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[Pray like Jesus did with contempt for a dust-man origin & with gratitude in advance! (See PS #2 & #3)]
CedarS Met (Metaphysical Application Ideas) on the Christian Science Bible Lesson:

" Christ Jesus

prepared by John Biggs, CS, of Bend, Oregon

(541.418.1176 / johnbiggscs@gmail.com /
@johnbiggscs / footstepsdrawingnear.com

[Bracketed italics by CedarS Director Warren Huff.  
Maintenance Musts” needed, gifts by year-end matched up to $25,000!]

When you think about Christ Jesus, what comes to mind? Perhaps gratitude, respect, love, admiration. As our Master and Wayshower, Christ Jesus expected not to just be considered an itinerant teacher a couple thousand years ago, one among many. He expected that people would continue to follow in the Way he marked out, and that people would continue to behold and honor the Christ, illuminating the child of God which we all are. This week's Bible Lesson contains diverse examples of how people's lives were changed and uplifted when they experienced the Christ in their lives. How is your life changed and uplifted when you engage with God's Christ? Keep track of those uplifts in thought; you'll be amazed to look back and see the growth!

Golden Text: All has been given…
What a wonderful introduction to our study of the Christ and the man who brought this message to us, Christ Jesus. We are all capable of effective, conscious, healing encounters with Christ. The present perfection of God and His creation is not hidden from most and whispered to some; we have 'freely received.'

Responsive Reading: ….so, all can freely give!
Nothing prevented Jesus from sharing the good news of God's omnipresence and omnipotence. Why should anything prevent you? Jesus always looked to God to know what to say and who to speak to; his complete lack of egotism – his perfect humility – is what allowed him to share so effectively. As followers of Jesus, we can lovingly look to his example to see how we, too, can just spill out with an 'overflowing cup' of God's love.

Sometimes it does seem hard to give; perhaps this little example I recently gave at a breakfast during CedarS Family Camp will help you drop any insecurity about your ability to shine. (During the talk, when I mention getting a Mickey, it was a joke that I had been given one of the camp counselors to keep.) Here's the link to that audio: http://www.cedarscamps.org/metaphysical/audio/play/d/family-camp-1.mp3

Section 1: How we imagined it, or even better?
We're all probably familiar with the story of Jesus' birth.  Have you ever taken the time to consider it from the perspective of someone right there?  What a mess everything might have looked like!  Bethlehem wasn't a 'good part of town,' the birthing center was a stable, and Joseph and Mary faced, at the very least, being social outcasts.  Fear was also lowering over the horizon as Herod was plotting a mass slaughter.  Yet, while all the expectations of Joseph and Mary (and the shepherds and the three kings) were falling apart that evening, they were realizing how very, very good God's love was.  No matter your station in life, your human past, or your present circumstances, you are never separate from God's grace and love. [Seeing in yourself “the truer reflection of God” (S12, 259:8) you can easily accept yourself as being “increased… in favour with God and man” in every area of your life. (B4, Luke 2:52)  Having this mindset of yourself as “the likeness of God… having that Mind which was also in Christ” connects this week’s lesson with a main theme from last week’s lesson (S29 last week, 467:15) See P.S. #1 for how a simple, scented household item can serve as a fresh reminder of your reflected royalty.]

[If you want to “rub the tarnish off” Matthew’s familiar story of Jesus’ birth and experience it freshly,” you'll enjoy this musical reflection on the grandeur of God's goodness, and how it trumps anything you might imagine: http://time4thinkers.com/this-is-the-christ/

Section 2: "Humility is the stepping stone to a higher recognition of Deity." (Misc. p. 1)
John the Baptist had a pretty good deal going for him. Many people came to hear him preach, he inspired a devoted following, and he certainly changed many people's lives with his unflinching honesty and illustrations of God's activity. But he didn't seek any attention for himself. He knew everything about him was really about God. He wasn't a voice crying in the wilderness just to hear his own voice. He was a voice turning ears to God. This knowledge of his purpose is what enabled him to proclaim to those following him, "Behold the lamb of God!" (B6)

How willing are you to turn thought away from yourself or your accomplishments (no matter how deserving of praise you may be) to witness and honor the lamb of God? You certainly are a perfect expression of God yourself, and I sincerely hope you are always treated with the respect, honor, and love you so richly deserve. But whether you are or you aren't treated properly by others, it is still your privilege and pleasure to strive to always turn thought to God and the great work He has done. And in so doing, you'll find an even greater reward than the approval of others. The best part is, the more glory you give God, the more you recognize the great work He has done in you and all those you meet: this recognition lets you give wholeheartedly! Check yourself: are you asking others to behold you? Or to behold the lamb of God?

