Changes

[[God]] is not only with you in times of [[meditation]], in times of [[spiritual]] [[thinking]], in times of elevated [[consciousness]] of His being, He is with you day in and day out; through your days and your nights of [[labor]], He is beside you. He is watching over you. He is [[entrusting]] you with the task of the ages, with the task of by your [[decisions]], by your life [[influences]] and by your influence in life, to [[grow]], to [[develop]], to become more [[perfect]] as He is perfect. You who are called to this teaching are called to emit a broader [[light]], are called to become perfect, are called to shine forth that [[light]] of [[Divine]] [[goodness]] and [[truth]] to your fellows as the [[apostles]] were called of old. There will be many times of hardship. There will be many [[disappointments]]. There will be many [[trials]] for you, [[individually]], to [[endure]], yet, I say to you with utmost surety that [[God]] is never gone, He is never far from your side. He is with you, He is with you through it all. You may easily look to Him, and His [[guidance]] will be there. I say this with [[authority]] as one who knows. If His [[guidance]] is [[sincerely]] sought in any circumstance, this [[guidance]] will be forthcoming.

[[God]] is not only with you in times of [[meditation]], in times of [[spiritual]] [[thinking]], in times of elevated [[consciousness]] of His being, He is with you day in and day out; through your days and your nights of [[labor]], He is beside you. He is watching over you. He is [[entrusting]] you with the task of the ages, with the task of by your [[decisions]], by your life [[influences]] and by your influence in life, to [[grow]], to [[develop]], to become more [[perfect]] as He is perfect. You who are called to this teaching are called to emit a broader [[light]], are called to become perfect, are called to shine forth that [[light]] of [[Divine]] [[goodness]] and [[truth]] to your fellows as the [[apostles]] were called of old. There will be many times of hardship. There will be many [[disappointments]]. There will be many [[trials]] for you, [[individually]], to [[endure]], yet, I say to you with utmost surety that [[God]] is never gone, He is never far from your side. He is with you, He is with you through it all. You may easily look to Him, and His [[guidance]] will be there. I say this with [[authority]] as one who knows. If His [[guidance]] is [[sincerely]] sought in any circumstance, this [[guidance]] will be forthcoming.

==SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND GUIDANCE==

==Session 26==

===Lesson===

===Lesson===

There is, in each person, a place where the tender shoots of new spiritual growth occur. This innermost space is wisely protected by your own being, and yet needs a certain amount of light and air. It is good to open your hearts, as it were, to the light, to the gaze of others, to the spiritual water which others may give, and to the world. This inner tender place can, yes, be a little too tender for too much. This place in circumstances of trust should be opened, should be developed, should be allowed a little freedom for the wider growing of the soul. It is good to establish and to cultivate close friendships which enable the flowering of the inner self, the opening of the inner self to the gaze of others which gives confidence in that inner self in the person. There is much hiding in life. There is perpetuation in mediocrity in allowing this inner self to be hidden and perpetuated in a mediocre realm of existence. It is only by allowing the flowering of this inner self that true individuality is seen. This inner self must be shown to a wider world. When it is, much can be done, much creativity and openness and flowering occurs, for there is connection between that inner self of the person flowering and the inner self of all those perceiving it.

There is, in each [[person]], a place where the [[tender]] shoots of new spiritual [[growth]] occur. This innermost space is wisely protected by your own [[being]], and yet needs a certain amount of [[light]] and air. It is [[good]] to open your [[hearts]], as it were, to the [[light]], to the gaze of others, to the [[spiritual]] [[water]] which others may give, and to the world. This inner [[tender]] place can, yes, be a little too tender for too much. This place in [[circumstances]] of trust should be opened, should be [[developed]], should be allowed a little [[freedom]] for the wider [[growing]] of the [[soul]]. It is good to [[establish]] and to cultivate close [[friendships]] which enable the flowering of the inner [[self]], the opening of the inner self to the gaze of others which gives [[confidence]] in that inner self in the [[person]]. There is much hiding in life. There is [[perpetuation]] in [[mediocrity]] in allowing this inner [[self]] to be hidden and perpetuated in a mediocre realm of [[existence]]. It is only by allowing the flowering of this inner [[self]] that true [[individuality]] is seen. This inner self must be shown to a wider world. When it is, much can be done, much [[creativity]] and openness and flowering occurs, for there is [[connection]] between that inner self of the [[person]] flowering and the inner self of all those [[perceiving]] it.

