Rev. Kristin Powell
affirmations
April 17, 2016 – How To Manifest God’s Gifts
Rev. David McArthur
“How To Manifest God’s Gifts”
Everyone here is an amazingly beautiful child of God. That’s who you are and why you are loved! The only real work is to let that in. To open to this flow, Marie took a course at Unity. By 8 weeks in she was getting very frustrated. Still no demonstration in her life. So classmates asked, “What would it take for you to feel that this love was flowing in your life?” She quickly cried, “A red Mercedes!” Well, ok, they said, if that’s what it takes, then that’s ok.
Days later an old friend called and said, “Someone asked if I knew anyone who would buy his car quickly, and I don’t know why, but you popped into my head.” “Well, what is it?” “A red Mercedes,” she said, “and he’ll sell it cheap.” Sharing this in class Marie went on, “As I was driving my new red 450 SL, a voice from within spoke to me.” It was her first time ever to hear it. It said over and over, “Don’t you know that I’ve always taken care of you?” Tears streamed down her cheeks and she had to pull over. It was her opening that was her real demonstration.
Jesus, said “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all …things will be added to you.” And another time Jesus told us, “No one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again… unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to Spirit. The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
My understanding of “born again” differs from the traditional in that I see “born of water” refers to our human existence; “born… of the Spirit” means to be in the moment connecting with Spirit Itself. It speaks to a change of perception. “Spirit gives birth to Spirit”, (connection with the heart). Marie opened and life began to respond differently. That’s when life begins to happen FOR us.
When Kathryn and I lived in Montana a dirt lane led from the road to our house at the top of a hill. In springtime only our Jeep would get up the hill. This time it was in the shop. Our VW couldn’t get up the hill so we left it at the bottom and walked down to it to go into town. When the mechanic called and told me the Jeep was ready, we had NO money. We believed God provides but I realized I had a disconnect. I know I’m loved, but walking up that muddy hill didn’t feel so loving. So I sat and got quiet. After arguing with God I decided to open to the love. It took a while. Then I began to feel the love. It filled me and I realized there was nothing to keep me from my love. So I went to get the Jeep. I got down to the VW and I still had no way of paying. As I was about to pull onto the road a car pulled into our lane.The driver rolled down her window and explained that she came out to give me an envelope that she then handed through my window. Then she backed out and was gone. In the envelope was a check that was more than enough to cover the Jeep. It was like the wind! I didn’t do anything except let the love in! What is this love but to take care of us? It’s simple. Notice I didn’t say easy. But it’s here to take.
I LET GOD’S LOVE IN. Spirit is here. I LET GOD’S LOVE IN. Is it ok this week to let it in? I LET GOD’S LOVE IN. The beautiful love and life you are is not only what flows to you; when you let it open you, you bless the world. So I thank you!
April 17, 2016 – How To Manifest God’s Gifts
Rev. David McArthur
“How To Manifest God’s Gifts”
Everyone here is an amazingly beautiful child of God. That’s who you are and why you are loved! The only real work is to let that in. To open to this flow, Marie took a course at Unity. By 8 weeks in she was getting very frustrated. Still no demonstration in her life. So classmates asked, “What would it take for you to feel that this love was flowing in your life?” She quickly cried, “A red Mercedes!” Well, ok, they said, if that’s what it takes, then that’s ok.
Days later an old friend called and said, “Someone asked if I knew anyone who would buy his car quickly, and I don’t know why, but you popped into my head.” “Well, what is it?” “A red Mercedes,” she said, “and he’ll sell it cheap.” Sharing this in class Marie went on, “As I was driving my new red 450 SL, a voice from within spoke to me.” It was her first time ever to hear it. It said over and over, “Don’t you know that I’ve always taken care of you?” Tears streamed down her cheeks and she had to pull over. It was her opening that was her real demonstration.
