I am Abraham (Sept. 28, and Oct. 5th 1998) Woods Cross Group

[CalvinMcke at aol.com]

(Two new group members... Glen (from Pocatello group I think), and Ashley's
friend--Melissa.)

MEETING WITH ABRAHAM
SEPTEMBER 28, 1998
WOODS CROSS GROUP
TR: NINA

	APOSTLE THOMAS' INCREASING SPIRITUAL EDUCATION

I am ABRAHAM. Greetings. I am intrigued by your discussions this evening. Your
trust in one another and Father has led to a strong group unity, a lasting
friendship. I ponder your answers to the question of last week, and I can see
your spiritual growth is sure and steady. Your friendship aids you in your
individual reception of spiritual information. Your trust in one another is
power to greater things. You might have had reception of spiritual
information. Your trust in one another is power to greater things. You might
have had a somewhat different answer to the question... ‘why do you choose to
attend our weekly meetings?' than you would have some years back. Your
spiritual maturity allows you the courage to go forth even when the path is
unsure. 

That apostle of long ago, our dear Thomas, was such an individual who was
clearly uncertain about his connection within the Kingdom. He was at times,
concerned that he appeared simple-minded. His mind was ever on the lookout for
false things. Even though these thoughts plagued his human mind always was he
growing in spirit, maturing, yes, absorbing the Master's lessons,
understanding with his scientific mind that spirituality is practical. Thomas
never did quite subdue all his concerns with his divine understanding, but
always did he take in energy and strength from his Master's loving Spirit. 

Through Thomas' doubts he could always be found in complete support of Jesus.
His trust increased as he dared to take steps forward spiritually, even though
the path was unclear. His receiving of strength and energy from the Master
endowed him with courage to move forward. He found his peace within to out
weigh his mortal concerns. Thomas was indeed a bit fearful and overly
concerned, but his courage to keep the faith and trust in the Master's cause
made him excel. 

It is said... "To see heavenly things it must first be believed in." A city in
which Jesus performed one of His few miraculous deeds was not chosen to
recruit believers, but His deeds performed because many in the city already
believed. 

My friends, you have so stepped forth with courage as Thomas had, allowing
Michael's Spirit of Truth to bestow upon you the courage to step forth. In
stepping forth, there are those heavenly things revealed. Do you see? Thomas
would attest to the fact that the human mind can be calmed enough to receive
strength and energy. All one must do is make time to be before the Master. 

This week I would ask you to be aware of those faith steps you dare to take
without knowing the reasons why. This will also be the topic for discussion
next week. As always my love is with you. I will endeavor to meet with you
each during the week, until next week, shalom.



(Note: We have been meeting in the house of Honaray, one of our group, for
about 3 or 4 years now. Honaray is now getting quite old (about 82 ?) and it
was decided that she move in with one of her family. We now meet in the home
of Janet--Honaray's gracious daughter, in Midvale, Ut. Much love and thanks to
Honaray for the use of her home, and all the drinks and popcorn. Also, a
continued thanks to Nina for the continuous T/Ring (4 years straight) and
likewise to her mother Faye (Ellen) for her 8 years of taping and
transcribing. As well... to all who assist and serve in this Mission.)

MEETING WITH ABRAHAM
OCTOBER 5, 1998
WOODS CROSS GROUP
TR: NINA

	ACCEPTING OR REJECTING THE FULL URANTIAN EXPERIENCE	

I am ABRAHAM. Greetings and welcome my friends. How wonderful it is to see you
in support of one another. What a beautiful fruit we harvest from the garden
of the Brotherhood. 

Many in this mission--our Correcting Time--crave to do grand things,
accomplish seemingly difficult tasks. Their motives are acceptable and their
intentions are understood. How grateful we are when we can witness many
individuals in team work for accomplishment of one small goal. How pure is
that goal. How obvious is the intention of this group to be within father's
will. 

Definitely, do you possess such a wonderful aspect to your group personality.
It is obvious that comfort exists here in the group. Individuals are willing
to allow their true selves to be known. Even with the faults of the apostles
Peter and Thomas--their personality traits were at times annoying, and yet,
their comfort to be their true selves was always apparent because of their
particular group unity. 

As we learn about the Master's chosen apostles, we see that most have endured
some particular hardship. Even the Master himself, had been made to face
extraordinary pain. Some say life is cruel and we say... yes, we agree, life
can be filled with unending hardships and yet, each hardship has added a
particular design to our spiritual armor. 

Many of the apostles faced trying times after the Master's mortal sojourn.
There was much work to be about concerning Father's business. There were many
apostles who had faced painful agonizing deaths as had the Master, and still I
say, their mortal hardships were indeed stepping stones to increased spiritual
learning--strength in that spiritual armor. All, saved one, learned from the
Master that hard times were but a lesson to the next spiritual level. That
sorrowful soul we know as Judas, yes, looked upon his hardships as personal
attacks upon him by either Father, or his fellows. 

Judas did not receive the training by his earthly parents that in
life--terrible things happen and that we must either battle, brainstorm, or
pray to endure. Judas only received a spoiled shield from his parents. Such as
these are not iniquitous individuals so much as they are confused and somewhat
slothful in their efforts to persevere--to be made stronger when beaten
instead of being broken by it all. Judas was truly afraid to allow the
Master's chastisement for it meant Judas had made mistakes. Judas' love of
self would not allow himself to be corrected spiritually. His background was
sheltered from those harsh elements, certainly, but also, those educational
elements we all require, yes. In this, Judas was cowardly. 

The Master, however, was faced with a most bitter cup before Him. He could
have gladly fled from it. He could have certainly been King had He desired it
so. He could have accepted his Sovereignty over Nebadon without that bitter
cup and yet, his words were always... "my Father's will be done." In Father's
will, there are eternal lessons, there is hard lessons, there is truth. And,
any one of you could choose to flee this truth in favor of soothing a bruised
ego or a bad self-perception. 

In your acception or rejection of Father's light, each one of you have
experienced hardships and these have not broken you but have made you stronger
in character and soul building. How wonderful it is that you choose to accept
the full Urantian experience instead of being like Judas, who would only
accept those good things of life that would uplift his self-perception and
make him satisfied with himself. This ‘self-satisfaction' is closing off an
end to learning. 

One who embraces the full experience chooses to express those words of our
Master... "Your will be done" and in that--there is strength for whatever your
spiritual path holds. Be not afraid of a little self-discipline or perhaps
allowing a little nudge from Father. In your trying times ‘therein' are those
spiritual lessons that you can spiritually advance.

My friends, our goal for this week would be to not worry about self-protection
or defense, but to be willing to embrace the full Urantian experience as
Thomas had. He was at times not happy with this, but, always was he constant
in his decision. Allow Father to aid in your comfort without your help. My
love is always with you. Until next week, shalom.