We witnessed tonight a talk given by Mr. Norman Lear to educators. Many of them have never heard anyone talk like that before, talk openly like that, exposing his inner thoughts, and they responded to this. It is true of all true leaders that they flower as individuals, that their individual flowering connects with those who are too timid to do it themselves.

We [[witnessed]] tonight a talk given by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_Lear Mr. Norman Lear] to [[educators]]. Many of them have never heard anyone talk like that before, talk openly like that, [[exposing]] his inner [[thoughts]], and they responded to this. It is true of all true [[leaders]] that they flower as [[individuals]], that their individual flowering [[connects]] with those who are too [[timid]] to do it themselves.

I do not espouse a complete openness of every single aspect of a person's life, but the discussion of the inner self is extremely important. You will find greater acceptance of yourselves than you think. This is always the case. It is not only your Inner Spirit or angels who understand you, but your friends, your associates, your loved ones. When there is true expression and understanding, this is mutually beneficial and growth promoting, for you see, then those tender shoots become not quite so tender and grow into robust plant forms, for want of a better metaphor. Yes, this speech of Mr. Lear's was very moving to me, and I send my personal praise and acceptance to him and would also wish for him to hear this lesson as my response.

I do not espouse a complete openness of every single aspect of a [[person]]'s life, but the [[discussion]] of the inner [[self]] is extremely important. You will find greater [[acceptance]] of yourselves than you think. This is always the case. It is not only your [[Thought Adjuster|Inner Spirit]] or [[angels]] who understand you, but your [[friends]], your associates, your loved ones. When there is true [[expression]] and [[understanding]], this is mutually beneficial and [[growth]] promoting, for you see, then those [[tender]] shoots become not quite so tender and grow into [[robust]] plant forms, for want of a better [[metaphor]]. Yes, this [[speech]] of Mr. Lear's was very moving to me, and I send my [[personal]] praise and [[acceptance]] to him and would also wish for him to hear this lesson as my [[response]].

I had another lesson to teach tonight. It was on the necessity of love in Father's guidance in your lives. Father's love comes through a person and is bestowed upon those near him as spiritual water. The Father's love acts to bestow acceptance, to bestow love, to bestow guidance, unerring guidance, forgiveness, tolerance, understanding, wisdom, and truth. When this spiritual water flows through one person to another, it is as though God, Himself, is accepting this person for who he is, and it is this acceptance and forgiveness which all humankind craves. For you to be personal ministers of the word of God, it is necessary for your being to channel this love of our Father, to bestow acceptance, forgiveness, love, and tolerance on your fellows as you would hope for forgiveness, love, tolerance, and acceptance from our Father. This is a daring feat. It is not a cowardly act. It is a courageous act. This act of courage will result in a response of your fellows to you in ways which you will find surprising. It is by love that this is accomplished. It is not preaching. It is not earthly "thou shalt not" type ministry. It is simply love, simply love and its repercussions in that person. This is what I ask of you to practice until our next meeting.