Jesus, said “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all …things will be added to you.” And another time Jesus told us, “No one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again… unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to Spirit. The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
My understanding of “born again” differs from the traditional in that I see “born of water” refers to our human existence; “born… of the Spirit” means to be in the moment connecting with Spirit Itself. It speaks to a change of perception. “Spirit gives birth to Spirit”, (connection with the heart). Marie opened and life began to respond differently. That’s when life begins to happen FOR us.
When Kathryn and I lived in Montana a dirt lane led from the road to our house at the top of a hill. In springtime only our Jeep would get up the hill. This time it was in the shop. Our VW couldn’t get up the hill so we left it at the bottom and walked down to it to go into town. When the mechanic called and told me the Jeep was ready, we had NO money. We believed God provides but I realized I had a disconnect. I know I’m loved, but walking up that muddy hill didn’t feel so loving. So I sat and got quiet. After arguing with God I decided to open to the love. It took a while. Then I began to feel the love. It filled me and I realized there was nothing to keep me from my love. So I went to get the Jeep. I got down to the VW and I still had no way of paying. As I was about to pull onto the road a car pulled into our lane.The driver rolled down her window and explained that she came out to give me an envelope that she then handed through my window. Then she backed out and was gone. In the envelope was a check that was more than enough to cover the Jeep. It was like the wind! I didn’t do anything except let the love in! What is this love but to take care of us? It’s simple. Notice I didn’t say easy. But it’s here to take.
I LET GOD’S LOVE IN. Spirit is here. I LET GOD’S LOVE IN. Is it ok this week to let it in? I LET GOD’S LOVE IN. The beautiful love and life you are is not only what flows to you; when you let it open you, you bless the world. So I thank you!
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June 21, 2015 – Principles of Abundance Part 3: Source
06/21/15 Rev. David McArthur
Principles of Abundance Part 3: Source
It’s wonderful to recall the blessing a father is! But in the Gospel of John, “I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me.” Jesus was speaking of a oneness, a spiritual divine presence he was discovering in himself. A giving Spirit. “Fear not…for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Imagine that divine desire to give. We tap into it as parents and grandparents.
One way to experience divine love is to open to abundance and let it flow into your life by opening to the discovery of your purpose. We have also looked at being co-creators, making choices to call what we need into our lives. Thirdly, today, we look at the experience of God as our source, as the provider of all we give and receive.
Last week Matthew Fox, quoting Howard Thurman, said “In the presence of God a human soul is stripped to its essence.” It is part of our journey of abundance. Look at your true core beliefs; discover the spirituality at the core of your experience. People came to Jesus with disease, a belief that the materiality of the body controls life, but he called forth the spirit of wholeness within them. With the loaves and fishes he overcame belief in lack by calling forth the spirit of abundance. And when people died he overcame death by calling forth the spirit within.
In the parable of The Prodigal Son, Jesus drew a beautiful picture of what is there. The father (God) is the source of all his sons’ abundance. One son asks for his inheritance. Without argument, “It is given.” The son goes to a far land. (Our perception shifts from our Father, God, to the world.) With his attention “out there” it leads to lack, even famine (fulfillment is not out there). He ends up hungry and full of guilt. So do we. We say, “I blew it. I am not worthy.” The son “comes to himself” (our growing consciousness within). He recalls his father. (We remember, “I am a child of the divine.” Divine is source, but we feel too guilty to let ourselves receive much.) So the prodigal son heads home. On seeing his son approach, the father goes out to him and embraces him. The son says, “I am not worthy,” but his father just calls for celebration. There is no punishment, no “pay it back later.”
You are loved. Source has no requirements of us, no limit put on it. All the mistakes we make are paid for in advance. Wouldn’t it be dumb for a god to send us out and not expect mistakes? We are here to learn and the tuition is paid! God holds for us the pattern of who we really are, and allows us to learn. When we let that in, we find that we are really blessed. We let love in. We let in abundance and health into this physical world. We let in the stimulation of our mental faculties. Emotionally we find peace and harmony and joy. At the spiritual level we have love. Know God is my source; I am richly blessed. God is my source; I am richly blessed. God is my source; I am richly blessed. And I know a secret that God knows: you deserve it!
