I am not a body. I am Free. For I am still as God created me.
"Salvation of the world depends on me." Salvation of the "world" depends on me because the "world" is a dream in my mind....a fantasy of being "apart from" God. Mind is the only Reality, there is nothing outside me. I split my mind into "many," placed each of these "souls" into "bodies" and put them in a place called "earth," and seemingly created all sorts of "chaos" that I imagined would be in a world "apart from" God. I need only heal my own mind, and the world ~ viola! ~ will heal! When my mind heals, the world of dreams in my mind will heal and finally disappear, as God Awakens me to Reality.
I am not a body. I am Free. For I am still as God created me.
Monday, July 29, 2013
Friday, July 26, 2013
Lesson 205 ~ Review VI
I am not a body. I am Free. For I am still as God created me.
"I choose the Peace of God." If I were in my right mind, I would realize the Peace of God is everything I want. It is my one goal. My only useful purpose and function in the world of dreams. It is the only thing worth having. I can have the Peace of God even in the world of dreams, when I lay aside illusions in my mind, and replace them with Thoughts of Truth. The Peace of God is always available to me. It is I, myself, who chooses. Today the Peace of God is all I choose.
I am not a body. I am Free. For I am still as God created me.
"I choose the Peace of God." If I were in my right mind, I would realize the Peace of God is everything I want. It is my one goal. My only useful purpose and function in the world of dreams. It is the only thing worth having. I can have the Peace of God even in the world of dreams, when I lay aside illusions in my mind, and replace them with Thoughts of Truth. The Peace of God is always available to me. It is I, myself, who chooses. Today the Peace of God is all I choose.
I am not a body. I am Free. For I am still as God created me.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Lesson 204 ~ Review VI
I am not a body. I am Free. For I am still as God created me.
"The Name of God is my Inheritance." I am God's Son. I am not a slave to time. I am not bound by laws which rule a world of sick illusions. I am Free in God. I am Eternally One with God. I am Safe in Heaven, dreaming of exile to a world "apart from" God. I will replace illusions in my mind with Thoughts of Truth to experience Reality.
I am not a body. I am Free. For I am still as God created me.
"The Name of God is my Inheritance." I am God's Son. I am not a slave to time. I am not bound by laws which rule a world of sick illusions. I am Free in God. I am Eternally One with God. I am Safe in Heaven, dreaming of exile to a world "apart from" God. I will replace illusions in my mind with Thoughts of Truth to experience Reality.
I am not a body. I am Free. For I am still as God created me.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Lesson 203 ~ Review VI
I am not a body. I am Free. For I am still as God created me.
"I call upon God's Name and on my own." God's Name and my own are One and The Same. While I choose the world of madness, I will not understand or experience this Reality. My True Self is One with God. When I call on God, I call on my True Self who is One with God. I can choose a world of madness with every thought I think or decision I make, or I can replace thoughts of the "world" with Thoughts of Truth. I can decide for forgiveness, in place of judgment. I will clear my mind and allow only Thoughts of Truth to enter.
I am not a body. I am Free. For I am still as God created me.
"I call upon God's Name and on my own." God's Name and my own are One and The Same. While I choose the world of madness, I will not understand or experience this Reality. My True Self is One with God. When I call on God, I call on my True Self who is One with God. I can choose a world of madness with every thought I think or decision I make, or I can replace thoughts of the "world" with Thoughts of Truth. I can decide for forgiveness, in place of judgment. I will clear my mind and allow only Thoughts of Truth to enter.
I am not a body. I am Free. For I am still as God created me.
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Lesson 202 ~ Review VI
I am not a body. I am Free. For I am still as God created me.
"I will be still an instant and go Home." Why would I chose to stay an instant longer where I do not belong? God Himself is calling me Home. Going Home is as easy as changing my thoughts. Nothing Real exists "outside" me. All that seems to be "outside" me is a fantasy. All roads lead Home, because Home is my only Reality. Meditation is one of those roads; AA, Al-anon, and other self-help programs are another way; religion, and so on. I set aside "stinkin' thinkin'" and dwell on thoughts such as "Let go and let God," "this too shall pass," "one day at a time." Yet the self-help programs and religions deal with the "world" and all its "problems" as "reality." ACIM instructs that this is not my "reality" and that I am doing it to myself! ACIM goes a step further and instructs me to clear my mind of thoughts of the world, replacing those with reflections of Truth. ACIM will bring me to salvation faster. ACIM clears through all the muck and tells me clearly: There is no "world," there are no "others," I am not a "body," there is nothing "outside" me.
I am not a body. I am Free. For I am still as God created me.
"I will be still an instant and go Home." Why would I chose to stay an instant longer where I do not belong? God Himself is calling me Home. Going Home is as easy as changing my thoughts. Nothing Real exists "outside" me. All that seems to be "outside" me is a fantasy. All roads lead Home, because Home is my only Reality. Meditation is one of those roads; AA, Al-anon, and other self-help programs are another way; religion, and so on. I set aside "stinkin' thinkin'" and dwell on thoughts such as "Let go and let God," "this too shall pass," "one day at a time." Yet the self-help programs and religions deal with the "world" and all its "problems" as "reality." ACIM instructs that this is not my "reality" and that I am doing it to myself! ACIM goes a step further and instructs me to clear my mind of thoughts of the world, replacing those with reflections of Truth. ACIM will bring me to salvation faster. ACIM clears through all the muck and tells me clearly: There is no "world," there are no "others," I am not a "body," there is nothing "outside" me.
I am not a body. I am Free. For I am still as God created me.
Friday, July 19, 2013
Lesson 201 ~ Review VI
I am not a body. I am Free. For I am still as God Created me.
"I trust my brothers, who are One with me." There is no "world," no "bodies," nor anything outside me. Heaven is deep within me. All that I seem to see with my eyes is a figment of my imagination and a dream in my mind. I can continue to attack and fear, or I can see the world through forgiveness and use a 'forgiven world' to Awaken me to Reality with God. Look upon any "body" as a brother, for that "brother" is myself ~ a part of my mind projected "outward." When "he" (I) seems to say or do "bad" or "upsetting" things, I will forgive him (myself). I trust my "brothers" because "they" are a part of my mind. When I decide to change my mind about what the world is for (forgiveness vs. being "apart from" God), the world will change too.
