The Light Within Jesus' Path to Salvation

Jesus offers a path to freedom, away from sickness and away from sorrow.

 It is a path away from fear and death, paved with love, joy, and peace. When we choose to live like Jesus, we choose to walk this path.

 We open ourselves to a life of blessings. We embrace a life full of God's goodness. Jesus taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves.

 He showed us the importance of forgiveness. He taught us to live with compassion and understanding. When we follow these teachings, we experience a profound transformation.

 We are filled with hope. We are filled with purpose. We find true fulfillment in serving others.

 To live like Jesus, we must first understand who we are. We are not defined by our mistakes. We are not limited by our past.

 We are children of God. We are made in His image. We are worthy of love.

 We are worthy of forgiveness. When we know our true identity, we tap into our full potential. We realize that we are capable of amazing things.

 We are powerful beyond measure. We are filled with unlimited potential. We were created to do great things.

 We were designed to make a difference in the world. Jesus said, you are the light of the world. He calls us to let our light shine.

 He wants us to be a beacon of hope for others. When we share our gifts, we illuminate the world. When we show kindness, we spread God's love.

 We can be a source of encouragement. We can offer a helping hand. We can be a friend to those in need.

 By letting our light shine, we make the world a better place. We inspire others to do the same. We create a ripple effect of love and positivity.

 Some believe we are born sinners. This is not true. We are born with the potential for both good and bad.

 It is our choices that determine our path. When we choose love over hate, we choose good. When we choose forgiveness over anger, we choose good.

 The universe rewards faith. It rewards belief in the good. It rewards those who strive to make a positive impact.

 When we live with integrity, we attract blessings. When we act with love, we experience the fullness of life. We were created to live in harmony with God and with each other. 

Here’s to love and light.

Rev. Leslie C. Bonner

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Rev.-Leslie-C.-Bonner/author/B0DGFRMZK8

Transform Your Life

 Imagine the ultimate lifestyle change—not just a tweak here or there but a profound transformation that reshapes your very essence. Picture a life where worries about the mundane, the weather, your next meal, or that elusive parking spot simply melt away. What if the secret lies not in relentless self-improvement but in surrendering to higher guidance? Consider this wisdom.

Have complete faith in the Lord and do not rely on your wisdom. This isn't about blind faith but about embracing a path where you acknowledge a higher power in every step, every decision. It's about letting go of the incessant need to control every aspect of your life.

Imagine living every moment with the consciousness of something greater than yourself, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

 It's about overcoming your selfishness—not with grand gestures, but through a quiet, continuous search within. Can you release your judgments and your relentless planning to truly experience life? It's a challenge indeed, but one that promises to redefine your existence: to live not just in the world, but above it, in constant communion with the divine.

This is the ultimate lifestyle change. It's not about what you gain, but what you let go. And in this letting go, you might just find everything you've ever wanted.

Here’s to love and light.

Rev. Leslie C. Bonner

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Rev.-Leslie-C.-Bonner/author/B0DGFRMZK8

 

Judge Not Lest Ye Be Judged

 Judge Not Lest Ye Be Judged

The Empathy Gap. Victims of Circumstance. We rarely judge victims of circumstance harshly.

 Imagine a friend trapped in a toxic relationship, manipulated and controlled. We offer support, not scorn. We recognize they are victims, not villains.

 Similarly, consider individuals caught in the clutches of a cult. Although their distorted, manipulated worldview may appear foreign to us, we are aware that they have been brainwashed. In the context of politics and culture, this empathy that is so easily extended in personal situations frequently evaporates.

 We encounter differing viewpoints, not as opportunities for understanding but as threats to our own beliefs. The Battlefield of Beliefs, where Judgment Thrives. Political and cultural debates often devolve into battlefields.

 We arm ourselves with facts and figures, ready to vanquish opposing viewpoints. Judgment becomes our weapon of choice, wielded with righteous indignation. This judgmental approach ignores a crucial element, the role of misinformation and manipulation.

 Just like the manipulated partner or the cult member, individuals with differing viewpoints might operate from a place of distorted information. Their perspective is partly shaped by their experiences, education, and upbringing. Their reality, shaped by circumstances outside of their control, may be what we consider ignorance.

 Lessons from Stoicism: Ancient Wisdom for Contemporary Discord.  Ancient Roman Stoic philosophers provided timeless guidance on how to control our tendency toward judgment. In his Meditations, Marcus Aurelius challenges us to think about the possibility that people who wrong us are ignorant.

 Another Stoic master, Epictetus, echoes this idea when he says, "Do not be angry with the one who is mistaken." He reminds us that those who cling to their convictions do so because they believe them to be true. These ancient teachings highlight a fundamental truth.

