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Acknowledge ONE Mind governing ALL — bring healing to our world!
[Stop commuting between opposites to be in your right mind!]
Metaphysical Application Ideas for the Christian Science Bible Lesson

February 16-22, 2015

Subject: Mind

Prepared by: Kathy Fitzer of Park City, Utah & St. Louis, MO
314-323-4083 kathyfitzer@gmail.com

As the Golden Text assures us, Mind knows just what we need at all times — before and better than we even know ourselves! Why and how is that? Because, as this Lesson brings out, God is the only Mind and knows all things. And, as we acknowledge this Mind and recognize our oneness with this Mind, we are guided rightly, perceive the good that Mind is revealing, and are able to heal that which would contradict Mind’s government. The Responsive Reading introduces the idea of God’s city (God’s kingdom) that is revealed through faith — through complete trust in God. This “kingdom” is a perception of the presence of God rather than a location (or a piece of real estate.) Abraham responded to God’s leading, though he had no idea where he was going when he set out. What he sought was “a city which had foundations.” A foundation is something on which other parts rest — or an underlying basis for something. Such a city — such a kingdom — is unmovable and permanent. And we, like Abraham, will be led to find this state of consciousness in which harmony reigns as we respond to the “word behind” us saying, “This is the way, walk ye in it.” We can go forward with gladness, assured of God’s presence and promise of salvation — right here, right now!

Section 1: What a promise God will be known by ALL
The better we know someone, the easier it is to communicate with them — to hear what they’re saying to us. That is true of God, Mind, too. The better we know God as Mind, the easier it is to discern God’s message and direction. What does this section reveal along those lines? “Everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory.” (B-1, NLT); God loves us unconditionally enough to put his law in the hearts of ALL so that ALL may know Him (B-2); and God will not only teach everyone, but bring peace to everyone (B-3.) Science and Health then makes it clear how God is to be known. Too often people try to comprehend God as a super-human — forming God in the likeness of man, rather than man in the likeness of God. Mrs. Eddy wrote that we must “apprehend the divine nature and love Him understandingly, warring no more over the corporeality but rejoicing in the affluence of our God.” (S-2) An example of “warring over the corporeality” is believing that God knows and allows human suffering — things such as war and disease. But, rejoicing in the affluence is recognizing the uninterrupted flow and abundance of God as Mind. Looking at the definitions given of God and of Mind, we notice the ALLness of God as infinite intelligence, and Mind as the only identity. (S-3 & S-4) “All is infinite Mind and its infinite manifestation, for God is All-in-all.” (S-5) It dawned on me that a manifestation naturally knows its source. And so all mankind can know the goodness of infinite Mind, and experience that goodness. As we recognize all good as the manifestation of Mind, it will become clear that good is the real, and can be realized by all.

Section 2: Recognizing all mankind as having the Mind of Christ
As the Jews were rebuilding the wall of their city, they were fortified by Ezra reading the Law of Moses to them — and making sure they understood the meaning of what he was reading. Ezra didn’t judge who would be able to understand the Law and who wouldn’t. He recognized the ability of ALL to understand. (B-4) Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians explains why everyone can understand — because God is revealing Himself to His own manifestation. All mankind has the mind of Christ (or the Mind expressed as the divine manifestation.) (B-5) So many of the problems of our world seem to stem from a conflict between different minds — different views — or different parts of a body (whether a physical body or a sociopolitical body.) But as we reject the lie that there are many minds — many parts — and recognize only one Law of God governing the universe, we begin to experience the fruits of that understanding. We can do more than we ever believed possible because we stop thinking in terms of limited personal intelligence and abilities and recognize that man is truly the expression of infinite Mind and everyone reflects this Mind. I love this line: “It [“a knowledge of the Science of being”] raises the thinker into his native air of insight and perspicacity.” Perspicacity includes discernment, sight, and understanding. So, it is our nature (our native air) to perceive things as they really are — as God has made them. (S-8) This understanding comes from Spirit — from God. It’s available to all! It isn’t dependent on human intellect — or how much formal education someone has. (S-9) The key is understanding that everyoneeverywhere has ONE Mind because ALL is infinite Mind and its infinite manifestation. So, there aren’t minds to war against each other. Just the pure Mind that is in Christ (in the ideal man, or manifestation of God.) (S-10) We all want to help our world find peace. Maintaining this perspective — accepting this Mind for ourselves and others — is the best thing we can do to bring this dream to reality.