I am not a body. I am Free. For I am still as God created me.
"I trust my brothers, who are One with me." There is no "world," no "bodies," nor anything outside me. Heaven is deep within me. All that I seem to see with my eyes is a figment of my imagination and a dream in my mind. I can continue to attack and fear, or I can see the world through forgiveness and use a 'forgiven world' to Awaken me to Reality with God. Look upon any "body" as a brother, for that "brother" is myself ~ a part of my mind projected "outward." When "he" (I) seems to say or do "bad" or "upsetting" things, I will forgive him (myself). I trust my "brothers" because "they" are a part of my mind. When I decide to change my mind about what the world is for (forgiveness vs. being "apart from" God), the world will change too.
I am not a body. I am Free. For I am still as God created me.
Review VI
For this review I will take ONE idea each day and practice it as often as possible. Fifteen minutes or less morning and evening, and hourly throughout the day is recommended and as often as possible in between. This seems like an impossible request, but this is a Course in mind-training. My mind is frantic and undisciplined. I can choose to fill my mind with worries and thoughts of the "world," or I can choose to fill my mind with reflections of Truth. This is a decision for Peace or chaos....Heaven or hell...Love or fear. I choose with every thought that I allow to make its home in my mind. One is Reality, the other is a fantasy of madness.
Each of the ideas by itself would be sufficient for salvation if it were learned Truly. With this in mind I will carefully review these last 20 lessons. Each contains the whole curriculum if understood, practiced, accepted and applied to all that seems to come into my mind or my "physical life."
I have a function which rises above the "world." This function is forgiveness ~ my only True function in the world of insanity. Each ACIM lesson helps me offer forgiveness and Awaken to Reality. Accepting and applying its lessons will bring about a deep relinquishment of everything that clutters up my mind, making my mind deaf to Reason, Sanity and simple Truth. I will attempt to get beyond words and rituals. I will attempt to reach a quickened pace along a shorter path to the Serenity and Peace of God. I will close my eyes and forget all I thought I knew and understood.
I will permit no idle thought to go unchallenged, quickly replacing it with reflections of Truth from the ACIM lessons. The Power of Heaven works with me. It speaks of Quiet and Peace, and gives my thoughts whatever meaning they may have. The Oneness of Heaven will teach me what to do, say and think. It will not fail to be available to me.
Each of the ideas by itself would be sufficient for salvation if it were learned Truly. With this in mind I will carefully review these last 20 lessons. Each contains the whole curriculum if understood, practiced, accepted and applied to all that seems to come into my mind or my "physical life."
I have a function which rises above the "world." This function is forgiveness ~ my only True function in the world of insanity. Each ACIM lesson helps me offer forgiveness and Awaken to Reality. Accepting and applying its lessons will bring about a deep relinquishment of everything that clutters up my mind, making my mind deaf to Reason, Sanity and simple Truth. I will attempt to get beyond words and rituals. I will attempt to reach a quickened pace along a shorter path to the Serenity and Peace of God. I will close my eyes and forget all I thought I knew and understood.
I will permit no idle thought to go unchallenged, quickly replacing it with reflections of Truth from the ACIM lessons. The Power of Heaven works with me. It speaks of Quiet and Peace, and gives my thoughts whatever meaning they may have. The Oneness of Heaven will teach me what to do, say and think. It will not fail to be available to me.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Lesson 200 ~ There is no Peace except the Peace of God.
I can save myself the agony of bitter disappointments, bleak despair, icy hopelessness and doubt. I will not seek for Peace from a world of madness. Unless I want more misery and pain, I will stop my restless searching in a world of insanity.
This is the final point to which I must come: to lay aside all hope of finding Happiness where there is none.....looking for salvation in what can only hurt me....making Peace of chaos, Joy of pain, and Heaven out of hell. I will stop trying to win through losing, in a world that was created to show me "loss." I will not look to death to give me an appreciation for Life. When I look to anything of the world of dreams to satisfy me in any way......I ask for defeat. The world of dreams was imagined by me when I had the thought: 'what would it be like without God?' I created it to show me a world without the aspects and attributes of God.....the "opposite" of Heaven. It is in this fantasy-world that I now find myself.
My Reality is a Place of Love, Happiness and Eternal Life in a Peace that has no end. When I ask for Reality, I can only win. To ask for Reality is to ask for what is already mine, so I must succeed. To ask that what is false (a world of dreams) be True, can only fail. I must forgive myself for dreams of madness; for trying to imagine what could never be. What could be more foolish than to search over and over for hell, when all I need do is look with open eyes to find Heaven through a door that opens easily to welcome me?
God calls me Home. I have not found lasting and complete Happiness is a world of madness where "life" always ends in death, "peace" is follow closely by restlessness and "joy" often turns to sorrow. Though I try to make this world meaningful, it can never be. This world is not where I belong. I am a stranger here.
The means have been given me to see the world of dreams differently, until I need it no longer and it disappears. I will be bound to the world of madness until I see it through the eyes of forgiveness. I think my thoughts have no effects, but it is my very thoughts that keep me in prison. Changing my thoughts is the only thing that will Awaken me to my Reality in Heaven with God. Thoughts are the only things that matter. Thought is the only thing that is Real when I think with the Thoughts of God.
I will change my mind about the purpose of the world and give it a blessed purpose with one goal: forgive everyone and everything, and realize it is all a dream. Today, I bring my thoughts in line with the Thoughts of God with the reflections of Truth offered in ACIM.
What does forgiveness do? In Truth it has no function and does nothing. Forgiveness is unknown in Heaven. It is only hell where forgiveness is needed and where it must serve a mighty function. It helps God's Own Beloved Son escape from insane dreams; dreams that the Son believes are Real.
Peace is the bridge I cross to leave this world behind. Peace begins in the world of dreams when I perceive the world with the function of forgiveness. This fresh perspective will lead directly to the Gate of Heaven and the Way Beyond. Peace is the answer to conflicting goals, senseless journeys, frantic pursuits, and meaningless endeavors.