Section 3: What moves you?
Citation B8 mentions a turn of phrase you're probably very familiar with: "Jesus was moved with compassion." Whenever a passage in Scripture or Mary Baker Eddy's writings becomes super familiar to me and I get tempted to just breeze past it, I like to stop myself and take some time to consider more deeply, to see some fresh inspiration. It's a great habit to practice! Upon reflection, this particular phrase is so uplifting for so much of our days. Moved with compassion! Throughout our days, we may be moved with anger, tiredness, exasperation, or we may not be thinking much of it at all and just be moved around (so we think) by material muscles and nerves. What if, this week, every day, you considered yourself to be moved with compassion? How would that color your week? Whether you're playing your first athletic event of the season, heading back to the same desk you've sat at for thirty years, praying for someone, or submitting yet another résumé, let compassion move you. See what it's like to be moved in the way our Master was!

Section 4: Where's our focus?
You've probably heard the admonition, "Do as I say, not as I do," or something related. Well, Christ Jesus never would have said that! In both word and deed, he was always urging his disciples (including us) to have a correct focus on God.  Not a 'better' focus, or a focus that'll get there someday.  Simply, the only correct focus is on God.  Whether we're wondering how we got into this financial situation, ruminating over past wrongs done to us by others, or bemoaning our own mistakes, if that's where we're remaining, then we won't see what God has done. But if our focus is on glorifying God, on giving God the glory, then instead of trying to explain a problem, we are joyfully committed to seeing what God has done.  And since God is all good and only imparts and unfolds good, by focusing on God and God alone, we can only see or know good. This shift in thought is what we call healing. Nothing can keep you from this natural and normal way of seeing! [See P.S. #1 for a great insight by Cobbey Crisler into how Jesus healed the blindness of the man in John 9 in citation B12 by treating it not as a hereditary problem, but as a problem of viewing man as created materially—out of dust.]

Section 5: Are we willing to accept the presence of good?
Again, a familiar story… a fantastic opportunity to dive deeper into what we think we already know! I was struck by Martha's statement, "I know that he shall rise again…" when she was engaging with Jesus.  It made me think of the times I have considered God's gifts to be good indeed, but not quite present, or not really practical. But anytime we make a separation between ourselves and good, we aren't accepting the fullness that is God. Anytime we are sort of glumly looking ahead to good, or find ourselves staring forlornly off into the horizon (mentally or physically), we can shake ourselves out of that belief of separation and, like Jesus, give gratitude now! Let's really make sure we are availing ourselves of the wonderful fact that Jesus did indeed show us how to act, think, and live, every step of the way. Far from being unrealistic, he showed us all how very real divine Life is.

For additional fresh takes on this story, check out [W’s P.S. #3 as well as] the video from the Sunday School section of ChristianScience.comhttp://christianscience.com/member-resources/for-churches/sunday-schools/sunday-school-resources/media-library/raising-lazarus/

Section 6: Know that God's will is good
Citation B18 is such a heartfelt and confident prayer! Jesus was absolutely assured that God's will was entirely good. He knew that God's glory includes the glory and safety of all God's children. Every week (and hopefully more often than that!) you probably pray a prayer that includes, 'Thy will be done." We can confidently pray this prayer, and declare our devotion to God's will, the more we know that God's will is always good. We can go forward with the same humility and confidence that Jesus did, because we know that God is entirely good. Practice this. Take some time each day to declare your trust in God, and live like you really do trust Him. Enjoy it!

