Reunification Thoughts

An article entitled, "Reunifying? Many Young South Koreans say, 'Let's Not,' in the "How People Think" section of the Christian Science Monitor, explores the after-effects of the historic meeting last week between leaders of North and South Korea: "Establishing peace and denuclearizing the peninsula won’t come easy after seven decades of hostilities, to say nothing of the much loftier aim: reunification."

Seven decades is a long time. A gulf exists between generations as those with earlier remembrances and experiences include a very real sense of things in the past, while their children and grandchildren do not. The younger generations merely hear, read about, or study past events. What feels close and well-known, possibly packed with emotion, for an older individual, does not carry the impact to the younger ones. They are detached. Think of a major world event that occurred before you were born and you see that it carries no strong personal connection -- no personal memories from actual experience. This is one reason why the question of reunification of North and South Korea is not highly favorable to the younger generations. They do not remember unity. They were not there during the 1950-53 Korean War. A great deal has happened. The North and South have developed in opposing directions, and while there are commonalities, these are not sufficient for any kind of quick reunification.

Our prayerful assertions of Truth and energy of Love resting upon those involved (and ultimately this will involve each individual world-wide) brings the power of divine Law into operation to save, protect, and govern -- a power that overrules chance or random outcomes.

A first small step that is having a huge impact on many families, is the agreement between Mr. Moon and Mr. Kim "to resume temporary reunions between relatives separated by the Korean War and expand civilian exchanges." 

A larger hope of South Koreans is that since their leaders are talking, this may act to alleviate the threat of war or a nuclear event. 

Reunification would cause massive financial responsibility -- mostly on South Korea -- at an estimated cost of five trillion dollars. Young Koreans feel that there is too much difference, the divide too wide, to reunify, and are not willing to take on that kind of expense. How can we help this particular issue in Korea?

Yes, we want harmony and peace in the world; we want this because the divine nature includes it, and we reflect and express the divine. 

Prayer that listens for Truth and insists on it, will bring the greatest help. 

What is true here? In the kingdom of heaven, the reality of infinite Being in whom "we live, move, and have our being," there is no threat of war -- and the kingdom of heaven is within each one of us, and we within it. Peace is All, and already, within the infinite Mind that fills all space and comprises all being. This absolute truth is to be held to in order that the Law of Peace governs absolutely here and now -- "as in heaven so on earth."

In the reality of the Allness of divine Principle, Love, there is no imbalance or unfairness -- there is exact perfection, order, and justice perfectly in balance. All rests upon the Omnipotent One, the Source of all Good, Life, and perfection. Hold thought to God's Omnipresence that presses upon everything with absolute justice. 

These counter facts are a law resting on the issues of Korea that will, and that do, affect the entire world. Every decision, feeling, action, agreement or thought has an effect on our experience, and it ripples out into the vastness of the universe. 

Let us be the peacemakers that are needed in the world by rising to conscious oneness with exact truths given by the divine Mind and holding to these no matter the appearance. 

The entire Korean peninsula is covered by the divine Law that adjusts everything in exactly perfect timing, and in exactly perfect and wise ways. Our job is to be still and quiet in order to get the spiritual realizaiton of this truth, and bear witness to it giving thanks. "As in heaven, so on earth."

This is not theory, but practical and powerful to produce good and safeguard our world. 

After the Shootings

After the Shootings

First, let the compassion and strong spiritual support continue to all who have been affected, not only by the recent Florida high school shooting, but from any previous incidents of this nature.

The extremes of human nature and action have often been acknowledged as an enigma, running from the most unselfish sacrificial loving acts to the senselessly insane violent ones against the innocent (and everything in-between).

There is a great need for us to focus on the counter fact of violence -- peace and spiritual love --  because this is what we want to draw into our experience, and this is what we desire to have manifested in our schools (and everywhere).

Rather than fighting in the ordinary way that entails a great deal of struggle and uncertainty, let us unite in a conscious, heart-felt focus on the spiritual fact of ever-present peace and brotherly love -- especially in the face of the opposite. Why and how can we do this?

We need to hold the feeling and focus of safety, peace, and love in order to bring that into manifestation. It is not a fight, but a fact. The difficult thing is to bring thought and heart into accord with this absolute reality -- but worth the endeavor of deeper understanding and discipline of reason and emotion because then we win, then we save lives.

