Difference between revisions of "2002-01-04-The Apostle Paul, Final Visit"
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==Session== | ==Session== | ||
===Opening=== | ===Opening=== | ||
| − | Minearisa: Greetings, my friends, this is Minearisa, your Instructor in Residence. Welcome to the New Year as it is celebrated on your planet. We are pleased to see your jovial faces and to share in your celestial delight, as well as your mortal sense of humor. | + | Minearisa: Greetings, my friends, this is Minearisa, your Instructor in Residence. Welcome to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Year%27s_Day New Year] as it is celebrated on [[your planet]]. We are pleased to see your jovial faces and to share in your celestial delight, as well as your mortal sense of humor. |
===Lesson=== | ===Lesson=== | ||
| − | You are becoming more familiar with the unseen realms, the worlds which intersect with yours. (I refer to reality levels rather than alternate universes.) You are very familiar with the physical time-space level. You are uncertain as to the transcendental level and you cannot grasp at all the absolute level. Despite your lack of familiarity and your intellectual difficulty you are nevertheless experiencing more than the physical and mental levels. You are now much more aware of the spiritual level. I realize I have presented levels in two clusters of three and these are not identical one to one. They are different faces of the one ultimate unified reality, all of which takes origin and sustenance from the Paradise Trinity. So, as I was saying, you are becoming more familiar with the spiritual level and beginning to realize that it has equal solidity with the physical and the mindal levels. | + | ===='''''[[Connectedness]]'''''==== |
| + | You are [[becoming]] more familiar with the [[unseen]] realms, the worlds which [[intersect]] with yours. (I refer to [[reality]] levels rather than alternate universes.) You are very familiar with the physical [[time-space]] level. You are [[uncertain]] as to the [[transcendental]] level and you cannot grasp at all the [[absolute]] level. Despite your lack of familiarity and your [[intellectual]] difficulty you are nevertheless experiencing more than the physical and mental levels. You are now much more aware of the [[spiritual]] level. I realize I have presented levels in two clusters of three and these are not identical one to one. They are [[different]] faces of the one [[ultimate]] unified [[reality]], all of which takes origin and sustenance from the [[Paradise Trinity]]. So, as I was saying, you are [[becoming]] more familiar with the spiritual level and beginning to realize that it has equal solidity with the physical and the mindal levels. | ||
| − | You are also becoming more convinced that the mindal level has equal validity with the physical; that your thoughts are real and that they have power. Physically you are all present in this room and with your eyes open. You can envisage each other and see representations in your brain of the presence of other persons, other physical bodies. You are also becoming aware of your connections which are mental and spiritual, where for the spiritual connection you have often used the term, "heart". So I will use it tonight. You are beginning to really cherish your heart connections with each other. | + | You are also [[becoming]] more convinced that the [[mindal]] level has equal validity with the [[physical]]; that your [[thoughts]] are real and that they have [[power]]. Physically you are all present in this room and with your eyes open. You can envisage each other and see [[representations]] in your [[brain]] of the [[presence]] of other persons, other physical bodies. You are also becoming aware of your [[connections]] which are mental and spiritual, where for the spiritual connection you have often used the term, "[[heart]]". So I will use it tonight. You are beginning to really cherish your heart [[connections]] with each other. |
| − | We have touched on this before in different terms. It was pointed out that your mental connection does not imply that you all think alike, that your politics are different, that your understanding of reality is not the same as your neighbor in this room, although there are great areas of overlap. But on the spiritual level you are alike for your spiritual connection grows out of your divine nature which is given to you by the Paradise Father, Himself, His Fragment within you. That is the same for each of you. Hence your goals and your yearnings, your desires and your purposes, your great End of Existence share the same turf, are, in fact, the same. | + | We have [[touched]] on this before in [[different]] terms. It was pointed out that your mental connection does not imply that you all [[think]] alike, that your [[politics]] are different, that your [[understanding]] of [[reality]] is not the same as your [[neighbor]] in this room, although there are great areas of overlap. But on the spiritual level you are alike for your spiritual [[connection]] grows out of your [[divine nature]] which is given to you by the [[Paradise Father]], Himself, His [[Ta|Fragment within you]]. That is the same for each of you. Hence your [[goals]] and your yearnings, your [[desires]] and your [[purposes]], your great End of Existence share the same turf, are, in fact, the same. |
| − | When you observe others in their activities, people that you do not know in the same intimate fashion as you know each other in this room, what we wish to help you accomplish is to gain easy access to their heart connection; to look past the physical, to transcend the mental/mindal differences of | + | When you [[observe]] others in their activities, people that you do not know in the same [[intimate]] fashion as you know each other in this room, what we wish to help you accomplish is to gain easy [[access]] to their [[heart]] connection; to look past the [[physical]], to [[transcend]] the mental/[[mindal]] [[differences]] of [[worldviews]], etc., and perceive that you are truly united at the spiritual level of the heart [[connection]]. This is another way of saying that you are brothers and sisters to each other because this [[heart]] [[connection]] is due to your [[relationship]] to our common Father, to our God. |
