Strict demands; sure rewards

A good teacher will introduce the student to all the rules in order that he/she may achieve a fine result. Simonsen does just that.

No need to "steady the Ark" (pp. 237-242)
Simonsen issues a word of warning in regard to "counting our chickens before they hatch". He stresses that one should never count on anything but God to meet our every need. This would include believing that our supply emanates from a salary, a promise, a predicted sale, an expected gift or inheritance, a benefactor, accrued interest, or any material source, and then planning its consequence prior to receiving it. This mental activity would entail deviation from the first commandment to honour God with all our heart, soul, and mind. Thus, we must not attempt to "steady the Ark" (2 Sam. 6:6,7), but "lovingly and confidently wait on God to consummate the deal successfully" (p. 239). Taking this stance therefore enables us to "demonstrate all his problems on a truly scientific basis".

Mary Baker Eddy's teaching on this topic is instructive: "God gives you His spiritual ideas, and in turn, they give you daily supplies. Never ask for tomorrow: it is enough that divine Love is an ever-present help; and if you wait, never doubting, you will have all you need every moment. What a glorious inheritance is given to us through the understanding of omnipresent Love! More we cannot ask: more we do not want: more we cannot have. This sweet assurance is the "Peace, be still" to all human fears, to suffering of every sort" (from "Angels", Miscellaneous Writings 1883-1896, pp. 306-7).

Supply is not personal (p. 243-4)
Further lines of thinking to be avoided are believing that supply is for one's own benefit, rather than to benefit all mankind, and feeling personally responsible for supply, instead of "respond[ing] to God's ability" (p. 243). Simonsen reminds his readers of the Psalmist's promise -

"Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him, and he shall bring it to pass" (Ps 37:5).

Heed Nehemiah's example (p. 244)
Tell no man. Nehemiah had a mission and he carefully guarded that directive, telling no-one about it. This protected the idea from prying and enquiring others. Simonsen is guided by Proverbs 29:11 "A fool uttereth all his mind; but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards."

Faithfully take up the work at hand (p. 247)
Paul wrote "...whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ (Col. 2: 23-24).

Praying about substance and supply (p. 249-50)
"...one must see and realize harmony, position, and substance and supply as a present reality -- not going on because of any effort or labor you put forth to make it a fact: -- and, furthermore, you dwell right in the midst of it" (p. 249).

"Everything needful to supply one's need, -- the position and the power to express harmonious, joyful activity in that position, -- is now, and always will be man's birthright as God's son -- His image" (p. 250).

God provides the channel (p. 253-254)
The bottom line is that "God provides both the supply and the channel through which it is manifested..." (p. 253) and that such channels cannot be blocked or taken away.

What good news!

Julie Swannell