January 15, 2008 & One-ness

As I was leaving the grocery store tonight in Palm Springs I noticed a man outside asking for money. I was not sure what he was collecting money for, but my inner-guidance nudged me to make a donation. As I put the money in the metal box, without even looking as to what was written on the box, he said to me, "thank you, Jesus loves you" ... and then he said, "I know he does." There was a ring of sincerity to his words that was so genuine. I felt very happy for him that he could be so certain, and in Truth, he was right, for although I am not a Christian, I know that Jesus loves me, and so does the Buddha, Krishna and Mohammed ... for they all understand that we are One. And in the One, we are all of Love, and loved. Let's affirm this today:

My heart is filled with gladness as I realize that there is only God, only Love, permeating the Universe. And as I recognize this highest of Truth, I know and I know that I know, that all things are harmonized in Love. No matter what may appear in the world, I know that Love will bring all things to Good ... for All Is God and God Is All. I am never concerned nor do I dwell in worry, for the Truth that God's Perfect Love reigns Supreme, is the Truth yesterday, today, and tomorrow. This change-less Truth, awaits our recognition of It, and as we do, It's influence in our world of affairs, both personal and universal, is powerful. In the quiet, confidence of my mind, I know that God blesses each of us to the degree that we accept being blessed, and today, I accept these blessings for myself and all others. For as I do, I affirm my One-ness with All of Life, with God, and with All Living things. And I am blessed to know this is so. And so it is.

Keep the faith!
Rev. Bates

August 18, 2007 & Unconditional Love

For far too many of us, "unconditional love" is a concept that seems beyond our human experience. And, therefore, many people don't even make an attempt to transcend the limited concepts of love in order to experience unconditional love. We cannot experience unconditional love personally as long as we withhold our love for any reason. Terry Cole-Whittaker wrote; "there is never any justification to withhold love" ... and I agree with her, for God never withholds love and we are here as "God made visible" to express the nature of God. Let's move in mind towards this Highest of Truth:

As I recognize God, Infinite Mind, I know and accept that I am in this Mind and of this Mind; I and the Father ... are One. And as I unify in mind, with that which I have recognized as the Truth, I begin to unfold a greater idea of Love in my mind. I realize that Love is always Present in my Life for God is always Present in my Life. And in this understanding, I know that as I give Love, I can let go of any concept of conditions attached to Love whatsoever. I know that Love without conditions is God's Love expressing as me and for me ... and I accept that I am expressing unconditional Love in a greater and greater way every day. I loose the idea of judgments, assumptions and personal perceptions ... and I see Life as God sees It ... and I Love Life as God Loves It ... with unconditional Love for All people and All things. I embrace this new consciousness of unconditional Love ... it feels Good to me ... and I actualize it in my experiences, now. And so it is.

Keep the faith!
Rev. Bates