The people we admire possess a stability of character that communicates a sense of steadiness and poise. We turn to them naturally for assistance or guidance. Where does this balanced outlook come from? They would most likely say it comes from their consistent reliance on God to direct their decisions, rather than human opinion. Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, the textbook of Christian Science, has this interesting passage, “Take away wealth, fame, and social organizations, which weigh not one jot in the balance of God, and we get clearer views of Principle.” (SH 239:5-7) The Reading Room challenges us to look for those “clearer views of Principle,” which will give our lives both balance and purpose.…

War and peace are opposing states. These contradictory ideas are continually in play in society’s search for stability and balance. We see this in the constant tension of those who serve in any form of community service that involves enforcing peace. Police officers are charged “to protect and serve,” but sometimes are forced to meet aggression with aggression. Soldiers face trauma and injury in their role to defend their country. These honorable people, dedicating their lives to face danger on behalf of others, deserve our full support. Psalm 91 provides a message of safety for the individual in a warlike situation. Join the Reading Room in prayer regarding the subject of war.…

An archaic definition of confusion is “to bring to ruin.” This apt description of confusion alerts us to its true motive – to hobble our experience and stop our progress. Confusion would rob us of our confidence, causing us to waver at crucial moments. Instead, anchor thought to the rock of Truth, and you will find the way clear to fulfill your God given purpose. Demonstrating our divinely bestowed right to clarity of thought and action is our privilege this month. The Reading Room thanks you for your prayerful attention to this topic.…

“…ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32) This profound statement touches every part of our lives. When we know what is true, lies cannot fool us. When we know our true wholeness, our health becomes more harmonious. When we know our genuine identity as God’s child, we find the fulfillment of the hymn’s promise, “..My path in life is free. My Father has my treasure, and He will walk with me.” (Hymn 148) We have the joyful opportunity to start 2024 knowing our true freedom.…

Repentance is the change we experience when we clearly see that our behavior or habits of thinking is limiting our life and sometimes is actually harmful. To clearly see sin for what it is can be a jarring experience, but from this realization comes the strength to move forward with purer convictions. Those touched by Christ Jesus’ healing and teaching surely felt a shift of thought as they turned from sin and turned toward the promise of spiritual satisfaction gained from right thinking and acting. We too, can experience this purifying process as we explore the meaning of repentance this month.…

The word authority simultaneously calls to mind responsibility. One cannot exercise authority irresponsibly, as it then ceases to be authority and is simply arbitrary power. When we turn to God in prayer, we can be certain that He responds to His child, providing protection and care. Gracious is the Lord, and righteous, yea our God is merciful, says the Psalmist. Ps. 119:5 As we become conscious of this principled, loving influence working on our behalf, we see our own lives reflecting this divine authority in our daily contacts. The opportunity to experience and exercise divine authority is our prayerful topic for us from the Reading Room.…

There is a traditional truism, “if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.” In hindsight, many victims of trickery recognize the tempting results offered to them if they would invest time and money in a questionable endeavor. Jesus’ admonition to his disciples comes to mind, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” (Matt. 10:16) We are to meet the world with the wisdom that discerns a lie, as well as the spiritual dominion that renders the lie ineffectual. The Reading Room has given us the topic of protecting ourselves and others from any fraudulent suggestion.…

We value the noble men and women we find in the Bible for pursuing their God-given missions despite the challenges they faced. Their characters were tempered by humility, hard won conviction, and courage, made possible by spiritual resilience – the ability to respond to adversity with dominion and stand with authority, following God’s direction. For September, The Reading Room suggests we take a favorite person from the Bible and identify how the Christly qualities in his or her character illustrate resilience.…

At times, one can feel discouraged at the apparent fragmentation of society, seen in incivility, impatience, selfishness. This sense of division and disunity can be addressed through the united prayers of devoted spiritually minded people. A hymn from the Christian Science Hymnal says, “Let all that now divides us, remove and pass away… Let all that now unites us, more sweet and lasting prove, a closer bond of union, in a blest land of Love.” (Christian Science Hymnal, #196) Affirming that all of us are children of the one God will bring into view our common goals and desires, ushering in peaceful progress. The Reading Room gives us the important task of establishing unity in our daily rounds for our prayerful focus for August.…

When Jesus spoke, people listened. The book of Luke describes this, “And they were astonished at this doctrine, for his word was with power.” (Luke 4:32) The New International Version of the Bible says, “They were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority.” True power has divine authority, it possesses legitimacy by its moral basis. It advocates for justice and undergirds society with honorable intent that brings about stability. Let us spend July identifying the right use of power to benefit our fellowman. The Reading Room thanks you.…