| − | I know that some of you long to share the intimate knowledge which is yours with so many people. You wish to open your arms and embrace the world and tell it, "Look! We are all the same! We are children of God. We are all brothers and sisters. Let's focus on that and not our differences". Yes, we celestials also share this yearning, for this is the definitive problem of this planet: It does not know its spiritual heritage! I realize that you have each in your own way, and to the best of your ability, been attempting to get this message across to others You have made great efforts and you have had successes. Indeed, you are commissioned by Michael himself, by his Spirit of truth to reveal God to other people. As your level of God consciousness rises your emanation of His presence will be that much more clearly shown. | + | I know that some of you long to share the [[intimate]] [[knowledge]] which is yours with so many people. You wish to open your arms and [[embrace]] the world and tell it, "Look! We are all the same! We are [[children of God]]. We are all brothers and sisters. Let's [[focus]] on that and not our [[differences]]". Yes, we celestials also [[share]] this yearning, for this is the definitive [[problem]] of [[this planet]]: It does not know its spiritual [[heritage]]! I realize that you have each in your own way, and to the best of your [[ability]], been attempting to get this message across to others You have made great [[efforts]] and you have had successes. Indeed, you are commissioned by [[Michael]] himself, by his [[Spirit of truth]] to [[reveal]] God to other people. As your level of [[God consciousness]] rises, your [[emanation]] of His [[presence]] will be that much more [[clearly]] shown. |
| − | My friends, you are somewhat unique. Because your planet has had the heritage of darkness you share more intimately with the Creator Son in his goal as the Bestowal Son to increase the light and dispel the darkness. On a normal planet you would have Adam and Eve and the Planetary Prince long in residence and there would not be this pervasive darkness. So you have a somewhat different role than a mortal on an average planet. You are sharers in the Bestowal Mission of Michael. I wish to conclude my remarks at this time and allow you to ask questions around this topic. Are you confused and uncertain as to what I mean when I say that you are sharers of Michael's Bestowal Mission? You are not the Bestowal Son himself, but you do share his bestowal mission. Questions about this or any other aspect of my commentary? | + | My friends, you are somewhat [[unique]]. Because [[your planet]] has had the [[heritage]] of [[darkness]] you [[share]] more intimately with the [[Creator Son]] in his goal as the [[Bestowal Son]] to increase the [[light]] and dispel the darkness. On a normal planet you would have [[Adam and Eve]] and the [[Planetary Prince]] long in residence and there would not be this pervasive darkness. So you have a somewhat different role than a [[mortal]] on an [[average]] planet. You are sharers in the [[Paper 120 - The Bestowal of Michael on Urantia|Bestowal Mission of Michael]]. |
| + | |||
| + | I wish to conclude my remarks at this time and allow you to ask questions around this topic. Are you [[confused]] and [[uncertain]] as to what I mean when I say that you are sharers of Michael's Bestowal Mission? You are not the [[Bestowal Son]] himself, but you do [[share]] his bestowal mission. Questions about this or any other aspect of my [[commentary]]? | ||
===Dialogue=== | ===Dialogue=== | ||
| − | Gwen: I have a question. You were talking about mindal. Is that your conscious or subconscious level. Can you explain mindal? | + | ===='''''[[Mind]]'''''==== |
| − | + | Gwen: I have a question. You were talking about [[mindal]]. Is that your [[conscious]] or [[subconscious]] level. Can you explain mindal? | |
| − | |||
| − | The | + | Minearisa: Yes, Gwen. The term, "mindal", is used in the [[Urantia Book]] to designate a level of [[reality]] which includes all of what your culture describes as [[mind]]: [[conscious]] mind, [[unconscious]] mind, and we also include [[superconscious]] mind, the realm of the [[Thought Adjuster]]. The term, "mental", in most people's understanding refers to conscious thought and therefore the term, "mindal", more accurately presents the whole area of conscious, unconscious, and superconscious mental functioning. In addition, there is included in the concept of mindal the whole [[circuitry]] of the mind which is the result of the [[mind circuits]] of the [[Infinite Spirit|God of Mind, as that third person of Trinity]] is [[manifest]] on the [[Local Universe]] level as the [[Mother Spirit]]. |
| − | + | The human [[mind]] is much greater than most of your students of the mind [[understand]]. It is not the product of the activity of the [[brain]]. It is definitely a [[reality]] level which is connected completely from one person to another in certain ways and not [[limited]] to the planet earth, but [[embraces]] the entire universe of [[Nebadon]]. | |
| − | + | When you say, " [[Kindred Spirits|like minded people]]" you acknowledge the [[circuitry]] like connections of the mindal arena.. It is fairly well approximated by the [[collective consciousness]] and the [[collective unconscious]]ness postulated by some of your [[psychologists]], but very little has been known about "[[superconsciousness]]". Many people are confused when they hear of this for they think that the uprisings of the unconscious mind into the conscious level constitute the superconscious [[intervention]] of God. Often severe [[fanatical]] reactions occur because of this [[confusion]]. . . . . | |
| − | + | Ken: May I ask you about this connection of the mind...that the mind is [[connected]] not only at the [[material]] level but also on the upper levels, the higher levels, also. Is that just for those [[individuals]] who are so spiritually conscious that they are seeking this [[connections]], that they want to do this? | |