Now my way will be easy; gently sloping toward the bridge where Freedom lies within the Peace of God. I will not lose my way. The Path to Heaven is easy and straight. Only if I attempt to wander can there be delay and needless wasted time. God alone is Sure. He, Himself, will guide my footsteps. The Father calls; the Son will hear. That is all there is to what appears to be a world "apart from" God.
Now I rest in Silence. I will search no further. I came to a place where the road was carpeted with leaves of false desires, fallen from the trees of hopelesness. Yet my path is made clear now and I can see a different road to choose. Peace is recognized at last. I can feel its soft embrace surround my heart and mind with Comfort and Love.
Peace, Love, and Joy cannot be found in a world of dreams. I have found a simple, happy way to leave the world of madness by replacing my shifting goals and solitary dreams with a single purpose and the Companionship of Heaven. Peace is Union if it is of God. I need seek no further to calm my restless soul. I am close to Home and draw nearer each time I think on the words that reflect Truth. There is no peace except the Peace of God. And I am glad and thankful that it is so.
"There is no Peace except the Peace of God."
This is the final point to which I must come: to lay aside all hope of finding Happiness where there is none.....looking for salvation in what can only hurt me....making Peace of chaos, Joy of pain, and Heaven out of hell. I will stop trying to win through losing, in a world that was created to show me "loss." I will not look to death to give me an appreciation for Life. When I look to anything of the world of dreams to satisfy me in any way......I ask for defeat. The world of dreams was imagined by me when I had the thought: 'what would it be like without God?' I created it to show me a world without the aspects and attributes of God.....the "opposite" of Heaven. It is in this fantasy-world that I now find myself.
My Reality is a Place of Love, Happiness and Eternal Life in a Peace that has no end. When I ask for Reality, I can only win. To ask for Reality is to ask for what is already mine, so I must succeed. To ask that what is false (a world of dreams) be True, can only fail. I must forgive myself for dreams of madness; for trying to imagine what could never be. What could be more foolish than to search over and over for hell, when all I need do is look with open eyes to find Heaven through a door that opens easily to welcome me?
God calls me Home. I have not found lasting and complete Happiness is a world of madness where "life" always ends in death, "peace" is follow closely by restlessness and "joy" often turns to sorrow. Though I try to make this world meaningful, it can never be. This world is not where I belong. I am a stranger here.
The means have been given me to see the world of dreams differently, until I need it no longer and it disappears. I will be bound to the world of madness until I see it through the eyes of forgiveness. I think my thoughts have no effects, but it is my very thoughts that keep me in prison. Changing my thoughts is the only thing that will Awaken me to my Reality in Heaven with God. Thoughts are the only things that matter. Thought is the only thing that is Real when I think with the Thoughts of God.
I will change my mind about the purpose of the world and give it a blessed purpose with one goal: forgive everyone and everything, and realize it is all a dream. Today, I bring my thoughts in line with the Thoughts of God with the reflections of Truth offered in ACIM.
What does forgiveness do? In Truth it has no function and does nothing. Forgiveness is unknown in Heaven. It is only hell where forgiveness is needed and where it must serve a mighty function. It helps God's Own Beloved Son escape from insane dreams; dreams that the Son believes are Real.
Peace is the bridge I cross to leave this world behind. Peace begins in the world of dreams when I perceive the world with the function of forgiveness. This fresh perspective will lead directly to the Gate of Heaven and the Way Beyond. Peace is the answer to conflicting goals, senseless journeys, frantic pursuits, and meaningless endeavors.
Now my way will be easy; gently sloping toward the bridge where Freedom lies within the Peace of God. I will not lose my way. The Path to Heaven is easy and straight. Only if I attempt to wander can there be delay and needless wasted time. God alone is Sure. He, Himself, will guide my footsteps. The Father calls; the Son will hear. That is all there is to what appears to be a world "apart from" God.
Now I rest in Silence. I will search no further. I came to a place where the road was carpeted with leaves of false desires, fallen from the trees of hopelesness. Yet my path is made clear now and I can see a different road to choose. Peace is recognized at last. I can feel its soft embrace surround my heart and mind with Comfort and Love.
Peace, Love, and Joy cannot be found in a world of dreams. I have found a simple, happy way to leave the world of madness by replacing my shifting goals and solitary dreams with a single purpose and the Companionship of Heaven. Peace is Union if it is of God. I need seek no further to calm my restless soul. I am close to Home and draw nearer each time I think on the words that reflect Truth. There is no peace except the Peace of God. And I am glad and thankful that it is so.
"There is no Peace except the Peace of God."
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Lesson 199 ~ Forgiveness: the way Home.
If I can condemn, I can be injured. Injury is part of the dream, so "injury" is possible in dreams. Yet, I can decide that "injury" is valueless, unwanted, and unreal.........and decide, instead, for Freedom.
Condemn and I am made prisoner. Forgive and I am Free. Such is the law that rules perception. Condemnation is impossible in Truth. What seems to be its influence and its effects have not occurred at all. Yet I must deal with illusions at the level of the dream, and the dream tells me they have occurred. Illusion makes illusion except one: forgiveness. Forgiveness is the illusion that is answer to all the rest.
Forgiveness sweeps all other dreams away, although it is itself a dream, it breeds no others. Forgiveness is where illusion ends. Forgiveness is the end of dreams, because it is a dream of Awakening. Forgiveness is not itself Truth, but only points the way to Truth. It is the only road that leads out of disaster, past all suffering, and away from death. There is no need to find a thousand ways in which forgiveness must be wrong. There is no need to look to anything else for salvation.
The answer to all my problems has been given me. All hope, blessing, and joy that can ever be found on this earth are in these words which reflect Truth. Forgiveness is the Song of Heaven.
The "world" has many places where mercy has no meaning and attack appears justified. Yet all illusions are the same ~ "proof" that I am not God's Son and that I am separated from God. How foolish to believe I can die and that I can be separated from God. My Reality with God remains untouched by thoughts like these. Dreams of any kind are alien to Truth.
