YouTube: The God Problem

Even after letting go of the image of God as an old man in the sky, we may still struggle to relate to God as an ever-present, creative life force working for our highest good. Revisiting inherited beliefs about our spiritual Source can deepen and clarify our prayer life.

For example, affirming God as life, love, power, and intelligence aligns me with the truth of these ideas:

• The life of God is the very essence of my being, stirring as the enthusiasm I need to accomplish all that is mine to do.
• As love, the creative life force draws to me what serves my highest good and dissolves that which does not.
• I am empowered to move forward in faith, strengthened to hold fast to the truth that all things are working together for good.  
• The intelligence that is God lights my way—clarifying the choices and decisions before me.

This is not the work of a distant being acting on our behalf. Emerson points to a different relationship between God and humanity when he writes, “Every man is the inlet and may become the outlet of all there is in God.” The image is of a natural flow—like a spring-fed pool with a spillway—constantly renewed. In that sense, the life, love, power, and intelligence we need are always moving through us. When a need arises, what is required to meet it is already present. In prayer, we align with this flow and affirm that the highest good is unfolding in and through us now.

Many believe that God can—and one day will—eliminate suffering at the human level. Yet suffering and discord are likely to continue until individuals recognize themselves as the inlet and potential outlet of all that is in God. This awareness cannot be achieved collectively; it is an inner awakening that each person must come to for themselves. This is why we do not look to the sky for help—the help we seek is within. As we affirm guidance from God, we are inspired with new ideas, given the right words, and shown the best course of action. In this way, we become instruments of divine action: God in expression.

YouTube: The Easter Mindset

“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (John 12:24).

This passage from John 12:24 serves as a central metaphor for the Easter story. In this verse, the imagery of a grain of wheat falling into the earth and dying is used to illustrate the traditional narrative of Jesus’s death, which is presented as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity. This metaphor highlights the idea that through death, new life and abundance can be achieved—a concept that resonates deeply within Christian theology.

From a technical standpoint, it is understood that a seed does not actually die when it is planted. Instead, it undergoes a process of germination, transitioning from a dormant seed to a living plant. This scientific fact suggests that the metaphor may not be entirely accurate in a literal sense. Given that Jesus would have been aware of this fundamental truth about seeds, it is plausible to interpret this passage as a reflection of John’s alignment with the theology of the early church, rather than a direct expression of Jesus’s own teachings.

Metaphorically, the seed serves as a powerful symbol for our understanding of self. It represents the perception of ourselves primarily as physical beings who possess a soul. However, to “die to this seed self” means to move beyond this limited view and recognize that our true nature is spiritual, with a physical dimension as a counterpart. This realization is central to spiritual growth, which does not require a literal death, just as a seed’s germination does not necessitate the death of the seed itself. When we plant a seed in the soil, it is an act that expresses our expectation of change. The soil is symbolic of an environment that is open and ready for transformation, reflecting a receptive and anticipatory attitude that facilitates growth.

Each day presents us with situations and appearances that tempt us to react from the perspective of our limited seed-self. In these moments, we may feel powerless, yet we have the opportunity to embrace a deeper understanding—that there is a greater process at work within us. This inner power is indeed greater than any external circumstance we face.

Jesus emphasized the importance of not judging by outward appearances, especially those that reinforce the perspective of our limited seed-self identity. By shifting our awareness, we can respond from a place of spiritual empowerment rather than limitation.

YouTube: I Am Enough

For many years, I carried the belief that I was spiritually lacking. I thought that by accumulating more spiritual knowledge, I would eventually feel fulfilled. This mindset is not unique to me; I have met many others who share this same perspective.

During my Unity Bible studies, I was encouraged to view the Bible as a story of human consciousness evolving over time. The narrative begins with Adam and Eve, who represent a fall from an ideal state, after which humanity has been striving to recover and reach the level of Jesus Christ—the one who is seen as having achieved this highest state. While the message is subtle, it leaves the impression that, as a member of the human race, I am incomplete and must constantly work to reach that goal.

Over the years, I have realized that this very system might be the root of my sense of spiritual inadequacy. On a spiritual level, I am already complete. The mistakes I make, which bring discomfort or hardship, usually stem from forgetting my true nature. Yet, even my greatest moments of spiritual short-sightedness are not final failures. I always have the opportunity to recover, learn, and try again.