| − | + | Minearisa: Your [[Thought Adjuster]]s [[communicate]] with each other whenever they wish . Therefore, on one level the answer is that everyone is [[connected]] at that spiritual level. But your question asked if there was an aspect of human [[intention]] which elevates this connectedness, the higher spiritual level... | |
| − | + | Ken: I [[believe]] your [[statement]] was that the minds are [[connected]]. | |
| − | + | Minearisa: Yes. The mindal level is more like a [[mosaic]] or a [[computer]] network. You have an [[access]] terminal into this network which is your individual [[nervous system]] and acts as a receiver/amplifier of the mindal circuitry; and in [[analogy]], you have your own hard drive with a certain amount of [[memory]] which records your [[experiences]], your [[thoughts]], etc. But you are part of the network and you can share [[information]]. This is a limited but relevant [[analogy]], I suppose. The mindal realm is much greater than a computer network. When you leave [[this planet]], either through natural [[death]] or [[Adjuster Fusion|translation]], you unplug from the network. Your surviving [[morontia mind]] is [[the soul]] that you have created with the [[cooperation]] of your [[Ta|indwelling Spirit]]. The [[soul]] does not remember everything, for it has been filtered and the [[transcript]] that continues in your [[Adjuster]] contains only that which has [[value]] for the [[future]]. Your [[morontia mind]], therefore, is on a different level. But you didn't ask specifically about that. . . . . | |
| − | + | Ken: When an individual runs into those situations and cannot handle it adequately to their way of [[thinking]], we are told that we can ask [[the Master]] for his mind, to exchange minds for that period. Is that the same [[circuitry]]? The same terminal? (Laughter) | |
| − | Virginia: You had touched upon something that a previous teacher had said, that as we pray for individuals that we can pray to their Thought Adjuster. With you saying that our Thought Adjusters talk to each other all the time, communicate or whatever it is that they do, your statement is a verification that, indeed, we can ask our Thought Adjusters to talk to the other TA of the individual that we would seek to influence for God's love that would then be the impetus for truth, beauty, and goodness. | + | Minearisa: Yes and no. The no is that when you request the mind of Christ what you are really asking for is a better [[interface]] with the [[Spirit of Truth]] that dwells within you. You see. . . . . The Spirit of Truth dwelling within you is not synonymous with the mindal realm, but [[interacts]]. |
| + | ===='''''[[Thought Adjusters]]''''', '''''[[Prayer]]'''''==== | ||
| + | Virginia: You had [[touched]] upon something that a previous teacher had said, that as we [[pray]] for [[individuals]] that we can pray to their [[Thought Adjuster]]. With you saying that our Thought Adjusters talk to each other all the time, [[communicate]] or whatever it is that they do, your statement is a verification that, indeed, we can ask our Thought Adjusters to talk to the other TA of the individual that we would seek to [[influence]] for God's love that would then be the [[impetus]] for [[truth, beauty, and goodness]]. | ||
| − | Minearisa: When I made the statement that Thought Adjusters can communicate with each other whenever they wish, I was describing the Adjuster circuitry. When you pray to someone else's Indwelling Fragment you must pray in the same manner as you pray to your own indwelling Presence of God; which means you say, "Nevertheless, not my ideas, my proposals, my plans, my understanding, my smart this or that, but Your will be done". When you pray for another to the Thought Adjuster, be assured, my dear, that their Adjuster does not need suggestions. (Giggles) | + | Minearisa: When I made the statement that [[Thought Adjusters]] can [[communicate]] with each other whenever they wish, I was describing the [[Adjuster]] [[circuitry]]. When you pray to someone else's Indwelling Fragment you must pray in the same [[manner]] as you pray to your own indwelling [[Presence]] of God; which means you say, "Nevertheless, not my ideas, my proposals, my plans, my [[understanding]], my smart this or that, but Your will be done". When you pray for another to the Thought Adjuster, be [[assured]], my dear, that their Adjuster does not need suggestions. (Giggles) |
| − | Virginia: Perhaps the suggestions should come my direction, is that what you are saying? To my Thought Adjuster? I am not sure. | + | Virginia: Perhaps the suggestions should come my [[direction]], is that what you are saying? To my Thought Adjuster? I am not sure. |
| − | Minearisa: (Sighing) Let me see if I can give you a picture. (TR gestures with hands) Here is you and here is the person you are praying for. Surrounding you is your Thought Adjuster and surrounding them is theirs. You desire something for this other person of a spiritual nature: personal growth, improved communication, greater self esteem, forgiveness, whatever it may be. As you have that prayer you say in your soul, without words probably, "Nevertheless, not what I wish, but Your will be done". It goes through the Thought Adjuster surrounding you, over to the other person. If you are praying to that Thought Adjuster then that prayer passes through the TA presence and your qualifying prayer applies there as well. Then, that prayer impacts the soul of the person you are praying for, through their mind, perhaps, but ultimate[ly] to their soul. They may not or seldom will get that thought that you had, popping into their head. But something will be impressed into their soul. I use these very inadequate descriptions in order to let you know that your prayer for others is not wasted time. | + | Minearisa: (Sighing) Let me see if I can give you a [[picture]]. ([[TR]] [[gestures]] with hands) Here is you and here is the [[person]] you are praying for. [[Surrounding]] you is your Thought Adjuster and surrounding them is theirs. You [[desire]] something for this other person of a spiritual nature: [[personal growth]], improved [[communication]], greater [[self esteem]], [[forgiveness]], whatever it may be. As you have that prayer you say in [[your soul]], without words probably, "Nevertheless, not what I wish, but Your will be done". It goes through the Thought Adjuster surrounding you, over to the other person. If you are praying to that Thought Adjuster then that prayer passes through the TA presence and your qualifying prayer applies there as well. Then, that prayer [[impacts]] [[the soul]] of the person you are praying for, through their [[mind]], perhaps, but ultimate[ly] to their soul. They may not or seldom will get that thought that you had, popping into their head. But something will be impressed into their soul. I use these very inadequate [[descriptions]] in order to let you know that your prayer for others is not wasted time. |