Today I practice letting Freedom come to make Its home with me. Truth places these words in my mind that I may find the key to Light and let the darkness end: my condemnation hurts me; my forgiveness sets me Free.
All suffering hides unforgiving thoughts. Yet there is no pain that forgiveness cannot heal. I am God's Son. Perfect. Holy. Innocent. The world and all its strange beliefs can be laid aside with the one illusion that points the way to salvation: forgiveness. As I forgive "others" their trespasses, I will see my own Innocence shining upon me from the Face of Christ (the Sonship healed and Whole).
There is a Silence all around the world. A Stillness which replaces the frantic rush of thoughts which make no sense. There is a Tranquil Light across the face of the earth, made quiet in a dreamless sleep. The Word of God alone remains upon the "world" which is a dream in my mind. The "world" will be perceived only an instant longer, then the need for symbols is over. Everything I ever thought I made will completely vanish from the mind that God knows forever to be His Only, Beloved Son.
"Forgiveness: the way Home."
Condemn and I am made prisoner. Forgive and I am Free. Such is the law that rules perception. Condemnation is impossible in Truth. What seems to be its influence and its effects have not occurred at all. Yet I must deal with illusions at the level of the dream, and the dream tells me they have occurred. Illusion makes illusion except one: forgiveness. Forgiveness is the illusion that is answer to all the rest.
Forgiveness sweeps all other dreams away, although it is itself a dream, it breeds no others. Forgiveness is where illusion ends. Forgiveness is the end of dreams, because it is a dream of Awakening. Forgiveness is not itself Truth, but only points the way to Truth. It is the only road that leads out of disaster, past all suffering, and away from death. There is no need to find a thousand ways in which forgiveness must be wrong. There is no need to look to anything else for salvation.
The answer to all my problems has been given me. All hope, blessing, and joy that can ever be found on this earth are in these words which reflect Truth. Forgiveness is the Song of Heaven.
The "world" has many places where mercy has no meaning and attack appears justified. Yet all illusions are the same ~ "proof" that I am not God's Son and that I am separated from God. How foolish to believe I can die and that I can be separated from God. My Reality with God remains untouched by thoughts like these. Dreams of any kind are alien to Truth.
Today I practice letting Freedom come to make Its home with me. Truth places these words in my mind that I may find the key to Light and let the darkness end: my condemnation hurts me; my forgiveness sets me Free.
All suffering hides unforgiving thoughts. Yet there is no pain that forgiveness cannot heal. I am God's Son. Perfect. Holy. Innocent. The world and all its strange beliefs can be laid aside with the one illusion that points the way to salvation: forgiveness. As I forgive "others" their trespasses, I will see my own Innocence shining upon me from the Face of Christ (the Sonship healed and Whole).
There is a Silence all around the world. A Stillness which replaces the frantic rush of thoughts which make no sense. There is a Tranquil Light across the face of the earth, made quiet in a dreamless sleep. The Word of God alone remains upon the "world" which is a dream in my mind. The "world" will be perceived only an instant longer, then the need for symbols is over. Everything I ever thought I made will completely vanish from the mind that God knows forever to be His Only, Beloved Son.
"Forgiveness: the way Home."
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Lesson 198 ~ My condemnation hurts only me.
Injury is impossible. Yet illusion (condemnation) makes illusion (injury). In the dream, if I can condemn, I can be injured. Injury is part of the dream, so "injury" is possible (in the dream) ~ I can injure others, others can injure me. But I can decide that "injury" is valueless, unwanted, and unreal.........and decide, instead, for Freedom.
Condemn, and I am made a prisoner. Forgive and I am Free. Such is the law that rules perception. Condemnation is impossible in Truth. What seems to be its influence and its effects have not occurred at all. Yet I must deal with them at the level of the dream, and the dream tells me they have occurred. Illusion makes illusion except one: forgiveness. Forgiveness is the illusion that is answer to all the rest.
Forgiveness sweeps all other dreams away, although it is itself a dream, it breeds no others. Forgiveness is where illusion ends. Forgiveness is the end of dreams, because it is a dream of Awakening. Forgiveness is not itself Truth, but only points the way to Truth. It is the only road that leads out of disaster, past all suffering, and away from death. There is no need to find a thousand ways in which forgiveness must be wrong. There is no need to look to anything else for salvation.
The answer to all my problems has been given me. All hope, blessing, and joy that can ever be found on this earth are in these words which reflect Truth. Forgiveness is the Song of Heaven.
The "world" has many illusions where mercy has no meaning and attack appears justified. Yet all illusions are the same: "proof" that I am not God's Son and that I am separated from God. How foolish to believe I can die! That I can be separated from God. My Reality with God remains untouched by thoughts like these. Dreams of any kind are alien to Truth.
Today I practice letting Freedom come to make Its home with me. Truth places these words in my mind that I may find the key to Light, and let the darkness end: my condemnation hurts me; my forgiveness sets me Free.
All suffering hides unforgiving thoughts. Yet there is no form of pain that forgiveness cannot heal. I am God's Son. Perfect. Holy. Innocent. The world and all its strange beliefs can be laid aside with the one illusion that points the way to salvation: forgiveness. As I forgive "others" their trespasses, I will see my own Innocence shining upon me from the Face of Christ (the Sonship healed and Whole).
There is a Silence all around the world. A Stillness replaces the frantic rush of thoughts which make no sense. There is a Tranquil Light dawning across the face of the earth, made quiet in a dreamless sleep. The Word of God alone remains upon the "world," which is a dream in my mind. The "world" will be perceived only an instant longer, then the need for symbols is over. Everything I ever thought I made will completely vanish from the mind that God knows forever to be His Only, Beloved Son.
"My condemnation hurts only me."
Condemn, and I am made a prisoner. Forgive and I am Free. Such is the law that rules perception. Condemnation is impossible in Truth. What seems to be its influence and its effects have not occurred at all. Yet I must deal with them at the level of the dream, and the dream tells me they have occurred. Illusion makes illusion except one: forgiveness. Forgiveness is the illusion that is answer to all the rest.
