How to Handle Deep Political Division

 Weekly Message for Sunday July 13, 2025

How to Handle Deep Political Division

                In times of deep political division, it is essential to return to spiritual principles that remind us of our shared divine nature. Regardless of differing opinions, every individual is an expression of the One Life, the same infinite Spirit manifesting in unique ways. When we hold this truth in our hearts, we can move beyond labels and ideologies to recognize the sacredness in others. As A Course in Miracles teaches, “Whenever you are in doubt what you should do, think of His Presence in you, and tell yourself this and only this: He leadeth me and knows the way, which I know not.” By allowing Spirit to lead us, we can meet even the most extreme views with inner peace rather than reactivity.

               Spiritual maturity invites us to practice compassion without compromising our integrity. It’s not about agreeing with someone’s political stance, but about choosing to listen with openness rather than judgment. Ernest Holmes, founder of Science of Mind, taught that “We can never make the world a better place by hating anyone in it.” That principle invites us to drop the emotional charge, breathe into the present moment, and speak with love instead of defense. We might silently affirm, “I see the Christ in you,” or “Peace begins with me,” even during the most intense conversations. These quiet affirmations shift the energy and help de-escalate conflict.

                 Finally, we must cultivate humility and curiosity. No one grows from being condemned or ridiculed. A spiritually guided conversation begins by listening for what lies beneath the surface—fear, concern, or love for one’s country. When we respond from a higher consciousness, grounded in truth and love, we create space for connection rather than division. Let us remember that harmony doesn’t mean uniformity—it means honoring diversity while anchoring ourselves in divine love. In doing so, we become peacemakers, the very ones the Master Mind Jesus spoke of when he said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.”

Keep the faith!

Rev-Bates

 

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Freedom May Disappoint

 Weekly Message for Sunday July 6, 2025 / Special for 4th of July 

Freedom May Disappoint

 

              Freedom is not just a political ideal—it is a personal reality that begins within. In How I Found Freedom in an Unfree World, Harry Browne writes, “You are free to live your life as you want to live it. You don’t have to conform to anyone else’s idea of how you should live.” This truth reminds us that genuine freedom isn’t about changing the world but about recognizing and acting from our own power to choose. Often, people wait for systems to change or for permission from others before living authentically, but Browne insists that your freedom is already yours if you're willing to claim it.

              Many of the traps Browne describes—such as the Identity Trap or the Morality Trap—stem from inherited beliefs and expectations that keep us stuck in roles or values we didn’t consciously choose. He notes, “The trap is in believing that someone else’s notions about morality should govern your actions.” To live freely, we must examine which rules serve us and which ones simply bind us to frustration and guilt. Real freedom requires honesty with ourselves and the courage to discard what doesn’t fit, even if it means disappointing others or stepping outside the status quo.

              Perhaps the most empowering message in Browne’s work is the idea that we can begin to be free right now—not someday, not after the revolution, not when others approve. “Freedom is the opportunity to live your life as you want to live it,” he writes, “doing what you want, whenever you want, with whomever you want, to the extent that your choices don’t infringe on the freedom of others.” This redefines freedom from a social condition to a deeply personal experience. It invites us to examine our attachments, take responsibility for our happiness, and design a life of conscious, deliberate choice—right where we are.


Keep the faith!

Rev-Bates

 

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Speak With Authority

  Weekly Message for June 29, 2025

                Emmet Fox, "God intended us to have dominion over our lives, to be the captain of our souls...Now, if we are to be captain of our souls, then we must speak with authority, as Jesus did...The point is a subtle one because outwardly we may desire a certain thing, but inwardly we have a fear of demonstrating it."

               Emmet Fox’s wisdom reminds us that spiritual authority begins within. We are not meant to drift aimlessly through life, at the mercy of circumstances. Instead, we are endowed with the power to steer the direction of our thoughts, decisions, and experiences. This "dominion" over our lives means taking spiritual responsibility for how we think and feel each day. In practical terms, this might look like beginning the morning with a clear intention, affirming our inner strength, and consciously choosing thoughts that support harmony and progress rather than fear or defeat. It’s about being deliberate, rather than reactive, in the face of life's challenges.

