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Metaphysical Application Ideas for the Weekly Christian Science Bible Lesson for July 11-17, 2007 on “God the Preserver of Man”
Prepared by Kathy Fitzer, C.S. of St. Louis, MO
Editor’s Note: The following background information and application ideas for the Christian Science Bible Lesson for this week are offered primarily to help CedarS campers and staff (as well as friends) see and demonstrate the great value of daily study of the Christian Science Bible lessons year-round, not just at camp! You can sign up free to have these mets emailed to you in English by Monday or in French or Spanish by Wednesday: CHECK www.cedarscamps.org/metaphysical/ FOR A FREE TRANSLATION of this weekly “met” offered in FRENCH by Pascal Bujard of Switzerland AND NOW in SPANISH by Ana Arcioni of Spain.
Does it ever feel like the world is crashing in on you? Run to God – your help is ALWAYS at hand. As your thoughts are molded by Him, watch as the angels deliver you, and be ready to respond. One definition of preserve is to keep in its original state. Our original state is as the spiritual child of God – forever separate from the dangers and threats of material belief. Persevere – stay in the consciousness of prayer. You’re safe!
Golden Text: Sometimes life can feel like a giant game of hide and seek in which it seems inevitable that some form of evil is going to catch you. That’s when you need to flee to the best hiding place ever – God. Safe in the consciousness of God’s ever-presence, the pressures, temptations, threats, hurts, and injustices of mortal mind can’t find you. God not only hides you, but also protects you from trouble and delivers you! This verse ends with the word, Selah. The Amplified Bible translates that as, “pause, and calmly think of that.” Good advice, like Mrs. Eddy’s counsel to “pause, — wait on God” … before “we push onward.” (Science & Health 323:10-12) When things seem rough (or, even better, before they to get rough) pause to get unburdened by calmly thinking about God’s presence, His secret (hiding) place, His protection keeping you safe, and His deliverance of you from whatever may be trying to squelch your full expression of Life!
Responsive Reading: Daniel had been in prayer (some believe for 21 days), aware of the fact that the children of Israel had messed up. They had turned from God and lost their way, and were currently living in captivity in Babylon. Daniel was also very aware of God’s promise of rescue and restoration. Daniel wanted to understand God’s ways, and asked for God’s mercy for all the people. As Daniel prayed, an angel appeared with the promise that he would help Daniel. He assured Daniel that his prayers had been heard from the very beginning, even though there wasn’t immediate evidence of a response. At first, things seemed to get worse – Daniel was knocked down, felt weak and couldn’t speak. But GOD strengthened him and Daniel was “all ears.” We all mess up sometimes. When faced with difficult situations, chronic temptations and poor thought patterns, feeling stuck, or faced with concerns about the future, do we humbly turn to God in prayer? The angels will come to us as they came to Daniel – and give us understanding. If at first it doesn’t seem like God is listening, keep praying. God’s angels (his thoughts) will come to you. A struggle may ensue, but listen to God telling you, “You are dearly loved. Don’t be afraid. I am giving you strength and leading you to safety!” Reach out in prayer, and respond to the angels!
Section I: Praise God’s Allness and Goodness – Be saved!
We get to eavesdrop on David’s prayers by reading his songs. It gives us a good model for our own prayers. Like David, we sometimes feel distant from God. Our problems can seem overwhelming. But God sustains us – keeps us from falling. (S-1) David’s prayer in Ps. 16 is a simple affirmation of God’s goodness (B-1). In Ps. 86, David calls out for help, apparently in some kind of trouble. But, he still starts with declaring God’s goodness and Allness. (B-2). Ps. 31 is a prayer of one who feels in danger, is facing a long-standing diseased condition, and also feels threatened by false accusers. The Psalmist’s response is to turn to God in praise and confidence that God is good and will preserve His servant, keeping him safely hidden from false accusers (whether those accusers appear as persons or sin, disease, or death). (B-3) And, finally Ps. 36 speaks of God’s steadfast love. God takes care of us and provides for our physical needs – always! So, why in the world wouldn’t we trust Him – no matter what we’re facing? (B-4) You are “tributary to God, Spirit, and to nothing else.” (S-5) That means you’re not subject to or dependent on any kind of limitation – limited ability, disease, loss of any kind! Your individuality (and everyone’s) is forever held in its original, complete, and perfect state by Life! (S-4) Claim that inseparable relationship! God IS All-in-all! (S-3)
Section II: God keeps you safe – even when it feels like someone’s out to get you!