Forgiveness sweeps all other dreams away, although it is itself a dream, it breeds no others. Forgiveness is where illusion ends. Forgiveness is the end of dreams, because it is a dream of Awakening. Forgiveness is not itself Truth, but only points the way to Truth. It is the only road that leads out of disaster, past all suffering, and away from death. There is no need to find a thousand ways in which forgiveness must be wrong. There is no need to look to anything else for salvation.
The answer to all my problems has been given me. All hope, blessing, and joy that can ever be found on this earth are in these words which reflect Truth. Forgiveness is the Song of Heaven.
The "world" has many illusions where mercy has no meaning and attack appears justified. Yet all illusions are the same: "proof" that I am not God's Son and that I am separated from God. How foolish to believe I can die! That I can be separated from God. My Reality with God remains untouched by thoughts like these. Dreams of any kind are alien to Truth.
Today I practice letting Freedom come to make Its home with me. Truth places these words in my mind that I may find the key to Light, and let the darkness end: my condemnation hurts me; my forgiveness sets me Free.
All suffering hides unforgiving thoughts. Yet there is no form of pain that forgiveness cannot heal. I am God's Son. Perfect. Holy. Innocent. The world and all its strange beliefs can be laid aside with the one illusion that points the way to salvation: forgiveness. As I forgive "others" their trespasses, I will see my own Innocence shining upon me from the Face of Christ (the Sonship healed and Whole).
There is a Silence all around the world. A Stillness replaces the frantic rush of thoughts which make no sense. There is a Tranquil Light dawning across the face of the earth, made quiet in a dreamless sleep. The Word of God alone remains upon the "world," which is a dream in my mind. The "world" will be perceived only an instant longer, then the need for symbols is over. Everything I ever thought I made will completely vanish from the mind that God knows forever to be His Only, Beloved Son.
"My condemnation hurts only me."
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Lesson 197 ~ The Gratitude I offer comes back to me.
There are no "outside forces" pitted against me. There is nothing "outside" me. In the dream-world I make attempts at kindness and forgiveness, yet unless I receive "external" gratitude and lavish thanks, I attack. I expect my "gifts" to be received with honor, or I withdraw them. With efforts like these, my idea of God is that His Gifts are loans at best; at worst, they are deceptions that cause me to lower my defenses, only to leave me stripped of all dignity with death waiting to devour me. My idea of God can only be understood in the context of my own feeble "worldly" thoughts.
How easily are God and guilt confused by the mind which does not understand what its thoughts can do. My thoughts are very Powerful. They have created an alternate "reality." When I deny my Strength (as God's Own Son), weakness becomes "salvation" to me. When I see myself as bound in a body, in a world of chaos, this jail becomes my "home." Unwilling to recognize my Strength, I refuse to leave my prison house. In this state of mind I see "guilt" and "salvation" as one. Salvation only seems available to me in the world of dreams as long as I see myself as "guilty," "bad," and "sinful."
The goal of ACIM is to awaken me from the dream of separation from God.
My own gratitude is all my gifts of kindness and forgiveness require. I need no gratitude or thanks from "anyone else." There is only the One, so any gratitude I offer comes back to me. It does not matter if "another" thinks my gifts are unworthy, there is a part of "his mind" that joins with "my mind" in thanking me......it does not matter if my gifts seem unaccepted and ineffectual, they are received where they are given, and thankfully Acknowledged by the Heart of God Himself. Would I take back my gifts when God Himself has gratefully accepted them?
God blesses every gift I give, because when I "give" I give to the One, which includes God and my Self and all the "selves" that seem to exist. If I take back my gifts of kindness and forgiveness, I will believe that God can take back His Own Gifts to me. So I learn to let forgiveness take away the "sins" I think I see outside myself and I will never again think the Gifts of God are temporary only to be taken away again in "death." With the end of this belief, the illusions of fear and death are no more.
ACIM is helping me to recognize myself as God's Son once again. I was lost in a dream, but now I am found....
I cannot dim the Light of my Perfection. In my own heart is the Heart of God. He holds me dear because I am Himself. All gratitude I give belongs to me, because there is only the One. I will give thanks and be grateful for the words of Truth I have received and for the countless opportunities to "forgive." For in offering forgiveness, it comes back to me and my own mind is healed. I am learning again, to think with the Mind of God ~ my True State of Being....my Reality. I will earn the gratitude I have denied myself by offering it to "others."
"The Gratitude I offer comes back to me."
How easily are God and guilt confused by the mind which does not understand what its thoughts can do. My thoughts are very Powerful. They have created an alternate "reality." When I deny my Strength (as God's Own Son), weakness becomes "salvation" to me. When I see myself as bound in a body, in a world of chaos, this jail becomes my "home." Unwilling to recognize my Strength, I refuse to leave my prison house. In this state of mind I see "guilt" and "salvation" as one. Salvation only seems available to me in the world of dreams as long as I see myself as "guilty," "bad," and "sinful."
The goal of ACIM is to awaken me from the dream of separation from God.
My own gratitude is all my gifts of kindness and forgiveness require. I need no gratitude or thanks from "anyone else." There is only the One, so any gratitude I offer comes back to me. It does not matter if "another" thinks my gifts are unworthy, there is a part of "his mind" that joins with "my mind" in thanking me......it does not matter if my gifts seem unaccepted and ineffectual, they are received where they are given, and thankfully Acknowledged by the Heart of God Himself. Would I take back my gifts when God Himself has gratefully accepted them?
God blesses every gift I give, because when I "give" I give to the One, which includes God and my Self and all the "selves" that seem to exist. If I take back my gifts of kindness and forgiveness, I will believe that God can take back His Own Gifts to me. So I learn to let forgiveness take away the "sins" I think I see outside myself and I will never again think the Gifts of God are temporary only to be taken away again in "death." With the end of this belief, the illusions of fear and death are no more.
ACIM is helping me to recognize myself as God's Son once again. I was lost in a dream, but now I am found....
