Articles

In its purest form, praising God is not an imposition or an artificial religious obligation, but a natural outcome of wonder and awe—a spontaneous expression of heartfelt gratitude and appreciation. To many people in the world, however, enjoinders to “praise God” may seem badly timed or perhaps downright hypocritical.

Have you ever washed someone’s feet? Other than my children’s, I haven’t. For some Christians foot washing symbolizes humility and service to others.

In the book of Matthew , it is recorded that when Christ Jesus went up into a mountain, thousands of men, women, and children followed him, many of them seeking healing (see 15:29–38 ). He realized the people were far from anywhere they could get food before setting off on their journey home, and he asked his disciples if they had any food to share.

Mary Baker Eddy speaks of Dr. Benjamin Rush as “the famous Philadelphia teacher of medical practice” ( Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p.

As I looked out my kitchen window to the backyard, there was my son, almost two years old, sitting under a beautiful blossoming tree, his lap covered in puppies, with two big red balloons floating above his head. He looked so peaceful and joyful; to me, it was pure happiness.

How could an event related in the Bible that took place almost three thousand years ago possibly help me resolve a difficult problem in my own life? I found out early in my work experience after becoming unhappy with a job I had held for about a year. An opening in another department at a higher paygrade looked very appealing, and a manager I knew had quietly encouraged me to apply for the position.

The Bible story of the fall of Jericho is one that has always held the imagination. Blocking the Israelites’ entrance to the Promised Land, Jericho was seen as impregnable—a mighty fortress, an impassable barrier.

Nobel physicist Albert Einstein advised: “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking that created them. ” He urged a new way of thinking.

I will always remember the first time I attended The Mother Church, weeping as I read on one of its walls these words Mary Baker Eddy adapted from her book Science and Health: “If sin makes sinners, Truth and Love can unmake them. ” The hope of being able to be washed clean of years of sinful living was being shown to me for the first time.

We can perceive and experience freedom, security, and guidance even amidst the hustle and bustle. Why? Because “spiritual guides,” as Mary Baker Eddy describes angels (see Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p.