The Angels of His Presence

“For he shall give his angels charge over thee to keep thee in all thy ways.” (Ps 91: 11)

Throughout the Bible, when angels are identified as such, they are often portrayed as men. Lot protected the two strangers from the townspeople in Sodom. Jacob wrestled with a “man” at Peniel. (Remember, he was left alone.) In the New Testament there is the familiar story of (male) Gabriel visiting Mary and Joseph, telling them the nature and role of their son to be, Jesus. An angel appeared to the shepherds which prompted them to go to Bethlehem (Luke2: 8-15) And “angels came and ministered” unto Jesus when he overcame temptation in the wilderness. Angels also play a significant role supporting and protecting Paul’s establishment of the early churches, opening prison gates, loosening chains, and leading him safely out of town when needed. Finally, in Revelation, Michael is portrayed as a warrior leading a host of “his angels” in the final conflict with the Great Red Dragon. Throughout the Bible, God’s everpresence is exemplified by angels. They inspire, comfort, protect, and guide.

Over the centuries angels have been depicted in art as winged and female. Are they male or female or something else entirely?

Mrs. Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science focuses on the spiritual nature of angels. In the Glossary of Science and Health, part of the definition of angels is, “God’s thoughts passing to man; spiritual intuitions, pure and perfect;” (S+H 581: 4-5) Elsewhere she states, “Angels are pure thoughts from God, winged with Truth and Love, no matter what their individualism may be.” (S+H 298: 28-30).

When I’m praying my way through a problem, seeking healing or direction, I expect and anticipate an answer. God, Divine Mind, the All-knowing, is reflected in creativity and intelligence. As His child, made in His image and likeness, I know that all I’ll ever need is always, already available to me through Divine Love. Jesus uses the example of a father being asked by his son for bread or a fish, which he would not ignore or pervert, to make the point, “how much more your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask of him?” (Matt. 7:8-11) Our role is to willingly open our thought to ideas, suggestions, and/or commands God sends in response to our asking. In short, to listen, recognize, acknowledge, and follow the angels God sends in response to our asking.

There are no emergencies to this Mind. There are no surprises for the All-knowing. Each one of us can daily declare this Truth to be true of everyone, everywhere, any time. This includes the selfless individuals striving to find answers to the multitude of problems in Japan and Haiti, the statesmen working for peace throughout the world, a college student confronted with an ethics violation, or a 5-year old struggling with the principles of addition. There is no situation outside the infinitude of God – and that includes those encountered by me and you.

An Awakening

My husband and I were sitting in our family room, one evening 2 years ago, when he dropped off to sleep as we were watching TV. Suddenly, he seemed to wake up and announced that he couldn't see, and his eyes seemed to lose their luster, becoming opaque. I was so grateful to be able to calmly tell him that it wasn't true, and that he was having a bad dream. However, he was agitated, and began to try to stand up, but seemed uncoordinated. Even with my help, he could not stand. This happened a few times without success. He then fell back into the chair and I suggested that he take a nap.
I said, aloud, a quote from Science and Health, "God is everywhere and nothing apart from Him is present or has power." He was quiet and slept for a few minutes. I took out the Bible Lesson for that week, which was, "Substance". I knew God was right there with us, that only harmony was present and could not be reversed. Matter makes no conditions for man; God is our Life.
After a few minutes he wakened and his eyes looked normal. He said he thought he had had a stroke. I answered that it was only a bad dream. He wanted to get up and was able to, with my help.
I  suggested that we together go over the "punch list" for the small addition to our house that was in the final stages of completion. This was of interest to him and we went over the list, making additions and taking off deletions as we walked around the house. That night he took a shower and slept well. There has been no reoccurrence or bad effect from this experience, and I write it to serve as another instance of God's omnipotence and omnipresence, as well as the practicality of Christian Science.