I cannot dim the Light of my Perfection. In my own heart is the Heart of God. He holds me dear because I am Himself. All gratitude I give belongs to me, because there is only the One. I will give thanks and be grateful for the words of Truth I have received and for the countless opportunities to "forgive." For in offering forgiveness, it comes back to me and my own mind is healed. I am learning again, to think with the Mind of God ~ my True State of Being....my Reality. I will earn the gratitude I have denied myself by offering it to "others."
"The Gratitude I offer comes back to me."
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Lesson 196 ~ It is only myself I crucify.
When this is firmly understood and kept in full Awareness, I will not think thoughts of negativity toward any "others." To attack any other in thought, word, or deed is to attack myself. To dwell on thoughts of envy and jealousy when a co-worker gets the job that should have gone to me, is to keep myself firmly entrenched in the world of madness. There are no "others," there is no "world," and I am not a "body." It is all taking place in my mind, and I am choosing a dream of madness over Sanity. Mind is the only Reality. And because Mind is the only Reality, I am hurting my mind by filling it with negativity and keeping myself from Reality. Heaven is all around and within me, but it is like I am off in my own little corner thinking thoughts of crucifixion and death, and CHOOSING to do so, over and over and over. Heaven is my Reality, yet I choose insanity! Each time I "attack" another, I pound another nail for my own crucifixion...I push another thorn into my own skull.
I am doing this to myself!
The fear of God is real to me when I believe in insanity. It is foolish to fear Peace, Love, Joy, Happiness, Serenity, Wholeness.......but when I choose madness this is exactly what is happening. It is my own thoughts that bring me fear. My deliverance and salvation depends on ME. It is impossible for me to be hurt except by my own thoughts.
ACIM offers Thoughts reflecting Truth. ACIM is a self-study course. It can be studied in a group, but since there is only One of us appearing as "many," when I heal my "individual" mind, I heal "all" minds. Replacing thoughts of madness with Thoughts of Truth, I teach my mind that I am not a "self" in a "body" in a "world" "separated from" Heaven. As my mind heals, this healing will be reflected by the world I seem to see, until I see a "world" no more, and God Awakens me to Reality. I am not separated from Heaven. I only seem to be.
ACIM gives me "daily" thoughts of Truth to lead to my Awakening. Time is an illusion, but ACIM speaks the language of dreams while it interprets for me the Truth of Reality. Reality needs to be interpreted for me because I believe in dreams. It is not "time" I need to achieve salvation, but willingness. For what would seem to require a "thousand years" can easily be done in just "one instant".....by the Grace of God. "Time" has no meaning in Heaven. The only thing that comes close to Eternity in the dream, is the time of "now" ~ the present.
A world of madness is what I experience. Until I change my mind about what I desire ~ Heaven or insanity ~ there is no hope. Yet I have the ability to change my mind. It is as simple as replacing thoughts of madness with Thoughts of Truth. Thoughts of impatience with Thoughts of Truth. Thoughts of anxiety with Thoughts of Truth. Thoughts of resentment with Thoughts of Truth. Over and over and over, until Truth is all I remember.
Heaven is all around and within me, yet I choose dreams of murder, madness, and death. It is as easy as changing my thoughts, and salvation is mine. I call on God to save me from illusions by His Love. He is my Father and I am His Son. There is no Thought of God that does not go with me in my journey to Love. When I let illusions go, there are no obstacles that remain between me and the Holy Peace of God. I am One with God and He is One with me. It is only in the dream that I seem to be apart from Him, in a world of chaos and insanity.
It is only myself I crucify. Yet my redemption, too, will come from me. The "world" can have a new function for me. Instead of "proving" to me that I am "separated from" Oneness and "apart from" God, I will let the world show me my salvation. I change the world by changing my mind about the world. The world reflects my state of mind. When my mind heals the world heals, until the world is no more.
"It is only myself I crucify."
I am doing this to myself!
The fear of God is real to me when I believe in insanity. It is foolish to fear Peace, Love, Joy, Happiness, Serenity, Wholeness.......but when I choose madness this is exactly what is happening. It is my own thoughts that bring me fear. My deliverance and salvation depends on ME. It is impossible for me to be hurt except by my own thoughts.
ACIM offers Thoughts reflecting Truth. ACIM is a self-study course. It can be studied in a group, but since there is only One of us appearing as "many," when I heal my "individual" mind, I heal "all" minds. Replacing thoughts of madness with Thoughts of Truth, I teach my mind that I am not a "self" in a "body" in a "world" "separated from" Heaven. As my mind heals, this healing will be reflected by the world I seem to see, until I see a "world" no more, and God Awakens me to Reality. I am not separated from Heaven. I only seem to be.
ACIM gives me "daily" thoughts of Truth to lead to my Awakening. Time is an illusion, but ACIM speaks the language of dreams while it interprets for me the Truth of Reality. Reality needs to be interpreted for me because I believe in dreams. It is not "time" I need to achieve salvation, but willingness. For what would seem to require a "thousand years" can easily be done in just "one instant".....by the Grace of God. "Time" has no meaning in Heaven. The only thing that comes close to Eternity in the dream, is the time of "now" ~ the present.
A world of madness is what I experience. Until I change my mind about what I desire ~ Heaven or insanity ~ there is no hope. Yet I have the ability to change my mind. It is as simple as replacing thoughts of madness with Thoughts of Truth. Thoughts of impatience with Thoughts of Truth. Thoughts of anxiety with Thoughts of Truth. Thoughts of resentment with Thoughts of Truth. Over and over and over, until Truth is all I remember.
Heaven is all around and within me, yet I choose dreams of murder, madness, and death. It is as easy as changing my thoughts, and salvation is mine. I call on God to save me from illusions by His Love. He is my Father and I am His Son. There is no Thought of God that does not go with me in my journey to Love. When I let illusions go, there are no obstacles that remain between me and the Holy Peace of God. I am One with God and He is One with me. It is only in the dream that I seem to be apart from Him, in a world of chaos and insanity.
It is only myself I crucify. Yet my redemption, too, will come from me. The "world" can have a new function for me. Instead of "proving" to me that I am "separated from" Oneness and "apart from" God, I will let the world show me my salvation. I change the world by changing my mind about the world. The world reflects my state of mind. When my mind heals the world heals, until the world is no more.
