THIS DAY CHOOSE THOU - Outline
I Introduction
II The Wisdom of Choice Shows Growth
Physical, mental, spiritual
III Choice is Determined Through Exercise of Will
IV Life is Determined Through the Elements of Choice
a. Selfishness (personal glory), possessions
b. Self-aggrandizement (power)
c. Self-promotion (gain in wealth, advancement, etc.)
or:
a. Selflessness
b. Humility
c. Love
V Now is the Acceptable Time
1. Procrastination builds karma
2. The worlds needs, now men who are unafraid
3. The field is ready
VI By Their Fruits Ye Shall Know Them
1. temptation or test, succumbs to
2. Baal or God, The ideal
3. Works, good
VII Conclusion
On what has our nation been built?
On what does our individual destiny depend?
Joshua's promises and prophesies
On what must the world still depend?
(a) Promises of blessings, (b) prophecies of destruction?
[GD's note: After Edgar Cayce died, Esther Wynne wanted the
the Group #1 to continue forming lessons to make up SFG Book
III. We meditated and submitted titles and drew out of the
the hat THIS DAY CHOOSES THOU, which happened to be title
submitted by Hugh Lynn. Eventually the group "gave up"
attempting to "do" Book III.]
I INTRODUCTION - As perhaps never before in history man is
being called to "stand forth and be counted", on the side of
creativity or destruction. The average person does not
always realize that choices made daily, almost moment by
moment, are part of this ever present responsibility to
"choose you this day whom you will serve." (Josh. 24:15)
The thought which places another individual before self, the
small denial of some physical desire which unfits a person
for better service, the magnification of a good quality seen
in another person, all of these are little choices but very
important in relating self to the positive rather than the
negative side of life in the earth.
It is the will, a divine heritage, which must be exercised
daily. The pattern of the mind may be destructive. The will
must oppose this pattern and hold to ideals and purposes.
For example, in times of war men are trained for fighting.
Fear and hate are magnified until it becomes natural to think
and speak and act destructively towards one's fellow men.
Only the will can turn a life from such a path. Even when
the time of war has passed, men will continue to enjoy
excitement of argument, contention, fear and hate in the
daily patterns of their lives. Only careful self observation
and thoughtful weighing of positive and negative function in
even the smallest decisions will bring balance.
Only through recognizing himself as a co-creator with God can
man begin to sense the importance of his choice.
"THIS DAY CHOOSE THOU"
II CHOICE SHOWS GROWTH - Physical, mental spiritual - We
learn through the choices that we make when they are selfish
or for the purpose of self-glory they lead us into many
bypaths of frustration which bring to our consciousness
doubts and turmoil. How great a price we pay! When our
choices are selfless, with no ulterior motive other than to
bring a blessing to others, how far-reaching is our spiritual
growth!
1575-1: "There is constantly before us, day by day, good and
evil, life and death. And the choice is to be made by self.
Good and life represent creative forces, evil and death
represent selfish motives, selfish desires, a lack of
incentive for creative influences."
529-1: "If the basis of mental reaction to any soul or body
is founded in those things that have their inception and are
grounded in other than spiritual things, that builded in the
physical experience must become contention, strife,
worriment, and those things that make many souls afraid. But
if those forces and influences are to be used rather as a
development for the soul, the birthright of every individual
into those forces that make and build that which will bring -
FROM the fruits of the spirit - those experiences in the
lives of such souls that are hopeful, helpful, THEN there
will come peace and harmony.
"Do not just sit still and wait! Do something about self and
self's abilities to make for greater mental and physical
reactions, about those things that are to be met in the
experience - at this time!"
"Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only" was not given
of old as a trite saying, but then, as now, it is an
expression showing the result of choice. Activity is found
only in a purposeful life, either for good or the opposite.
As what we think we become, just so that which we choose to
be we express through our activities. We cannot hide behind,
"I didn't know", for knowledge of all things is deeply seated
in the subconscious of all and only needs the proper stimulus
to arouse it to activity.
As we speak we tell the world what we have thought for ages.