HELP IN THE NIGHT

My errands recently called for me to visit a medical facility to comfort a friend.  I had noticed on a previous visit that there were signs, at each entrance to the building and the specific area of the facility, warning visitors to stay away if they were suffering from any kind of flu-like illness. These signs indicated that ignoring these warnings would put the patients at risk since they were already in a "weakened" condition.

After retiring in perfect health, I awoke in the middle of the night before my visit to find myself exhibiting extreme symptoms of flu-like sickness.  As I reached for tissues, the thought that came to me was that now I could not visit my friend because I would be putting her health in danger. The counteracting message  that came to me immediately from divine Love was, "A child of God cannot be a victim nor can you be attacked when you are acting from good motives." 
I lay there and prayed to acknowledge God's law in operation - the law of Love and all good. I realized that I could not be a cause of harm to anyone because I would bring with me the view of man as God's perfect child, safe in His keeping. God has not created a man who is "weakened" - he is spiritual not material. If he could be a target, man would be a target out of range of this belief. When I awoke in the morning, I was completely free from any sense of illness or symptoms and was able to go to visit with joy.

No Change My Heart Shall Fear

We sang one of my favorite hymns last night, which begins "In heavenly Love abiding,  no change my heart shall fear..."  (Hymn 148 in the Christian Science Hymnal)  I've used that hymn a zillion times, from calming a 5 year old in a tizzy about starting kindergarten, to helping a new college freshman over first-day-on-campus jitters.  Knowing we abide with Love, God, and no matter what's swirling on around us on the winds of change, gives us the confidence to go forward no matter how daunting it may seem.  We always have and always will have, our place in the house of the unchanging, always loving, Father-Mother, God. Nothing can break that relationship.

Where to begin

The other night I was sitting in the lobby at church waiting for the Wednesday Testimony Meeting to begin.  My feet hurt and the pain rapidly increased.  I had walked into church with no discomfort but the longer I sat there, the worse they felt until I reached the point where I doubted my ability to get up and walk into the auditorium.

I remembered a phrase that I'd heard years ago when I was in college.  It often serves as a starting point for my prayers.  It goes, "Begin with God and see things as they are."

This idea effectively turns my thought away from the problem and refocuses it on God, the Only Cause and Creator.  From this starting point of perfection I can see myself as perfect because I am made in His image and likeness as stated in Genesis.

I view problems, in this case a physical one, as a temptation to believe that there is a cause outside of omnipotent God and an effect beyond infinite good.  In his prayer in the Sermon on the Mount which we call the Lord's Prayer, Christ Jesus includes the line, "And lead me not into temptation."  I know I am divinely supported in my efforts to resist temptation of any kind.

The truth about God is true about man as God made him and is true for me as a child of God.  The pain disappeared quickly and I went into the service completely free.

I Walk with Love

My knee hurt. Plain and simple, I wasn't having much fun walking the dog or even hobbling about my daily tasks. I complained about it. I came up with reasons for it to hurt, such as a strenuous weekend of hiking up and down. Then I woke up and decided to do what I should have done first.

I prayed to know I am a spiritual idea, not a mortal with an achy knee. As the idea of God, perfect in every way, where was there room for a bum knee? No way. Then the line from the hymn, "I walk with Love along the way, and oh, it is a holy day" came to me. As I snapped the leash on our dog to take her for her walk, I sang the hymn to myself. What a lovely time we had, marching crisply for a long trek around her favorite places. End of the complaining, both from me and the so-called knee. It was a lovely and holy day indeed.

How to Pray for Japan

The following link provides useful ways to respond, prayerfully, for those who need our dedicated metaphysical help.

http://christianscience.com/healing/topics/healing-response-earthquake-in-japan/.  