"It is only myself I crucify."
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Lesson 195 ~ I walk The Way of Love, with gratitude.
Gratitude is a hard lesson to learn when I look upon a troubled world. In the dream-world I compare myself to others. I see myself as better than some, not as good as others. I feel grateful than I am not suffering as others, that I was not born with a cleft palate, nor am quadriplegic like Christopher Reeve, poor like some, or unschooled and ignorant like others. I do not have to prostitute myself for drugs or money. I do not have to beg or forage for my daily food. Yet how pitiful and sad are such thoughts! How can I have cause for thanks when many seem to have no cause for thanks? How could I possibly suffer less when I see anyone suffering at all? None of this is my Reality! This is the world of dreams....the fantasy of "me" living in a "world" separated from my Father. This seems to be my existence "apart from" Heaven.
My brother seems to be my enemy because I see in him the rival for my peace; he gets the position that should have gone to me; she marries the man who should have been mine; he has the bigger house; she makes more money than I; he gets more respect from co-workers; she is much more beautiful; he has a charismatic personality. Now vengeance is the only thing to wish for.
Gratitude makes no sense in a world of suffering. It is insane to offer thanks for suffering, but it is equally insane not to offer gratitude for learning that it is all a dream. I am grateful to my Father for creating my Changeless Reality. I am grateful to learn that all sorrow, suffering, and separation has been just a dream. I am grateful to learn that I am Safe in Heaven with my Father, dreaming. It was all a dream of exile to a sad and strange world.
Love makes no comparisons. There are no bargains and no comparisons in the name of Love. I am separate from no Living, Eternal thing. I am One with God. Hatred is forgotten when I lay comparisons aside. Today I will replace anger, malice, jealousy, envy, and revenge with gratitude. My gratitude paves the way to God. My only gratitude is for learning that this is all a dream.
"I walk The Way of Love, with gratitude."
My brother seems to be my enemy because I see in him the rival for my peace; he gets the position that should have gone to me; she marries the man who should have been mine; he has the bigger house; she makes more money than I; he gets more respect from co-workers; she is much more beautiful; he has a charismatic personality. Now vengeance is the only thing to wish for.
Gratitude makes no sense in a world of suffering. It is insane to offer thanks for suffering, but it is equally insane not to offer gratitude for learning that it is all a dream. I am grateful to my Father for creating my Changeless Reality. I am grateful to learn that all sorrow, suffering, and separation has been just a dream. I am grateful to learn that I am Safe in Heaven with my Father, dreaming. It was all a dream of exile to a sad and strange world.
Love makes no comparisons. There are no bargains and no comparisons in the name of Love. I am separate from no Living, Eternal thing. I am One with God. Hatred is forgotten when I lay comparisons aside. Today I will replace anger, malice, jealousy, envy, and revenge with gratitude. My gratitude paves the way to God. My only gratitude is for learning that this is all a dream.
"I walk The Way of Love, with gratitude."
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Lesson 194 ~ I place the future in God's Hands.
Today is my Independence Day. I am Free from the "world" and all I thought it was. I am Free to see my salvation in the world instead of using the world as a means to "separate" myself from God. I am Free to choose Love and Peace over sin and guilt. I am Free to choose Life over death.
Today's idea takes a giant stride toward quick salvation, setting me down just short of Heaven. My foot has reached the lawns that welcome me to Heaven's Gate. How short is the remaining journey.
When I accept today's idea, I have saved "years" of anxiety, depression, and thoughts of sin and devastation brought about by guilt. When I accept today's idea, I release my mind from the heavy chains that locked the door to Freedom. I am saved, and my salvation becomes the gift I give the world, until I see the world no more. Each instant given to God in passing, with the next one given Him already, is a time of release from sadness, pain, and death itself.
There is no "past," there is no "future," there is only the Eternal Now. Yet in the world of dreams, the progression of "time" still seems real. I am asked to give the past to God to heal and make pure, and place the future in His Hands. My experience of doing this will show me that the past will punish me no more and the future I dread is meaningless.
I will see the lesson for today as the deliverance it really is and I will not hesitate to give it as much consistent effort as I can. I will let it become the thought that rules my mind, a new habit in my problem-solving repertoire and a way of quick reaction to thoughts that bring me down. And I will extend my learning to the "world," I see until I see the world no more.
When I give my future to the Loving Hands of God I no longer need to worry. There is nothing to suffer or fear. Nothing can cause me pain or loss. I have only Love to offer. I have escaped all guilt of the past, all fear of the future and have found my way to present Peace. My perception may be faulty, but I will always have words of Truth to correct me. And when I have been deceived, I am Free to choose again. When I make mistakes, I am Free to change my mind and choose differently.
I will place my future in the Hands of God. I call on the Memory of Him to come and replace all my thoughts of "sin" and "evil" with the Truth of Love. As my mind heals, the "world" heals with me, and this healing will be reflected back to me from the world. When my mind is fully healed, God Himself will fully Awaken me and I see the world of dreams no more.
In God's Hands I rest untroubled, sure that only Good can come to me. If I forget, I will be Gently reassured. If I accept an unforgiving thought, I can replace it with Love's Reflection. If I am tempted to attack ~ in thought, word or deed ~ I will appeal to Him Who guards my rest to make the choice for me that leaves temptation behind.
The "world" is no longer my enemy. I have chosen that it be my friend and show me my salvation.
"I place the future in God's Hands."
Today's idea takes a giant stride toward quick salvation, setting me down just short of Heaven. My foot has reached the lawns that welcome me to Heaven's Gate. How short is the remaining journey.
When I accept today's idea, I have saved "years" of anxiety, depression, and thoughts of sin and devastation brought about by guilt. When I accept today's idea, I release my mind from the heavy chains that locked the door to Freedom. I am saved, and my salvation becomes the gift I give the world, until I see the world no more. Each instant given to God in passing, with the next one given Him already, is a time of release from sadness, pain, and death itself.