Therefore, until we would choose wisely, let our "yeas be
yeas, and our nays be nays." In little words are hidden
thoughts that could wreck an empire, or when rightly used
save one from destruction, even souls made in the image of
God.
Our choice shows growth, mentally, physically, spiritually.
"The law of One was manifested in the man Jesus and is
signified in the Christ Consciousness. (Get the
difference.)" [
1010-12]
"This day I have set before you good and evil. Choose thou
whom thy people, thy mind, thy body will serve. Present thy
body a living sacrifice which is a reasonable service.
(Josh. 24:15; Rom. 12:1)
"Be not broken on the wheel of strife nor yet be thou over
anxious, for these are but the wayside of those who would be
led astray. Keep the counsel of Him who gave, 'Come unto me,
and I will make thy burden light, for my yoke is easy - but
learn of me.'" [Paraphrase of Mat. 11:28--30] [
254-35,
Par. 23-A]
III CHOICE IS DETERMINED THROUGH THE EXERCISE OF WILL -
"Choose thou. For, as has ever been there is no influence
that may supersede the WILL of man; for such are the gifts
unto the sons of man that they may make their souls such as
to be the companionship with the All-Wise, All-Creative
Forces, or separate from them. For, there is no impelling
force other than that, 'If ye will be my people, I will be
your God.' [
440-16] It is always thus. And when faults
arise, and when temptations come, these are from
contemplating or on visioning from those things that would
satisfy some activity in the carnal force of an individual.
"Material conditions may be changed by man, for man is a
portion of his Creator, and may create for self that of good
or evil. Choose, then, this day, whom thou wilt serve, even
as was said of old - but let thy choice be even as He who
led many - which was: 'Others may do as they may, but for me
and my house, we will serve the Lord.!'" [
417-1]
Then choose whom ye will serve. It is not all that the
Ideal should be our choice, as it is living and putting into
practice the attributes of the Ideal. If the Ideal is love,
then love should be manifested in our activities. If the
Ideal is patience, then we should choose to be patient with
others and in so doing, others may see the Ideal in us. That
is what Jesus meant when He said, "he that has seen me has
seen my Father also."
There is no love without sacrifices. Neither is there any
choice of a spiritual Ideal unless self is lost in Him.
If our will is one with God the Father, then there is harmony
with all mankind, but if our will is governed by selfish
desires, we are in a condition that wars against others, and
seeks to gratify only self.
IV LIFE IS DETERMINED THROUGH THE ELEMENTS OF CHOICE -
A. - a. Selfishness (personal glory), advancement
b. Self-aggrandizement (power)
c. Self-promotion (gain in wealth, etc.)
or:
B. - a. Selflessness
b. Humility
c. Love
"Knowledge and understanding are good to possess, but to use
these in a manner in which self - the ego - is to be exalted,
makes for confusion to those who would seek to know their
place in using opportunities that are given them. And they
too, who trust in themselves alone are not wise. If these
are to be used for self-aggrandizement, self-indulgences,
then they become rather as He gave of old: "Ye shall come
and say, Did we not in thy name heal the sick? Did we not in
thy name cast out demons? And He will say, 'Depart from me,
I never knew you!' WHY? WHY? Because the desire, the
purpose is that SELF MAY BE EXALTED. Rather than the
humbleness of the heart before Him. For he that would be the
greatest must be the servant of all. THESE be those things
that ye must choose within thine own experience. For there
is ever, as given of old, set before thee each day good and
evil, life and death - choose thou!" [
1599-1]
"In the spiritual forces and study, know that to know the
world without, one must first know the world within. For of
the earth is the physical man made, but of the UNIVERSE is
the infinite mind and soul. Thus the study of self becomes
the first and foremost in the experience of him that would be
a good neighbor, a good father, a good friend. And in Him
that would be the greater in ANY experience or capacity is
the ability to serve those that are - as self - in the image
of the Maker. For as ye do it unto the least of thy
brethren, ye do it unto thy God.
"Then, to be to thy neighbor that as ye would have thy
Father, thy Brother, Thy God be to thee, is indeed being
a channel through which the glories of that ye may worship
as thy ideal may act in such a manner as to make the leaven
- as He gave - that leaveneth the whole lump.