Section 3: Aligning our thought with God’s thought reveals the harmony of Mind
The Psalmist asks: where could I go that God wouldn’t be? And the answer is — nowhere! (B-7) God is ALWAYS there to guide us and care for us! Jeremiah delivers God’s message of hope to the people of his time, and to us — “I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” (B-8) I checked several other translations of this verse and almost all of them spoke of God having a plan for us that included good rather than evil and a promise of a future and a hope. The Hebrew word, tiqvah, translated “expected” in the KJV, and plan in other translations, literally means a cord (as an attachment.) To me that spoke of being inseparably united or link with God. So, of course, only good is in store for us! So, when things seem dark, and even hopeless, the answer lies in aligning thought with what God is knowing — being sure our consciousness is “attached” to the truth of reality! A medical diagnosis — or a psychological analysis — of a problem starts with the problem and looks for a cause. But, delving into the physical anatomy — or analyzing the make-up of warring factions — is not going to produce any permanent solution. Considering anatomy from a spiritual perspective involves checking our own thought (mental self-knowledge) to determine whether our thoughts are “divine or human.” (S-12) Aligning thought with the divine we see the good that is inherent in God’s creation. The human view may present a picture full of good, but mixed in is always the possibility of that good being turned upside down and things falling apart. Viewing things from the perspective of Christian Science (the truth of God’s law) enables the human mind to stick with the divine, and “yield to the harmony of the divine Mind.” (S-14) We don’t want to spend our time dissecting mortal mind looking for what’s wrong, but it is important to be ever conscious of what lens we’re looking through. As we stay “attached” to Mind, we’ll see the harmony that constitutes God’s kingdom. Rather than being tricked by the ever-changing human scene, we’ll bring the human experience in line with the divine and let God’s plan of good be seen and experienced.

Section 4: The reign of the divine Mind
I think it’s safe to say that most problems we face somehow involve conflict between multiple minds — differing opinions and clashing personalities. Even disease stems from the belief of conflict of some sort within the body. But, what if there was one governing power and it was a power of supreme wisdom and irrefutable strength? And what if this governing force was all good? A kingdom ruled by this kind of government would be free of conflict. Such a kingdom exists — here and now, and it’s available for ALL to dwell in — in peace and harmony! Jesus shed light on this kingdom, identifying it as the kingdom of heaven (or the kingdom of God.) (B-9 & B-10) The kingdoms of “this” world are counterfeits of the divine kingdom, governed by Mind. Mrs. Eddy defines the Kingdom of Heaven as “the realm of unerring, eternal, and omnipotent Mind.” (S-19) The key to experiencing life in this kingdom is to recognize the truth of this statement: “There is but one I, or Us but one divine Principle, or Mind, governing all existence.” (S-21) Take away the possibility of multiple minds — multiple wills and differing opinions — and there remains no avenue for conflict. “The divine understanding reigns, is all, and there is no other consciousness.” (S-22) No consciousness of disease, conflict, war, poverty, despair or death. There can only be the consciousness of peace, harmony, and perfection — the kingdom of heaven, present here and now! There IS only one Mind!