I had another lesson to teach tonight. It was on the [[necessity]] of [[love]] in [[the Father|Father's [[guidance]] in your lives. Father's [[love]] comes through a [[person]] and is [[bestowed]] upon those near him as spiritual [[water]]. [[The Father]]'s love [[acts]] to bestow [[acceptance]], to bestow love, to bestow [[guidance]], unerring [[guidance]], [[forgiveness]], [[tolerance]], [[understanding]], [[wisdom]], and [[truth]]. When this spiritual [[water]] [[flows]] through one person to another, it is as though [[God]], Himself, is [[accepting]] this person for who he is, and it is this acceptance and [[forgiveness]] which all humankind craves. For you to be [[personal]] [[ministers]] of [[the word]] of [[God]], it is [[necessary]] for your being to [[channel]] this love of [[our Father]], to bestow [[acceptance]], [[forgiveness]], [[love]], and [[tolerance]] on your fellows as you would [[hope]] for forgiveness, love, tolerance, and acceptance from [[our Father]]. This is a daring feat. It is not a [[cowardly]] act. It is a [[courageous]] act. This act of [[courage]] will result in a [[response]] of your fellows to you in ways which you will find [[surprising]]. It is by [[love]] that this is accomplished. It is not [[preaching]]. It is not earthly "thou shalt not" type [[ministry]]. It is simply [[love]], simply love and its [[repercussions]] in that person. This is what I ask of you to [[practice]] until our next meeting.

===Dialogue===

===Dialogue===

Q: The Urantia Book talks of space as being close to absolute, absolute in a finite sense. Can you please elaborate on the nature of space and its relation to time, energy, mind, and spirit?

Q: The [[Urantia Book]] talks of [[space]] as being close to [[absolute]], absolute in a [[finite]] sense. Can you please elaborate on the [[nature]] of [[space]] and its relation to [[time]], [[energy]], [[mind]], and [[spirit]]?

A: Yes. Space, in a sense, is absolute reality. It is without segmentation or differentiation in any known sense. It is the basis of all known material reality and the fabric in which time is woven. Time is, in a sense, segmented eternity. It is the way that finite mind can perceive reality as a sequence of events. Energy and matter are created and manipulated within time and space. The Conjoint Actor's overcontrol of the creation of energy-matter and its spiritual animation as life within time and space is absolute. The space fabric is completely encircuited in the Third Source and Center. There is no haphazard cause and effect in the universes nor in the outer space realms, all have mind encircuitment. There is nothing that is not planned, directed and known. Space is the absolute fabric on which the reality of existence is drawn, yet, space is, as you said, not infinite, yet it has an infinite source and seems to be of potential infinity.

A: Yes. [[Space]], in a sense, is [[absolute]] [[reality]]. It is without segmentation or differentiation in any known sense. It is the basis of all known [[material]] [[reality]] and the fabric in which [[time]] is woven. Time is, in a sense, segmented [[eternity]]. It is the way that [[finite]] [[mind]] can [[perceive]] reality as a [[sequence]] of [[events]]. [[Energy]] and [[matter]] are created and [[manipulated]] within [[time and space]]. The [[Conjoint Actor]]'s [[Universal Overcontrol|overcontrol]] of the [[creation]] of energy-matter and its spiritual animation as life within [[time and space]] is [[absolute]]. The space fabric is completely encircuited in the [[Third Source and Center]]. There is no haphazard [[cause]] and [[effect]] in [[the universes]] nor in the [[outer space]] realms, all have [[mind]] encircuitment. There is nothing that is not [[planned]], directed and known. [[Space]] is the absolute fabric on which the [[reality]] of [[existence]] is drawn, yet, space is, as you said, not [[infinite]], yet it has an infinite [[source]] and seems to be of [[potential]] [[infinity]].

Q: Can you tell us more about the nature of the Supreme and His relation to the individual?

