up my soul unto Thee.” As has been suggested, I ask God what He wants me to do today… and for the strength to do it.
Thank you both. This is a perfect Lesson for all times and especially helpful this week. Mrs. Eddy said something that I think of often.
“Oh God, show me Thy way and keep me in that way.” WPA P 72. This is true for my daily life and my thinking.
Thank you! I will certainly broadcast this story of truth and comfort that tells us to know that all is well.
Thank you! I especially like to think about the gift of the gospel. The teaching of the Bible at Plainfield has opened up a whole new way of thinking and praying. A whole new understanding that is unfolding.
Beautiful!
Perfect for this Lesson, thank you!
I thought a lot about this too, so I looked up UNITE. /The 1828 Webster’s Dictionary says in part: To put together, join , to tie, connect, to make near, to adhere.
Yes, Dear LORD, unite our hearts to fear thy name !
Thank you for this post! I have been thinking a lot about this Bible story this week. Since learning about it since coming to Plainfield it has become one of my favorites. Elisha trusted and knew God’s power and shared it with the young man who asked, “How shall we do?” He was shown the glory of God’s protection as Elisha led the army away to Samaria. This story is helping me to remain focused on God during the troubling times that we hear or see in the news. God hasn’t changed and He is the ONLY ruler of the universe including man. I ask myself, “How shall we do?” and know God will show me and all.
Thank you! I was thinking about this too and you put into words what is in my heart.
Thank you! My old way of thinking is no longer used….. old thoughts no longer produced . this is so freeing and wonderful!
This is beautiful, thank you
“… avoid these stumblingblocks before I am toppled.” Yes!, being toppled is no fun, and being taught here at Plainfield how live in the straight and narrow listening to and obeying God certainly keeps us upright! Thank you both.
Thank you…..and this gives me hope that ALL will be lifted up!
This is wonderful, thank you!
Thank you. I am realizing that in finding God there has to be a lot of hearing or listening!
As is stated also in Proverbs 8:Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates…..
I have been checking myself a lot during the day to see what I am listening to…God or human thoughts. This is a new way of living and I am grateful to be learning this lesson.
Thank you both for your posts about reconciliation. Working out our own salvation .. Christ Jesus was very clear about giving up the world and trusting God. Mrs. Eddy followed the Christ example and said this, found in the Lesson:
“If the disciple is advancing spiritually, he is striving to enter in. He constantly turns away from material sense, and looks towards the imperishable things of Spirit. If honest, he will be in earnest from the start, and gain a little each day in the right direction, till at last he finishes his course with joy.”
How wonderful!
Thank you, this is beautiful. In realizing that to gain this peace of knowing our oneness I must do my part and do a Mrs. Eddy says about understanding God and not merely believing. This has been a puzzle for me, but now see it is an ongoing process not just a light bulb moment. Striving to be pure in thought, meek, kindly, forgiving, patient, and obedient, surly helps us along the way to understanding, and God’s grace to help us along this way is an awesome thing indeed.
Thank you both! Since coming to Plainfield I have been working on fearful thinking. What Mrs. Eddy says in this Lesson has helped me to stay strong:
5. 410 : 14-21
Every trial of our faith in God makes us stronger. The more difficult seems the material condition to be overcome by Spirit, the stronger should be our faith and the purer our love. The Apostle John says: “There is no fear in Love, but perfect Love casteth out fear. . . . He that feareth is not made perfect in Love.” Here is a definite and inspired proclamation of Christian Science.
Thank you both! Had I not come to Plainfield Christian Science Church, Independent I would still be operating only in the human worry mind. But, I am learning and praying about real consciousness as you have described. I am very grateful to be waking up!
Wonderful, thank you!
Thank you! This Proverb is exactly the truth and was proven this week for my family and me. We were in a situation that appeared to be adverse, but with a practitioner’s help and acknowledging God as Omnipotent and leaning on Him and not human power, we were shown the correct paths and all is well and prayer is being continued for everyone.
Thank you for writing out the godly characteristics given in II Peter. This will be put in my daily carry-around folder!
Thank you for this very clear message of false prophets in our age and that God’s man is naturally good and needs only to be controlled by God.
Thank you! I also was struck by this Golden Text.
Unselfed is being obedient to God!
And because of this Truth we can..”looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed” !
This is wonderful, thank you……be still and let Love do the work!
Thank you. I too strive for this reality. A practitioner said to me that if I got myself out of the way I could start to pray in Spirit and in Truth. What a wonderful thing.. to leave self behind and rise in Spirit like the birds fly freely above the earthly things.
Thank you. We have no other consciousness!
Thank you! this is very comforting, and sometimes I think they don’t even realize they are ready to receive this ever present Light!
God works in His own way and time.
Thank you, I was carrying this statement with me in my pocket. When things get a little dicey with my loved ones I often think wait only on God. I love the word only. That brings me to a better place and I get on with it..
Thank you Plainfield Church for teaching us how to always put God first no matter what we are doing during our days.