That is why. But how can we do this kind of thinking or prayer when faced with devastation and grief unspeakable? The only way, is "the way" Christ Jesus taught and illustrated. We must begin prayer with God, and understanding of God as Good, as infinite, as all-powerful Light "in whom there is no darkness at all" (no evil at all). The only "way" to show forth this truth is to turn at least for a minute or so, to the Allness of God, Good, filling all space and time, excluding anything and everything unlike Himself. We must ask ourselves what we conceive as the nature and character of the one Creator? Love? All Love? Soul, all peaceful? Good, nothing but good? On this basis, we can safeguard ourselves, our children, and all the young people and brave teachers in our schools. This prayer is not restricted to our schools in the U.S., but its power goes out to embrace all the world. Truth operates universally, and affirming that adds spiritual power to the particular area of your concern. Mary Baker Eddy writes, "Whatever holds thought in line with unsolved love, receives directly the divine power." The most enlightened ones the world has ever known all teach this great power of unselfish love. Love enough to pray, and love enough to 'fight' the gun issue through understanding the ever presence of peace and safety so that it can manifest, protect, and disarm any perpetrators. Love governs all. Let us be a powerful protective force for our students and their teachers. Peace and safety are ever present on every campus and every room. Love governs all.

Sticking with your New Year's Resolutions

Why do only 8% achieve success in following through a New Year's resolution to completion? Check out this article: https://tinyurl.com/ybzzf2z5

Applying the advice given from the "Mother Nature Network" on keeping resolutions, includes some very wise ideas such as telling others about your resolution to hold yourself accountable, planning milestones for yourself with rewards, and incorporating resolution action into your mornings rather than evenings if possible. Another thing, don't make your resolution too difficult or far-reaching -- it must be attainable -- it is probably a stretch, but that is good. Author Chanie Kirschner also advises those motivated for success to establish a habit with your resolution, to aim for three weeks of consistency, because then it is much more likely that it will stick.

With my spiritual eye on the news, I see that this is the time for encouragement, a time of recommitment. Now is the time for practical and encouraging steps. Now is the time to progress in reaching our goals. Because now is the time when resolutions are getting dropped or forgotten, now is the time to stop that error in its tracks. If more than 8% of us would keep our wonderful resolutions and aspirations alive, the whole of society would improve! So let's start again, start anew, or reassess and revise.

For example, take my New Year's Resolution. It is to express gratitude to God upon awakening -- before I'm even out of bed. It's a great habit. It opens the day up for God's love to pour in more freely and abundantly. Jesus was always giving his Father gratitude. This resolution has a powerful impact on the day, and it ripples out in loving and healing energy to everyone.

Now take another look at your top resolution.

1. Clearly define your resolution and your purpose for creating it (write this down)
2. Tell someone your resolution (hold yourself accountable; possibly get a partner)
3. Act on your resolution each morning/day (be consistent)
4. Set milestones and rewards for yourself (use a calendar to be sure you do)
5. Track your progress; assess set-backs; recommit (this might be a journal by your bed)
6. Motto: With God, all things are possible
7. Start again as needed (fresh, new)

Wonderful Christian healer, Mary Baker Eddy, teaches the divine secret behind successful demonstration of good, and it's straight from the Scriptures. It's the fact that Man (your true, spiritual and eternal being) is now the perfect reflection ("image and likeness") of the One perfect Creator, God. With the understanding and realization of your true identity as God's own likeness, you are empowered through grace and Christ to definitely demonstrate whatever good resolution Mind has put in your heart. In humble affirmation of "perfect God, perfect man," the power of the Almighty is behind all your efforts for good. I ask in His name that your resolutions be attained and that you thereby are blessed, and are a blessing to others.

Kentucky School Shooting: How can we lovingly give effective help?

It is sad, no devastating, to once again hear of a school shooting. Each one of us must bring our spiritual light to this situation to promote healing both physically and emotionally for those directly affected. Truly, this kind of thing affects every one of us more directly than we might realize. The link below will take you to CNN online to see the report.

https://www.cnn.com/2018/01/23/us/kentucky-high-school-shooting/index.html

Let us offer some Light of Truth and Love. Comforting is not an easy thing, but comfort comes from divine Love, and its gentle power holds us to Itself through the storm. It's an emotional storm. First, offer the stillness of holding one another silently in the presence of Love. Wordless comforting in prayer. Feel after the healing power of Love for those physically hit, and for those emotionally devastated. Silent, still, holding in Love. Know the Christ-presence is there and it is operating as Law.

