Join us for the best summer yet!

Find God, find man! Precisely Coordinated Forever!!
[Be willing to let your Father coordinate all things in your life. (6)]

Metaphysical Application Ideas for the Christian Science Bible Lesson on

“Man”
for March 10, 2019

by Rick Stewart CS, Wormser Str 30Dresden, Germany 01309
rickstewartcs@aol.com +49 351 312 4736

Golden Text: Hosea 1:10 You are the children of the living God! [Ken Cooper poem “Reach Out” @ PS#1, narrated by his wife Sue at https://youtu.be/Qzafg9EOJlI ]

Many years ago my Christian Science teacher, Virginia T. Guffin, CSB shared a fun little Sunday School story. It seems this Sunday School teacher really thought she had a question to stump her little Sunday School pupil. She asked, “If you were on Mars would God be there?”

Without the slightest hesitation her pupil replied, “Yes.” The teacher was perplexed why the little boy replied so quickly. She asked, “Well, how do you know that with such certainty?” He simply replied, “Well, you said, if I was on Mars. Well I know that wherever I am God is. So if I was there I know God would be there!” What a powerful understanding of the unity between God and man that little boy had.

And for me this week’s Bible Lesson does a similar thing. This Lesson establishes a clear understanding of the relationship of God and man. This lesson identifies clearly that man is the child of God, an idea of God, the reflection of God. And the lesson also clearly separates the mortal concept of man from the immortal, spiritual concept of man.

Just yesterday my boys, Noah and Joann, and I completed a journey that included stops in Germany, Sweden, Russia, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. Now Johann and I are home in Germany and Noah is in Cape Town, South Africa. In all our stops we saw a great tapestry of humanity. And like the Psalmist, “Whither shall I flee form thy presence,” we saw continual evidence of God’s infinite Love and of all His children reflecting an infinite array of Love and beauty.

We saw that time, place, circumstance, and varying conditions could never in the slightest limit God’s infinite creation. As our Responsive Reading states: Isaiah 43., . . “bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth; 7 Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him. 10 Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me,and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. 21 This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise”.

Section 1: Have we not all one Father? Hath not one God created us? [Cobbey@ PS#2]

The recognition of one source, one creator, one Father inevitably follows with a sense of brotherhood. As Jesus instructed in Matthew 23:9 “call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.” And didn’t Jesus teach us to pray, “Our Father, which art in heaven?”

The following citations from Science and Health in this section explain a little further,

S1 | 515:21 “Man is the family name for all ideas, — the sons and daughters of God. All that God imparts moves in accord with Him, reflecting goodness and power.”

S2 | 305:6 “ Man, in the likeness of his Maker, reflects the central light of being, the invisible God. As there is no corporeality in the mirrored form, which is but a reflection, so man, like all things real, reflects God, his divine Principle, not in a mortal body.”

While we were in Wellington, New Zealand a mother shared a powerful example of this sense of brotherhood coming to the rescue of her son. Her son and a number of his co-workers were kidnapped from their work site in New Guinea. This had happened before with terrible results. Her son negotiated with the kidnappers that they take him and leave the other hostages. They did this. As they were walking her son who had gone to Christian Science Sunday School was praying but the inevitable seemed to be that the armed kidnappers had the intent to decapitate him. Which according to his mother was the usual custom. At one point his kidnappers noticed the young man’s typical New Zealand tattoo of Maori origins. And when his captors identified him as “brother” it seemed the danger of his being beheaded had ended. The young man was released. A more detailed account would be available if requested. It was truly a beautiful experience establishing a clear sense of our universal brotherhood breaking through mortal beliefs.

One Father and His children! A life-saving truth!

Section 2: Man’s spiritual identity, Mind’s idea “both male and female.” [W’s PS#3, #4]

The Prophet Isaiah encouraged us to “Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?” B6

And Paul wrote to the Christians in Corinth “henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (B7 | II Corinthians 5:16)

This section not only explores the spiritual nature of the man of God’s creating, but also clearly removes the sense of gender from God’s idea and creation.

S7 “Gender is mental, not material”.

“Gender means simply kind or sort and does not necessarily refer either to masculinity or femininity.”

“The intelligent individual idea, be it male or female, rising from the lesser to the greater, unfolds the infinitude of Love.”