A: Yes. [[The Supreme]] is the [[finite]] [[God]] of time. He is the God of [[experience]]. He is the sum [[total]] of all [[mind]] experience. He is the [[wealth]] of [[wisdom]] of the ages. He is the [[overcontrol]] and [[oversoul]] of [[creation]]. He is the [[God]] of being finite reality. If you are the [[action]], He is the [[reaction]]. He reacts and enfolds and [[encompasses]] all action in the [[finite]] realms. He is the [[Supreme]] Father Lord of all finite reality. He is the [[cause]], by His [[reaction]] to [[decision]] and action in the finite [[creature]], of [[soul]] [[growth]]. He enables, by His being, the growth and nurturing of the [[soul]] of the [[individual]]. He is the repository of all true [[value]] and [[understanding]], [[wisdom]], which is not extant as an individual [[personality]]. When an [[individual]] personality chooses non-survival, He is the repository of that [[personality]], of that [[value]] which is no longer a personal, [[discrete]] [[entity]]. It is now part of the greater soul of [[creation]]. He is much like the [[God]] envisioned in, say, [[Buddhism]] who is the [[oversoul]] of creation, the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yin_and_yang yin and yang] of [[existence]], the [[light]] and [[dark]], the [[male]] and [[female]], all these things, all these opposites, which [[interact]] and form [[reality]]. He is motherlike in the sense of nurturing [[the worlds]]. He is not [[perceived]] as a [[personal]] spiritual influence as is the [[Spirit of Truth]] or the [[Thought Adjusters]], yet it is important to perceive our [[duty]] to Him in the general sense of spiritual [[growth]] and in the [[personal]] sense of spiritual growth, for in both do we contribute to His [[realization]] and His [[manifestation]] to [[the worlds]]. He is the perfecting God of the imperfect. He is what enables the imperfect to become [[perfect]], to become more perfect. He is what enables [[the worlds]], not only the [[individual]], to [[grow]], but the worlds to grow towards [[perfection]], towards [[light and life]], towards God. He is the intermediate God which not only allows for [[creation]], itself, but allows for the perfecting of that creation. To Him we owe our [[supreme]] [[duty]] of becoming perfect.

A: Yes. The Supreme is the finite God of time. He is the God of experience. He is the sum total of all mind experience. He is the wealth of wisdom of the ages. He is the overcontrol and oversoul of creation. He is the God of being finite reality. If you are the action, He is the reaction. He reacts and enfolds and encompasses all action in the finite realms. He is the Supreme Father Lord of all finite reality. He is the cause, by His reaction to decision and action in the finite creature, of soul growth. He enables, by His being, the growth and nurturing of the soul of the individual. He is the repository of all true value and understanding, wisdom, which is not extant as an individual personality. When an individual personality chooses non-survival, He is the repository of that personality, of that value which is no longer a personal, discrete entity. It is now part of the greater soul of creation. He is much like the God envisioned in, say, Buddhism who is the oversoul of creation, the yen and yang of existence, the light and dark, the male and female, all these things, all these opposites, which interact and form reality. He is motherlike in the sense of nurturing the worlds. He is not perceived as a personal spiritual influence as is the Spirit of Truth or the Though Adjusters, yet it is important to perceive our duty to Him in the general sense of spiritual growth and in the personal sense of spiritual growth, for in both do we contribute to His realization and His manifestation to the worlds. He is the perfecting God of the imperfect. He is what enables the imperfect to become perfect, to become more perfect. He is what enables the worlds, not only the individual, to grow, but the worlds to grow towards perfection, towards light and life, towards God. He is the intermediate God which not only allows for creation, itself, but allows for the perfecting of that creation. To Him we owe our supreme duty of becoming perfect.

Q: I have a belief that [[everything]] has a [[purpose]]. Earlier you referred to that there is nothing that is not [[planned]], directed, or known. I have an [[analogy]] that [[God]] is a great [[architect]]. Regarding my belief that everything has a [[purpose]], would that include the [[Lucifer Rebellion]] or anything that is looked upon as being bad or wrong?

Q: I have a belief that everything has a purpose. Earlier you referred to that there is nothing that is not planned, directed, or known. I have an analogy that God is a great architect. Regarding my belief that everything has a purpose, would that include the Lucifer Rebellion or anything that is looked upon as being bad or wrong?

