Walking in Two Worlds

Sunday, September 8, 2024

Rev. Diana Johnson, with Chris Netto, RScP, Chris J. Johnson, RScP, and musicians Dalton Fitzgerald & Chris A. Johnson

Video Chapter Index

0:00	Taizé	Clicking on a chapter link will play the segment in a new YouTube tab. Your link to this page will remain open in this tab, but the video will play in the new window. Clicking on the Play arrow in the video screen above will play both Taizé and the Conscious Conversation on this page. To make the picture bigger, you may click the full screen icon in the lower right corner: To cast the video to your Smart TV, click the Play on TV button: . Also, we now have Closed Captioning available! To access Closed Captions, start the video and click on the CC icon next to the gear in the lower right of the video screen:
19:32	Guided Meditation
47:44	Conscious Conversation

Taizé

Rev. Diana – We follow the sound of the bell inward…      3 Bells

Chris N. – Opening Prayer

Rev. Diana – Good morning. If you’re new with us here this morning, my name is Rev. Diana Johnson, and I am the Pastor and Spiritual Director of Mystic Heart Spiritual Center. We are an Independent Interfaith Community that teaches Universal Principles and Practical Spirituality. We open our doors in welcome, trusting that you will be led to the  Guidance and Wisdom of your own Mystic Heart. We begin our Taizé with Musical Prayer.

Rev. Diana, Chris J. J., Chris A. J., & Dalton – Taizé Chants

• Welcome Home to Your Mystic Heart, written by Diana & Chris Johnson
• Shivaya, written by Karl Anthony

Rev. Diana –

Oh, Holy…guide me…I feel Your Voice inside me, as I move into the stillness (Pause) …allowing the breath to rise and fall…feeling the Presence of the One…and using the Power of Inner Vision to connect with our Global Community.

Together, we sense and tune into the web of consciousness that surrounds and infuses the planet…each of us a radiant point of Light in that web…trusting that all beings carry and express the Divine Spark…every human being, without exception…every animal, plant, and microbe…every rock and grain of sand, every drop of water, radiating the One Perfect  Light…each and every part of Creation, a thread in the tapestry that is Creation…all necessary, all Divine, all a part of the one Light, the one Life.

As we acknowledge our connection with all of life, we are empowered…our Work on behalf of the Whole is empowered.

Our collective prayer and meditation leave an imprint of Peace, Compassion, and Grace, on the world…we are contributing to a Great Transformation.

This month, we are considering what it means to Celebrate Divinity, while  Practicing Humanity. This morning we share in reflection around Walking in Two Worlds.

The Great Master Yeshua was an example from the Christian Tradition of one who was said to be both fully human and fully Divine. And he said the same was true for each of us. He was not seeking to present himself as an exception, but as an example. “Everyone lives, and moves, and has their being in God.” (Acts 17:28). Therefore, when any of us experience Oneness, we are experiencing this luminous reality as seen through the eyes of Jesus.

We are already One in Spirit…One in Truth…One with everything. We are already both human and Divine. If anything is missing in our lives, or in our world, it is the awareness and remembrance that this is true, and the  willingness to act from this Truth in our daily lives.

What do I mean by Oneness? The Oneness Jesus describes is not numerical oneness…not a physical oneness, but a mystical or spiritual Oneness. This means that it cannot be understood by the human brain. It is beyond thinking or analyzing…beyond words and thoughts…beyond understanding. It can only be experienced.

Meditation in whatever form you may practice is the key that opens the door to that experience. Meditation serves as an invitation for Divinity to make Itself known within us, and within all that surrounds us. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20)

I in this verse is Spirit…tapping on the door of our consciousness, inviting us to open the door so that we might experience Its Presence in our lives…that we might abide in that Presence and feel it moving through our days, in all that we do…in all that we see…that we might dwell in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Once we have…touched the inner kingdom, we are no longer living (exclusively) unto ourselves, not even living unto our families…but we are participating more actively in the affairs of the world, and in those things that make for a happier, more successful, and more peaceful way of life. The kingdom of God does not deal with something separate and apart from living. The kingdom of God concerns itself with our daily life. It is not meant to take us out of the world, but rather to leave us in the world,

in service to the world, and no longer contributing to the suffering of the world.