June 21, 2015 – Principles of Abundance Part 3: Source
06/21/15 Rev. David McArthur
Principles of Abundance Part 3: Source
It’s wonderful to recall the blessing a father is! But in the Gospel of John, “I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me.” Jesus was speaking of a oneness, a spiritual divine presence he was discovering in himself. A giving Spirit. “Fear not…for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Imagine that divine desire to give. We tap into it as parents and grandparents.
One way to experience divine love is to open to abundance and let it flow into your life by opening to the discovery of your purpose. We have also looked at being co-creators, making choices to call what we need into our lives. Thirdly, today, we look at the experience of God as our source, as the provider of all we give and receive.
Last week Matthew Fox, quoting Howard Thurman, said “In the presence of God a human soul is stripped to its essence.” It is part of our journey of abundance. Look at your true core beliefs; discover the spirituality at the core of your experience. People came to Jesus with disease, a belief that the materiality of the body controls life, but he called forth the spirit of wholeness within them. With the loaves and fishes he overcame belief in lack by calling forth the spirit of abundance. And when people died he overcame death by calling forth the spirit within.
In the parable of The Prodigal Son, Jesus drew a beautiful picture of what is there. The father (God) is the source of all his sons’ abundance. One son asks for his inheritance. Without argument, “It is given.” The son goes to a far land. (Our perception shifts from our Father, God, to the world.) With his attention “out there” it leads to lack, even famine (fulfillment is not out there). He ends up hungry and full of guilt. So do we. We say, “I blew it. I am not worthy.” The son “comes to himself” (our growing consciousness within). He recalls his father. (We remember, “I am a child of the divine.” Divine is source, but we feel too guilty to let ourselves receive much.) So the prodigal son heads home. On seeing his son approach, the father goes out to him and embraces him. The son says, “I am not worthy,” but his father just calls for celebration. There is no punishment, no “pay it back later.”
You are loved. Source has no requirements of us, no limit put on it. All the mistakes we make are paid for in advance. Wouldn’t it be dumb for a god to send us out and not expect mistakes? We are here to learn and the tuition is paid! God holds for us the pattern of who we really are, and allows us to learn. When we let that in, we find that we are really blessed. We let love in. We let in abundance and health into this physical world. We let in the stimulation of our mental faculties. Emotionally we find peace and harmony and joy. At the spiritual level we have love. Know God is my source; I am richly blessed. God is my source; I am richly blessed. God is my source; I am richly blessed. And I know a secret that God knows: you deserve it!
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June 7, 2015 – Principles of Abundance Part 2: Co-Creator
06/07/15 Rev. David McArthur
Principles of Abundance Part 2: Co-Creator
Divine nature is pure love and gives us all. How do we open to let this flow take place? One important way is to say yes to our purpose. It constantly invites us to open to the flow. Another is opening to the desire to have things, like buying a house, which fulfills nurturing and spiritual needs.
Judeo-Christian religions focus on world affirmation. Judaism teaches if one is in alignment with the spiritual, the material comes. Jesus taught of the flow of material blessings—water to wine, the loaves and fishes, the gold coin from the fish’s mouth, etc. But he put a limitation on it. He told the wealthy young man to give his money to the poor and “follow me.” But the young man didn’t know that with God as our source, it all comes back. Jesus then told the parable that a rich man getting into heaven is as likely as a camel passing through the “eye of the needle” (a gate in the city wall of Jerusalem so narrow a camel could only pass through if its cargo were removed, something a rich man wouldn’t do). When we perceive through the brain, it wants what is “mine”. To take the goods off a camel to pass through shows non-attachment to material things, to see through love, through the heart.