A: Yes and no. [[Freewill]] [[decisions]] are [[circumscribed]] within limits in immature and [[maturing]] [[creatures]]. [[Free will]] is bestowed upon all creatures with the [[ability]] to know [[God]]. With free will comes the [[possibility]] for [[sin]] and destruction in order for will to be truly free. Free will, although operating within [[limits]], has within it the ability for self-destruction. This is unfortunate. It is a [[possibility]], and it is a [[reality]]. The [[purpose]] behind this possibility which is [[good]], which reveals the greater purpose of [[existence]], is the [[free will]] [[creature]] choosing to know [[God]] and to be like Him. The [[Lucifer Rebellion]] was unfortunate and, at times, seemed disastrous. Over the millennia since, we teach that there has been much more [[good]] come from this [[calamity]] than [[evil]], and this good has multiplied a thousand fold, even a million fold, over the evil that began it. So, in the wider [[context]] and picture, even though there is [[sin]] and destruction and [[evil]] in the world, the wider and longer view [[picture]] will reveal the [[ultimate]] [[good]] resulting from this.

A: Yes and no. Freewill decisions are circumscribed within limits in immature and maturing creatures. Free will is bestowed upon all creatures with the ability to know God. With free will comes the possibility for sin and destruction in order for will to be truly free. Free will, although operating within limits, has within it the ability for self-destruction. This is unfortunate. It is a possibility, and it is a reality. The purpose behind this possibility which is good, which reveals the greater purpose of existence, is the free will creature choosing to know God and to be like Him. The Lucifer Rebellion was unfortunate and, at times, seemed disastrous. Over the millennia since, we teach that there has been much more good come from this calamity than evil, and this good has multiplied a thousand fold, even a million fold, over the evil that began it. So, in the wider context and picture, even though there is sin and destruction and evil in the world, the wider and longer view picture will reveal the ultimate good resulting from this.

Q: Our first [[motivation]] is to seek out [[the Father]]'s will and do it, and I was [[wondering]] if seeking out and [[understanding]] [[the Supreme]] is our second major [[duty]]?

Q: Our first motivation is to seek out the Father's will and do it, and I was wondering if seeking out and understanding the Supreme is our second major duty?

A: No. Your second major [[duty]] is to [[love]] your brothers as yourself. The duty to [[the Supreme]] is contained within the first duty. This seeking of [[God]] results in ascendent [[growth]] of the [[individual]] which allows [[self-realization]] not only for the [[individual]] but for [[the Supreme]], for all [[reality]] contained within Him, self-realizing, contributes to His overall [[self-realization]].

Q: You taught us the [[stillness]], to seek out [[the Father]]'s will, is that also adequate for our [[duties]] to [[the Supreme]], too, or is there a different [[mechanism]]?

 

Q: You taught us the stillness, to seek out the Father's will, is that also adequate for our duties to the Supreme, too, or is there a different mechanism?

A: No, it is adequate.

A: No, it is adequate.

Q: The descending sons, do they contribute to the Supreme?

Q: The [[descending sons]], do they [[contribute]] to [[the Supreme]]?

 

Q: Is God the Supreme and the Supreme Being the same thing or are they two different personalities?

A: Yes, [[absolutely]]. There are two major [[directions]] of [[growth]] in [[the Supreme]]. One is inward towards [[the Father]], the other is from the Father outward. These [[two]] growth directions are equally [[necessary]] for His [[realization]].

A: They are the same; although, there is a difference in these terms. In referring to God the Supreme, we are referring to the sometime future power-personality synthesis which will be the result of the growth of the Supreme. In referring to the Supreme Being, we refer to His status as it is now, that is, incomplete. Is this helpful?

Q: Is [[God the Supreme]] and the [[Supreme Being]] the same thing or are they two different [[personalities]]?

Q: Yeah, it is. When I was reading the papers on it, it said the Almighty Supreme is the Deity potential of the Supreme Being. Is that basically the power manifestation that God the Supreme will have or does the Almighty Supreme have a personality right now?

A: They are the same; although, there is a [[difference]] in these terms. In referring to [[God the Supreme]], we are referring to the sometime [[future]] [[power-personality synthesis]] which will be the result of the [[growth]] of the Supreme. In referring to the [[Supreme Being]], we refer to His [[status]] as it is now, that is, incomplete. Is this helpful?

A: No, this is the same aspect of God the Supreme.