Section 5: Healing results from understanding Mind as the only cause
Not only did Jesus heal, but he acknowledged the authority to heal as available to others and expected that authority to be exercised. (B-11 & B-12) In this section we have the story of an out-of-control insane man. Living among the tombs, he could not be contained. Not only did he harm himself, but disturbed others with his screaming. Jesus had already stilled a storm on the sea. Now he has the opportunity to still another kind of storm. One of the things that makes this story important is that we find Jesus expanding his ministry to include Gentiles — venturing into a land that was considered unclean by the Jews. No one is outside the government of Mind! The situation seemed so severe that the “devil” — or error — that had dispossessed the man of his senses has identified itself as “Legion.” One interpretation of legion is a battalion of 2,048. Another is 6,000 infantry, 120 cavalry, as well as auxiliaries. The point is — this was a serious situation! But, Jesus was unimpressed. He spoke directly to the error — separating the supposition of evil from the man, knowing that his kind of disturbance couldn’t possibly be part of Mind’s manifestation. We read that the “legion” asked to be put into the swine — assumedly thinking it could continue to live if it simply changed form. (Isn’t that what mortal mind would do today — presume to change from one disease to another, or one conflict to another?) Jesus obliged. He knew that error — once detected as error — can’t hide, but always destroys itself. (B-13 & S-23) Some Bible scholars question whether the swine literally ran into the sea because the city of Gerasa is believed to be too far away from the sea for this to have been reasonable. It’s tempting to get hung up on the details of this story — with such questions as why Jesus would kill the pigs. But, to me it’s important to stay focused on the bigger lessons. First — no need to be impressed by the apparent size or severity of a problem. Never is the problem attached to a person. And, it doesn’t matter whether the problem appears to be mental or physical. The arguments used to heal are the same — that God is the only Mind and knowing that “truth and love will establish a healthy state, guide and govern mortal mind or the thought of the patient, and destroy error.” (S-25) The healing power is in Mind, the only cause. The bottom line is that “error is not real.” (S-26) As long as an error is believed and accepted, it can impact us (in all areas of human activity.) But once seen as unreal — once seen as simply error (or a mistaken view) — it doesn’t matter how big it has seemed to get, or how long it has been entertained. The bigger a balloon gets the more certain it is that it will burst. Destruction is assured! So it is with error — no matter what it calls itself or how puffed up it’s gotten. The other fun thing to note about this story is that it served to spread the gospel of the healing authority of Mind. Those keeping the swine went back to their villages to tell the story, and Jesus refused to let the healed man come with him. Instead, he insisted that he remain to bear witness to the healing power of Mind. When we have healings today, it’s just as important to let the world know about them. And, no matter how big, loud, or difficult-to-contain the problems seem — war, disease, poverty — we don’t need to be intimidated by them. The effect of intimidation is the halting of activity. Nothing can stop the action of Mind — and we are the manifestation of Mind. Step by step, we must demonstrate this fact: “evil can have no place, where all space is filled with God” (Mind)! (S-28) Acknowledge at all times and in all ways the ever-presence of divine Mind and the legions will be destroyed! [See P.S. #1.]

Section 6: Embrace the Mind of Christ which truly is the Mind of ALL
The “Day of Pentecost” [see P.S.] is a clear example that all men have one Mind — and that the barriers of communication can be broken down. Peter spoke to a group of Jews from all over. He told them the story of Christ Jesus and revealing the good news of the Kingdom of God. Those in attendance heard and understood the message, even though they spoke different languages. (B-15) Whenever we hear of negotiations failing and heads of state (or family members, teachers and students, employers and employees, etc.) not being able to effectively communicate with each other, it would be good to remember this example. It is MIND (the all-knowing God) that communicates. Mind and the manifestation of Mind must be on the same page! Paul urged the people of Philippi (in Greece) to “let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” And, to some extent he elaborated on what that entails … “agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.” (B-16, NLT) Then, the New Living Translations puts v. 5 this way, “You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” Whoa! Having the “attitude that Christ Jesus had” is very different from having the Mind of Christ, as explained in Christian Science. Yes, Jesus is our Master. We follow his example. But, Jesus always credited his Father for the good he demonstrated. To humanly try to be like Jesus is tough if we’re trying to do it from the basis of a human mind and a mortal personality. But, understanding Christ to be the divine source of all that Jesus did — the essence of his (and everyone’s) spiritual being, the ideal man inseparable from his creator, one with God (Mind) — then having the Mind of Christ is yielding up the belief in separate minds and accepting the truth that there is ONE Mind, governing ALL! Looking out from that perspective it is natural to see the good in all, insist on health for all, and demand to see peace as the natural state of the universe. Jesus had more than a “good attitude.” To “let this Mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” is to acknowledge God as the only Mind and the Mind of ALL — no one left out. LET this Mind be in us! One definition of “let” is to “not prevent or forbid; allow.” [Check out today’s related “Daily Lift” called “Let God” by Chet Manchester.] Just let God open your thought to the fact that brain is not the source of mind — that there is no smart mind or dull mind, stubborn mind, willful mind, sick mind, diseased mind, angry mind, etc., etc. There is just MIND — God — a consciousness cognizant only of good — and an infinite manifestation of this Mind. To insist on this is not “ignoring” the problems of this world — it is healing them! Making it a priority to really accept the fact that there IS one Mind, we will see progress — in our individual lives and in the world.