S8 | 57:4–10 “Union of the masculine and feminine qualities constitutes completeness. The masculine mind reaches a higher tone through certain elements of the feminine, while the feminine mind gains courage and strength through masculine qualities. These different elements conjoin naturally with each other, and their true harmony is in spiritual oneness.”

It is time to remove all limits regarding male and female abilities. When we are willing to know and claim God as our source of being, our Father, our very Mind then we have the opportunity to see our abilities as never limited by any mortal measurement: race, gender, education. We are indeed the children of the Mind that governs the universe. Reflecting infinite capacities and abilities.

Right after finishing at the University of Iowa my mom moved to Florida. She headed out on her own. She had reached her final day in Florida. Having found no job she knew she had to head back. But she had prayed continually. On her last day she received an offer to fill in for the regular court reporter there in Lakeland, Florida. She agreed to take the job if she could have one hour to prepare. It was granted. She headed to the local Christian Science Reading Room and studied and prayed for one hour. Then she went directly to the court house. She had not taken shorthand in years, which means she had not used it, but after her study session in the Reading Room she was able to take the testimony. In fact it was determined that she took the testimony without a single mistake. The judge was so impressed that he offered mom the opportunity to read law with him. That was the way at that time in which someone could become a lawyer.

Section 3: Sensuality versus spirituality, remain alert. [W’s PS#5]

It is a very special treat to read in the Book of Psalms wonderful encouragement and inspirations from David. From shepherd boy, to warrior, and finally to King, David has much to share with us. But we should also remember what David has to teach us about going astray, sinning, and forgetting oneself in the temptations of sensuality.

We read in this section about his lusting after Bathsheba, his adultery, and his awful act of having her husband Uriah killed. His actions would rival any soap opera or telenovela on television today. But David listened to Nathan the Prophet who uncovered his failing,

B13 | II Samuel 12:1, 9, 13 “And the Lord sent Nathan unto David. 9 Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the Lord, to do evil in his sight? 13 And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the Lord”

Wasn’t this experience similar to what we have seen revealed in recent times? When an individual abuses his or her position of power to take advantage of the innocent, it is not unlike the king abusing his power. Psalm 51 shows how King David saw the evil in his actions and repented. And also saw the source of his redemption.

B14 | Psalms 51:2, 3, 10 “2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”

But we can remain alert and protect our experience with this alertness. I remember my mom telling of an experience during the Second World War. While so many men were away in the service women took up positions normally occupied by men. For example my Aunt Dolores worked as an engineer at the General Motors Proving Grounds because of her math expertise and training. And my mother built tanks. Mom shared one of her experiences from this time. Most of her coworkers were women, but there was one man who did not qualify for military service because of some health situation. One day one of her female coworkers approached mom and told her that this man was very interested in her. And this coworker added, “He has never been unfaithful to his wife.” My mom’s immediate response was simply, “Well, he sure isn’t going to start with me. Not interested!” That immediate response ended all consideration of this as a possibility. The door was closed!

MARY Baker Eddy writes in citation

S14 | 56:18–3 18 “The commandment, “Thou shalt not commit adultery,” is no less imperative than the one, “Thou shalt not kill.”

“Chastity is the cement of civilization and progress. Without it there is no stability in society, and without it one cannot attain the Science of Life.”

With over 40 years in the public healing ministry of Christian Science my mom certainly “attained the Science of Life.”

Section 4: Our nature as Jesus saw it lifts us to physical freedom. [Cobbey @ PS#6 –Ken Cooper poem “Reach Out” narrated by his wife Sue at https://youtu.be/Qzafg9EOJlI ]

When Jesus was touched by a woman who had suffered for 12 years with an ailment he immediately felt the mental call. And it did not matter that he was surrounded in a crowd, he felt the mental call for help. And the woman was immediately healed.

Jesus commented, “Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.” (B18 | Mark 5:34)

Mary Baker Eddy comments in Science and Health:

S19 | 86:1–7 “Jesus once asked, ‘Who touched me?’ Supposing this inquiry to be occasioned by physical contact alone, his disciples answered, ‘The multitude throng thee.’ Jesus knew, as others did not, that it was not matter, but mortal mind, whose touch called for aid. Repeating his inquiry, he was answered by the faith of a sick woman.”

