Controversy swirls around the effectiveness of prayer. Scientists reject it, and even Jesus confronted its limits in Gethsemane. ("Father, take this cup from me" with the implied rebuke leading to "Not my will, but yours be done.") Those of us less enlightened often find ourselves disappointed by the response to our prayers. To guide our … Continue reading Praying Well
Author: Brian Balke
I grieve whenever I encounter a Christian agonizing over political conflict. A relatively enlightened perspective is offered by Kathleen Bonette, who testifies regarding her discomfort with Trumpism (see below). I agree with her, but yet, I grieve. I grieve not over political differences, but because authors are failing to grasp the enormous patience of Unconditional … Continue reading Only God Will Serve
Astrological coincidences (solstice, half-moon waxing to full during this Christmas week, and the convergence of Jupiter and Saturn) prompted the writing of this last night, in the middle of the return trip from Humboldt County, were I walked amid the old growth forest at the Headwaters Reserve. Esteemed Mistress, and cherished – As the sun … Continue reading Ode to the Moon
God’s purpose is to heal reality from separation from love. Here on Earth, Humanity is the means for that healing. As evident in every chapter of the Bible, we are flawed instruments. Powerful urges drive us to renounce love, putting ourselves first. We celebrate Jesus’ victory over Death because He showed that great rewards follow … Continue reading The Solution, Finally
In Revelation 5, as the angels mourn their isolation from Unconditional Love (which is the Most High), a scroll is revealed “with writing on both sides.” That detail may seem incidental, but remember what Adam is told in Eden: do not eat from the tree in the middle of the Garden, which is the Tree … Continue reading Breaking the Martyr’s Chains