Section 7: The Way is already marked out for you! Just walk (or run, climb, zip line, ride…) it!
Citation S30 is a wonderful succinct description of Jesus' gift to us all. Where and how we need to walk is already marked out for us! One way you can read the Gospels (and really, the whole Bible) is like a map that's laid out in text instead of pictures. As you read through the Bible Lesson this week, and throughout your Bible study, take notes of what the path looks like, that Jesus marked out. Attitudes, mind sets, trusts, things to watch out for and things to rejoice in…every step our footsteps trace can, and should, follow the path Jesus lovingly marked for us all. That's not to say everyone's walk will look the same! But we can each individually cultivate that trust and willingness to follow our Master.

One resource you will find very helpful for distilling out some essential messages from each Gospel (and other books of the Bible) is the Bible Basics video series on the Sunday School section of ChristianScience.com. You'll enjoy some familiar discussions, as well as some new insights. Perhaps most helpfully, each series includes a video illustrating at least one main theme from each book. That theme can be a great starting point as you walk in the Way, yourself. Here's a link to the collection of Bible Basics videos (scroll down and also check out the second page of results, since this link contains all the Bible Basics videos that have been produced so far): http://christianscience.com/content/search?SearchText=Bible+basics&SeachButton=&SubTreeArray=7810

Have a wonderful week giving a wonderful week, trusting God and beholding the Lamb of God!


[W’s P.S. #1 –ideas for applying citations S3, S12, S20, S26: “Aren’t you glad you use dial (“the divine image and likeness”) (or “the Christ”)?  (S3) Don’t you wish everyone did?”  Whether used as part of a daily shower routine or used as a desktop air freshener, a bar of d.i.a.l. soap is a simple, scented household item that can help remind you of your reflected royalty!  I tell students that d.i.a.l. stands for “the Christ … the divine image and likeness” (S3, 332:11) Seeing in yourself “the truer reflection of God” (S12, 259:8) you can easily accept yourself as being “increased… in favour with God and man” in every area of your life. (B4, Luke 2:52)  Mrs. Eddy identified Jesus’ main healing mindset thus: “In this perfect man the Saviour saw God’s own likeness, and this correct view of man healed the sick.”  (S20, 477:2)  Identifying yourself as “the likeness of God… having that Mind which was also in Christ” connects this week’s lesson with a main theme from last week’s lesson (S29 last week, 467:15)]

[W’s P.S. #2—Cobbey Crisler’s Commentary for John 9 (B12)
John 9:2. “who did sin? (A) This fellow over here? Or (B) his parents?”
John 9:3. Jesus had that paper before him as in the examination room on that point many times before.  “He says, (C), none of the above… [Or per a Warren Huff proposal (D) DNA (DeoxyriboNucleic Acid (DNA) the molecule that supposedly carries encoded genetic instructions Does Not Apply!)]  Neither hath this man sinned or his parents.”  What’s that saying about origin? Where is that man?  His roots are not in parents of in some reincarnated experience…”
Notice what he does in John 9:6 and what it may remind you of.  “He spat on the ground, made clay of the spittle.”  That reminds you of man being made of the dust in the Second Chapter of Genesis Verse 6 and 7, doesn’t it?  Would Jesus ever mock God if he considered that was the real way that creation occurred? Yet, it almost looks like a mockery of that.  He’s taking on that concept of the man of dust.  He’s spitting on that ground, into the dust, making clay of it, and slapping it on the eyes of the blind man.
John 9:7, The man goes to the pool of Siloam.  He can’t see his way there.  He’s got mud all over his face.  He doesn’t go seeing.  He comes seeing.” He comes only after he has washed off that symbolic making or formation of man out of the dust.
In a way, it might even give us a greater hint on what the true meaning of baptism is, the immersion in Spirit, nativity, and washing off every trace of the dust man.” The Book of John, A Walk with the Beloved Disciple, p. 52-53]

[W’s P.S. #3—Check out Cobbey Crisler’s insights on Jesus’ prayer at Lazarus’ tomb in the scan of page 60 of The Book of John, A Walk with the Beloved Disciple, as attached at the upper right of CedarS online Met.]