20 | 259:6 “The divine nature was best expressed in Christ Jesus, who threw upon mortals the truer reflection of God and lifted their lives higher than their poor thought-models would allow, — thoughts which presented man as fallen, sick, sinning, and dying. The Christlike understanding of scientific being and divine healing includes a perfect Principle and idea, — perfect God and perfect man, — as the basis of thought and demonstration.”

That dear woman suffered for 12 years but she did not give up. How do I know this, well, when she heard Jesus was in town she had enough faith to go out to try and see him. All the church laws of that time forbid her from going out in public. But she did. She was still hopeful of finding her healing. And she did. And Jesus remarked it was her faith.

Over the last few years I have had a challenge with one of my feet and with what would appear my Achilles tendon. My foot was injured, perhaps broken in moving a dishwasher. And I do not know what in the world was wrong with my Achilles tendon. But climbing stairs, running, or fast walking were tough. I continued to pray, like I said for a couple years. And then just before our trip to New Zealand, which was going to involve lots of walking in airports and in the travel, all was well. Simply everything was met. I am so glad like that woman in Jesus time and me in my time we stuck with it until we were ready to touch the Christ!!

Section 5: You are infinitely capable!

When you set your course in the hands of reflecting the one Mind that is your Father-Mother, your success is assured. Proverbs is known as the eternal book of wisdom for good reason. And a portion of the book, perhaps chapters 1-29 are ascribed to Solomon. And something I find so special is the fact that Solomon is the son of King David and Bathsheba. As we read earlier in the Lesson, David and Bathsheba’s relationship began in very shady circumstances. You might say nothing good can come of this alliance. But for me it is an example that even the worst of mistakes, or misjudgments, or outright sin can be redeemed with a contrite heart and sincere repentance. And the results of sin that is raised up in thought to repentance can still bless the world. Solomon was indeed a blessing to the world and was not cursed. There is hope for all us when we miss the mark. As our Master tells us, he is come to save the world and there is not one of us that has not messed up in some fashion. Good to know there is still hope for us, right?

As Solomon shares with us this infinite wisdom:

B20 | Proverbs 22:29 “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.”

B21 | Proverbs 14:1 (to 🙂 “Every wise woman buildeth her house:”

B22 | Proverbs 31:18, 26 “She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. 26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.”

Mary Baker Eddy wrote:

S 26 | 128:4 “The term Science, properly understood, refers only to the laws of God and to His government of the universe, inclusive of man. From this it follows that business men and cultured scholars have found that Christian Science enhances their endurance and mental powers, enlarges their perception of character, gives them acuteness and comprehensiveness and an ability to exceed their ordinary capacity. The human mind, imbued with this spiritual understanding, becomes more elastic, is capable of greater endurance, escapes somewhat from itself, and requires less repose. A knowledge of the Science of being develops the latent abilities and possibilities of man. It extends the atmosphere of thought, giving mortals access to broader and higher realms. It raises the thinker into his native air of insight and perspicacity.”

This acumen that is exhibited in an individual, regardless of gender is clearly illustrated in the life of Mary Baker Eddy. As Discoverer, Founder, and Leader of the Christian Science movement she rose from an almost penniless state in 1866 when her husband Daniel Patterson deserted her to a net worth in 1907 of over $ 1,000,000 which in today’s money is about $ 25,000,000. She knew how to save and invest. She preferred bonds to stocks. She favored careful investing and advised her students to do the same. She continued to write the checks on her accounts. Sometimes she acted decisively against the advice of male advisers. As when she closed her Massachusetts Metaphysical College at the height of its popularity.

In an extended, unpublished piece written in 1892 on the topic of faith in God vs. faith in matter, Mary Baker Eddy wrote about currency, wealth, material organization, and successful approaches to business. She observed that “the smartest business man is not scientifically a safe business[man]. He is not as smart as God while he thinks himself smarter and is quite unconscious of this thought.” She explained that efforts based on “material ways & means … are weak, vacillating, temporal, subject to divisions, factions, feuds and all the et cetera of mortal and material phenomena.” She referred to the “model Christian Scientist” as “the sharpest, the surest, the most successful business man or business woman that this earth can afford.” Then she concluded with this question: “Christian Scientists, what is your model? What is your model business man? The real Scientist who plants in kind—God who sows in Mind and reaps in Mind? Or he who begins with political economy, human plans, legal speculations & ends with them, dust to dust?”

https://www.marybakereddylibrary.org/research/eddys-approach-business/

Section 6: Let the male and female of God’s creating appear.