It’s all right to have good stuff. It lets you be more flexible. Use spiritual energy to call into your life that which is good. “Ask and it will be given to you… For everyone who asks receives… Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? …If you…though…evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” Edwene Gaines says there is this assignment for spiritual beings to set clear attainable goals. Don’t make it a game of 20 questions. State clearly, three times a day, “I’d like ____.” And each time ask, “What do I need to change to be open to that happening?” Ooops—a change of consciousness is needed! Change the consciousness of “asking is selfish” or “having things for myself is not spiritual”. Or use the hologram technique from HeartMath. It’s a powerful way of filling your asking with love. It opens us to that flow. The only assignment really is to take care of yourself. So ask.
And in the end, what happens? We are guided to say yes to something, to recognize more and more, God is my source. There is an old Unity affirmation, God is my instant, constant, abundant supply! It makes it much easier to open to the flow.
A friend, in his meditation, was remembering a perfect day he had had when he was drawn to a book on a shelf. As he opened it out fell a piece of paper, a list he had written in college long before entitled “My Perfect Day”. He had just lived that day, everything on the list! We are co-creators. Allow yourself to have. We create the life before us, and as we do we grow less and less attached. God is my instant, constant, abundant supply! God is my instant, constant, abundant supply! God is my instant, constant, abundant supply! And as far as I can tell, when they show up, are they really about having fun?!
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June 7, 2015 – Principles of Abundance Part 2: Co-Creator
06/07/15 Rev. David McArthur
Principles of Abundance Part 2: Co-Creator
Divine nature is pure love and gives us all. How do we open to let this flow take place? One important way is to say yes to our purpose. It constantly invites us to open to the flow. Another is opening to the desire to have things, like buying a house, which fulfills nurturing and spiritual needs.
Judeo-Christian religions focus on world affirmation. Judaism teaches if one is in alignment with the spiritual, the material comes. Jesus taught of the flow of material blessings—water to wine, the loaves and fishes, the gold coin from the fish’s mouth, etc. But he put a limitation on it. He told the wealthy young man to give his money to the poor and “follow me.” But the young man didn’t know that with God as our source, it all comes back. Jesus then told the parable that a rich man getting into heaven is as likely as a camel passing through the “eye of the needle” (a gate in the city wall of Jerusalem so narrow a camel could only pass through if its cargo were removed, something a rich man wouldn’t do). When we perceive through the brain, it wants what is “mine”. To take the goods off a camel to pass through shows non-attachment to material things, to see through love, through the heart.
It’s all right to have good stuff. It lets you be more flexible. Use spiritual energy to call into your life that which is good. “Ask and it will be given to you… For everyone who asks receives… Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? …If you…though…evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” Edwene Gaines says there is this assignment for spiritual beings to set clear attainable goals. Don’t make it a game of 20 questions. State clearly, three times a day, “I’d like ____.” And each time ask, “What do I need to change to be open to that happening?” Ooops—a change of consciousness is needed! Change the consciousness of “asking is selfish” or “having things for myself is not spiritual”. Or use the hologram technique from HeartMath. It’s a powerful way of filling your asking with love. It opens us to that flow. The only assignment really is to take care of yourself. So ask.
And in the end, what happens? We are guided to say yes to something, to recognize more and more, God is my source. There is an old Unity affirmation, God is my instant, constant, abundant supply! It makes it much easier to open to the flow.
A friend, in his meditation, was remembering a perfect day he had had when he was drawn to a book on a shelf. As he opened it out fell a piece of paper, a list he had written in college long before entitled “My Perfect Day”. He had just lived that day, everything on the list! We are co-creators. Allow yourself to have. We create the life before us, and as we do we grow less and less attached. God is my instant, constant, abundant supply! God is my instant, constant, abundant supply! God is my instant, constant, abundant supply! And as far as I can tell, when they show up, are they really about having fun?!
April 12, 2015 – Initiation In Love
04/12/15 Rev. David McArthur
Initiation In Love
Florence Scovel Schinn wrote that whatever your problem, it is a test through love. If you meet it with love, your problem is solved. If not, the problem continues. Your problem is your initiation in love.
The first sign we have a problem is criticism. We define someone or something as “not ok” and put energy into confirming that. Catherine Ponder says that when you run down others’ problems or affairs you open your consciousness to become run down. It’s fear that constricts us, and then less good in health and finances flows into our lives.
