"You Too Can Do These Works"
by Rev. Christine 6/15/03Today’s talk is based on the disciples works following the Day of Pentecost. Last week I spoke on the Baptism by Spirit that occurred on the Day of Pentecost. I also did a symbolic ceremony of the Baptism by Spirit or Holy Breath. The Book of Acts is a history of the works of the disciples once charged with the Holy Spirit. So many people forget the works of the disciples, and their generations to follow.
The twelve disciples went forth into the surrounding lands to teach and heal. Their work was not what we call a Christian religion today, but considered part of Judaism – a sect of Judaism. Although, the religious leaders of the day were not pleased with these teachings for it promised and demonstrated the great promise by Jesus Christ in John 14:12:
"Truly, Truly I say to you, He who believes in me shall do the works which I do; and even greater than these things He shall do, because I am going to my Father." This verse alone has inspired so many people. I know for me it was an eye opener, that right here in the Bible it says that I could through faith follow in the footsteps of Jesus and his disciples and do healing work too. It brought me back to the Christian faith, not of the old kind but of New Thought. My spiritual path had begun based in a new faith of works. How many people here today were inspired by these words? ...
In Acts 14:14 "If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it." The key here is the word name. Name means a man’s nature, so when Jesus said to ask in my name he is referring to his nature, being in like mind and spirit. This Holy Spirit and Mind is the promise in Acts 14:20 "At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you."
In our daily prayers we wait until the spiritual comforter comes, the Holy Spirit descends, in mind and spirit. And, then the good works come to teach and heal. The disciples waited until the Day of Pentecost before going out in to the world. For us, the Day of Pentecost is a daily experience; a spiritual transition from our worldly life to the spirit within. Then the power is within us to speak the word "Let there Be" or "Rise and go forth." We speak with the power of one who knows.
What do we know? We know the Truth that sets us free. We are dealing with spirit not material law, or mankind’s law of beliefs, but the law of spirit. And, when God finished its creation, said, "It is very Good." This truth we always go back to when we are faced with diversity, trauma, the challenges of life.
Instead of poor me, how awful or bad – we go back to truth to see with the eyes of spirit – to the goodness that we know is there, even if we can’t see it in our own worldly experience or by our physical eyes. Yet, we have faith in the invisible truth – in the word of God. And, this faith and truth sets us free from our miseries, as well as releasing the miseries of others.
As today’s handout says, "One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." Ephesians 4:6. Let us repeat this together. God is everywhere present, therefore we are spirit, pure God spirit. No longer bound by physical material laws, we transcend to live by the law of spirit.
As a Divine Science Practitioner, our duty is to practice the presence of God in our daily lives. So much so, that when you call or have an appointment, that we are already grounded in this truth. And, are able to put aside whatever was going on in our personal lives to know this truth for you and for everyone everywhere. We immediately turn within to the Holy Spirit.
For me, it is a deep breath, a stillness of mind, and then a feeling comes over me of the presence, and then I know the words that follow are not mine but the one that sent me. It no longer matters what is going on in the outer world, for the power is within that makes all things new – that stills the storms of life, heals the sick, feeds the hungry, and raises the dead.
We no longer have to struggle with the appearances – for we know there is no power in them, except that which we give with our focus of mind and emotions. We consciously choose to give up the fight, to abide in Truth – a quiet stillness – a knowing-ness takes over, and then it is done. Even if the appearance is still there, we know that in truth is shall not live long – for it has no life to sustain it.
To me it is like a big balloon full of hot air, and then we puncture it, and watch it empty to its nothingness. Blowing itself out. It is but a shell of its prior self – unable to raise its ugly head unless we inflate it. When we focus on problems or worry about potential problems we are inflating the appearance in our life, and giving it life and power. Until we once again deflate it.
Why not give life to what we want to experience, rather than to what we don’t want? Its amazing how easy it is to fall prey to the fears of lack, sickness and harm. But, remember it is just as easy to rise above them. We don’t have to stay there. We have the power to put it behind us, no matter the condition or appearance. It is only our attachment that keeps it alive in our experience of life.
Let us remember to keep our focus, a single eye or mindedness, on that which we want to bring forth in our life. When tempted to stray in doubt – call yourself back and stand firm in faith. Then watch your good works come forth – even before they happen it is done.
When we think of Father today, first think of the one that gave us life – not our humanly father, but the Father within us, above us, and all around us. In this way we are all Father. And, then let us honor our earthly father, the father of our family. Regardless of his seeming weaknesses, mistakes and imperfections – we honor for we see beyond the human, to the Divinity within. And, for many of us here today our earthly father may not even be alive in this worldly expression.
So, regardless of your current relationship let’s take a few moments to meet our father in spirit. Let us do this together. Get comfortable, relax and close your eyes. Now take a deep breath, release. As I say these words, take them in for yourself. The Father and I are One, Be still and know I am one with God.... Peace, Peace, My peace I give unto you... I now feel the presence, the Holy Spirit, as the peace soothing my mind and heart.
Let us now get an image, thought or feeling of our earthly or parental father. We are going to take this time in spirit to speak to him... Are there any unspoken words... Is there anything to forgive.... Anything to release.... Or just Love, I love you.... If you had more than one father you may repeat this. I will give you a couple of minutes in silence to continue this process....
Let us lift it all up now to the Holy Spirit within, in the power of love. Feel your heart filling with the power of love, and to overflowing your heart like an endless river... moving into every area of your life including every male relationship... and now overflowing to every male person of the world... and finally this overflowing healing power of love to the male energy of us all here and everywhere and beyond – whole, perfect and complete... Happy Father’s Day! And so it is. Amen.
Now bring your attention back. Take a deep breath and fully release.
Does anyone have anything they would like to share from this experience?