God had appointed David to serve as king of Israel, so doesn’t it make sense that God would take care of David? In this section we find a country divided. Some still supported Saul, and attempted to undermine David’s authority. David’s son, Absalom, was actively planning a revolt against David. One of David’s advisors, Ahithophel, conspired with Absalom, suggesting an attack on David at night, counting on fear to cause David’s supporters to run, and leave David vulnerable. Hushai, loyal to David, countered this plan, convincing Absalom that his personal presence on the battlefield was necessary and large numbers of people must be assembled before going into battle. This delayed the attack long enough for David to get away. His friends, Jonathan and Ahimaaz, were safely hidden until they were able to warn David. (B-6-10) Fear (and pride) hides God’s goodness and power from thought. But fear – or any form of evil – is powerless to interrupt God’s care. God appoints each of us to serve him in various ways – like he appointed David. So, it makes sense that God takes care of us, too. And, we too, must defend thought from the influence of fear. Mortal mind would plot against us, but to no avail. Face it … “Truth is real and error is unreal.” (S-6) That which is unreal can’t overthrow the real. Darkness can’t overthrow light! So, when you feel threatened, stand up to the situation with courage! “Meet every adverse circumstance as its master!” (S-7)
Section III: Don’t let a little conflict throw you! You’re safe – one with God!
Jesus didn’t come to make material life easier. He constantly told people to repent – change their thinking – and see the kingdom of heaven here and now. Matthew is describing here what he perceives as Jesus’ prediction of the destruction of the temple and the end of the world, corresponding to the second coming of the Christ. By the time Matthew wrote this, the physical temple had already been destroyed by the Romans. But, surely Jesus is talking about much more than the destruction of the physical temple, or even of his own crucifixion. Here is another example of urging us not to be dismayed by the physical evidence. Things may get really bad, causing those who really don’t understand their relationship to God to lose faith and run in other directions. BUT, Jesus assures us that if we stick it out; we’ll be saved – saved from the belief of life in matter, with all its limitations. (B-12) Acknowledging God (and His Christ) as your shepherd, you will hear the voice of Christ and follow the leadings of Truth, as Jesus taught. Maintaining that position, NOTHING can separate you from the eternal good of God – nothing can pluck you out of the safety of God’s power – God’s hand. (B-13) Sometimes things seem to get harder before they get better. Don’t be thrown by the appearances. You are safe because you are “inseparable from the divine Principle, God.” (S-11) God includes all real identities. One meaning of include is to be a subordinate part of a whole principle. Just as the number 6 is a part of the whole system of mathematics, and middle C is a part of the principle of the system of music, you are part of the of the system of Mind and can’t be separated from the divine Principle. Mistakes are made in mathematical problems; discord sometimes hides the harmony of music, but because the principle is intact, safety is assured. Our safety is assured, because the divine Principle is intact. So, refuse to get upset with whatever form evil tries to take – personal or impersonal, physical, political, climate-related, or any other form. There is only one true side – the side of “Science and peace.” (S-12) Just as it is up to mathematicians and musicians to bring out the harmony of numbers and notes, it is our responsibility, as Christian Scientists, to “hold crime in check” (like chess or hockey defenders) and to eject error by understanding the eternal relationship of God and man – Father and Son – to be permanent and good! (S-13)
Section IV: Prayer reveals the presence of angels – Follow!
Sometimes the attack seems to come from within your ranks – as with David’s son and “friends.” Other times, it comes from without, as in Peter’s case. The Romans had started persecuting the Christians. Peter has been imprisoned and is expected to lose his life in the morning. The church members gathered in one of their homes and prayed! The result – Peter’s escape from bondage. (B-14) What kinds of things imprison us? The belief of incurable disease? Labels of physical or mental deficiencies? The suggestion of “too little too late” when it comes to studying or efforts along some other line? Peter’s experience PROVES that prayer IS dependable, and that nothing is too hard for God. Never give up! God’s angels are always available to bring release. Prayer – the unwavering consciousness of God’s ever-presence – allows those angels to become evident to human consciousness. How do we pray without ceasing? (B-15) Maybe we could think of it as just always entertaining the angels – making room in our consciousness for angels and ONLY angels – fear, discouragement, unbelief not allowed! When we pray we have to be quiet, trust God with our desires, deny the possibility of separation from God (sin) in ourselves or others and stick to the fact that God – good – is ALL there is! Then, we have to put our desires into practice by really being willing to give up doubt and fear, and the little things that we know we shouldn’t do or think, but have a hard time giving up. That is taking up the cross and being honest! (S-14) No matter how dark (how bad) things get, the angels are there guarding and guiding you out of trouble. (S15) When the angel (exalted thought) appears to you when you’re in trouble – nudges you in the side and tells you to get going – respond! Get going and trust that the angels will take you all the way!!!