| − | Now the text emphasizes that the greatest value of prayer is what it does for the one who prays, and that is correct. As you offer your prayer for others contingent upon the will of God, your life becomes more contingent upon the will of God. But it is also true that your prayers for others make a difference. They impress the soul. There is research showing that prayers for others can affect their physical well being and result in enhanced healing. Does this illustration clarify for you this business of praying to the Thought Adjusters of others? | + | Now [[the text]] emphasizes that the greatest [[value]] of [[prayer]] is what it does for the one who prays, and that is correct. As you offer your prayer for others contingent upon the will of God, your life [[becomes]] more [[contingent]] upon the will of God. But it is also true that your prayers for others make a [[difference]]. They impress [[the soul]]. There is [[research]] showing that prayers for others can affect their [[physical]] well being and result in enhanced [[healing]]. Does this illustration [[clarify]] for you this business of praying to the [[Thought Adjusters]] of others? |
| − | Virginia: Yes, Minearisa. That does help. I certainly believe that prayer moves me as much as it does someone else. I think that God's love from the other person's Thought Adjuster is able to love that other person more than any mortal can do. So I think that is why I was thinking to know for sure that my prayers were heard. Certainly They don't need suggestions | + | Virginia: Yes, Minearisa. That does help. I certainly believe that [[prayer]] moves me as much as it does someone else. I think that God's love from the other person's [[Thought Adjuster]] is able to love that other person more than any mortal can do. So I think that is why I was [[thinking]] to know for sure that my prayers were heard. Certainly They don't need suggestions |
| − | Minearisa: Yes, indeed, your prayers are heard to the degree that they transcend selfishness. As you pray unselfishly for others, those prayers are very effective. | + | Minearisa: Yes, indeed, your prayers are heard to the [[degree]] that they [[transcend]] [[selfishness]]. As you pray [[unselfishly]] for others, those prayers are very [[effective]]. |
Virginia: Thank you Minearisa. | Virginia: Thank you Minearisa. | ||
| − | Minearisa: We have granted permission to our brother, Paul, to interact tonight with this group. As you have reviewed his words he is willing to answer questions and fraternize with you further. One moment please. | + | Minearisa: We have granted permission to our brother, [[Paul, the Apostle|Paul]], to interact tonight with this group. As you have reviewed his words he is willing to answer questions and fraternize with you further. One moment please. |
| − | + | *The APOSTLE PAUL (Speaking From [[Jerusem]]): | |
| − | The APOSTLE PAUL | + | [[The Apostle Paul]]: Dear brothers and sisters, I am your brother, Paul. I am [[grateful]] that you [[listened]] with the ears of the [[heart]] and not merely with your [[minds]] to my offerings in this group in the past. I am not saying that we shall [[converse]] on a regular basis, no. But I have been granted one more [[opportunity]] to [[interact]] with you. I appreciate your [[sensitivity]] to my loving [[intentions]] and I am grateful for the [[mercy]] which has been extended to me as a result of our conversation. So, my friends, (and how I wish I had been able to have friends like you when I was on [[this planet]]) so my friends, I am here to interact with you. |
| − | + | Ken: First of all I would say "thank you", Paul, for all you have done. Thank you for being here. The [[insight]] you have given us, the [[love]] you have given us, perhaps will make our [[light]] a little bit brighter. Thank you. | |
| − | + | Paul: Thank you, Ken, for welcoming me and being one of those who [[listened]] with the ears of the [[heart]]. Are there questions that you have, or others of you have that I can answer? (Long pause) If there are not questions, are there comments? Things that you would like to say to me, for I am [[eager]] to hear them. | |
| + | ===='''''[[Faith]]''''', '''''[[Hope]]''''', '''''[[Love]]'''''==== | ||
| + | Virginia: Perhaps, Paul, I can tell you how much I [[appreciate]] the fact you have indicated [[growth]] beyond this mortal life and the fact that we have so much more [[information]] than you had when you were on earth. I am very [[encouraged]] that we will [[become]] more than we are now when we enter the [[reality]] zone where you are now residing. | ||
| − | + | Paul: Yes, Letah, my friend, to grasp with [[faith]] that which eyes cannot see is a very [[courageous]] act. To [[experience]] that which you have been [[promised]] is also a very satisfying [[experience]]. [[Faith]], [[hope]], and [[love]] do last. They carry on. And while love is the greatest of those three, the other two are not the lesser. By this I mean that it is not smart to throw away [[faith]] and [[hope]], as some people have done, and say that only love matters. Then you have a stool with one leg and it will not [[support]] your weight. Faith and hope, as well as love, are [[necessary]] to make your mortal career a success. | |
