Faith in Abundance

 Weekly Message for Sunday, August 17, 2025

 

Faith in Abundance

 

                When we give to a spiritual teacher, we are really affirming the value of the truth we’ve received. Just as we freely give to the things that nourish us in daily life—like good food, art, or education—so too can we give to the source of spiritual nourishment that feeds the soul. Our gift helps ensure that the wisdom and guidance we have found continues to grow, to reach others, and to bless lives far beyond our own.

                 And there’s something beautiful that happens within us when we give with an open heart. We step into the flow of life itself, where giving and receiving are part of the same divine circulation. Tithing reminds us that we are not separate from that flow—it strengthens our faith in abundance and deepens our connection with what matters most. It is not about the amount; it is about the spirit in which we give, knowing that as we support what has uplifted us, we also open the way for greater good to return to us in unexpected and wonderful ways.

Having faith in abundance is a must!

Keep the faith!

Rev-Bates

 

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You are Gifted!

 Message for Sunday, August 10, 2025

 

You are Gifted!

 

                 Life is not a test to be passed, graded, or anxiously measured against some cosmic checklist. It is a divine gift—an unfolding experience of infinite potential. The moment we treat life as a test, we invite fear of failure and the false belief that we must constantly prove our worth. Spirit has already declared us worthy; our very breath is evidence of that truth. Just as a flower is not tested before it blooms, you are not here to earn the right to live—you are here to express the beauty and uniqueness that is already within you. The Creator did not send us into this world with the intention of watching us struggle for approval; rather, we were given this life as a sacred opportunity to discover, enjoy, and share the love, joy, and creativity that flows through us. When we release the pressure of “passing” life, we step into the freedom to truly live it, knowing that every moment—whether triumph or trial—carries value and meaning.

                  A gift is meant to be received with gratitude, not suspicion or stress, and the gift of life is no different. Every sunrise, every breath, every chance encounter holds the potential for wonder when we see it through the eyes of Spirit. The soul is not here to be ranked—it is here to grow, to love, to experience the divine in the ordinary. The law of Life works through joy, not fear; through faith, not competition. When we embrace life as a gift, we stop racing toward some imaginary finish line and begin savoring the journey. Even our challenges become part of the beauty, shaping us into deeper, more compassionate beings. So, let us unwrap each day with the same excitement as a child receiving a present—knowing that whatever is inside is meant for our good, given from the Source of all good. In doing so, we honor the sacred truth: life is not a test—it is a blessing, and it was given to us to live fully and lovingly, right now.

 

Keep the faith!

Rev-Bates

 

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Life Without Passion Is Not Life at All

 Weekly Message for Sunday, August 3, 2025

 Life Without Passion Is Not Life at All

                         A life without passion is not truly life at all—it is a slow dimming of the inner light, a forgetting of the divine fire that animates the soul. Passion is not just excitement; it is the spiritual energy that pulls us toward purpose, creativity, and joy. When we live without this spark, we begin to experience a kind of spiritual numbness—a personal hell where every day feels like repetition without meaning. But Life did not bring us here to merely exist; we are here to live, and to live abundantly.

                         Emerson reminds us that aging is not about time—it’s about growth. “People do not grow old; when they cease to grow, they become old.” Growth is the evidence of life, and passion fuels that growth. Whether it's learning something new, falling in love with life again, or serving with an open heart, every moment becomes an opportunity to evolve. The soul stays young when it is curious, engaged, and on fire with purpose.

                        So today, let us rekindle our passion—not in frantic striving, but in remembering that life is sacred and full of possibility. Ask the Spirit within you to renew the flame within you. Do something that makes you feel alive, even if it’s just breathing deeply with gratitude. Passion is not a luxury; it’s a spiritual necessity. And when you live with passion, heaven begins right where you are.

Keep the faith!

Rev-Bates

 

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It’s A Laughing Matter

 Weekly Message for Sunday, July 27, 2025

It’s A Laughing Matter


              Dr. Joseph Murphy taught that our subconscious mind responds not only to our words and beliefs, but also to the emotional tone behind them. A good sense of humor uplifts our emotions, reduces tension, and helps us maintain a positive mental atmosphere—exactly the kind of environment in which the subconscious can best work its miracles. Murphy reminded us that joy, cheerfulness, and lightness of heart are divine qualities. When we laugh, we align ourselves with the healing energy of the universe. A lighthearted spirit helps us release fear and worry and opens the door to creative solutions and unexpected blessings.

              As Murphy might say, “Your subconscious mind doesn’t know if you’re laughing at a joke or a miracle—it just knows you're in harmony with life.” So go ahead, give it something to smile about. And speaking of that, here’s a little joke to tickle your spirit:
Why did the yogi refuse Novocaine at the dentist?
Because he wanted to transcend dental medication. 😄

Keep the faith!

Rev-Bates

 

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Cooperate With the Divine Flow

 Weekly Message for Sunday July 20, 2025

Cooperate With the Divine Flow

 

             Living your best life now begins with recognizing the incredible power of your thought. In This Thing Called You, Dr. Ernest Holmes emphasizes that the Law of Mind acts upon your thought exactly as you believe it. This means your conviction is not just a hope or a wish—it’s a creative force. When you think with confidence, expecting the best, you activate a spiritual law that draws experiences into your life that mirror your inner conviction. Living fully now means refusing to entertain doubt and instead affirming, with certainty, that Life is for you and never against you.

            Holmes also teaches in This Thing Called Life that Life responds to us by corresponding to our mental attitudes. He writes that we are “living in a spiritual universe governed by spiritual laws, and these laws respond to our thinking.” To live your best life now is to align yourself with the flow of life by cultivating thoughts of health, peace, abundance, and joy. The moment you realize that you are not a victim of circumstance but a creator of your experience, you stop waiting for conditions to change and start living from an empowered awareness. You can release the habit of postponing happiness and claim it now, because the Law responds in the present.

           Moreover, Holmes reminds us that the universe is abundant, and we are expressions of that abundance. He assures us that “we are surrounded by a Divine Presence that desires to express through us.” Your best life isn't something in the distant future—it is the life you claim each day by embodying faith, expectancy, and gratitude. When you consciously direct your thoughts with conviction, you cooperate with the Divine flow, letting good manifest in your relationships, work, health, and peace of mind. Life is always now, and its fullness is available the moment you dare to believe it.

Keep the faith!

Rev-Bates

 

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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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