Pray that the Christ enters in to the individual consciousness of each one connected to this tragedy, and that Christ is working in the perfect way, in God's own way for each one.

"Be still and know that I am God," (Psalm 46:10).

Spiritual Defense and Offense for Flu

THE PROBLEM:
On January 8, 2018, Op-Ed Contributors of the New York Times,  Michael Osterholm and Mark Olshaaker, assessed the flu situation as it stands worldwide. They warn of the probability of a global flu pandemic -- "occurring over a wide geographic area and affecting an exceptionally high proportion of the population" (Merriam-Webster). Their message is that we are "not ready." They compare the conditions at the time of the disastrous 1918 Spanish-flu epidemic where it is said that between "50 and 100 million people" lost their lives, to today. The hope of discovering an effective vaccine, they say, is within reach of our technology, however, there is insufficient funding to accomplish this goal. There are four times as many people on the planet as in 1918, and transcontinental flights bring us into proximity with one another consistently, adding to the fear of disease spreading worldwide. The remedy in the form of an efficient vaccine in sufficient amount seems out of reach.

THERE IS AN ANSWER IN SPIRIT, TRUTH, AND DIVINE LOVE.
The purpose of the blog today, is to address this issue by turning those spiritually-minded individuals to the fact of an omnipotent, ever-present "help in times of trouble." Those studying the healing works and words of the Master, Christ Jesus, know the dominion he showed over every disease or sickness. He would not be afraid of flu, nor in danger of catching it. He said, "I am not of this world," therefore exempt from illness. He also said, "Ye are not of this world." What did he mean, and how will that protect you? Truth makes us free, Jesus taught. Your are not "of this world" because in reality, right this moment, you are purely spiritual. Spirit is the one true substance, and seeing this with your spiritual sense immediately begins to act practically on one's health and well-being. There is a "medicine of Mind" that Mary Baker Eddy expounds upon in her textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. The author healed thousands of people through her pure Christly prayer, and teaches us from Jesus' own words, how we can heal ourselves and others, too. Put on your Christly protection of increased spiritual understanding through your Bible study, prayer, and pure unselfish motives. Fear not, for the I Am that I Am is with you. Insist on the presence of God, Good; declare and feel that the Law of God, is the Law of Love, and is around you, your loved ones, and all.

Life-purpose

A new year is a new opportunity to examine life-purpose -- here is a Japanese idea, then taken to the "spiritual eye" viewpoint to expand and further bless.

While keeping an eye on the news for items to write and pray about with my readers, I stopped at a refreshing article with a Japanese, yet universal, perspective. Take a look: https://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/blogs/ikigai-japanese-lifestyle-manifesto-four-questions?utm_source=CNN&utm_medium=desktop&utm_campaign=Jan2018. 

When you go to that page, the illustration is one you will want to copy to your own paper and think on filling out. The topic? Your life-purpose discovered in four main, and overlapping categories. The visual is most intriguing.

The concept of finding this integrated and balanced life-purpose, or “reason to get up in the morning,” is called ikigai.

Here are the questions, and then some spiritually-based answers for your further consideration.

1. What do you love to do?
2. What are you good at?
3. What does the world need from you?
4. What do you get paid for?

Step one — go to the article.

Step two — read it for help with your answers.

Step three — draw out the illustration.

Step four —  and fill in the overlapping circles.

Now we come to the part of prayer and spiritualization in consideration of this concept ikigai.

For the purest, spiritual help in answering the four questions, I’m going to the life of Christ Jesus as reported in the Gospels. If our Master were asked, What do you love to do? What might he say? I have realized that almost every statement he made has the word “Father” in it. This shows how much God, as Father, was continually at the front of his thought and in his heart. His words and actions clearly show what he loved to do. He loved to heal and to save, to awaken and teach, and he loved to do these things because they showed forth the Father — the goodness and the Love that is God.

What was Jesus “good at?” Speaking to the multitudes, inspiring, healing, reclaiming, reforming, awakening, and saving people. Look at his discourses, especially the one that has become known as the Sermon on the Mount. He was an open air preacher; this means that every word or story had to stick like an arrow in the consciousness of his hearers. Was he not “good at” parables? Was he not “good at” demonstrating God, Good? and did he not love to do these things?