"Know thyself if ye would know thy God, if ye would be of a
service to thy brother." [
1256]
V NOW IS THE ACCEPTABLE TIME
1. Procrastination builds karma
2. The world needs men who are unafraid
3. The field is ready
"He that would be patient with this soul, he that would cover
a multitude of sins, find in the awakening of that within
each entity that which may give that (the) glory (and the)
power to the Father. For in Him is life, the life that
perpetuates good through its shedding abroad; remembering
ever that just being kind to the unfortunate, to those who
do not understand, is shedding abroad His love, rather than
proclaiming mighty words that become bombastic to many,
rather that proclaiming those glories that can only be
reflections, let thy yeas be yea and thy kindnesses (be)
in His name." [
543-11]
Each moment of our lives is the accepted time. We cannot
wait, for in the waiting we weaken our will and lose,
perhaps, vital opportunities. There was no procrastination
in the decisions of our Master in the wilderness, when He
hungered and chose rather the bread of life, or when he had
temptation for the moment, in which the powers of the world
lay at His feet, and He chose rather to lift it up, even if
it took the cross. He knew that all within Him was God's
power, and thus acknowledged "Of myself I can do nothing,
but with My Father I can do all things."
We are needing now as always men who are unafraid: Socrates
who will drink the hemlock for truth's sake; Cranmers and
Riddles who would choose the flames of torture, rather than
betrayal, this new found truth for what will we stand? What
is our purpose, aim and Ideal in these trying times?
Are we afraid? Then know that somewhere along the way we
have sinned. If we would walk in the Light, then "fear not".
The Field is Ready. Never before have we had a greater
opportunity to uphold righteous judgement - never were there
so many in high places ready to help or be helped. Is it we,
who falter, or is it the "powers that be" that is holding us
back? Are we afraid for self that we do not rush to the
cause for righteousness in more service, more prayer, more
meditation, more healing, and more thanksgiving?
VI. BY THEIR FRUITS YE SHALL KNOW THEM
1. Temptation or test
2. Baal or God
To be one with Christ is the manner of relationship all men
must ultimately set as an ideal. The tools used for the
attainment are study, prayer, meditation and application.
These are the mediums through which we become aware of the
Christ force that lies deep within each of us. In meditation
the transition is made from the physical to the spiritual.
So that we may be able under His guidance to move out of the
desires of the flesh in to a perfect oneness with the Whole.
"As the activities of an entity involve spirit, mind and
matter, these leave upon the skein of time and space the
records of the individual activities.
"As there are many experiences in the material plane which
would leave varied effect if choices were made differently
under the opportunities for constructive influence.
Therefore is an ideal life for each in every experience.
"What is that which makes this possible?
There is the way through the divine influences for every soul
to manifest constructively. That is the ideal that should be
the promptings for the activity of each entity.
"Where self acts without thought as to what is the motive
or purpose, it makes for those experiences that become
indulgences. But there is that promise which has ever been
to man since in spirit, he pushed his individuality
into matter and began to express or manifest PERSONAL
influence...for self, for ease, for comforts, for those
things that would enable the individual entity to in matter
lord over others.
"Hence there becomes the more necessity for each in the
present to hold fast to hold that which is good. Not good
alone in the sense of laudation. Rather good in the sense
of being creative in the mental and physical experience of
individuals.
"For only that which is continuous in its creative
influences...as Life itself...is everlasting. For that
which is WAS and ever will be. Only the mortal or material,
or matter, changes; but the expressions of same prompted by
the Spirit of Truth live on.
"Then if one seeks as much into how Spirit works in and thru
the emotions of the fellow man (not spirits, but the Spirit
of Truth), this will not only bring into the experience
peace, hope and understanding, but will make a growth beyond
that as may be even reckoned - in words. For these as they
become growing experiences exceed the abilities to be
manifested in even word language. [
1448-1]
"Then to make that for which each entity has entered into
materiality again and again, as a soul, AWAKE to the
abilities and possibilities of the individual seeking to
manifest the glory of the Creative Forces, becomes in our
ministry to our fellow man the channel through which the
growth may come. Thus in that last understanding there
will come the deeper conviction that He who has promised
to meet us in the temple of our own body, as in the holy of
holies within self where the awareness of the heavenly
forces may be made manifest, may say, 'Thou hast chosen well
and thou may enter into the joys of thy Lord, as prepared for
those that love His ways.'