(Joel S. Goldsmith, Living Between Two Worlds)

Chris J. J. –  Guided Meditation

Each of us is a unique expression of Spirit… souls clothed in human form… we have a physical body that interacts in the visible, material world… and we have a soul that dwells in the invisible spiritual realm… Rabbi Yeshua of Nazareth referred to this invisible spiritual realm as the Kingdom of Heaven…

When his disciples asked him where this kingdom was, he replied, “the Kingdom is inside of you, and it is outside of you…”^[i] They asked, “When will the Kingdom come?…” He answered, “…the Kingdom is spread out upon the earth, and people do not see it…”^[ii] The spiritual realm and the material world are one…

In our studies, we talk about Spirit and matter separately… as if they were two different things… but they are two aspects of one thing… a physical expression of One Divine Life… Matter cannot exist independent of Spirit… Spirit cannot express ThemSelf except in the field of time, space, matter, and energy…

You are an individualized expression of God… I am, too… each and every being in the world is another… There is nothing in the universe that does not have Spirit as its very essence… This is the common heritage that unites us… We are Divine Unity – Oneness – expressing in an infinite variety of forms…

Living from our Oneness brings us closer to our Source… closer to the One Creative Power… and that Creativity flows through us and out into our world… We respond creatively to the people and circumstances that Life brings us… As we share our three minutes of Silent Meditation this morning, I invite you to contemplate your Oneness with Spirit… how that leads to Oneness with all other beings… with all of Creation… Let your heart expand and feel our Unity…

Silence – 3:00

Great Spirit of Life… Creator and essence of all that is… thank you for revealing yourself to us and through us… Thank you for this experience of Oneness with you and with my Beloved Community… Keep reminding me of who you are… and who I am… May we never forget who and whose we are…

We live our lives simultaneously as Divine Souls and physical human beings… in both the Divine Realm… and on Earth, in time, space, and matter… in our essential Oneness… and in our apparent separateness…

As Rev. Diana’s Taizé meditation continues, we listen with our inner ear… our spiritual discernment… as well as our physical ears… Celebrating our Oneness… as citizens of both Heaven and of Earth… Walking in Two Worlds…

Rev. Diana

As humans, we tend to get caught up in the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of our beingness. As we approach the Spiritual Journey, there is a tendency to think we first need to attend to the material aspects of life so that we might then be freed to give attention to our Spirit nature. We have it backwards… “we’ve turned it upside down.” (Rev. Edward Viljoen)  Of course, basic physical and psychological needs do need to be met, but this happens naturally when we put Spirit first.

“Seek first the Kingdom and Its righteousness and all these things will be given unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)

When we begin  each day grounded in Truth…feeling and knowing our Wholeness, Completeness, and human Enoughness and Spiritual Perfection…giving thanks for the Abundance that already fills our lives…we are drawing more Goodness into our lives. Our needs are met and more. Because the gifts have already been given…it is our awareness and recognition of them that bring them into our experience.

20^th century Mystic and Teacher Joel S. Goldsmith wrote this:

The very I that is standing at the door of our consciousness brings us peace…the peace of I. There is no use looking outside and wondering in what form that peace will come, because it does not come in worldly form. Strangely enough, however, when the inner peace comes it forms and re-forms our outer life. It changes our relationships with other human beings. It changes the nature and the amount of our supply because it is Its function to see that we are fed and clothed abundantly. All things will be added unto us, but they will not be added by taking thought for the things…In our work, the emphasis is not on trying to be more loving, more just, or more gracious. Our entire attention is centered on admitting the Spirit, and then It will be more loving and gracious through us. It will be expressing patience and benevolence within us. We will not have to take thought for things: we will be instruments for Its grace and glory.

We will bear witness not to our own goodness or our own benevolences: we will bear witness to God’s Grace functioning in us.

(Joel S. Goldsmith – Living Between Two Worlds)

Join me now in prayer.

Closing Prayer

I settle more deeply into the Presence of the One…One Source, One Light, One Life. I feel It coursing through me now. I sense and know my Oneness with Its Powerful Energy…with Its Strength and Courage…with Its Infinite Love and Patience…with Its deep Peace.

I Am a perfect and intentional expression of That…just as I Am, just as I have been and as I will be…temporarily human, eternally Divine.

I Am here for the Greater Good of all…to be a beneficial presence on the planet, at this time, in this place. There are no accidents. There are no mistakes in Spirit.

In deep gratitude for the privilege of being alive right here and now, I commit to serving this beautiful planet and her magnificent beings in the highest ways I can.