Reflecting on my childhood church experiences, I recall how the minister would make an altar call every Sunday as the congregation sang the hymn, Just As I Am. This was a comforting tradition, as it emphasized that I was welcome just as I was—no matter my human flaws or circumstances. The message was clear: I only needed to show up as myself.

Declaring “I am enough” does not mean we stop growing or learning. Instead, it affirms that our pursuit of knowledge and growth is driven by genuine desire, not by a sense of obligation or inadequacy.

YouTube: House on the Rock

Part 2 of 2

3. Human beings create their experiences by the activity of their thoughts. (Thoughts held in mind produce after their kind/The formative power of thought/Law of Mind Action.)

4. Prayer is creative thinking that aligns us with God and helps us manifest good. (Or: Prayer and meditation connect us to our spiritual nature within God; often includes affirmations and denials as tools.)

5. Knowing and understanding spiritual laws is not enough; we must also live the truth we know. (The law of demonstration/We must walk the talk/Practice makes presence—applying the principles in daily life.)

* * *

Though these last three points are included as principles, they address specific outcomes based on the fundamental principle of oneness embodied in the first two points we covered last week. For example, if there is only one presence and one power, God the good, why do humans suffer? #3 addresses this issue.

Concerning point #4: Is all prayer creative thinking that aligns us with God? No. Only prayer that is grounded in the principle of oneness does this. Some traditional forms of prayer (petitionary) perpetuate the belief that we are separate from God. Prayer is not a principle; it is a technique that can either align with the principle of oneness or reinforce the principle of separation.

Finally, item #5 points to the importance of living the truth we know. All people are currently living the truth as they understand it. The distinguishing factor is found in what we mean by truth. This is defined in our understanding of God, ourselves, and the nature of our relationship with God, as addressed in the first two points.

To apply this fundamental principle of oneness in life, I start with my actual situation. As an expression of God, I am a spiritual being, inhabiting a physical body, and navigating through a material world. The notion that I live and move and have my being in God becomes my beacon. Though my soul is not subject to time, space, or gravity, my body is. So, my primary concern is this: How does a spiritual being live in a material world?

A composer can receive in a flash the idea for a piece of music. It may take him years to compose it. When we pray, we get in a flash a picture of the perfect outcome of our situation. The fact of our physicality and the laws it is subject to may require time to manifest. We make a persistent effort to hold to the truth that there is but one presence and one power, that we are perfect expressions of that power, and that nothing can diminish our relationship of oneness with our spiritual source. This paradigm of oneness is the only principle we need to remember to apply in any given situation. This is the rock upon which you build your house of consciousness.    

YouTube: Active Imagination: Open the Door to Spiritual Unrest

^“ Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any one hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20).

Most people are familiar with this passage from the book of Revelation. Its purpose was to convey the idea that the second coming of Jesus was imminent, encouraging the wise to live as though he was already at the door and that significant changes were about to unfold.

This verse represents an important principle for anyone genuinely interested in spiritual awakening. The person standing at the door and knocking is not Jesus, but rather you—your higher self, your complete soul. The desire for more arises because we are inherently more. This greater part of ourselves stands at the door of our consciousness, persistently knocking.

Imagine being in your house while someone knocks at your door. With a “No Solicitors” sign posted, you choose not to answer. The knocking continues, so you block your ears with cotton, turn up the music, and sing along to drown out the sound. Yet the knocking persists.

Eventually, you are compelled to open the door and address the situation. Metaphorically, this reflects what happens at the spiritual level.

In her book Lessons in Truth, Emilie Cady writes:

With a restlessness that is pitiful to see, people are ever shifting from one thing to another, always hoping to find rest and satisfaction in some anticipated accomplishment or possession.

This restlessness originates in our soul. Being complete, it continually pushes at the door of our consciousness, patiently waiting for us to cease shifting from one thing to another and simply open the door.

To do this, we begin by understanding that fulfillment is not found in accomplishments or acquisitions. The spiritual unrest we feel is our wholeness seeking expression.

Today’s lesson introduces a technique developed by Carl Jung, where we envision a dialogue with the one—ourselves—who stands at the door and knocks. Jung called this method Active Imagination. I think you’ll find it helpful in addressing your own sense of spiritual unrest.