| − | + | The cementing love of [[the universe]] is the [[expression]] of God toward all that is outside Himself. [[Faith]] is your [[trust]] in the [[reality]] of that loving [[expression]]; and hope is believing in the [[promise]] of its fulfillment. To try and discard faith and hope, as some [[humanistic]] philosophers have done, has been to wreck the [[reality]] of love itself. So I am glad that when you hear me speak from my station on [[Jerusem]] and tell you that everything that I was told has come true, that I was not [[deceived]] by my spiritual [[mentors]], that this [[confirmation]] on my part gives you encouragement, this is very [[satisfying]] to me. | |
| − | + | You see, my friends, I really was treated very [[mercifully]] by our Lord [[Jesus]]. When that [[light]] and that [[voice]] came to me, there was at a [[subconscious]] level, or [[unconscious]] level an inkling that it was Jesus before he said the words. Somehow I knew that it was going to be him! My mind said, "Who are you, Lord" but my soul already knew. So dramatic was that encounter for me and so [[dramatic]] was the change in my life as it was [[witnessed]] by others that I [[literally]] wanted to reach out to everyone and instill [[faith]] and [[hope]] and [[love]] into them! I wanted them all to [[share]] what I had. I know, I know that you all have those [[moments]] of that great desire. So, don't lose faith. Don't give up hope. | |
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| − | You see, my friends, I really was treated very mercifully by our Lord Jesus. When that light and that voice came to me, there was at a subconscious level, or unconscious level an inkling that it was Jesus before he said the words. Somehow I knew that it was going to be him! My mind said, "Who are you, Lord" but my soul already knew. So dramatic was that encounter for me and so dramatic was the change in my life as it was witnessed by others that I literally wanted to reach out to everyone and instill faith and hope and love into them! I wanted them all to share what I had. I know, I know that you all have those moments of that great desire. So, don't lose faith. Don't give up hope. | ||
Virginia: Paul, may I make one other comment? | Virginia: Paul, may I make one other comment? | ||
Paul: Please. | Paul: Please. | ||
| + | ===='''''[[Regret]]'''''==== | ||
| + | Virginia: I am [[reflecting]] on what you said tonight, that you wanted friends such as this [[group]]. I was thinking of how when I read about you in the [[Bible]], you seemed pretty independent and [[powerful]], and not needing personal [[relationships]]. It was like you had a [[goal]], you knew where you were going and sent away anybody that might come between you and that goal. Am I misinterpreting what I remember about you? | ||
| − | + | Paul: No. Your description is pretty [[accurate]]. I had closed off half the human race for [[intimate]] fellowship, the [[female]] half. Now, I had connections with women. The deaconesses I [[ordained]] and worked with. But I did not experience the complete [[unity]] which, if I was in the flesh with this group, I could now [[experience]]. Yes, I was a very strong minded person. I was very opinionated. When my [[opinions]] shifted, the [[intensity]] did not diminish. True. | |
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| − | Paul: No. Your description is pretty accurate. I had closed off half the human race for intimate fellowship, the female half. Now, I had connections with women. The deaconesses I ordained and worked with. But I did not experience the complete unity which, if I was in the flesh with this group, I could now experience. Yes, I was a very strong minded person. I was very opinionated. When my opinions shifted, the intensity did not diminish. True. | ||
| − | But, you see, I do not regret my mortal life...well... I do wish I could have done things differently, yes, but regret is a futile emotion, for it is unrealistic. One cannot change the past. So regret to a certain degree reflects an incomplete acceptance of one's self. Remember, we are in an evolutionary universe. We are supposed to make mistakes and learn from them, yes. Have I responded to your comments? | + | But, you see, I do not [[regret]] my [[mortal]] life...well... I do wish I could have done things [[differently]], yes, but [[regret]] is a futile [[emotion]], for it is unrealistic. One cannot [[change]] the past. So regret to a certain degree reflects an incomplete [[acceptance]] of one's [[self]]. Remember, we are in an [[The Seven Superuniverses|evolutionary universe]]. We are supposed to make mistakes and learn from them, yes. Have I responded to your comments? |
Virginia: Yes, you have. Thank you very much. | Virginia: Yes, you have. Thank you very much. | ||
| − | Paul: I believe my time has reached its conclusion. Is there one more person who wants to say something to me before I depart. I am not expecting to return. (Pause) Thank you, my friends. Yes, we will meet one of these fine days. Be at peace. Good day. | + | Paul: I believe my time has reached its conclusion. Is there one more person who wants to say something to me before I depart. I am not [[expecting]] to return. (Pause) Thank you, my [[friends]]. Yes, we will meet one of these fine days. Be at [[peace]]. Good day. |
===Closing=== | ===Closing=== | ||
| − | Altern: I am Altern. Let us worship God. | + | Altern: I am Altern. Let us [[worship]] God. |
| − | Holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, heaven and earth shall praise Thy name in earth and sky and sea, yes! Loving, gracious, merciful Lord God Almighty, in three persons, Father, Son, and Spirit, You send out Your love, mercy, and overcare to the farthest corners of the universe. We receive this energy, this love. | + | Holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, heaven and earth shall [[praise]] Thy name in earth and [[sky]] and [[sea]], yes! Loving, [[gracious]], [[merciful]] Lord God Almighty, in three persons, [[Trinity|Father, Son, and Spirit]], You send out Your [[love]], [[mercy]], and [[overcare]] to the farthest corners of [[the universe]]. We receive this [[energy]], this love. |
