Click HERE to view Rev. Stacy Macris Ros’ guided meditation during the service.
MESSAGE SUMMARY:
Rev. Richard Maraj wrapped up his series inspired by the Catherine Ponder book, “Open Your Mind to Receive.” This final message in the series emphasized that true prosperity is not simply about wealth, but about living with happiness, generosity, faith, acceptance and appreciation.
Rev. Maraj outlined three additional prosperity principles that can help open our minds to receive the abundance available to us.
1) CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY. Most of us believe that when something good happens—when we receive the promotion, find the right relationship or achieve an important goal—then we’ll be happy. But the opposite is often true: When we choose happiness first, the things we do tend to prosper, and we enjoy them more fully. Our attitude shapes how we experience life and influences the good we attract. By releasing habits such as complaining, judging and dwelling on what is missing—and instead focusing on the good already present—we raise our consciousness and allow our inner light to brighten our relationships and the world around us.
2) PRACTICE SYSTEMATIC GIVING. Systematically sharing a portion of all that the universe shares with us is the beginning of financial increase. Tithing—consistently returning 10 percent to the place where we are spiritually nourished—activates the flow of abundance throughout our lives. When we give sporadically, we receive sporadically; when we give consistently and generously, we open ourselves to receive in the same way. Giving from the “first and best” helps release fear and withholding, deepens our trust in God as our source and keeps our good circulating. More than a practice, systematic giving is a transformative process that builds our prosperity consciousness and strengthens our awareness of our oneness with God.
3) USE THE POWER OF AGREEMENT. This teaching declares that we came into the world equipped with everything we need to handle life’s challenges and live prosperously—but we must be willing to agree with the situations, people and events that appear in our lives. When we cooperate with life, life cooperates with us; when we resist it, life becomes a struggle. Agreement does not mean resigning ourselves to unwanted conditions. It means accepting what is present without allowing it to consume our attention, trusting that we have the spiritual resources to learn, grow and move through it. Instead of “talking our good away” by dwelling on what is wrong, we acknowledge what is working and look for the good—even within adversity. As we make peace with life, we remain open to its guidance, possibilities and blessings.
By putting these principles into practice, we open our minds—and our lives—to receive greater prosperity.