Yes, indeed God will be our Father. He wants the job. He is already doing the job. It is His job. Let Him in.

As Paul wrote,

B25 | II Corinthians 6:16 “for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”

My dear, darling Aunt Dolores would often share a powerful concept with me, simply stating, “God’s coordination of far-flung events with divine precision is operating.”

While Noah, Johann, and I were in New Zealand for a Christian Science Association meeting we were met with such love and graciousness not only by those in the Christian Science movement but also by those in the Maori community and the public at large. Our Father-Mother was indeed at work.

So it was with great joy when I received this from our new brother in New Zealand, Glen Lauder. Glen wrote on Friday,

“One friend unable to come to Denise’s (a dinner meeting in Wellington)’ was Ann. She and I had a long talk the day before yesterday. It opened up to her joining our branch church and seeking class instruction. During that call my dear Sunday School friend Kate texted me from Sicily. She was desperately trying to contact her lost brother Alex who was last seen by the family ten or even more years ago. Kate had had an insight that Ann – the very Ann I was speaking to – might be able to help. Kate has heard that one of Ann’s sons might have seen Alex, but she didn’t know where Ann lived or her contact details. Kate was able to call Ann immediately after our call finished, and the next morning Ann called her son in London who reported that he had seen Alex only a month or so ago and was a friend of his. Ann called Kate to report this. Kate is understandably moved beyond words. Her brother is alive and well! “

There is something so special about this divine precision as we are willing to let our Father coordinate all things in our lives.

One of our adventures in Wellington, New Zealand was riding to the top of Mt. Victoria on e-bikes. When we were quite near the top I tried to stop at a place so steep that even with both brakes my bike was still sliding down backwards. In that moment, not being able to stop and finding it difficult to hop off because of that downward slide I found myself simply falling over to the side. It was quite a surprise, but also quite comfortable as I simply ended up not so much falling but simply laying down on the sidewalk supported by helmet and back pack. At the moment this fall began, little did I know that our friend Glen Lauder had just arrived by car to see me falling. It was like a coordinated positioning of angels, Glen there to pray, and those angels who simply cushioned me to the ground. No injuries, no problems. We then continued our climb to the top of Mt. Victoria.

As children of our loving Father, the living God, nothing is impossible or beyond His loving care. Of this we can be sure!


A humble and hearty thank you to all you good friends who have already given to our advertised needs—as well as to those of you who still want in 2019 to make a big difference in CedarS vital work, outreach and blessings!

We have a wonderful matching gift challenge to meet! You can double your donation by helping CedarS earn our "Adopt the Herd" $75,000 Match for the horses and riding program. (still $44,638 to go by Sept. 30, 2019.)

So, if you have been blessed by receiving this inspiration weekly and haven't given lately, or are blessed to be able to give more, we still have many needs, big and small, that you can help meet by clicking on https://www.cedarscamps.org/give/.

Current and planned gifts are a huge proof of your ongoing LOVE made visible and are greatly appreciated!! They not only defray the costs of running this service but also provide greatly needed camperships and essential program and operations support.

Please sign up to give whatever you can on a much-needed MONTHLY basis to support CedarS life-changing work! [You can start at any amount and adjust monthly as you wish at: www.cedarscamps.org/giving ] All of your gifts add up to big blessings in the lives of today's Sunday School students (tomorrow's joyous workers in our Christ-centered church!

With heartfelt gratitude and love,
Warren, Gay, Holly & your CedarS Family

You can also reach a member of the Founding family nearly anytime by
PHONE, now at 636-394-6162.

or MAIL to our Winter-Spring office address (below) your tax-deductible support to our 501-C-3 organization.

(Our not-for-profit, Federal Identification Number is #44-0663883):

The CedarS Camps Office
1314 Parkview Valley Drive
Ballwin, MO 63011

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

CedarS 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. 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/meta

American Camp Association

MAIN OFFICE
(November - May)
410 Sovereign Court #8
Ballwin, MO 63011
(636) 394-6162

CAMP OFFICE
(Memorial Day Weekend - October)
19772 Sugar Dr.
Lebanon, MO 65536
(417) 532-6699

Support our mission!

CedarS Camps

Back
to top