In Matthew this week in the Lesson where Christ Jesus told the man to,” stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other,” has really stayed with me, and has helped me to understand that obeying Christ, with not only our bodies but our lives heals us. Stretch forth….!
Thank you. Since coming to Plainfield this is becoming much clearer and I work to ” bind up” this false mortal mind which tries to keep me from the One Mind. It is constant striving to check my thinking and allow only God to dictate.
Thank you Fairlie, I often think of this citation when I am with people in public places.
Always alert, checking our thoughts..was a worry for me , but as G. Singleterry said at the Bible Study , ” Grace is the law of God acting in our hearts unconditionally.” This is calming to know that through God’s unconditional grace we are up to the task of facing and uncovering all error before it can get a foothold. It is a wonderful blessing that God’s grace is always in operation to help us strengthen our citadel. Thank you
Thank you….and I love that ” my works (my fruits) are His works.”
Thank you!
I too appreciate Enoch and how he “walked with God”. To please only God and do right by mankind as God directs … not with grandma mind.
Today during rough spots I would just say ,”Enoch” to myself.
AMEN!
Thank you. Yesterday I wrote down, “He doeth the works.” to carry with me all day. I have been working a long time on demonstration and these three statements from Christ Jesus help me to understand …and to please God first in all I do and say. Sometimes the doing is easier than the saying. “…the Science of being was demonstrated by Jesus , who showed his students the power of Mind…” . I know now that I can’t demonstrate higher than I understand so I continue to let God do the work and humbly ask Him to show me the way.
Thank you…. When I think about duty and sharing I come back to God’s unchanging perfection. This truth helps to keep me focused so I can think about my duty to God and man each day and share what I am learning here at Plainfield. I heard someone say from Plainfield, “My efforts are to realize the spiritual unchanging perfection already there. If I don’t …self enters in.” I keep this statement on my desk.
I have this in my daily watch— Only what God wants is real and the only thing that can happen for everyone.
Thank you for these posts.
Amen!!!!!
This is wonderful, thank you. I started working with number 3 as soon as I read it this morning. Not looking back, getting on with it, no self pity. We have lots to do here at Plainfield for all mankind and I desire to be worthy of the work. I know I can’t neglect the other 4, but for today number three is paramount. I am also aware that this examination is ongoing as we strive to “gain The Kingdom”.
Thank you both! …” In Him we live and move and have our being!”
Thank you!
Thank you, this helps me with right thinking and ceaseless prayer to keep a disciplined mind.
“And you hath he quickened,” jumped out at me this week. Thank you for this post. God does the quickening …. And I must do my part to be always aware with humility and meekness. I have been on my knees many times this week and this Lesson has been helping me. I want to pray in Spirit and in Truth, and I ask humbly for guidance as to how to do this. So, there it is in the Lesson from SH 393: Rise in the strength of Spirit to resist all that is unlike good. God has made man capable of this, and nothing can vitiate the ability and power divinely bestowed on man. Now revived we go forth.
Mrs. Eddy says in Miscellaneous Writings on page 10…”Heaven comes down to earth, and mortals learn at last the lesson, ‘I have no enemies’
Even in belief you have but one(that, not in reality),and this one is yourself-YOUR ERRONEOUS BELIEF that you have enemies;that evil is real;that aught but good exists in Science. “
Thank you for these posts. It is true that the work we must do to understand is individual, but the teachings and sharing that happen at Plainfield are a marvelous support for the striving student of Christian Science. Reading and rereading this post reminds of the story of the Christian Scientist who walked out of a concentration camp during WWII through locked doors, high walls and soldiers. He left unnoticed and unharmed. Now that is good individual work!
Very helpful, especially since I just heard about the coup that might be successful in Turkey.
Thank You! ..aging is Strength and Wisdom..” perfect!
Thank you for these posts. I am beginning to understand “one sacrifice is insufficient…” The burning away is often painful…I see how I cling to old behavior and beliefs. Yes, purify me with hyssop for I desire to dwell in the house of our LORD.
Ah, yes, the flesh may be weak, but here at Plainfield we are taught and given the strength,hope ,help and direction that truly saves us and the world!
Thank you. I have thought about how to give my body as a reasonable living sacrifice and then be absent from this body…give it and then let it be … be with God. I like the hymn because it tells us HOW to do this and then my favorite part ,”I am Thine, and I will be EVER, ONLY ALL FOR THEE.” What I am learning is not only to see my own body differently, but the bodies of others. As Mary Baker Eddy has said, One God, One body, One activity.
To support this Truth we also have what Science and Health states on page 19:29 “Jesus urged the commandment,”Thou shalt have no other gods before me,” Which may be rendered: Thou shalt have no belief of Life as mortal; thou shalt not know evil, for there is one Life,-even God, good.”
To strive: to make great efforts to achieve or obtain something, fight vigorously, endeavor, aim, exert oneself, do one’s best, labor, work
This post has been a wake up call for me. Thank you.
