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CHAPTER 1
The Power of Knowing
"... Know the truth and the truth shall set you free."
John 8:32 NIV
Annie:
Knowing, for me, is proving by application or activity that which I believe. Knowing is also having complete confidence in the InVisible without validation from others.
I am often reminded of the powerful statement in John 8:32. I understand this to mean that I will be free to make the right decision because now I have the tool, the courage, and the confidence to deal with whatever issue or concern I have now.
Knowing, then, is experiencing. Our words often fall on deaf ears when we try to console another who is grief stricken by the death of a child or a parent by saying: "I know what you are going through" when, in fact, we have not yet experienced what they are experiencing. We can only imagine how we would feel, especially if we are childless.
Something deep within us knows everything; however, in our conscious state we do not know that we know until and unless we ask the Infinite Indwelling Presence that which we desire to know.
Years ago, I needed to do a certain job on the computer at a time when there were very few software programs that could accomplish what was to be done. However, I knew that what I wanted to do was possible (for with God, nothing is impossible). I had programming knowledge, but not for the specific task. I consulted with learned colleagues who also did not know how to accomplish the task.
Yet, at the very core of my being I knew that the activity was possible and that I could do it. So confident was I that I went to bed with the conscious awareness that upon awakening I would know exactly what to do. I don't remember dreaming of the solution — all I know is that when I awoke the next morning I knew exactly how to write the program. It took six hours of dedicated pursuit, which when finished, worked perfectly the first time.
I am reminded of Thomas Alva Edison, who knew that he could produce an incandescent light bulb and, though he experimented time after time without success, remained persistent. Something within him, "the knower" urged him on until he succeeded.
Bill:
The divine Spirit that is part of each of us knows all. This knowing is not based on any doubt. It is absolute, pure truth. Each day when you awaken it is a reminder that you can know God is always with you.
The difference between a belief and knowing is not having any doubt. Some may believe Jesus loves them, yet they have doubt at times if this is possible. The person who goes within and can connect to the Universal Source, the energy of God that each of us have, experiences the bliss of knowing they are a part of God.
Knowing is a wonderful gift I am grateful for knowing. I take time each day to go within and just relax for a few moments to calm my physical body and recharge my spiritual side.
Many times, at work you might hear someone try to gossip about a co-worker. They will start by saying: "Did you know ...?" about someone. My response is always simple: "I do not know that." This simple response generally stops the conversation and prevents my energy from being pulled into gossip. In this example the other person may believe something to be true about someone, but their ego wants to gather others on their side.
A good teacher of mine used to challenge me when I would say that I know I am part of God. She would ask do you truly feel you are part of God? Or do you just believe it? If you only believe you are part of the Holy Spirit you will still have doubts. Once you cross over in consciousness to knowing you are, then you will see God's love in everything without any doubt.
Knowing is an energy that is a perfect, whole, and complete place within everyone. Knowing allows you to connect to the one Mind of God. If each person took 10% of the time daily that they dedicate to busyness, e.g., watching T.V., and spent this time in quiet meditation, the whole consciousness of mankind would be raised to a higher positive level of Peace, Love, and Joy.
To eliminate doubt, make a choice to connect with God within you. By quieting the mind and going within even for just a few moments, you will understand the feeling for yourself of being connected in Spirit to your divine self. This is a personal journey. It is unnecessary to convince others, but just simply observe how you have changed and what you attract into your life knowing you are one with the Holy Spirit. It's amazing how quickly your life will change.
I choose not to announce I am a spiritual being. I know I am, and the energy I focus on from Source can do anything. I live my life by example so if others ask, "Why are you calm, stress-free, and at peace with all the chaos going on at work or home?", I can then tell them my story and know that when they are ready, they will seek their own spiritual path.
I am energy I am Light I am one with God I know that God is everything and everywhere.
CHAPTER 2
The Power of Belief
Our InVisible World
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists...."
Hebrews 11:6 NIV
Annie:
Belief comes from an awareness deep within me that resonates with what is truth. It is extremely hard to explain how and why I immediately believe or not believe. Something within me urges me to accept or deny.