| − | Strengthen these children, that they may not lose faith; that they may not become discouraged; that they may relax and float upon the clouds of divinity which are their centers, their very essence. At the same time may they look with eyes that see true reality, that see the brother and sister in their essence as one with them and strive with all their spiritual strength to do Your will. May we who are their teachers strive equally with them. Thank you for life in Your glorious universe. Amen. | + | [[Strengthen]] these children, that they may not lose [[faith]]; that they may not become discouraged; that they may [[relax]] and float upon the clouds of [[divinity]] which are their centers, their very [[essence]]. At the same time may they look with eyes that see true [[reality]], that see the brother and sister in their essence as one with them and strive with all their spiritual strength to do Your will. May we who are their teachers strive equally with them. Thank you for [[life]] in Your [[glorious]] universe. [[Amen]]. |
[[Category: The Teaching Mission: Dialogues]] | [[Category: The Teaching Mission: Dialogues]] | ||
| Line 104: | Line 104: | ||
[[Category: Paul, the Apostle]] | [[Category: Paul, the Apostle]] | ||
[[Category: Altern]] | [[Category: Altern]] | ||
| + | [[Category: Connectedness]] | ||
| + | [[Category: Mind]] | ||
| + | [[Category: Thought Adjusters]] | ||
| + | [[Category: Prayer]] | ||
[[Category: Faith]] | [[Category: Faith]] | ||
[[Category: Hope]] | [[Category: Hope]] | ||
[[Category: Love]] | [[Category: Love]] | ||
| + | [[Category: Regret]] | ||
[[Category: 2002]] | [[Category: 2002]] | ||
Latest revision as of 23:27, 12 December 2020
Heading
Topic: Paul, the Apostle, Final Visit
Group: SE Idaho TeaM
Facilitators
Teacher: Paul, the Apostle, Minearisa, Altern
TR: Bill K.
Session
Opening
Minearisa: Greetings, my friends, this is Minearisa, your Instructor in Residence. Welcome to the New Year as it is celebrated on your planet. We are pleased to see your jovial faces and to share in your celestial delight, as well as your mortal sense of humor.
Lesson
Connectedness
You are becoming more familiar with the unseen realms, the worlds which intersect with yours. (I refer to reality levels rather than alternate universes.) You are very familiar with the physical time-space level. You are uncertain as to the transcendental level and you cannot grasp at all the absolute level. Despite your lack of familiarity and your intellectual difficulty you are nevertheless experiencing more than the physical and mental levels. You are now much more aware of the spiritual level. I realize I have presented levels in two clusters of three and these are not identical one to one. They are different faces of the one ultimate unified reality, all of which takes origin and sustenance from the Paradise Trinity. So, as I was saying, you are becoming more familiar with the spiritual level and beginning to realize that it has equal solidity with the physical and the mindal levels.
You are also becoming more convinced that the mindal level has equal validity with the physical; that your thoughts are real and that they have power. Physically you are all present in this room and with your eyes open. You can envisage each other and see representations in your brain of the presence of other persons, other physical bodies. You are also becoming aware of your connections which are mental and spiritual, where for the spiritual connection you have often used the term, "heart". So I will use it tonight. You are beginning to really cherish your heart connections with each other.
We have touched on this before in different terms. It was pointed out that your mental connection does not imply that you all think alike, that your politics are different, that your understanding of reality is not the same as your neighbor in this room, although there are great areas of overlap. But on the spiritual level you are alike for your spiritual connection grows out of your divine nature which is given to you by the Paradise Father, Himself, His Fragment within you. That is the same for each of you. Hence your goals and your yearnings, your desires and your purposes, your great End of Existence share the same turf, are, in fact, the same.
When you observe others in their activities, people that you do not know in the same intimate fashion as you know each other in this room, what we wish to help you accomplish is to gain easy access to their heart connection; to look past the physical, to transcend the mental/mindal differences of worldviews, etc., and perceive that you are truly united at the spiritual level of the heart connection. This is another way of saying that you are brothers and sisters to each other because this heart connection is due to your relationship to our common Father, to our God.
I know that some of you long to share the intimate knowledge which is yours with so many people. You wish to open your arms and embrace the world and tell it, "Look! We are all the same! We are children of God. We are all brothers and sisters. Let's focus on that and not our differences". Yes, we celestials also share this yearning, for this is the definitive problem of this planet: It does not know its spiritual heritage! I realize that you have each in your own way, and to the best of your ability, been attempting to get this message across to others You have made great efforts and you have had successes. Indeed, you are commissioned by Michael himself, by his Spirit of truth to reveal God to other people. As your level of God consciousness rises, your emanation of His presence will be that much more clearly shown.
My friends, you are somewhat unique. Because your planet has had the heritage of darkness you share more intimately with the Creator Son in his goal as the Bestowal Son to increase the light and dispel the darkness. On a normal planet you would have Adam and Eve and the Planetary Prince long in residence and there would not be this pervasive darkness. So you have a somewhat different role than a mortal on an average planet. You are sharers in the Bestowal Mission of Michael.
I wish to conclude my remarks at this time and allow you to ask questions around this topic. Are you confused and uncertain as to what I mean when I say that you are sharers of Michael's Bestowal Mission? You are not the Bestowal Son himself, but you do share his bestowal mission. Questions about this or any other aspect of my commentary?