Amen
Beautiful
Beautifully stated and to hold to…thank you.
“If in working through any false claim I am not knowing that my efforts are to realize the spiritual unchanging perfection already there , then self enters in..” . Thank you. something just happened with a family member today and I came to the Forum looking for help. I will hold to this. Thank you.
This was the exact same verse that I had planned to write about!! Isn’t this promise from God a beautiful thing! It is the knowing that was mentioned that can be difficult sometimes, but being part of Plainfield has certainly helped me with this issue. EVERYTHING at Plainfield keeps us in the “knowing” of God and also growing.
Thank you for bringing my attention to this section of the Lesson this week. I have been checking myself and found that human will under pressure to do things has been “driving ” me instead of checking with God first to see what His will is for me. For the last few days things have slowed down a bit with better human exchanges. It is almost as if they feel my change without saying anything. ” GOD GOOD GOVERNS ALL”. THANK YOU.
Yes, thank you for sharing this. I was thinking this morning that the tares can be removed as we grow. ” The perfect Mind sends forth perfection, for God is Mind….Science separates the wheat from the tares, through the realization of God as ever present and of man as reflecting the divine likeness.” “Heaven is not a locality but a divine state of Mind in which the manifestations of Mind are harmonious and immortal.” I say often during the day now, being is holiness, harmonious and immortal.
also, God is my life, my health, my understanding,and my joy. Be gone tares!
A temptation for me is not trusting God with my whole heart, soul, and mind when family matters appear on the scene—which I know from the teaching here at Plainfield, appear only as animal magnetism to disrupt and disturb. In the Lesson Sermon this week from page 151 of Science and Health is written, ” Every function of the real man is governed by the divine Mind. The human mind has no power to kill or cure, and it has no control over God’s man. The divine Mind that made man maintains His own image and likeness”….His own image and likeness—isn’t that wonderful to know!
a
Thank you!
… ruled by the the might of Mind which rules our anything inharmonious. Ruled: governed, administered, controlled , managed, be in authority, order , prevail, reign, preside, direct, decree, and run the show. God “runs the show”.
This is one of my favorites …….against such there is no law. Thank you for the reminder and to use this to check my thoughts.
I logged onto the Bulletin Board tonight to thank everyone for the Roundtable on Sunday only to discover that Fairlie expressed exactly what I was thinking and feeling! This outstanding Roundtable will go out to mankind to heal and guide all who have the opportunity to listen. Someone said, “Father here I am.” Amen.
This has become a very important point for me and I feel sure that if I am unable to see God’s man correctly and as Christ saw all mankind, I will never understand who I really am in God’s kingdom. Thank you for the the two guidelines from Science and Health, and I like, “WE MUST PREPARE THOUGHT TO RECEIVE”. I usually just jump right in thinking about God’s man, but preparing my thought in prayer will help me to understand that, “man is pure and holy”.
I have thought a lot about this post…..being like a little child and leaving the old for the new.
Yes, thank you for the post and the poem! I have always loved the story of Joseph and although I thought of him as faithful, moral, and patient I never gave him enough credit for being cheerful and joyful….even in adversity. A little prayer I like to say in the morning is”..go out in joy and go forth in peace.”
Thank you. “Soul-existence must mean God in all we think and do.” Good calendar statement! Also, good to carry in my pocket!
I love this , ” The LORD is with you , while ye be with him; and seek him, he will be found of you…” I want to make sure that I am always seeking God and I read something by Martha Wilcox today that helps me. “There is nothing to God and man but consciousness.” This means , to me, that since I am conscious and in God’s consciousness I am always aware of my Creator and continue to seek Him all the time. It is possible to be aware of God at all times… and maybe this is part of “pray without ceasing”.
I copied this quote down to carry in my pocket this week—–and I really like what you added, thank you.
Yes, thank you. For the past month or so I have been praying the following before I leave home” Behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest.” Gen. 28:15
Thank you Mrs. Roberts, I think this goes along with the cord and bands. Long ago our pioneer mothers used a cord around their waists and attached it to their toddlers to keep them safe. Bands of love.
I am finding since coming to Plainfield that I am doing a lot of thanking prayer, and beginning to see that God already knows what I need and is alway filling those needs. Do I ever weaken and whine a little? Yes, but it is less frequent , and I am beginning to catch myself. The other thing I have been noticing is that God does many things far in advance of our needs, and exactly what we need is available exactly when we need it.
Thank you. In the past I thought sober meant no alcohol consumption, but I am beginning to realize that it also means not to drink in the material pictures that surround us every day. Taking all things back to a spiritual perspective takes work with soberness, watchfulness, and vigilance. Also, if the picture doesn’t relate to Spirit…..it isn’t true.Sometimes this can be very tricky for me.
Thank you for this wonderful post and all the replies .I am sitting with my little grandson thinking and praying with these truths.Read the other day that every truth expressed is the word of God. What a comfort!