There is no "past," there is no "future," there is only the Eternal Now. Yet in the world of dreams, the progression of "time" still seems real. I am asked to give the past to God to heal and make pure, and place the future in His Hands. My experience of doing this will show me that the past will punish me no more and the future I dread is meaningless.
I will see the lesson for today as the deliverance it really is and I will not hesitate to give it as much consistent effort as I can. I will let it become the thought that rules my mind, a new habit in my problem-solving repertoire and a way of quick reaction to thoughts that bring me down. And I will extend my learning to the "world," I see until I see the world no more.
When I give my future to the Loving Hands of God I no longer need to worry. There is nothing to suffer or fear. Nothing can cause me pain or loss. I have only Love to offer. I have escaped all guilt of the past, all fear of the future and have found my way to present Peace. My perception may be faulty, but I will always have words of Truth to correct me. And when I have been deceived, I am Free to choose again. When I make mistakes, I am Free to change my mind and choose differently.
I will place my future in the Hands of God. I call on the Memory of Him to come and replace all my thoughts of "sin" and "evil" with the Truth of Love. As my mind heals, the "world" heals with me, and this healing will be reflected back to me from the world. When my mind is fully healed, God Himself will fully Awaken me and I see the world of dreams no more.
In God's Hands I rest untroubled, sure that only Good can come to me. If I forget, I will be Gently reassured. If I accept an unforgiving thought, I can replace it with Love's Reflection. If I am tempted to attack ~ in thought, word or deed ~ I will appeal to Him Who guards my rest to make the choice for me that leaves temptation behind.
The "world" is no longer my enemy. I have chosen that it be my friend and show me my salvation.
"I place the future in God's Hands."
Monday, July 1, 2013
Lesson 193 ~ Forgive, and I will see this differently
God's Will is for His Son's Happiness to be Undisturbed and Eternally Expanding in the Joy of Full Creation. God does not know of "learning." "Learning" is part of the dream, but God uses the dream for His Own Purposes, and He will use "learning" to Awaken me to Reality.
God sees no contradictions nor opposites. Yet I believe I see them, thus my vision needs correction. "Perception" is the "vision" of dreams. God's World is Pure Knowing and He does not "perceive" at all, though He gives the means by which perception is made True and Beautiful enough to let the Light of Heaven illuminate my dreams. The lessons in ACIM reflect God's Will and the Loving Kindness extended to the Son He loves. Each lesson has the same fundamental content, which is: Forgive, and I will see this differently.
All distress is only unforgiveness. Unforgiveness is the content under the form, no matter what form the problem seems to take. I cannot hide forever from a Truth so obvious that It appears in countless forms, even in my dreams. One is as easily recognized as another if I Truly want to see the simple lesson that is present. Forgive, and I will see this differently.
In all my sorrow and sadness, in all my pain and suffering, regardless of its form, these are the words God speaks to me. These are the words which end temptation and guilt. These are the words which end the dream of sin and rid my mind of fear. These are the words by which salvation comes to my mind. Forgive, and I will see this differently.
When I am tempted to believe that pain is real and death becomes my choice instead of Life, I will remember to repeat these words. I will say these words and understand their power to release my mind from bondage. These are words which give me Power over all the events that seem to have power over me. I will hold these words in full Awareness, not forgetting they apply to everyone and everything I see. Forgive, and I will see this differently.
God does not want me to suffer. He wants to help me forgive myself for thinking I created an existence "apart from" Him. He would not leave an unforgiving thought without correction. He would not allow one thorn or nail to hurt His Holy Son in any way. God Wills His Son be Free.
I will attempt to overcome a thousand seeming obstacles to Peace today. I will let mercy come to me more quickly. There is no need to wait another day, another minute or another second. The only use for "time" is forgiveness. I will give all my concerns to Him Who Knows the way. Truth is God's Message.
To every concern, care, or form of suffering, I will repeat these words. My "return" to Heaven does not come from "death," but from the Awakening of my mind to Life. I am in Heaven right now, though dreaming a dream of exile. I will forgive, Awaken, and be Home.
"Forgive, and I will see this differently"
God sees no contradictions nor opposites. Yet I believe I see them, thus my vision needs correction. "Perception" is the "vision" of dreams. God's World is Pure Knowing and He does not "perceive" at all, though He gives the means by which perception is made True and Beautiful enough to let the Light of Heaven illuminate my dreams. The lessons in ACIM reflect God's Will and the Loving Kindness extended to the Son He loves. Each lesson has the same fundamental content, which is: Forgive, and I will see this differently.
All distress is only unforgiveness. Unforgiveness is the content under the form, no matter what form the problem seems to take. I cannot hide forever from a Truth so obvious that It appears in countless forms, even in my dreams. One is as easily recognized as another if I Truly want to see the simple lesson that is present. Forgive, and I will see this differently.
In all my sorrow and sadness, in all my pain and suffering, regardless of its form, these are the words God speaks to me. These are the words which end temptation and guilt. These are the words which end the dream of sin and rid my mind of fear. These are the words by which salvation comes to my mind. Forgive, and I will see this differently.
When I am tempted to believe that pain is real and death becomes my choice instead of Life, I will remember to repeat these words. I will say these words and understand their power to release my mind from bondage. These are words which give me Power over all the events that seem to have power over me. I will hold these words in full Awareness, not forgetting they apply to everyone and everything I see. Forgive, and I will see this differently.
God does not want me to suffer. He wants to help me forgive myself for thinking I created an existence "apart from" Him. He would not leave an unforgiving thought without correction. He would not allow one thorn or nail to hurt His Holy Son in any way. God Wills His Son be Free.
I will attempt to overcome a thousand seeming obstacles to Peace today. I will let mercy come to me more quickly. There is no need to wait another day, another minute or another second. The only use for "time" is forgiveness. I will give all my concerns to Him Who Knows the way. Truth is God's Message.
To every concern, care, or form of suffering, I will repeat these words. My "return" to Heaven does not come from "death," but from the Awakening of my mind to Life. I am in Heaven right now, though dreaming a dream of exile. I will forgive, Awaken, and be Home.
"Forgive, and I will see this differently"
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