But even where we feel powerless, we do have power. In this community we know we have the power to hold the consciousness to transform. Then we all are strengthened.
A man was seriously depressed and wasn’t working. At the same time, the 19 year old son was on the verge of losing his college career, and the emotionally disturbed 13 year old’s anger was becoming increasingly violent. Their 12 year old sister’s teachers reported she was withdrawing from the world. Additionally, the mother had only one kidney, and it was diseased. Then the lady heard “Love has the power to overcome any problem.” Desperate, she committed to find out if it were true. She had no options. Every time she found herself being critical of someone, she would write in a notebook, “I behold you with the eyes of love and I glory in your perfection.” Every time. Thought after thought, day after day. Within six weeks her husband got out of bed, bathed and cut his hair and started work! He opened to a flow. The 19 year old got a job that covered his tuition! And in the last three weeks the 13 year old had not had a single violent episode. The girl’s teacher called to say she was now making friends. The woman’s kidney healed and she got a job!
With our fear we feed the negative energy. But we do have a choice. Charles Fillmore said, “The more we talk about love the more it comes into our experience… You may trust love to get you out of your difficulty.” It’s a universal truth and an application of Jesus’ teaching about loving your enemies. The Tao teaches to love the world as yourself. Then you can care for all things. It’s the basis of the Ho’o pono pono practice that “when I change, the world around me changes.”
I’m betting there’s someone in your life you feel is in need of your criticism. (And the most difficult one is yourself.) “I behold you with the eyes of love and I glory in your perfection.” “I behold you with the eyes of love and I glory in your perfection.” “I behold you with the eyes of love and I glory in your perfection.” It’s a sacred spiritual assignment because we have chosen to step into the initiation of love.
April 12, 2015 – Initiation In Love
04/12/15 Rev. David McArthur
Initiation In Love
Florence Scovel Schinn wrote that whatever your problem, it is a test through love. If you meet it with love, your problem is solved. If not, the problem continues. Your problem is your initiation in love.
The first sign we have a problem is criticism. We define someone or something as “not ok” and put energy into confirming that. Catherine Ponder says that when you run down others’ problems or affairs you open your consciousness to become run down. It’s fear that constricts us, and then less good in health and finances flows into our lives.
But even where we feel powerless, we do have power. In this community we know we have the power to hold the consciousness to transform. Then we all are strengthened.
A man was seriously depressed and wasn’t working. At the same time, the 19 year old son was on the verge of losing his college career, and the emotionally disturbed 13 year old’s anger was becoming increasingly violent. Their 12 year old sister’s teachers reported she was withdrawing from the world. Additionally, the mother had only one kidney, and it was diseased. Then the lady heard “Love has the power to overcome any problem.” Desperate, she committed to find out if it were true. She had no options. Every time she found herself being critical of someone, she would write in a notebook, “I behold you with the eyes of love and I glory in your perfection.” Every time. Thought after thought, day after day. Within six weeks her husband got out of bed, bathed and cut his hair and started work! He opened to a flow. The 19 year old got a job that covered his tuition! And in the last three weeks the 13 year old had not had a single violent episode. The girl’s teacher called to say she was now making friends. The woman’s kidney healed and she got a job!
With our fear we feed the negative energy. But we do have a choice. Charles Fillmore said, “The more we talk about love the more it comes into our experience… You may trust love to get you out of your difficulty.” It’s a universal truth and an application of Jesus’ teaching about loving your enemies. The Tao teaches to love the world as yourself. Then you can care for all things. It’s the basis of the Ho’o pono pono practice that “when I change, the world around me changes.”
I’m betting there’s someone in your life you feel is in need of your criticism. (And the most difficult one is yourself.) “I behold you with the eyes of love and I glory in your perfection.” “I behold you with the eyes of love and I glory in your perfection.” “I behold you with the eyes of love and I glory in your perfection.” It’s a sacred spiritual assignment because we have chosen to step into the initiation of love.
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