A.R.E. Meeting for 1/5/26

Leader: Sylvia
 
Five hungry students began the chapter of The Open Door. In the SFG book I, we read the Introduction and the first two paragraphs of “The Preparation of Self.” We watched the David McMillin video of The Door. We ended with Cayce’s Bible Study Minutes paralleling The Open Door dated 8/29/1939.
 
Experiment 1: Choose and write down something in your life that seems like a barrier to you (e.g., a problem in a relationship, a difficulty in meditation). Write down a constructive purpose which that barrier is serving (e.g., it is making me work hard on improving that relationship instead of taking it for granted; through this difficulty a particular positive quality is being awakened in me). During the week look for and respond to
doorways that may open in that barrier. Do not expect the barrier or difficulty to suddenly disappear, but be attentive to the ways in which the Christ Spirit is speaking to you through this situation. Keep a record of your experiences.
Example:      barrier: I don’t seem to be getting anywhere in meditation.
                     purpose the barrier serves: Helps me to awaken the qualities of patience and persistence with-in myself.
                      doorways: I became aware that what the Christ asks of me is to let go and let Him do the work in my meditations.
 
Experiment 2:  Select and write down an area of your life in which you occasionally feel cheated (e.g., not getting the attention, love or money that you desire or think you deserve). Experience an opening of the door as you begin to replace this attitude with one that affirms your oneness with the whole and your access to infinite supply. Write and use a short affirmation that you can say to yourself when this attitude of feeling cheated by life arises.
Example:   I feel cheated by life because I have to do such trivial, boring work each day. Other people have exciting jobs, but I don’t.
                 affirmation: Wherever I am and whatever I’m doing, God can be glorified.