YouTube: Dwelling In the House of the Lord

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”

Many of us hope to leave a legacy of “goodness and mercy,” a wake of influence that touches people in positive and enlightening ways. I sense this was a desire of the author of the 23^rd Psalm, for he certainly accomplished it with this piece of work. I would also imagine he understood that if goodness and mercy were to follow him, he would need to consciously strive to be good and merciful in his own daily affairs. Emerson said the same thing in a slightly different way: If you want to be a great soul, be a great soul now.

The first half of the last line in this famous psalm is an affirmative reminder of what is required of us if we want to make a positive, constructive impact on our world. We learn to give what we want to receive, to do unto others as we would have them do unto us. It is not difficult to leave someone feeling better than when you found them. A simple kind word or act may be all it takes to turn their day around. Random acts of kindness has become a catch phrase, and yet such acts quietly performed will do more to increase your quality of life, and the quality of life for others, than you can imagine.

The more we give our light to the world, the more we realize that we already dwell in the house of the Lord. Being a conscious giver opens our eyes to things we cannot see when we’re drawn in upon ourselves. The world becomes a brighter place because we bring the much needed light of compassion.

Make a conscious decision today to look for ways you can sow seeds of goodness and mercy, to brighten a moment for someone, to bring optimism to the gloomy prospects that another may be facing. See your life as “the house of the Lord,” full of opportunities to serve, to bless others, and to be blessed in return. 

YouTube: Finding Peace in the Valley

Part 4 of 6

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.

The phrase valley of the shadow of death is thought to refer to a time when shepherds would guide their flocks through narrow valleys. In these places, predators could hide among the shadows cast by rocks and trees, using the terrain to ambush the flock. This imagery conveys a sense of danger and vulnerability, emphasizing the risks present in life’s challenging passages.

Regardless of historical accuracy, the valley represents a place of danger. Metaphysically, valleys symbolize low moments in consciousness, in contrast to mountains, which are seen as moments of enlightenment and spiritual clarity. Everyone experiences these low points, and during such times, feelings of vulnerability can arise, with threats—both real and imagined—seeming to loom large and threaten what we hold dear.

During these challenging moments, it’s helpful to affirm, as the Psalmist did: I do not fear this negative appearance. God is my protector, my refuge, my guide. By standing firm in this affirmation, we cultivate the confidence that visible good is imminent, even when uncertainty and fear seem to move in the shadows. This approach encourages strength, steadfastness, and the courage to continue moving forward.

Shadows can be deceptive. Even the gentlest person can appear sinister if a flashlight is held to their chin, casting unusual shadows across their face. Merely shifting the light changes the shadows, causing their negative effect to disappear. This analogy suggests that much of what frightens us is fleeting, dependent on perspective, and can shift with even a minor change in how we view our circumstances.

Life consists of valleys and mountaintop experiences. It is important to remember that God is present in all states of being, whether in moments of challenge or moments of joy. The 23^rd Psalm serves as a powerful reminder of this truth. Even a slight movement of thought toward God can refresh faith, reassure us of life’s goodness, and remind us that today’s fears are temporary. Peace is available, even in the valley of the shadow of death, and awaits our recognition.

YouTube: The Right Path

Part 3 of 6 

He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

The Psalmist continues with the theme of spiritual guidance. The translators of the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible change the phrase, paths of righteousness, to right paths, a clarification that should prove helpful in our understanding of the idea contained in this line. In practice the path of righteousness is sometimes converted into an attitude of religious self-righteousness, one that is often condemning of those who hold beliefs that are not compatible with what we think is right. The simple thought that God is leading you in right paths is a powerful, affirmative attitude that allows you leave others to find the way that is most meaningful to them.

The word sake means for the good, the benefit or the welfare of somebody or something. In addition, Biblical names, particularly in the Old Testament, depicted a characteristic or the nature of a person or place. The phrase, for his name’s sake, can be thought of as meaning, for the benefit of his (God’s) nature. In other words, there is a right path for you, a way through which God seeks expression. In this line, you are affirming that God is leading you to your right path, one through which all the divine attributes of peace, health and the abundance of all good shines forth naturally.

In your times of quiet, let go of your grasping for answers. Looking outside of yourself and seeking the resolution to a problem is the cause of all tension of your mind, shortness of breath, and stress in your body. You are on the right path when you turn to God alone for guidance. You are complying with God’s nature that works from the center to the circumference of your being. You know you are on the right path when you feel the stress of groping for solutions begin to subside and the peace of trust in God rise from your center.

Affirm: God’s perfect peace is my right path and I choose this path now. Be still. The peace of stillness is your right path.