               Fox’s insight also draws attention to the disconnect that can exist between our conscious desires and unconscious fears. For example, a person may consciously want a new job, a loving relationship, or better health—but inwardly may fear rejection, failure, or unworthiness. These inner contradictions quietly block our good from manifesting. When we don't recognize and transform these fears, they silently override our spoken prayers and affirmations. Jesus spoke with authority because there was no inner conflict—his word was aligned with his faith. We, too, must bring our inner belief in line with our outer declarations to truly demonstrate dominion.

                To apply this teaching in everyday life, start by noticing the hidden doubts behind your desires. If you’re affirming prosperity, but feeling fear when you pay bills, that’s a clue. Don’t criticize yourself—just gently replace the fear with truth. Declare: “I am provided for by the Source of all good. My needs are met with ease.” Speak these truths with authority, even if your voice trembles at first. As you continue, your confidence will grow, and your subconscious will align. This is how you become the captain of your soul—not through force, but through spiritual alignment, consistency, and faith.


Keep the faith!

Rev-Bates

 

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Never too Late

  Weekly Message for June 22, 2025

Never too Late

               It is never too late to change your attitude toward Life because Spirit is timeless, and the power that governs the universe is always present within us, ready to respond to our renewed outlook. Spiritual principles affirm that we are not bound by the past or the labels we or others have placed on us. The Divine is not interested in our history, only in our capacity to awaken in this moment. The great truth of spiritual living is that every moment is a fresh opportunity to choose again—to think higher thoughts, to act from love instead of fear, and to align with the good that is always seeking to express itself through us.

                Thought is creative. What we consistently hold in mind shapes our experiences. By shifting our attitude toward life—seeing it not as something to endure but as something sacred, beautiful, and filled with purpose—we begin to rewire the mental patterns that have kept us feeling stuck or defeated. This isn’t denial of past pain or difficulty; it’s the conscious use of spiritual law to transform how we relate to our lives. As we choose thoughts of hope, gratitude, and divine possibility, the Universe meets us with corresponding outcomes. In short, when we lift our consciousness, our circumstances begin to lift, too.

                The infinite Mind does not keep score; it only responds to our current state of awareness. No matter how long we have lived with a negative attitude or outlook, the moment we begin to embrace Life as an expression of divine good, we activate new channels of peace, healing, and joy. The sacred truth is that Life is always for us, never against us. Our choice to change our attitude is not just an act of will, it is a spiritual awakening to the truth of who we are. And Spirit, being eternal and unconditional, rushes in to support and empower that change the very moment we say yes.

Keep the faith!

Rev-Bates

 

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Achievement

 Message for Sunday June 15, 2025

 Achievement


               “Nobody is satisfied with what he has. We were brought on earth to achieve. As long as we want to achieve, we’re alive. If we’re satisfied, we’re already half dead.” – David Murdoch

            David Murdoch’s quote emphasizes the power of ambition and continual striving as the fuel for a meaningful life. The primary advantage of adopting this mindset is that it keeps individuals motivated and engaged. The desire to achieve pushes people to set new goals, develop their talents, and contribute to personal and societal progress. This ongoing pursuit can bring a deep sense of purpose, as each accomplishment becomes a steppingstone toward greater growth. In many ways, it echoes the idea that life is a dynamic process, and striving keeps us mentally, emotionally, and spiritually vibrant.

          However, the relentless pursuit of achievement can also carry drawbacks. Constantly focusing on what’s next may prevent individuals from appreciating their current blessings and successes. If one is never satisfied, there’s a risk of developing chronic dissatisfaction, anxiety, or burnout. Life may begin to feel like an endless race, where fulfillment is always out of reach. This can strain relationships, health, and overall well-being, as the pressure to achieve overshadows the joy of simply being.