Allergies

It would appear that food allergies, in fact allergies of all kinds, are rampant in today’s world. A ton of explanations are proffered as to the cause(s), yet people continue to suffer immensely as a result of these impositions. Because that’s what allergies are – an effort, in fact, a lie, to say that man is NOT created in the image and likeness of a loving God, and that environment, contaminants, or heredity can make him/her suffer from drinking cow’s milk, eating bread made from wheat, etc., or even breathing the scent of fresh grass. In praying about this mistaken belief, I’ve found this story about Elisha and the “death in the pot” stew very helpful. (King James Version) Elisha knew that God hadn’t, wouldn’t, couldn’t create anything to harm His children, so those who ate from the pot weren’t condemned to die from ingesting a poisonous gourd stew. Neither are we condemned to suffer from seasonal, food, or environmental allergies.
II Kings 4:38

38 ¶ And Elisha came again to Gilgal: and there was a dearth in the land; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him: and he said unto his servant, Set on the great pot, and seethe pottage for the sons of the prophets.

39 And one went out into the field to gather herbs, and found a wild vine, and gathered thereof wild gourds his lap full, and came and shred them into the pot of pottage: for they knew them not.

40 So they poured out for the men to eat. And it came to pass, as they were eating of the pottage, that they cried out, and said, O thou man of God, there is death in the pot. And they could not eat thereof.

41 But he said, Then bring meal. And he cast it into the pot; and he said, Pour out for the people, that they may eat. And there was no harm in the pot.

God is my help

At the end of the other day I was having trouble with my right eye.  It was bloodshot and sore.  I ignored it thinking it was just irritated because it was dry and that it would be ok in the morning. 

It wasn't.  It was so painful I literally taped it shut because it hurt even to blink.  This was no solution.

David knew God is the ultimate source of support.  He wrote, "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.  My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth." (Psalms 121)

I thought of the definition of God found in Science and Health by Mary Baker Eddy.  It starts, "God: the great I AM, the all-knowing, all-seeing. . ."(S+H 587: 5)  I reasoned that if I am made in the image and likeness of God, as the Bible says, then my ability to see was God-given and could not be restricted or impeded by a material condition.

Then I thought of a statement from Miscellaneous Writings, also by Mrs. Eddy, that has supported my prayers many times.  "No evidence before the material senses can close my eyes to the scientific proof that God, good, is supreme." (Misc. 277: 23)  How appropriate.  How true.

That was the end of it.  The pain vanished.  I pulled the tape off and, in perfect comfort, saw clearly.

I'm grateful for understanding that God is always there for us to turn to when we need help.

What Christian Science Sunday School Did for Me

I am so grateful for having been raised in Christian Science and to have attended the Christian Science Sunday School. Even though I was only five, I can remember the Sunday School teacher's explination that God is my Father/Mother - a perfect parent who loves me unfailingly, who is the only power (good) and always present with me.

This had not been my human experience with my parents and at the time that I was enrolled in the Sunday School, I had been abandoned and left with relatives to be raised.

This gift of God as all good and as my only parents healed my grief and gave me courage and strength - it sustained me when the school councilor classified me as an at-risk student, because of my home situation.

The next big lesson I took away from Sunday School reversed this diagnosis - that human history has no power to determine today's experience. It could not touch my present.  All that was active in my life was right this moment - me and God - divine Love who was guarding and guiding my life. I could let go of the past and dwell in the present.

I had perfect attendance throughout 12 years of school and received outstanding grades, held many elective offices in high school and was a member of the principal's school leaders group.

Although there were no family funds for a college education, I was offered a full scholarship including housing when the time came.

We think it is a miracle when the rules are broken by which we tend to dictate the direction of our lives, but the truth is that your Father/Mother is teaching you to look through these self-created limitations and beliefs to see God's hand in all things.

Burn healed

The other day I was in the kitchen, when I reached into oven to pull out a cast iron skillet that was ready to come out. Even though I knew it would be very hot, I grabbed a small hot pad holder. As soon as I grasped the handle, I saw my bare palm on the metal. Releasing it instantly, I watched as my skin literally bubbled up.

I would like to say my first reaction was spiritually motivated, but it wasn't. After crying "ouch" I knew I had a choice. I could accept the pain screaming at me, or I could know the Truth, that there are no accidents in God's kingdom, and as a spiritual idea, I had no matter to burn. I chose Truth. Taking my stand for my God-given freedom from harm, I continued cooking. I can honestly say that this radical stance brought instant relief from the pain. I didn't look at my hand until late that night, and there were no blisters or marks of any kind.

I'm extremely grateful for this evidence of God's love ands care.

Thought for today

Did you know that you are the artistic expression of the greatest artist in the universe?

Crystal Clear Direction to Find Job

I spent several years feeling trapped in my job.  The word was underemployed and nowhere to go.  My attempts to find a new position seemed fruitless.  I decided it would be more fruitful to shift my thinking from a worldly, limited view of employment to a more spiritual outlook.

So, I strove to make the most of the work I had.  Also I prayed to God and listened for His guidance.  Although the small company for which I worked did not appear to have opportunities for growth, opportunities did appear.  I learned new skills.  Then there was a moment when I was praying about this issue and a clear message came to thought.  The message was: "this is the time for you to make a move.  Put everything into it."  It struck me how clear the message was and how close I felt to God.  Also, I felt such a certainty that it would all work out.  I was able to let go.   The "putting everything into it" meant to me putting my complete trust in God.

Within two days, a very unexpected opportunity surfaced in a new field.  I was not looking for it.  I felt like it was looking for me.  I have worked at this firm for over three years and am blessed every day with opportunities.  I really felt God's love for me in this experience and I know in my heart that everyone is unique, precious to God and filled with holy purpose.  It is this work that fulfills us.

I Love to Tell the Story

This week’s Bible Lesson, the sermon shared globally in every Christian Science church, is “Christ Jesus.” There isn’t a better story to tell! Hymn 414 contains these lines:


I love to tell the story

Of unseen things above

Of Jesus and his glory

Of Jesus and his love…



I love to tell the story

T’is pleasant to repeat

What seems each time I tell it,

More wonderfully sweet…

We all can relate, I’m sure.

John begins his introduction of the life of Christ Jesus with capsulizing all creation. “In the beginning as the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” He continues, “All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.” (John 1:3) This fundamental truth was the foundation of Jesus’ preaching and healing. The recognition of this truth brought healing to every form of disease, every type of sinful behavior, even death.

Combine this statement in Genesis, “And God saw all that he had made, and behold it was very good.” (Gen. 1:31) and the seal has been set on all that is real.

Creation was finished. God declared it good. There is no other creator. Jesus understood and proved this completely. He told the people, “Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” (John 8: 22) This has always inspired me.

Beginning with God and seeing only his reality destroys every temptation to believe that there is something competing with God. Whenever presented with a situation or condition that would suggest something other than God, good, is in control, I turn again to these truths and recognize that I can experience only what God has created. Jesus showed me the way.

It’s no wonder I love to tell the story.

Make Time to Gain Time

As a college graduate student, I find myself these days doubting why I decided to take on three heavy loaded courses. I started out with four, and thank goodness I was wise enough to drop one I know I did not absolutely need. But now I find myself questioning if I should have dropped another.


The other night as I was checking off my "to do" list for class work and all the other stuff I needed to get done I was panicking. How the ***BLEEP*** was I going to get everything done. Deadlines are creeping up fast, and I seem to be working just fast enough to stay afloat. That was when I knew I needed to turn my thoughts to God. Before, I have turned to him knowing that with God, all things are possible. There is one Mind, the mind of God, and I share that Mind. I knew I could do the work, but could I get it done in time? There is was again, Time. Tick tock. Days are running into each other.


That night, as I climbed into bed, I opened up Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy to the Glossary pages and read the definition of Time. This is what it say:


"TIME. Mortal measurements; limits, in which are summed up all human acts, thoughts, beliefs, opinions, knowledge; matter; error; that which begins before, and continues after, what is termed death, until the mortal disappears and spiritual perfection appears."


The very first line stood out to me. Mortal Measurements; limits, in which are summed up all human acts... Well I very much knew that in God's kingdom there are no limits. Would God, creator of all good, set up limits to define our human actions? I don't think so.


The next morning I woke up, read this statement again, and worked with it all day. I spent the whole day in the library doing assignments for this week, and while I didn't get everything done, I left knowing that I had made progress. At home I picked up an old Sentinel that I hadn't gotten to yet titled Faith: As a Grain of Mustard Seed. After reading a few articles, I felt that my faith in God to trust in him to get all my work done, had been fully restored. I went to work on some assignments in order to get ahead in a class, and wouldn’t you know it, time seemed to stand still for me? I got so much done in a half hour than I had in two hours. And this included sending important emails, and writing this.

Time might not stop for us, but we can know there are no limits when it comes to what we can do. Time does not need to be measured.

Another Prayer

I found a prayer written by Paul Stark Seeley, one that's a favorite with me.  "Pray daily that you may become increasingly conscious of your divine purpose - to evidence the limitless unfolding riches of life, health, wisdom, beauty, holiness and far-reaching service to God and your fellow man."

This reminds me that trusting in human ways and means isn't going to uplift and bless mankind: Only God can do that.

YOU ARE INVITED !

If you live in Richmond, Virginia, you are invited to join us any Wednesday evening from 7:30 to 8:30 for our weekly testimony meeting. Members of the congregation share healings, comments and experiences they have had that resulted from relying on prayer.
These meetings are always very inspirational.  We are located in the west end of Richmond at 8791 River Road.  We look forward to welcoming you!

If you do not live in Richmond, you can be part of these special meetings by logging onto the live broadcast from the First Church of Christ, Scientist in Boston, Mass.  Tune in by 2:00 pm EST (19 UTC) to hear the meeting. Simply go to http://christianscience.com/ .  In a list at the bottom of the page, you will find "online church services". Click on that and it will take you to the information you need to participate. Don't miss it!

Humor and Healing

I can't tell you how many times a good laugh over the silliness of Mortal Mind has lifted me out of a so-called problem.  Know that old chestnut? How many Christian Scientists can you fit in a Honda?  Answer: An infinite number if they're in one Accord. The image alone makes me smile

I remember once I was dealing with a problem that, humanly speaking, looked pretty serious.  I was praying and working with a Christian Science practitioner (someone who helps people through prayer), and I was getting worse, not better.  Ultimately, I came to the conclusion that I wasn't going to be impressed by this lie about me, no matter how loudly the pain was screaming at me that it was real, and I'd better believe in it, by golly!  No way.  At that point, the pain shifted from one side of my body to the other, and all I could do was laugh out loud at how preposterous the whole picture was. It was as if the pain was saying, "okay, you won't believe in me over here, so I'll move around somewhere else until you do believe in me."  That was the end of that problem.  Healing complete.

Having a good, solid chuckle at a lie never fails to defuse it of any supposed power it claims, but in reality, can't have.

MORNING PRAYER

 One of my favorite morning prayers comes from an article that was published in the early days of the Christian Science Journal (see note).

Part of it reads:  "This is God's spiritual household. Nothing can enter to annoy or destroy. Nothing can enter to manifest sin, sickness, or discouragement, for God, good, governs every member of this household in perfect peace and love. God does in every deed dwell on earth with men and governs every event. The unseen silent forces of God are standing sentinel over me and mine and all, silencing, destroying, and annihilating the unseen, silent arguments of the serpent, material sense."


NOTE: In 1884 the Christian Science Journal was established as a monthly magazine which has continued in publication without interruption. The articles are contributed for publication by Christian Scientists dedicated to living Christian Science, a religion whose members subscribe to the tenet of taking: "the inspired word of the Bible" as their sufficient guide to eternal life.  All of these Journal articles have been archived in bound volumes and are available to the public in Christian Science Reading Rooms located in 81 countries throughout the world.

Reminder

Members, remember that on Thursday, February 17, we will meet at 7:00 p.m. to elect readers.