Dialogue
Mind
Gwen: I have a question. You were talking about mindal. Is that your conscious or subconscious level. Can you explain mindal?
Minearisa: Yes, Gwen. The term, "mindal", is used in the Urantia Book to designate a level of reality which includes all of what your culture describes as mind: conscious mind, unconscious mind, and we also include superconscious mind, the realm of the Thought Adjuster. The term, "mental", in most people's understanding refers to conscious thought and therefore the term, "mindal", more accurately presents the whole area of conscious, unconscious, and superconscious mental functioning. In addition, there is included in the concept of mindal the whole circuitry of the mind which is the result of the mind circuits of the God of Mind, as that third person of Trinity is manifest on the Local Universe level as the Mother Spirit.
The human mind is much greater than most of your students of the mind understand. It is not the product of the activity of the brain. It is definitely a reality level which is connected completely from one person to another in certain ways and not limited to the planet earth, but embraces the entire universe of Nebadon.
When you say, " like minded people" you acknowledge the circuitry like connections of the mindal arena.. It is fairly well approximated by the collective consciousness and the collective unconsciousness postulated by some of your psychologists, but very little has been known about "superconsciousness". Many people are confused when they hear of this for they think that the uprisings of the unconscious mind into the conscious level constitute the superconscious intervention of God. Often severe fanatical reactions occur because of this confusion. . . . .
Ken: May I ask you about this connection of the mind...that the mind is connected not only at the material level but also on the upper levels, the higher levels, also. Is that just for those individuals who are so spiritually conscious that they are seeking this connections, that they want to do this?
Minearisa: Your Thought Adjusters communicate with each other whenever they wish . Therefore, on one level the answer is that everyone is connected at that spiritual level. But your question asked if there was an aspect of human intention which elevates this connectedness, the higher spiritual level...
Ken: I believe your statement was that the minds are connected.
Minearisa: Yes. The mindal level is more like a mosaic or a computer network. You have an access terminal into this network which is your individual nervous system and acts as a receiver/amplifier of the mindal circuitry; and in analogy, you have your own hard drive with a certain amount of memory which records your experiences, your thoughts, etc. But you are part of the network and you can share information. This is a limited but relevant analogy, I suppose. The mindal realm is much greater than a computer network. When you leave this planet, either through natural death or translation, you unplug from the network. Your surviving morontia mind is the soul that you have created with the cooperation of your indwelling Spirit. The soul does not remember everything, for it has been filtered and the transcript that continues in your Adjuster contains only that which has value for the future. Your morontia mind, therefore, is on a different level. But you didn't ask specifically about that. . . . .
Ken: When an individual runs into those situations and cannot handle it adequately to their way of thinking, we are told that we can ask the Master for his mind, to exchange minds for that period. Is that the same circuitry? The same terminal? (Laughter)
Minearisa: Yes and no. The no is that when you request the mind of Christ what you are really asking for is a better interface with the Spirit of Truth that dwells within you. You see. . . . . The Spirit of Truth dwelling within you is not synonymous with the mindal realm, but interacts.
Thought Adjusters, Prayer
Virginia: You had touched upon something that a previous teacher had said, that as we pray for individuals that we can pray to their Thought Adjuster. With you saying that our Thought Adjusters talk to each other all the time, communicate or whatever it is that they do, your statement is a verification that, indeed, we can ask our Thought Adjusters to talk to the other TA of the individual that we would seek to influence for God's love that would then be the impetus for truth, beauty, and goodness.
Minearisa: When I made the statement that Thought Adjusters can communicate with each other whenever they wish, I was describing the Adjuster circuitry. When you pray to someone else's Indwelling Fragment you must pray in the same manner as you pray to your own indwelling Presence of God; which means you say, "Nevertheless, not my ideas, my proposals, my plans, my understanding, my smart this or that, but Your will be done". When you pray for another to the Thought Adjuster, be assured, my dear, that their Adjuster does not need suggestions. (Giggles)
Virginia: Perhaps the suggestions should come my direction, is that what you are saying? To my Thought Adjuster? I am not sure.
Minearisa: (Sighing) Let me see if I can give you a picture. (TR gestures with hands) Here is you and here is the person you are praying for. Surrounding you is your Thought Adjuster and surrounding them is theirs. You desire something for this other person of a spiritual nature: personal growth, improved communication, greater self esteem, forgiveness, whatever it may be. As you have that prayer you say in your soul, without words probably, "Nevertheless, not what I wish, but Your will be done". It goes through the Thought Adjuster surrounding you, over to the other person. If you are praying to that Thought Adjuster then that prayer passes through the TA presence and your qualifying prayer applies there as well. Then, that prayer impacts the soul of the person you are praying for, through their mind, perhaps, but ultimate[ly] to their soul. They may not or seldom will get that thought that you had, popping into their head. But something will be impressed into their soul. I use these very inadequate descriptions in order to let you know that your prayer for others is not wasted time.
Now the text emphasizes that the greatest value of prayer is what it does for the one who prays, and that is correct. As you offer your prayer for others contingent upon the will of God, your life becomes more contingent upon the will of God. But it is also true that your prayers for others make a difference. They impress the soul. There is research showing that prayers for others can affect their physical well being and result in enhanced healing. Does this illustration clarify for you this business of praying to the Thought Adjusters of others?
