"Putting to Practice"
by Rev. Christine
5/24/98

Last week I spoke on the inner meanings of the resurrection, ascension, and Pentecost, and how it relates to our own ascending consciousness. Today my topic is "Putting to Practice"; the practical application of truth realized.

The disciples were all fired up with the power and knowledge of God. They could even speak and understand foreign languages. Can you imagine having been through that experience. All these people at the same moment in time transformed by the Holy Spirit. The fears that had them hiding were gone — they were now ready to be a service to mankind by going out amongst friends, strangers and even enemies to pray, teach, and heal -- demonstrating God’s power.

These were not easy times, many lost their lives while performing their mission. It didn’t matter for a higher purpose was being served. They knew there was nothing to fear, even while imprisoned thy held their faith in prayer.

They performed great miracles just as Jesus Christ had done. In the book of Acts we are told of these miracles. In Chapter 3:1-9:

"Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple. Who seeing Peter and John about to into the temple asked an alms. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.

Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up; and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God."

Risky business healing right in front of the temple. In Acts 5: 15-16:

"Believers brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.

There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folds, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one. They continued such practice until the priest forbade them to do so, and threw them in jail."

Then in verse 19-20 we are told of "the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors and brought them forth, and said, Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life." And they followed.

In Acts 8:5-8:

"Then Philip went to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those thing which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city."

Then in Acts 9:33-35 Peter to Lydda, "and there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy. And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make they bed. And he arose immediately."

Then a certain woman disciple named Tabitha, was sick and died: "They washed her and laid her in an upper chamber. Peter was called to help." (Acts 9:40-41) "But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes; and when she saw peter, she sat up."

I truly believe that Jesus and his disciples didn’t go around seeing diseased, possessions, or dead bodies. They saw wholeness, and the activity of God as life. They raised their consciousness to the truth, and allowed the power of God to work through them.

We are reminded of the words by James 1:22 "Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only." The early founders in Divine Science put to practice what they had learned, they explored and experimented with techniques. Most of all they had commitment to serving mankind. They often arose from deep sleep to go help a neighbor in need. They would sit with them in prayer until the healing felt complete. They gave of themselves out of dedication and love of truth of God and mankind.

The more they practiced the stronger and more quickly the results. This is true of any gift of the spirit. It must be used to be fully developed. Knowledge alone is only surface, but to embody to really know the truth, one must use it, live it, be it. Then one is ready for more knowledge of truth.

We are reminded in the parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30. In abbreviated form: A master gave three servants each talents, which in those days meant a coin of money. Then he returned, the first servant was very proud for he had doubled his money, and the second servant also increased his money, but the 3^rd servant proudly dug up his buried coin. He had safely saved it. The other two servants were richly rewarded, while the last servant was scolded for not using his talent, and the master took the coin back leaving him with nothing.

The lesson here is to use what you have or one will lose it. Just as a singer must practice daily to keep their vocal cords in shape, or a pianist to play the music, or an athlete to keep those muscles in shape and know the techniques and rules of the game. So does one need to practice their faith, in thought, word and deed.

As one takes classes in metaphysical principles, then it is the students responsibility to put into practice that which is learned. You have heard the phrase, "You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink." So it is with God, God will lead us, but it is still our choice to drink. It is our choice to live our truth, practice our faith or to continue pointing fingers and blaming the world for all our problems.

Prayer treatment is a powerful tool when used. Its about feeling heart work. Power of truly knowing comes from the heart — not from the head. Beware of becoming too analytical in prayer, meditation, or in use of healing techniques. Let the spirit move through you, do not wonder how God heals, just trust in the principle and marvel in the results. Trusting God that is Faith.

Practicing the presence in all situations. All we have to do is to realize the Presence of God where trouble seems to be, to do our nearest duty to the very best of our ability; and to keep an even mind until the storm is over.

When in crisis what is the first thought, second thought. I have asked this question, and have gotten some pretty harsh responses. "If you see a drowning boy, what will you do first -- what will be your first thought -- fear or God?"

If you say jump in to save the boy, you are both lost. But, if you acknowledge the presence of God in the drowning boy -- in the entire situation at hand. This leaves room for miracles to unfold, for true perception, true seeing, and appropriate action then takes whether it is up to you to jump in or not. For you no longer see a drowning boy but God in action.

Think for a moment what would you do first -- if your confronted by a robber, in in an accident, a loved one is injured, someone offends you, your boss criticizes your work, or your life is threatened.

Our old way would have been to react defensively, but today we practice our new ways. We take a moment or until the time is right by first acknowledging God, an instant prayer, simple words as "Let the truth be revealed", or "Let there be Light" or "Let there be Love" or "God Is Here Right Now" this is practicing the presence of God.

Then ask yourself the question "what would love do?" From this place of heart — only good can come out of the situation. When we had the fire in the sanctuary a couple of years ago, my first words were "only good will come out of this" and so it did. I have been a witness to many healings; some of my own and many other people throughout the years by my willingness to be of service for God or the Christ working through me.

All it takes is a sincere willingness to be of service for God, and put learned truth principles to practice. Put forth what you know and more will come — the power of the Holy Spirit to teach, comfort and heal.

I’ll close with a poem from Emmet Fox titled "Just What To Do:"

If a new problem arises... Get back to basic principles.

If an old problem continues to stick... Get back to basic principles.

If everything seems to be sticking... Get back to basic principles.

If you feel depressed or discouraged... Get back to basic principles.

If you find yourself nervous, or even frightened... Get back to basic principles.

If someone is being troublesome... Get back to basic principles.

If you want to make faster progress than you seem to be doing...

Get back to basic principles.