Perhaps the Power of Belief is the same as the power of intuition when I hear that small, quiet voice (or nudging) within to act now. There have been many instances when I felt strongly to move in a direction without any visible proof that it would be the correct thing to do – however, it always turned out to be so.
Long before cell phones were popular, I relocated to southern California. While driving late at night I exited the freeway at the wrong place and ended up in a dark parking area of a warehouse complex. However, I had a sincere belief that I was guided and protected. This included a belief that I would not experience any vehicular problems. I absolutely knew that I was safe and would continue to be so.
I maneuvered my back to the freeway, accessed the proper direction, and continued to the exit that led me home.
Another instance of this awesome Power of Belief was when I was informed that I needed major surgery. I was unafraid. I sincerely believed that the surgery would be successful. However, several weeks prior to the scheduled surgery, I experienced what I thought was a heart condition. My internist examined me thoroughly, including an electric cardiogram, which proved that my heart was healthy. What I experienced was an extreme episode of acid reflex. My physician prescribed several remedies which cleared up the symptoms. Again, I believed that all was well.
I went forth with the surgery with a strong belief that all was well, and that I need not worry about the outcome because I was always in the heart and care of God. And, of course, surgery and recuperation went as planned.
The Power of Belief is that which allows me to accomplish that which I am to do — all the time.
I often ask myself again and again, "Just what is this belief that is at the very core and essence of my being?" The response is always the same: "There is a power and a presence that is present everywhere which created me; which provides for me and sustains me; which guides me and gently reminds me when to take a different path, and which always accepts me just as I am."
I believe in the goodness of my fellow beings, that all are desirous of the same things I yearn for — joy, peace, love, and a sense of well-being. I believe that we are born into families so that we will know that we "belong" as well as having others to care for and about.
Bill:
We all have different belief systems that we operate by. Our beliefs are learned from our individual life lessons. Some of these beliefs are in place to protect us. Others are the beliefs passed to us from our surroundings, our parents, our teachers, our friends, or even the television shows we watched growing up.
I was raised in an interfaith home. My mother was Pentecostal. From the age of two, my Jewish stepfather helped raise me. My mother believed in Jesus Christ and made sure I attended Sunday School every week. My stepfather, being Jewish, demonstrated how he lived based on his faiths and beliefs.
It was a huge lesson in life watching and observing, over the years, the tolerance showed by my mom's family when discussing religion with my step-father. Both sides agreed to allow the other to have their beliefs without trying to force someone to convert to their belief system and religion.
I am aligned with Spirit I am an observer in the physical world.
Belief is something that is learned and can be changed. We must allow ourselves to grow in knowledge based on the spiritual paths each of us are on as individual expressions of the divine. The right teachers or lessons will be given to us as we need them on this lifetime journey.
As a child, I was taught to believe that God will handle everything. As I grew and asked questions, I also learned that God, Holy Spirit, the I AM within each of us is the power we use to create our own worlds. Our thoughts and the words we choose have power in them.
Evolution of the soul is to understand your true relationship to God. There are stages we all go through as we learn and build our belief system. Since beliefs are influenced by our environment, we need to take time to reflect: "Does this particular belief still serve the highest good of all concerned? Is it time to let go of one belief to make room for new beliefs that will enable us to move farther along our spiritual paths?"
Ask yourself what beliefs still serve you and which ones you need to change.
I am connected to Holy Spirit.
CHAPTER 3
The Power of Courage
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:9 NIV
Annie:
Whenever I face an issue that seems to overwhelm me, I am reminded that the Infinite Loving Presence of God is right where I am. The Old Testament passages cited at the start of this chapter remind me that I have the strength needed to move through any situation.
The Power of Courage will take us through all the places that we fear.
A colleague of mine who was recuperating from a serious illness wanted to perform tasks that would jeopardize her recovery. She was feeling good, became restless, and did not want to stay in bed. However, a very wise person informed her that it took courage to do nothing.
The Power of Courage allows us to not only speak out when we witness injustices but also to work towards a solution for the highest and best good of all involved. That well-spring of courage at the very core of our being continuously provides the stamina needed to be fearless when confronted with a seemingly dangerous situation.
Courage and faith go hand in hand. Remember: God is always, and in all ways, supplying what is needed, when needed. God supplies the courage to do what we are called to do. All we need do is to stop our fear-filled thoughts and remember again that with God, all that all that is needed to accomplish the task at hand is possible, NOW!