"Let us hold fast to that we have purposed in our hearts to
do - TO KNOW OUR MAKER AND OUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH HIM; as may
be manifested in our reckoning and our dealings with our
fellow man. For 'Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of
the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me,'
saith the Lord of Hosts to each of us. In making manifest,
then, let us hold to that which we have seen in our inner
selves; for it is good; - and each entity is the sum total
of that in its development which it has manifested as
Creative Forces - or Divine Love - in its dealings with its
fellow man." [
1448-2]
"Do not confuse, then, mental experiences that are innate
and those that come through spiritual awareness or awakening
within self with those that are of an earthly urge by having
- in the mental body, with the environs of a physical
surrounding - experienced urges that may confuse; yet know
all have their place in the experience of an entity, and
individual, in the application of its abilities. Learn and
practice, then, the first things first; as this: The entity,
the soul, is supreme in itself as related to any circumstance
or influence, whether an environmental, hereditary or a
passing condition, through the will - that is the gift of
the Creator. And if the entity in its seeking applies that
which is shown within self it may never confuse self as to
the correct, positive, direct manner in which to apply the
impulse that motivates an activity towards the application
of that gained within self. For it is not in knowledge alone
but rather in the application of such understanding that the
mental body, the soul body, grows. Hence, as has been given
to all: Study to show thyself - thyself - approved unto thy
Maker, divining the words of truth.
"So, in the application of that thou knowest does there come
the knowledge, the understanding of what, of where, of how,
the next step, the next activity, is to be taken." [
683-1]
VII CONCLUSION
On what has our nation been built?
On what does our destiny depend?
Joshua's promises and prophecies
On what must the world still depend?
Promises of blessings, or promises of destruction?
In our government may we choose to support the principles
that set forth our ideal rather that a party platform. The
purposes of man, rather than his popularity. Choose to
protect the oppressed, and not those in power. Always be led
by the Spirit of Truth, and not selfish desires. In so doing
we may help preserve the freedom of all men.
The reasoning of the wordly way may be convincing, but may
we make our decisions through the counseling of the still
small voice within. "They who are led by the Spirit, they
are the sons of God."
Spirituality and unselfish activity go hand in hand. They
may not be popular in all social and economic walks of life,
but how much wiser we would be is we would stand as Joshua of
old, "Let others do as they may, but as for me, we will serve
the living God."
"Let not thine heart be troubled. Thou hast made the way
open. Then keep the purposes that are willed in self and in
self's activity as related to the material, the mental, and
the spiritual influences in thine activity.
"For He is the way, the life and the truth. No man may
approach those things that will be for the constructive
influence in his life if they are not founded in the
principles He has given, 'Love thy neighbor as thyself;
do good to those that despitefully use you.'
"Feel in thine inner self that thou art being used, and
willing to be used by Him - irrespective of the slights,
the slurs that may be poked at thee.
"For what gaineth the soul that maketh or exalteth itself
above its fellow man, by implication, by word, or by deed?
"But rather let thine yeas and thy nays be in the Christ
Consciousness. Remember, there is within - rather - that
guidance necessary. Thou hast named the Name, thou hast
within thine experience the greater director - the Maker,
the Creator of the worlds! And in Him there is hope, life,
and without Him there is little! [
378-47]
"Then do not confuse thyself with man-made experiences. For
He has given as has been directed in those that should be thy
studies, 'Ask and it shall be given thee: seek and ye shall
know what has been prepared for thee from the foundations of
the world.!'
"Then let thy yeas be yea, thy nays be nay in the application
of that He has given, 'In my Father's house are many
mansions; if it were not so I would have told you. I have
gone to prepare a place, that as I am there ye may be also.
Ye know the way!' [
1158-3]
"Then follow close in that way and manner as He hath given.