The weekly Metaphysical Newsletter is provided at no charge to the 1,200 campers and staff blessed each summer at CedarS, as well as to CedarS alumni, families and friends who have requested it. However, current and planned gifts are a big help and are greatly appreciated in defraying the costs of running this service and of providing needed camperships, programs and operations support.  Click http://www.cedarscamps.org/giving/ for more about how you can provide even monthly support online.  Or you can always call the Huffs at 636-394-6162 get information or discuss privately how to transfer securities or other assets to help support and perpetuate CedarS work.

You can also MAIL your tax-deductible support to:

The CedarS Camps, Inc.        THANKS TO YOU PRECIOUS DONORS

19772 Sugar Drive                      FOR YOUR ONGOING, GENEROUS and NEEDED SUPPORT

Lebanon, MO 65536               OF CedarS IMPORTANT WORK!

LETTING 2 SPECIAL NEEDS BE KNOWN – Funding is still needed to help underwrite these special opportunities:

1        The College Summit (formerly CSO or "College Org" Summit) over the first weekend in October 2014 (Oct. 3-6) at CedarS for all college and university students and professors as well as high school juniors and seniors!  Here is a link so that you can help spread the word about this event sponsored by TMC Youth (The Mother Church Youth committee).  It includes workshops offered by Christian Science lecturers, speakers and writers for the Christian Science Monitor, Journal and Sentinel.  You can find details on program, registration and financial aid in the emailed links, on inside covers of recent periodicals, at tmcyouth.com & on CedarS website.  CedarS & our donors need to subsidize over $5,000 to cover our expenses for this event.
  

2        "Maintenance Musts" Matching Opportunity!  Generous donors who are aware of the ongoing maintenance needed to have CedarS facilities measure up to its mission will give two dollars for every dollar donated by year-end! (up to our needed $25,000 goal)


The Met application ideas above are provided primarily to help CedarS campers and staff (as well as friends) see and daily demonstrate the great value of studying and applying the Christian Science Bible lessons throughout the year, not just at camp!  YOU CAN ALSO SIGN UP for weekly emails from past CedarS staff of possible ways to share Bible Lesson applications with older, as well as younger, Sunday School classes by clicking the "Subscribe Now" button (lower left) at http://www.cedarscamps.org/metaphysical/ ]


[Additional Director's Note: You can sign up to have these application ideas emailed to you free – by Monday each week in English; or by each Wednesday you can get a FREE TRANSLATION: in German, thanks to Manfred and Jeanette; or in Spanish, thanks to a team of Ana, Erick, Claudia and Patricio, or in Portuguese, thanks to helpers of Orlando Trentini in Brazil.  A voluntary French translation by Rodger Glokpor, a Christian Scientist from Togo (West Africa) has been contributed.  Thank you, Rodger and all translators! Go to http://www.cedarscamps.org/ and click "Newsletters" to sign-up for a free translation into these languages.  This sharing is the latest in an ongoing, 13-year series of CedarS Bible Lesson "Mets" (Metaphysical application ideas) contributed weekly by a rotation of CedarS Resident Practitioners and occasionally by other metaphysicians.  (Ask and look for "Possible Sunday School Topics "and "Possible Younger Class Lessons" in emails to follow.) These weekly offerings are intended to encourage further study and application of ideas in the lesson and to invigorate Sunday School participation by students and by the budding teachers on our staff. Originally sent JUST to my Sunday School students and 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, application and inspiration they had felt at camp, CedarS lesson "Mets "and Sunday School ideas are in no way meant to be definitive or conclusive or in any way serve as a substitute for daily study of the lesson. The thoughts presented are the inspiration of the moment and are offered to give a bit more dimension and background as well as new angles (and angels) on the daily applicability of some of the ideas and passages being studied. The weekly Bible Lessons are copyrighted by the Christian Science Publishing Society and are printed in the Christian Science Quarterly and in a variety of useful formats as available at Christian Science Reading Rooms or online at eBibleLesson.com or myBibleLesson.com. The citations referenced (i.e.B-1 and S-28) from this week's Bible Lesson in the "Met" (Metaphysical application ideas) are taken from the Bible (B-1 thru B-26) and the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health With Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy (S-1 thru S-32). 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 the ideas helpful in your daily spiritual journey, in your deeper digging in the books and in closer bonding with your Comforter and Pastor.]http://www.cedarscamps.org/videos/

 

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