Spiritual Empowerment Series 2008
Faith: Martin Luther King And Intention

January 6 ~ “Gifts of Faith”

January 6th is our special Epiphany Service . . . The Twelfth Day of Christmas with The Arrival of the Magi and the sharing of our Spiritual Gifts.

As we release into the Burning Bowl that which it is time to let go of . . . and embrace our new visions for this year with the our Intention Writing, let us remember these words from the Unity classic “Patterns for Self-Unfoldment” . . .

“The use of denial & affirmation in positive thinking is not turning away from reality; it is rather the activity of seeing beyond false appearances to a higher perception of reality.”
Claim this higher reality and step into the Power of Faith that will assist in its manifestation.

The Dalai Lama says the two most important spiritual practices to cultivate are
FORGIVENESS and COMPASSION.
As you release this year . . . do so with the power of forgiveness to free yourself and others
the past.
As you embrace this year . . . do so with the power of compassion to free yourself and
others from judgment as we step into the future together.

Our Unity theme for 2008 is Spiritual Empowerment: Unity’s 12 Powers and 12 Spiritual Masters from the World. Our intention behind this is beautifully expressed in the song that Susan sang on Sunday ~ one that I used in my chapel service during ministerial training. I love these words and call them to unite us in intention this year . . .

And I will raise you up on eagle’s wings . . . with the gift of inspiration
Bear you on the breath of love . . . with the gift of prayer
Make you to shine like the sun . . . with the gift of Inner Light
And hold you in the palm of My hand . . . with the gift of kindred spirits
January 13 ~ “Assurance & Conviction”

One of the most beautiful passages ever written is found in the Christian Scriptures in the writing of St. Paul. “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”(Hebrews 11:1)

The assurance of things hoped for is that “knowing that you know that you know” ~ your faith in the unseen potential from which you co-create with Godde.
The conviction of things not seen is that “living as if” ~ your faith in that which is yet unmanifest, but which is forming each moment from your union with Godde.

This reminds us of the importance of perception . . . “BELIEVING IS SEEING” rather than the outer world view of “seeing is believing.”

Charles Fillmore, co-founder of the Unity movement reminds us that “Faith is more than mere belief. It is the very substance of that which is believed. It works by love. Faith working in spiritual substance accomplishes all things.” Out of your faith, your life is truly made.

Mary Mannin Morrissey has a wonderful inspiration to remind us of how deeply our faith effects everything . . .“The universe can only do for you what it can do through you.”
Open to be so spiritually empowered by your faith that your life becomes a clear expression of your highest callings and deepest intentions.

January 20 ~ “A Handbook of Faith:

Gospel of Matthew contains within it a wonderful “Manual for Faith” . . . sequentially expressing how one begins and then manifests what they seek in faith. The lived teachings of the Way Shower and Master Teacher Jesus includes not only the steps to take, it addresses the two pitfalls that we seem to most encounter as we seek to live our lives in faith . . . fear and doubt. Faith truly lifts up above those into the Presence of Godde if we have but a tiny spark of it kindled in Spirit.

1. Centurion’s servant is paralyzed/dying . . . This Roman asked for Jesus to speak the word to heal the servant and it was done.
Jesus’ words: “Let it be done according to your faith” This reminds us to first . . . ASK IN FAITH

2. Jesus in the boat with disciples in the terrible storm . . . Jesus sleeping, they awakened him and he then calms the storm
Jesus’ words: “Why are you afraid, oh ye of little faith? . . . Peace be still.” As we step into our lives we must then remember . . . BE NOT AFRAID

3. A woman touched Jesus’ cloak when in crowd to be healed of bleeding disorder that made her unclean, and he felt her touch him as the healing energy move between them.
Jesus’ words: “Take heart, your faith has made you well. Go in peace.” We must remember to . . . REACH OUT and MOVE TOWARD WITH FAITH

4. Two blind men ask him to have mercy on them even though the culture said they must deserve their blindness ~ he asked if they believed and allowed their eyes to be touched.
Jesus’ words: First . . . “Do you believe I can heal you?” Then . . .“Let it be done according to your faith” So we must then open to . . . RECEIVE WITH FAITH

5. Peter (Disciple representing Faith) sees Jesus walking on water and he asks Jesus to call him out to do the same . . . He does so perfectly until doubt begins to sink him.
Jesus’ words: “You of little faith, Why did you doubt?” We must trust the unfoldment and continue focused on the Divine as we step out and . . . DON’T DOUBT

A wonderful summary Truth is found when the Disciples seem to fail in their attempts in trying to heal, so Jesus re-centers them in with this promise . . .“For truly I tell you, if you have the faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.”
EMPOWERMENT KEY . . . JUST A LITTLE BIT OF FAITH DOES BIG THINGS

And then the most important final promise to the Disciples and to everyone . . .
“Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive.”
EMPOWERMENT KEY . . . CENTER ALWAYS IN PRAYER

So . . . with these KEYS . . . live the life of faith described by the Christian Scriptures
ASK . . . BE NOT AFRAID & MOVE TOWARD . . . RECEIVE & DON’T DOUBT!!!

January 27 ~ “Keepers of the Dream”

Mary Mannin Morrissey writes . . . ” The universe can only do for you what it can do thru you.” What good things are you willing to be the channel of this year? Will you be the creator and sustainer of your own dreams consciously this year?

Each of us began the new year with Setting an Intention for what will unfold. Remember that an Intention starts within and is created by your alignment with Spirit. A traditional resolution is focused on the outer world and manifested by your own will. Quite a difference!

To start with, is your Intention big enough to allow new great and wonderful things? Here are the five key questions Mary Mannin Morrissey encourages everyone to use to be sure they’re visioning big enough . . .

1. Does this possibility enliven you? Allow it come from a desire rather than a
“should” so that it has a sense of joy surrounding it.

2. Does it align with your core values? Being in integrity allows the universe to respond energetically to you in clear, powerful ways.
3. Do I need a Higher Source to make it happen? If the answer is no, it’s time to dream bigger!
4. Will it require me to become more my true self? Life is always calling you to be who you were sent to be, and will support your expression of your Divine LIght.
5. Will it ultimately bless others as well? Since we are all interconnected in Spirit, when we bless others as well as ourselves we are aware of a far greater Source.

Once you have clarified your vision, meditate on it. See it, hear it, feel it, know it. Then allow yourself to give thanks for all that has brought you to this moment . . . and for all that is inspiring this vision in the here and now . . . and finally for all that is yet to come in grace filled Divine Order. See which of the three areas of time & space take the most attention and just reflect gently and lovingly on that awareness. Then open in gratitude to what wonders the Universe and you will create together. Have Fun!