For the law of the Lord is love, and it is in each soul that
it finds the answer to those promises as He hath made. Those
promises are for each soul. For He is the church, the
bridegroom for each soul that seeks to know His face, and His
ways. And He is not slack, as men, in keeping those promises
to those who are faithful in meting to their fellow men those
very influences that bespeak that the Spirit of Truth is
directing! For as He hath given, 'As ye do it unto the least
of my children, ye do it unto me.'
"Hence thine applications become practical, everyday life,
and not merely tenets or sayings - but LIFE! For He IS Life!
and thy Brother!"
"Know, as has been given of old, the fear of the Lord is the
beginning of wisdom; but the fear of man is the indication of
weakness in the body-mind. [
1158-3]
"As has been given, seek ye the Lord while He may be found.
'Call and I will hear,' saith the Lord. And this is a
promise that each soul must make his own. Not merely by the
calling, but as in an active service. For as He hath given,
'As ye do it unto the least of these, my brethren, ye do it
unto me.'
"Remember that given of old, and say not 'Who will descend
from heaven that I may know the Lord,' or 'Who would come
from over the sea to bring a message;' for 'Lo, He is thine
own heart.' And His Son, even Jesus Christ, has come into
the earth, dwelt among men, and has given 'Ye believe in God,
believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions;
if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a
place, that where I am, there ye may be also.'
"But, ye may say, this is of old, it was spoken to those
present with Him in that hour of separation.
"Yes, but He hath promised, 'If ye will love me and keep my
commandments, I and the Father will come and abide with
thee.' And 'Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of
the world.'
"These ye know. Make them thine own. For thy body is indeed
the temple of the living God. Seek not for signs. For, as
He hath said, a sign is not given unto a wicked and and
adulterous generation. But remember what has been given,
that 'If ye will be my children, I will be your God. Though
ye go far, if ye call I will hear, and answer speedily.'
[
531-9]
"Trust not in the short arm of material things but putting
aside all those things that do so easily beset - doubt, fear,
hate, jealousy, - so live before even those who question
thee, even those who doubt thy purposes, that THEY may know
ye walk and talk oft with thy Lord, the Christ. Not as one
boasting of power, or as one boasting of companionships, but
humble thyself even as He. Though He were the Son, know that
there was the lonesomeness, the fear of those influences that
beset those He loved. Yet knowing He hath entered into that
glory, becoming the high priest of HIS people, they that seek
Him daily, and having sat down on the right hand of the
Father, then through Him ye have that promise, 'Lo, I am WITH
thee.'
"With this assurance, why should doubt and fear, why should
the turmoils that arise bring consternation or trembling
within thee?
"For He hath assured that He will give that peace within, not
as the world knoweth peace, but that peace that comes from
the knowledge that, 'As I treat my fellow man, day by day, so
am I treating my Lord, my Master - even my brother, Jesus the
Christ.'
"Let not thy heart be troubled, neither be afraid. For as ye
seek, as ye LIVE, so will it be measured unto thee and thine.
For the love of the Father in the Christ casteth out fear,
and brings that assurance of His abiding presence with thee.
"So surround thyself by thought, by deed, by act, WITH the
consciousness of the Christ that NO MAN, no group, no
THOUGHT, may hurt thee.
"Thy future life is in thine own making. For know, He, the
Father, hath made thee a free-willed individual; choosing
then (and choose YE) whom ye will serve.
"There is set before thee life and death, good and evil,
choose THOU!
"As to what, as to which, as to where, as to how ye will
choose, - this is within thine OWN consciousness. Choose
thou.
"Let thy prayer ever be: LORD, MAKER OF HEAVEN AND EARTH!
GIVER OF LIFE AND LOVE THAT IS MANIFESTED IN JESUS THE
CHRIST! BE THOU NEAR UNTO ME! NOT THAT I MAY HAVE OTHER
THAN PERSONAL LOVE FOR THEE AND THY PURPOSE IN THE EARTH.
MAKE ME A CHANNEL, O GOD, OF BLESSINGS TO OTHERS DAY BY DAY.
IN HIS NAME WE ASK THIS." [
531-9]
Edgar Cayce Readings © 1971, 1993, 1994, 1995 by the Edgar Cayce Foundation