I allow the Powerful Presence of God to work through me…I invite Its Guidance and Wisdom to lead me, and Its Radiance to light my way.

We join in a moment of silence…(Pause)

And allow the music to carry us.

Rev. Diana, Chris J. J., Chris A. J., & Dalton – Musical Meditation

• Pray Me, written by Diana & Chris Johnson

Rev. Diana – Thank you, Spirit, for the gift of this once-in-a lifetime day…I make every moment count.

And thank you for every blessing…those that look like the good stuff of life, and those that challenge me to grow in strength, compassion, resilience, and love.

Together, we release this prayer, trusting that it has already done its work. A prayer spoken, with feeling and a deep sense of faith, is a prayer answered. And so, I let it be…and so it is. Amen.

We gently return our awareness to our bodies, connecting once again with our senses…noticing the sounds in the room…allowing the eyes to gently open and taking in whatever is before you.

Feel free to look around and say good morning to everyone who is here celebrating with you this morning. This is your Spiritual Family…one of your support systems. These are some of the people who care about you, and are there for.

Rev. Diana – Love Offering

As we close our Taizé Meditation, we offer the opportunity for you to share  your financial good in support of the work we do in the world.

If you’re joining us online, you can find a Donate Button and our mailing address at mysticheart.org. We thank you in advance for your gifts. We acknowledge and give thanks for the infinite abundance of Spirit.

Rev. Diana, Chris J. J., Chris A. J., & Dalton – Offertory Music

• Remember, written by Chris J. Johnson

Rev. Diana – Blessing for the Offering

Feel free to grab a cup of something warm next door and meet us back at 10:30 for a Conscious Conversation. We’ll bless you on your way with

Rev. Diana, Chris J. J., Chris A. J., & Dalton – Taizé Closing Song

• A Soul’s Blessing, written by Chris J. Johnson

Conscious Conversation

Opening Prayer – Chris N.

Rev. Diana – Good morning… and welcome, or welcome back…and welcome to those joining online. If you’re new with us here this morning… my name is Rev. Diana Johnson, and I am the Pastor here at Mystic Heart. We are an Independent Interfaith Community that teaches Universal Principles and Practical Spirituality. We open our doors in welcome, trusting that you will be led to the  Guidance and Wisdom of your own Mystic Heart.

Rev. Diana, Chris J. J., Chris A. J., & Dalton – Opening Music

• Welcome to the Mystic Heart, written by Diana & Chris Johnson
• One Big Family, written by Robin Hackett & Gary Lynn Floyd
• I’m a Believer, written by Neil Diamond

Rev. Diana – So let’s take a creative journey…calling upon the full power of both mind and heart…engaging the body…and joining with one another in the imaginal realm, in service to the creation of a Love-Soaked World.

See and feel with me now, a world in which all beings live from their Highest Potential…from Kindness, Generosity, Peace, Compassion, Joy, and Beauty.

In this world of our creation, all people honor, respect, and care for one another, for all of the life forms that share this beautiful planet with us, and for Mother Earth Herself.

We remember that we are connected to all of Life… that we are dependent on the planet to sustain us, and on one another.

By aligning every thought, word, and action with our Vision, we are creating a world in which all people are well-fed… have the safety and comfort of home and a deep sense of purpose and belonging…a world in which health, education, and healthy relationships are supported by social systems grounded in Integrity, Compassion and Wholeness.

Valuing every being for its  uniqueness… we practice living truly Authentic lives where vulnerability is celebrated… there is no need to defend or protect. The work we are doing within ourselves shows up as a world free of hatred and violence.

We recognize and appreciate the abundance that surrounds us… greed is a thing of the past, generosity is the norm, and all beings gratefully receive all that is needed to live physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually fulfilling lives.

The planet and its beings thrive like never before as we recognize the  sacred in everyone and everything…we walk in reverence, humility, and gratitude for all that we have been given.

We are creating a new world moment by moment, aligning our actions with our Vision, living these changes first in our own lives, with our families, friends, and neighbors. One neighborhood, one community at a time, a new world is being born. In this process of profound change, this Beloved Community stands as an open and welcoming place for all who seek support, belonging, Family.