 People rarely hold beliefs that are known to be incorrect. Even if they are wrong, their beliefs are based on what they believe to be the truth. A Connection Between Condemnation and Understanding Empathy.

 Rather than condemning those who disagree with us, let us work toward empathy. Remember that every person's views and beliefs are the result of their own experiences, which have shaped and influenced them. This is a call to approach disagreements with understanding and acknowledge that our own opinions are merely pieces of a larger truth, not to compromise our own values or support false beliefs.

 "Do not judge, lest you be judged," said Jesus. Let empathy lead the way rather than passing judgment in a divided world. Only then can we hope to remove the obstacles that separate us and create a more understanding and compassionate world.

Here’s to love and light.

Rev. Leslie C. Bonner

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Rev.-Leslie-C.-Bonner/author/B0DGFRMZK8

 

 Embrace the Mind of Christ

Hey there, beautiful souls. Today, I want to share something truly transformative with you. Imagine tapping into a mindset so powerful that it brought peace and harmony to every part of your being.

 This is the mindset of Christ. But let this mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus. Imagine having a mind that knows the good to be omnipotent.

 A mind filled with conscious peace and harmony. How would that change your life? How quickly would this state of mind uplift your spirit and bring health and soundness to your body? To have the mind Jesus had is to align yourself with the principle of good. It's about thinking with God, seeing all things as perfection.

 When your mind is filled with perfect thoughts you're thinking as God thinks. And in that space you find peace. The sermon on the mount gives us clear directions to achieve this state.

 Judge not, condemn not, resist not evil. These teachings guide us towards right thinking, showing us the way into his kingdom. Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, be not hypocritical or sad, keep my sayings.

 When we embrace these principles we begin to see the world differently. We start to live in a state of conscious peace and harmony. This is the power of Christ's mindset.

 So my friends let's strive to think as he did. Let's fill our minds with perfect thoughts, aligning with the good. And in doing so we'll find inner peace that radiates through our entire being.

 Thank you for joining me on this journey.  Until next time, stay blessed.

Here’s to love and light

Rev. Leslie C. Bonner

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Rev.-Leslie-C.-Bonner/author/B0DGFRMZK8

 

DIVINE CONFIDENCE

 Hey there! You’re about to embark on an incredible journey to connect with the divine, just like the fearless David from the Bible. Yes, I’m talking about that young shepherd who faced the giant Goliath not with towering shields or many weapons but with unwavering faith in God.

Now, you might wonder, how can I, an ordinary person, cultivate such a profound connection with God? Well, let’s dive right in. …

First, understand that this connection isn’t about performing endless rituals or reciting prayers without feeling. It’s about sincerity, about opening your heart and really talking to God as you would to a close friend. Imagine sharing your fears, your hopes, and even your everyday moments. This genuine communication is your first step to building a conscious connection.

Next, remember David’s courage. It wasn’t just about physical bravery; it was rooted in his absolute trust in God’s plan. To develop such trust, start by reflecting on moments in your life when you felt guided or protected. Acknowledging these instances can strengthen your faith and help you surrender your fears.

Another key element is gratitude. Begin each day by thanking God for the small blessings—be it a sunny morning or a smile from a stranger. Gratitude opens your heart and aligns your spirit with the positive energies of the universe, making you more receptive to divine guidance.

Now, let’s talk about meditation. Spend a few minutes each day in silence, focusing on a sacred word or a simple prayer. This practice can quiet your mind and enhance your awareness of God's presence in your life. Over time, this can lead to deeper spiritual insights and a more meaningful connection. And here’s something crucial- Live righteously. Like David, who obeyed God’s commandments, ensure that your actions reflect your spiritual values. This alignment between belief and behavior magnifies your connection with the divine, empowering you like never before.

Lastly, don’t go at it alone! Engage with a community of fellow seekers who share your desire for a deeper spiritual life. Exchange stories, support each other, and grow together. The shared energy and collective wisdom of a community can significantly enhance your spiritual journey.

So, there you have it! Embrace sincerity in your prayers, cultivate trust and gratitude, meditate to deepen your connection, live righteously, and cherish the support of a spiritual community.

By integrating these elements into your life, you, too, can channel your inner David and connect with God fearlessly!

Remember, every step you take on this path enriches your life with divine love and guidance. Start today, and watch your spiritual life transform.

Here’s to love and light. Rev. Leslie C. Bonner https://www.amazon.com/stores/Rev.-Leslie-C.-Bonner/author/B0DGFRMZK8

SAMPLE CHAPTER 1 OF GOD'S PLAYBOOK

GOD'S PLAYBOOK