[See P.S. #1 Cobbey Crisler sees in Jesus’ healing of the Gadarene in Mark 5:1-19 (B-13), the need to put an end to mankind’s tendencies to commute between opposite extremes and to buy into an animal connection with its swinish elements of thought. These tendencies need to be cast out by the Christ for us to be in our “right mind”. To Download” a 6-page pdf transcription of a Cobbey’s talk on this part of Mark, click it in the upper right of CedarS online Met.]


[P.S. #2: Notes on the Biblical background of the Day of Pentecost in B-15: (from my notes on a Cobbey Crisler talk on Acts, transcribed in my Cambridge wide-margin King James Bible):
Acts: 2, Verse 1: As a pentagon is a 5-sided figure, derived from ancient Greek and Latin for five, the Day of Pentecost means the 50th day. In Jewish tradition
Pentecost celebrates God giving the 10 Commandments at Mount Sinai fifty days after the Exodus. Also in Jewish tradition David was born and died on Pentecost. This may be the reason that Peter tried to move the Jews who knew this into the action of being baptized on the Day of Pentecost by referring to David's sepulcher and some of his quotes (Acts 2:29, 34). The Evangelical revivals and Pentecostal Movement of the early 1900s was seen as a “return to the apostolic experience of the Book of Acts and the biblical Baptism of the Holy Spirit” with “an exuberant worship style and the experience of glossolalia—speaking in tongues.” See http://www.wheaton.edu/ISAE/Defining-Evangelicalism/Pentecostalism. Cobbey mentions this is seen by those who practice it as the fulfillment of Joel 2:28 “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:”
Verse 5. Cobbey points out that these devout Jews who were gathered in the Upper Room to worship were residents of Jerusalem from
all over the world as listed in Acts 2:9-11.

Verses 6, 7. The amazement of the language barrier being broken down was as if the ancient disorder of the Tower of Babel (in Genesis 11:1-9) was being set right or reversed by the Day of Pentecost and the implication of reuniting all humanity.]


[Bracketed italics have been added (above & below) by CedarS Director, Warren Huff, who’s very grateful for good support already received with more needed. Now that enrollments and financial aid applications are rolling in daily, it is apparent that getting many to camp will depend on "Love's Provision" of campership assistance. Won't you be an angel who gives a life-altaring and life-altering experience at CedarS?]


[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 reach a member of the Founding family nearly anytime by
PHONE at 636-394-6162
or MAIL your tax-deductible support to our 501C3 organization
(Our not-for-profit, Federal Identification Number is #440-66-3883):

The CedarS Camps, Inc.
1314 Parkview Valley Drive
Ballwin, MO 63011

THANKS TO YOU PRECIOUS DONORS FOR YOUR ONGOING, GENEROUS and NEEDED SUPPORT OF CedarS IMPORTANT WORK!

[LETTING 3 SPECIAL NEEDS BE KNOWN –
Significant funding is still needed for these special opportunities:
1. Now that CedarS video show circuit is in full swing, it is apparent that getting many to camp will depend on "Love's Provision" of campership assistance. Could you be one of the angels who gives towards camperships and the life-altaring and life-altering experiences they provide at CedarS?]

2. Over 100 needed items are featured on CedarS Giving Tree that could fit the budget of every grateful Met-recipient and camper. You can choose for yourself $1-and-up ways to give to support CedarS needs. Click here to see 2 young alumni tell their reasons to give.

3. “Adopt the Herd” Matching Opportunity! Generous donors, aware of the ongoing need to care for CedarS herd, will match donations for our horse program! (~$20k needed to reach $50k 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 in the past. 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, 14-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.]

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