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear.
Bill:
The Power of Courage is to face the unknown and have no fear. When you come from a place of Spirit within you of love, peace, and joy, you can do anything. You are presented with opportunities to show your courage in many ways.
As an example, you may be asked to speak in front of a group of people. By first calming yourself and knowing you are planting seeds that will help others, you can speak to any size group.
When you speak to a small group, you gain confidence to speak to a larger group. Very few great public speakers started by talking in front of an audience with l,000 people. They practiced as they connected to the courage each of us has within to succeed.
Letting go of self-judgement allows you to realize you are an instrument of God passing on information that will help others. When you connect to the service energy of the Holy Spirit, you can and will amaze yourself and inspire your audience. Courage is also the ability to listen to others to understand what is being said — not interrupting or listening to just provide an answer. When you are an active listener, you learn more. When you are a speaker, you can show courage by calling out others and by challenging them to listen.
Courage starts by believing in yourself and knowing the soul level we are all love. We are all created in the image and likeness of God. When you radiate the inner splendor of Love, everyone you come into contact will and feel your energy calming them.
As a child you are given the opportunity to stand up and help a friend who may need your assistance. As an adult you have new lessons and will still be presented opportunities to show courage by doing what is right for your family and friends. Most of all, you can demonstrate courage by doing what is right for you.
I am strong and powerful I am bold I am a good listener I am Love, Loving, and Lovable I am peace I am Joy I am Inner Splendor I am endless possibilities I am connected to all I am inspired to do what is right I am vocal I am sharing my thoughts to help others I am more than just my physical Me
I start each day by being grateful, allowing my mind, body, and spirit to be consciously connected with Divine guidance, = knowing I have the courage to accomplish anything. As a result, nothing can stand in my way except my own fears. So, I remind myself that I have my own self-approval, and that I am divinely guided to shine my light and to help others.
CHAPTER 4
The Power of Forgiving
"Then Peter came and said to Him, "Lord, many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you not seven times, but seventy times seven.
Matthew 18:21-22 NIV
"Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us ..."
Luke 11:4 NIV
Annie:
How many times are we to forgive one that trespasses against us? According to Matthew 18:21-22, seventy times seven. Wow! Four hundred and ninety times — or, as many times as necessary. In my lifetime there is someone that I have forgiven at least these many times. "Who?" you might ask. Me! Why me? Because I continuously trespass or do that which I ought not.
My most recent revelation on the Power of Forgiveness came when I was practicing what I would say to a dear woman who had entrusted me with a prized possession that I inadvertently mutilated. It became very clear that I was planning to ask her to forgive me even though I had not forgiven myself.
The more I prayed for forgiveness from her and from God, the more I felt troubled. I confessed my wrong doing with my daughter and then with several others but had not yet the courage to approach the one whom I had let down. She was unaware of what I had done.
Then, as I prayed, I was gifted by the grace of God to first forgive myself — that looming plank in my own awareness — before approaching another to ask forgiveness.
The words in the Lord's Prayer: "Forgive us our trespasses" had not been accepted by me. And then I realized that I was expecting another to forgive me when I was unwilling to do the same. I then began to forgive myself and soon felt worthy enough to ask another to do the same. Needless to say, when I confessed to the person involved, she immediately forgave me.
Out of ignorance there have been many times when I felt guilty of doing something for which I did not have the power to do. For years I carried around a guilt thinking that I had the power over another's life which only God had. When I realized this, I was able to forgive myself for thinking that I was in charge of anyone other than myself.
Bill:
Being able to forgive and let go of the past is a very freeing feeling. By forgiving others, you allow yourself to move forward without carrying any negative feelings.
Many of us hold on to blame and shame for decisions we made when we were younger. One of the first things you can do to improve your life is to forgive yourself. If you had a failed relationship, a family member you argued with, or a job from which you were fired, remember that the past is the past. You must live fully in the present moment to move forward on your spiritual path.
(Continues…)
Excerpted from "Our Invisible World"
by .
Copyright © 2018 Bill Anderson and Annie P. Clark.
Excerpted by permission of Balboa Press.
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