By the power of our deep faith and inspired action, this prayer is acted upon, answered even as it is spoken, for Spirit knows our heart’s desire and intent. In full expectation of its Graceful unfolding, and with the deepest humility and gratitude, we release our Word to the Creative Power and Intelligence that I call God… to the One that gets it done…       And so it is!…      Amen!

Our theme this month is Celebrating Divinity, Practicing Humanity and the topic of Conversation today is Walking in Two Worlds.

This morning during Taizé, we spent time with the Truth that we, as humans, are also simultaneously Divine, and that the Master Yeshua experienced Oneness with God and taught that he was no different than we are.

What does it mean to you to be both fully human and fully Divine?

I shared a couple of lengthy quotes from the book Living Between Two Worlds by Joel S. Goldsmith.

What do you think it means to live between two worlds?

(the author was talking about living in the space between accepting the world as purely physical and accepting it as purely spiritual; living in the discomfort of uncertainty)

What if I said that there is only one world and it is spiritual in nature…that the other world we talk about, or think we live in, is only the materialistic concept we entertain about the spiritual world?

Why might I believe this is True?

(in the beginning stages of our spiritual journey, we perceive the world as physical; as we move from an orthodox or conventional set of beliefs to a direct experience of Spirit, our perceptions change – we begin to see everything as an expression of the Sacred; our evolution moves us away from material understanding and towards spiritual experience)

Let’s go back to the title of today’s Gathering…Walking in Two Worlds.

How is this different than Living Between Two Worlds?

(Walking in Two Worlds is living a human life in this sensory world, but grounded in Spiritual Authority; taking part fully in the human experience, because that’s what we’re here for, but doing so from a place of Dominion)

What does it mean to live a life grounded in Spiritual Authority?

(to know that you are an expression of the Divine, and live your life from the Spiritual Qualities that you have been given)

What are the Spiritual Qualities I’m talking about?

(Love, Compassion, Wholeness, Peace, Power, Beauty, Joy, Freedom…)

What does the word Dominion mean? (from Latin, master…to live from a place of dominion means self-mastery)

We get it mixed up with domination.

What does domination mean? (to control another)

So, dominion is self-control and domination is controlling another. If we are to live with dominion, there are other qualities we need to develop.

What might I be talking about?

(humility, harmony, gratitude)

What is humility? (Latin – of the ground, or dust; it is the Spirit within that does the work; not self-deprecating; not playing small – that’s a form of false humility)

What is harmony? (Latin – joining; you could say it means going with the flow, or working with Spiritual Principles…making choices that do not create dis-ease of any kind)

And what is gratitude?

(a deep experience of appreciation; it is an internal feeling, whereas thankfulness is the outward expression of gratitude)

Have there been any insights this morning…any a-ha’s that want to be shared?

Is there anything else that needs to be spoken into the room?

It is ours to make the Journey of coming to know the world as a Spiritual one, to know ourselves as individual extensions of the Divine, and to practice living as though this were True…to treat others with Love and Compassion; to put our faith in Wholeness; to become Peaceful within ourselves so that we might bring a greater Peace to the world; to know our own Power and use it with care and humility; to see the Beauty in ourselves, in others, and in the world; to do the things that make us Joyful, and to seek to bring Joy to others; to trust in our inherent Freedom; and to take time to feel and know the Grace that is forever moving through our lives. That’s your homework this week. Did you write it down? You don’t need to write it down. It is already written on your hearts…you and I both know deep down what is ours to do. And being here this morning is taking a huge step in that direction. Let’s close in prayer.

Closing Prayer…

Breathing deeply and settling into the Truth of Who I Am, I sense the Presence of the One. In complete faith that there is only One Thing going on in this and every moment, I place my trust in the One Life…the One Source of all that is, has ever been, and shall ever be.

Feeling the Presence as it courses through my body, I accept and know that I Am a perfect and intentional expression of God, created to be exactly as I Am…unique and Beautiful as God intended. I rest in the knowing that I Am Whole, Perfect, and Complete in this and every moment, no matter the appearance.

There is nothing missing, broken, or out of place. And as I know this Truth for myself, I know it for every person listening, and all who share in this Community. I know that God’s Abundance flows freely through the lives of all, bringing financial support and stability, right livelihood, healthy relationships, radiant health, and peace of mind. As each one listens for and follows the Voice of Spirit, Guidance is offered, gracefully received, and acted upon. All is always unfolding in Divine Order and Timing, and so I let go of any concern, instead giving my attention to the Bounty and Beauty of life. I give abundant thanks for the many gifts of this and every day, knowing that true appreciation grows ever more Goodness in my life, and in the lives of those who welcome the Presence of Grace. I release my Word to the Powerful, Lawful and Loving Presence, trusting that as it is spoken, so is it answered and accomplished. And so it is! Amen!