Section V: Too good to be true – or a natural result?
The church members and Peter had done an excellent job of praying. But, the church responded to Peter’s release in a similar way to how the disciples had responded to news of Jesus’ resurrection – with disbelief. Then, as Peter persisted in knocking and calling, and the door was finally opened, the disciples met him with astonishment! Just goes to show … God responds to our prayers even when we don’t have full faith that they will be answered. (B-16) But, we really shouldn’t be surprised! There is nothing more powerful than God – nothing can resist the power of God’s Love. Truth makes us free! (S-19) So, when faced with a situation, you have to choose whether you’ll depend on the lying physical senses, or truthful spiritual senses! You admit that the earth moves and the sun stays still – even though it doesn’t look like it. Now, admit that you are well, strong, full of life, complete – even when the physical senses tell you that you aren’t. (S-21) You ARE God’s reflection. Holding to that fact, don’t be surprised when your prayers are answered and you find yourself free!
Section VI: Stay in God’s Presence – Love won’t let you fall!
Once again the point is made … dwell in God (realizing you can’t be separated from God, dwell in the consciousness of good), be obedient, pray, and your safety is assured. That’s not to say you won’t slip or have problems. As you trust God, and you desire for your life to be shaped by God, you are motivated and enabled to do good. And IF you fall, you won’t stay down, because God lifts you up. (B-17) When trouble is breathing down your neck, God will hide you so evil can’t find you. (B18) The New Interpreter’s Bible had this to say about Ps. 116, “Motivated by compassion, impelled by grace, God sets things right for the simple – the powerless or those brought low.” (B-19) God – perfect Love – loves each one of His children, and wants nothing more than to keep us safe! All we have to do is “walk before the Lord in the land of the living.” That reminds me of CedarS theme for the summer, “Walk in the Spirit.” (Gal. 5:25) It’s not enough to talk the talk, you can walk the walk BECAUSE you are established on the rock of Truth. You can’t be separated from your divine Principle – you coexist with God (Life, Love, Soul) – like a ray of light coexists with the sun. (S-24) Through prayer (thought dwelling in the consciousness of God’s harmony) you can discern what is true and what is not. Through this discernment, you become aware of the divine presence that is there right in the midst of any seeming problem. (S-22) Is perfection too much to hope for? Not when it is sought in relation to divine perfection – perfect Principle and perfect idea. Keep thought focused on the Science of what is – even if it doesn’t appear to be – and you will find yourself contemplating (and experiencing) things immortal – permanent good, incapable of destruction. (S-25) Lean on the sustaining infinite (on the rock) and you will see the blessings the angels bring – every single day! (S-26) God’s got your back. You are safe!
Walk as if you are free, because you are!
Camp Director’s Note: The above sharing is the latest in a series of CedarS Bible Lesson “mets” (metaphysical application ideas) contributed weekly by a rotation of CedarS Resident Practitioners and occasionally by other metaphysicians. This document is intended to initiate further study as well as to encourage the application of ideas found in the Weekly Bible Lessons as printed in the Christian Science Quarterly and as available at Christian Science Reading Rooms.* Originally sent JUST to campers, staff and CedarS families who wanted to continue at home and in their home Sunday Schools the same type of focused Lesson study and inspiration they had felt at camp, CedarS lesson “mets” are in no way meant to be definitive or conclusive or in any way a substitute for daily study of the lesson in the books. The thoughts presented are the inspiration of the moment and are offered to give a bit more dimension, background and daily applicability to some of the ideas and passages being studied. The citations referenced (i.e. B1 and S28) from this week’s Bible Lesson in the “met” (metaphysical application ideas) are taken from the King James Version of the Bible (B1-24) and the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health With Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. (S1-30) The Bible and Science and Health are the ordained pastor of the Churches of Christ, Scientist. The Bible Lesson is the sermon read in Christian Science church services throughout the world. The Lesson-Sermon speaks individually through the Christ to everyone, providing unique insights and tailor-made applications for each one. We are glad you requested this metaphysical sharing and hope that you find some of these ideas helpful in your daily spiritual journey, in your deeper digging in the books and in closer bonding with your Comforter and Pastor. Spirituality is your innate estate that connects you moment by moment with God. (See S&H 258:30) Christ is the gift of light that Jesus gave. This Christ light of spiritual understanding comes with and reveals infinite blessings. So, have fun unwrapping and cherishing your very special, spiritual gift(s)! Then, wherever you are, share them with all as big blessings that make the Infinite difference!
Enjoy!
Warren Huff, Camp Director director@cedarscamps.org (636) 394-6162
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