What does the world need from him? We need his example, and we need to know the depth of his teachings. The world needs his perfect exemplification of Man as he is in God’s own likeness. The world needs to find the “way” through studying his words and his healing works. One of the best texts ever written to help the world understand Jesus’ teachings and example is one first published in 1875, written by Mary Baker Eddy, entitled Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. The second chapter, “Atonement and Eucharist,” contains some the most profound enlightenment and beautiful words ever written concerning Christ Jesus. We need his example and we need to follow it every day. We need his teachings, practical and relevant now.

What did Christ Jesus get paid for? He was not on a payroll, although he may have been paid in his earlier years as he worked with Joseph as a carpenter. He did not need a salary; he is the one who took few loaves and fishes and multiplied these to feed “5,000 men, besides women and children.” He is the one who told the fishermen who caught nothing to cast their net on the right side, after which there were so many fish filling it that they could barely bring it in. 

How might you answer these four questions from a spiritual viewpoint for yourself?

PS — you may like the youtube connected to the article linked above. The speaker is Marianna Pohgosyan. It is entitled: “In the Pursuit of Ikigai.”

Be in pursuit of your life-purpose that is connected totally to your spirituality, to Truth and Love. Be fulfilled and happy, for the kingdom of heaven, the reality of being, is already within you, and you are within it. The purpose of Life as God is to express Itself in the life that is YOU. 

The Days After Christmas

The Days After Christmas: Reflection

Scriptural Study Center

Tis the Days after Christmas and it’s time to reflect.

We have celebrated the birth of Christ, the Savior of the world. Has there been a profound and marked difference in our character or lives as a result? What about celebrating the birth of Christ, the Light of Life and Love, in our consciousness each and every day -- always a new Christmas Day, and a new Day after Christmas?

As the Christ is repeatedly born again to life and vivacity in our consciousness, things occur that very closely resemble the effects seen in the Gospel record of Jesus and his disciples, things in the way of healing, forgiveness, abundant supply, reformation, peace, increase of spiritual understanding, and closeness to God. These are wonderful Days after Christmas. I would expect that on these Days, such blessings appear naturally. In fact, they cannot be prevented.

Are we in debt the Day after Christmas? Or are we enriched? The Scripture instructs, “Owe no man but to love one another” (Romans 13:8). If we now “owe,” this can be remedied through freely giving (expressing) more Christly love, especially love and gentleness to one’s own self. Then careful love to family members (even the difficult ones who probably need it most or deserve it least). To increase supply, give more love, express it freely to all with whom you come in contact (even a crowd, or crazies in traffic). Throw a blanket of pure Love over all, and “judge not” (Matthew 7:1). Christ is present over all. Give it over to the Father. Judge not. Fear not. Just love.

Not what do you want for Christmas – but what do you want to experience the day after Christmas – that is our proposal for consideration and further reflection.

I would expect that if we asked Jesus how he would have us commemorate his birth best, he might refer us to his words already uttered and recorded. If you love me, he explained to Peter, feed my sheep (John 21:17). If you love me, he directed his disciples, keep my commandments (John 14:15). He commanded that we love one another, that we forgive one another, that we feed and help one another (Luke 6:37). These are the things we can give freely on Christmas Day, and the Days after Christmas.

What difference did this past Christmas Day make to your soul and to your life? Make it make a difference next year, this year, each day – today.

Plan ahead for this spiritual gain, this gift of Love, each and every day, and our Father will be pleased with you for these thoughts and their subsequent actions.

PLAN FOR CHRISTMAS DAYS

·       Who will we celebrate with? Extend thought more universally, purposefully

·       What will we celebrate? Not only Jesus being born Savior of the world, but also the birth of the 

     Christ-light as it sparks to life within us each day, whether for the first time, or the zillionth!

·       When will we celebrate? Not just in December, but each day of the year.

·       Where will we celebrate? In the “house of the Lord” or “consciousness of divine Love”* as  

     explains this concept -- together in the Allness of Spirit, Mind, Love.

·       Why will we celebrate? To show gratitude to God, and to express the Christ-nature within us in

     love one to another. These celebratory motives elicit healing, bring peace, and bestow the gifts of 

     Love.

Let us resolve to prepare for Christmas 2018, and the Days after Christmas 2017-18, as more blessed and intense days of spiritual and practical goodness and action for ourselves, our loved ones, and the world. 

Find support in systematic, inspirational Bible study: academy@scripturalstudycenter.org

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* Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy