“Being Led by the Spiritual Directive of the 23rd Psalm.”
Dear Friends
I begin this month with these words from Grace L. Faus: “Where are our problems leading us? Are we rising through them to a higher level of understanding, or are we letting them defeat us? We know that they have no power except the power we give to them. We do not look to men or money or places or circumstances for our good. We look to God. He that is within you is greater than he that is in the world.”
In much the same vein philosopher and economist, David Korten wrote: “The deep moral and spiritual issue of our day centres on the defining choice evoked in the biblical admonition that no one can serve two masters. We must choose between God (the spirit of life) and money.”
There is a law, a spiritual law, always at work. It is a law that supersedes any laws of the world, be they mental or physical. We know about karma—the law of cause and effect; well spiritual law is above and beyond this, and we are either serving God or mankind. In the 23rd Psalm, which we have investigated briefly in a previous letter, we find that throughout there is no “asking God for anything.” It is an acceptance of what is—a confident knowing.
When we pay heed to the words: Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me……we are reminded that we are never alone. Any fear we may be feeling during these challenging times is diminished as we remember and experience the Omnipresence of God.
Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. The staff of Truth to lean on and the rod of discipline to remind us that we are either relying on God or we are not. And it is a reliance with trust; no demand or expectation; just a knowing trust.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. Thou anointest my head with oil. My cup runneth over. This is a statement, not a wish for it to be true—it is. This is followed by: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. Again confirmation that when we are aware of the Presence of God; Thou art with me; then it is so all the days of our lives.
Concluding with the words: And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Another way of understanding this statement is: “And I will dwell in God consciousness forever.” This of course, is through awareness. We do not have to get God consciousness; we do not have to get Truth. What is required is that we become aware that nothing can change what God created.
According to Joel Goldsmith: “Where lack and limitation threaten us (the enemies) God’s grace prevails; my soul is filled with inspiration and my heart overflows with joy and gratitude. This evidence of abundance, through Grace, fills me, satisfies me, and my heart sings for joy in his Presence.”
When we acknowledge God, not seeking anything, we are coming from an understanding that God is All, and it follows that I shall not want!
What is being indicated so clearly in the directives given in the Psalm is that we do not look to mankind, money, places or even circumstances for our good. It is really, so simple, so easy, yet how often we take responsibility upon our shoulders when there is One who has already made all provision. THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD I SHALL NOT WANT…
In Closing….
NEWS FROM THE BOARD
As the custodians of the ACT Centre the Board (Mallory, Chris and I) are humbled by the message contained within the generous and ongoing donations that have sustained our operations from the onset of the prevailing COVID 19 experience.
The loving kindness of our community has been demonstrated by the membership and friends, both near and far, through uplifting messages on email; “likes and sharing” on Facebook; phone calls just to chat and financial contributions to help “pay the bills”. These caring acts constantly remind us that we (the Board) are not alone in upholding the physical gathering space of our community and that the practice of the Teaching by our members – turning always first to our Father is the greatest Gift of all.
The Board at its weekly informal meetings have been discussing various ways to serve the membership – through virtual as well as ‘in person’ ways. Members who would like to access past Sunday Service Lessons may apply to have these copied to their own USB Flash Drive. A list of lesson topics is being prepared. A nominal donation is requested.
The Library as always, awaits the enquiring readers to enjoy the bounty of its contents. The Centre is open by appointment from 9:00 to noon on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings. Masks must be worn; hand sanitizers are available and social distancing is strictly observed. Those unable to visit may call us by telephone.
We close with Gratitude to the Angels and Blessings that sustain us
“Divine Love, through me, blesses and multiplies all that I circulate and all that comes back to me.
Bountiful blessings,
Mallory and Sylvia