Virginia: Yes, Minearisa. That does help. I certainly believe that prayer moves me as much as it does someone else. I think that God's love from the other person's Thought Adjuster is able to love that other person more than any mortal can do. So I think that is why I was thinking to know for sure that my prayers were heard. Certainly They don't need suggestions
Minearisa: Yes, indeed, your prayers are heard to the degree that they transcend selfishness. As you pray unselfishly for others, those prayers are very effective.
Virginia: Thank you Minearisa.
Minearisa: We have granted permission to our brother, Paul, to interact tonight with this group. As you have reviewed his words he is willing to answer questions and fraternize with you further. One moment please.
- The APOSTLE PAUL (Speaking From Jerusem):
The Apostle Paul: Dear brothers and sisters, I am your brother, Paul. I am grateful that you listened with the ears of the heart and not merely with your minds to my offerings in this group in the past. I am not saying that we shall converse on a regular basis, no. But I have been granted one more opportunity to interact with you. I appreciate your sensitivity to my loving intentions and I am grateful for the mercy which has been extended to me as a result of our conversation. So, my friends, (and how I wish I had been able to have friends like you when I was on this planet) so my friends, I am here to interact with you.
Ken: First of all I would say "thank you", Paul, for all you have done. Thank you for being here. The insight you have given us, the love you have given us, perhaps will make our light a little bit brighter. Thank you.
Paul: Thank you, Ken, for welcoming me and being one of those who listened with the ears of the heart. Are there questions that you have, or others of you have that I can answer? (Long pause) If there are not questions, are there comments? Things that you would like to say to me, for I am eager to hear them.
Faith, Hope, Love
Virginia: Perhaps, Paul, I can tell you how much I appreciate the fact you have indicated growth beyond this mortal life and the fact that we have so much more information than you had when you were on earth. I am very encouraged that we will become more than we are now when we enter the reality zone where you are now residing.
Paul: Yes, Letah, my friend, to grasp with faith that which eyes cannot see is a very courageous act. To experience that which you have been promised is also a very satisfying experience. Faith, hope, and love do last. They carry on. And while love is the greatest of those three, the other two are not the lesser. By this I mean that it is not smart to throw away faith and hope, as some people have done, and say that only love matters. Then you have a stool with one leg and it will not support your weight. Faith and hope, as well as love, are necessary to make your mortal career a success.
The cementing love of the universe is the expression of God toward all that is outside Himself. Faith is your trust in the reality of that loving expression; and hope is believing in the promise of its fulfillment. To try and discard faith and hope, as some humanistic philosophers have done, has been to wreck the reality of love itself. So I am glad that when you hear me speak from my station on Jerusem and tell you that everything that I was told has come true, that I was not deceived by my spiritual mentors, that this confirmation on my part gives you encouragement, this is very satisfying to me.
You see, my friends, I really was treated very mercifully by our Lord Jesus. When that light and that voice came to me, there was at a subconscious level, or unconscious level an inkling that it was Jesus before he said the words. Somehow I knew that it was going to be him! My mind said, "Who are you, Lord" but my soul already knew. So dramatic was that encounter for me and so dramatic was the change in my life as it was witnessed by others that I literally wanted to reach out to everyone and instill faith and hope and love into them! I wanted them all to share what I had. I know, I know that you all have those moments of that great desire. So, don't lose faith. Don't give up hope.
Virginia: Paul, may I make one other comment?
Paul: Please.
Regret
Virginia: I am reflecting on what you said tonight, that you wanted friends such as this group. I was thinking of how when I read about you in the Bible, you seemed pretty independent and powerful, and not needing personal relationships. It was like you had a goal, you knew where you were going and sent away anybody that might come between you and that goal. Am I misinterpreting what I remember about you?
Paul: No. Your description is pretty accurate. I had closed off half the human race for intimate fellowship, the female half. Now, I had connections with women. The deaconesses I ordained and worked with. But I did not experience the complete unity which, if I was in the flesh with this group, I could now experience. Yes, I was a very strong minded person. I was very opinionated. When my opinions shifted, the intensity did not diminish. True.
But, you see, I do not regret my mortal life...well... I do wish I could have done things differently, yes, but regret is a futile emotion, for it is unrealistic. One cannot change the past. So regret to a certain degree reflects an incomplete acceptance of one's self. Remember, we are in an evolutionary universe. We are supposed to make mistakes and learn from them, yes. Have I responded to your comments?
Virginia: Yes, you have. Thank you very much.
Paul: I believe my time has reached its conclusion. Is there one more person who wants to say something to me before I depart. I am not expecting to return. (Pause) Thank you, my friends. Yes, we will meet one of these fine days. Be at peace. Good day.
Closing
Altern: I am Altern. Let us worship God.
Holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, heaven and earth shall praise Thy name in earth and sky and sea, yes! Loving, gracious, merciful Lord God Almighty, in three persons, Father, Son, and Spirit, You send out Your love, mercy, and overcare to the farthest corners of the universe. We receive this energy, this love.
Strengthen these children, that they may not lose faith; that they may not become discouraged; that they may relax and float upon the clouds of divinity which are their centers, their very essence. At the same time may they look with eyes that see true reality, that see the brother and sister in their essence as one with them and strive with all their spiritual strength to do Your will. May we who are their teachers strive equally with them. Thank you for life in Your glorious universe. Amen.