          A balanced interpretation of Murdoch’s perspective might be the healthiest approach. Striving for achievement can indeed keep us alive and vibrant, but it’s equally important to cultivate gratitude for what we have already accomplished. Satisfaction doesn’t have to mean stagnation; rather, it can provide the foundation of peace and contentment from which new, inspired ambitions arise. In this way, we can remain alive in our pursuits without losing sight of the richness of the present moment.


Keep the faith!

Rev-Bates

 

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Don't Resist Your Good

Weekly Message for Sunday, June 8, 2025

Don't Resist Your Good

                  “The purpose of life is to recognize the true source and nature of the self and its power.  You can learn to let your true nature assert itself.  In this higher awareness there is only good, and it can bring only good to you.  The infinite Mind includes us in its well-being.  If you do not interfere by blocking this life stream with your negative thought, it will always express its complete right action in everything that concerns you.” - Dr. Robert H. Bitzer, Collected Essays (pg. 103)

                 Dr. Robert Bitzer’s wisdom reminds us that we are not separate from the Infinite; we are expressions of It. The purpose of life, then, is not about becoming something outside of ourselves but awakening to the truth already within. The true self is not limited, fearful, or separate—it is powerful, divine, and whole. As we recognize this, we step into the current of a life that is guided by wisdom, filled with harmony, and rooted in the goodness of God. This self-recognition is not arrogance but spiritual humility, an honoring of the truth that Infinite Mind operates through us.

              The beauty of this teaching is in its simplicity: when we stop resisting, the good flows naturally. We don’t have to strive or manipulate; we simply have to stop blocking the flow with doubt, fear, or condemnation. Our negative thoughts are not punishments from the universe—they are interruptions in a divine broadcast of perfect order and well-being. As we shift into higher awareness—where only good can exist—we allow life to work for us, not against us. This is the practice of spiritual alignment, where we move in rhythm with the infinite intelligence that governs all.

               To affirm that the Infinite Mind includes us in its well-being is to accept that love, peace, abundance, and right action are already ours. We do not need to earn divine favor; we need only to receive it with an open and willing mind. Every area of our life—health, relationships, creative work, prosperity—is included in this divine right action when we stop interfering and start trusting. As we let our true nature assert itself, we become channels for divine expression, and all things are made new. This is not just spiritual theory—it is the truth that sets us free.

Keep the faith!

Rev-Bates

 

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Mind is the Gateway to Manifestation

 Weekly Message for Sunday, June 1, 2025

Mind is the Gateway to Manifestation

 

               From a New Thought perspective, Napoleon Hill's insights echo a foundational truth: the mind is the gateway to manifestation. When Hill speaks of “definiteness of purpose,” he is describing the spiritual law that thought, when imbued with clarity and conviction, becomes causative. In New Thought teaching, we recognize that Spirit works through our focused intention. Knowing what we want, and why we want it, aligns our mental atmosphere with Infinite Intelligence, which then moves to bring form to our ideas. This clarity is not mere wishful thinking; it is a spiritual commitment to be in harmony with our highest good.

              Hill’s statement, “The starting point of all achievement is desire,” aligns with the New Thought principle that desire is Divine in origin. Desire—de sire—literally means “of the Father.” It is Spirit’s way of nudging us toward the greater expression of life, love, and creativity. When we honor our desires as sacred and cultivate them with faith and expectation, we become co-creators with the Divine. The energy of desire, properly understood, is not grasping or ego-driven—it is the movement of G-d in us, seeking fuller expression through us.

             Finally, Hill reminds us that “Riches do not respond to wishes.” This is a powerful reinforcement of the law of mind in action. In New Thought, we affirm that thoughts must be married to feeling, and then followed by consistent action rooted in spiritual knowing. It is not enough to visualize abundance; we must embody it. We must create definite plans, hold steadfast to our intention, and persist through appearances. This is the path of spiritual maturity: knowing that the Universe responds to our deep conviction, unwavering faith, and the alignment of our inner world with Divine Law.

Keep the faith!

Rev-Bates

 

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