Q: Yeah, it is. When I was reading the papers on it, it said the [[Almighty Supreme]] is the [[Deity]] [[potential]] of the [[Supreme Being]]. Is that basically the [[power]] [[manifestation]] that [[God the Supreme]] will have or does the Almighty Supreme have a [[personality]] right now?

Q: Next week I need to give a lesson about the second coming, and what has and hasn't been fulfilled. I would like to make this harmonize with your teaching. Can you offer some insight into subjects I should touch or shouldn't touch?

Q: Next week I need to give a lesson about the [[second coming]], and what has and hasn't been [[fulfilled]]. I would like to make this [[harmonize]] with your teaching. Can you offer some [[insight]] into subjects I should [[touch]] or shouldn't touch?

A: Yes, our Father Michael has, indeed, promised to someday return to this world. I would emphasize that even though He has not been personally manifest here, that the Spirit of Truth is with us always, and we may be in personal communion with Him. That our duty to Him, in His sight and in His judgment, to fulfill His gospel is our first duty of life. That is, to love God with all our being and to love our brothers as yourself, to consecrate our will to the will of the Father. That is to give to God all we have and are and will be. To live the word of Michael, and to portray or to enlighten our fellows to this greater way of God seeking, God finding, and God knowing, is our greatest obligation and responsibility to Michael. This is true regardless of when this second coming will occur, and indeed, the when of the second coming is irrelevant, for His time is eternal.

A: Yes, our Father [[Michael]] has, indeed, [[promised]] to someday return to this world. I would [[emphasize]] that even though He has not been [[personally]] [[manifest]] here, that the [[Spirit of Truth]] is with us always, and we may be in [[personal]] [[communion]] with Him. That our [[duty]] to Him, in His [[sight]] and in His [[judgment]], to fulfill His [[gospel]] is our first [[duty]] of life. That is, to [[love]] God with all our [[being]] and to love our brothers as yourself, to [[consecrate]] our will to the will of [[the Father]]. That is to give to [[God]] all we have and are and will be. To live the [[word]] of [[Michael]], and to portray or to [[enlighten]] our fellows to this greater way of God seeking, God finding, and God knowing, is our greatest [[obligation]] and [[responsibility]] to Michael. This is true regardless of when this [[second coming]] will occur, and indeed, the when of the second coming is irrelevant, for His [[time]] is [[eternal]].

===Closing===

===Closing===

And now I will leave you with the following thought. Be steadfast in your adherence to truth, that where and whenever you find truth, pluck it for yourself as a flower, and keep it as an everlasting gift from our Father, no matter where or when you find it. Truth is living, truth is growing, truth is ever-present, and you are all fully able to perceive it. Love God; fully accept and love yourselves; fully accept and love those you love. Open the doors of spiritual gifts. Open the doors of your treasure within, and give freely to those you love. Develop close friendships, love one another, and show forth the light of truth, the love of God, and the wisdom of yourself in your lives. We are with you through the week. My love goes to you all. I treasure the fact that you come for my guidance and that you receive and act on my words. My love to you all. Farewell.

And now I will leave you with the following [[thought]]. Be [[steadfast]] in your [[adherence]] to [[truth]], that where and whenever you find truth, pluck it for yourself as a flower, and keep it as an everlasting [[gift]] from [[our Father]], no matter where or when you find it. [[Truth]] is living, truth is [[growing]], truth is ever-present, and you are all fully able to [[perceive]] it. Love God; fully [[accept]] and love yourselves; fully accept and love those you love. Open the doors of [[spiritual]] [[gifts]]. Open the doors of your [[treasure]] within, and give freely to those you love. [[Develop]] close [[friendships]], love one another, and show forth the light of [[truth]], the love of God, and the [[wisdom]] of yourself in your lives. We are with you through the week. My [[love]] goes to you all. I [[treasure]] the [[fact]] that you come for my [[guidance]] and that you [[receive]] and [[act]] on my [[words]]. My love to you all. [[Farewell]].

==THE ASCENSION OF MAN==

==THE ASCENSION OF MAN==