Take a moment to allow your awareness to return to your body, to this space, to this beautiful gathering…welcome back.

Diana – Offertory

I invite you to join in the celebration of the work we are doing in the world by sharing of your financial Good, should you choose to.

If you are at home, you can go to mysticheart.org to use our Donate Button or to find our mailing address.

We also have a Gracious Giving Program for those who would like to make a heartfelt monthly commitment of support so that we can more effectively budget and plan for our growth.

As we receive your gifts today, we’re going to play a video from a Michael Franti concert. It’s the song he opens his concerts with. And the introduction ties us nicely back to the Taizé this morning. I wanted to be sure to share a bit of the experience of going to one of his concerts…I highly recommend it.

Rev. Diana, Chris J. J., Chris A. J., & Dalton – Offertory Music

• Oh, Yes, I’m Free, written by Diana Johnson

Chris N. – Bless the Offering

Chris N.– Invitations

• The Mystic Heart Book Club will be returning this Tuesday, September 10^th. We will be reading Conversations With God, Book 2 by Neale Donald Walsch.
• A Survey of the Christian Bible began last Wednesday, September 4^th from 2 – 5 pm. This week is the last week to register if you’re interested in taking the class.
• Fast Track to Wellness meets on Thursdays, from 12:00-2:00 pm. If you’d like support in your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual body’s journey, you might want to check it out.
• Metaphysical Bible meets on Thursdays from 3:00 – 5:00 pm to continue our exploration of the Book of Revelation.
• Emotional Intelligence and the Power of Positive Prayer began last Thursday, September 5^th from 6 – 9 pm. This week is the last week to register if you’re interested in taking the class.

Mark Your Calendars…

• Please join April Jimenez-WinterSky on Saturday, September 21^st from 11am to 1:00 pm for part 3 of the Dancing the Wheel Workshop. Contact April at 562-440-3785 to register in advance. She will be putting together materials in the coming weeks. The suggested donation is $20.
• The Mystic OAKS group invites you to join them for a return trip to Dakaro Vineyards, this time for wine tasting and Pizza! Saturday, October 12^th, 12:00 – 4:30 pm. Wine tasting is free, purchase of a bottle of wine is appreciated. Cost of pizza will be shared among participants. Contact Chris Netto for more information.
• Mystic Heart Fall Book & Bake Sale, October 25 – 26
• You are invited to bring your gently used books, as well as music CD’s record albums, and DVD’s to Mystic Heart during regular gathering times. Also, Calling All Bakers…we will be setting up a table filled with your individual cookies, cupcakes, muffins, rice-crispy treats…whatever strikes your fancy. Contact Rev. Diana if you can help.
• Namasté Café! Friday, December 6^th, 6:30 – 9:00 pm at the Mystic Heart Gathering Place. Do you have a talent to share? Bring your positive and uplifting music, poetry, comedy, or ??? Join in the fun and share your gifts at Mystic Heart’s first Open-Mic Night. Anything (positive) goes at this evening of sharing our time, talent, creativity, and love. Appetizers, desserts, and beverages will be provided. Suggested donation: $10 – $20 per person. Mark your calendars…tell your friends. More info to come.

There is more information available in the September Bulletin and on our website.

Information Cards if new people

Prayer Requests: I am available after service for prayer, or fill out a prayer card and I will get your request to our Prayer Team for daily prayer – We invite everyone to help us make a private space for prayer here in the Sanctuary by joining us next door for lunch

Rev. Diana, Chris J. J., Chris A. J., & Dalton – Closing Song

• Love Be With You, written by Lainey Bernstein, RScP & Gary Lynn Floyd

Notes:

[i] Gospel of Thomas, Logion 3

[ii] Gospel of Thomas, Logion 113

©2024 Mystic Heart Spiritual Center, All Rights Reserved
Permission is granted to duplicate for non-commercial educational use only.
All rights to music performed remain with the copyright owners.
Diana Johnson’s music is © by Barefoot Angel Publishing, ASCAP.
Chris Johnson’s music is © by SeaJay Music & Publishing, ASCAP.