Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his:

— Daniel 2:20

King James Version of the Bible

from Providential Guideposts

Love for Humanity … p. 10

That we may become one with God, to manifest His Goodness and His Love, we are told to love our neighbour and our enemy (Matthew 5:43-44 KJV). Taken literally, this admonition may not easily be reconciled with our own sympathies.

When considering what was said, it is essential to bear in mind that Jesus of Nazareth, a most learned and remarkable man, and the one who spoke these words, consistently phrased his teaching in the form of parables, such being figurative speech not meant to be taken literally.

If we are to properly understand Jesus’ true meaning in this instance, we must first go to the word ‘love,’ this being his oft-repeated message to all mankind. To ‘love our neighbour and our enemy' is but metaphor for ‘humanity,’ or all mankind. In short, we are being asked to do that which we already know — to unselfishly love our fellow beings.

— Garry D. Kilbourn

I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

— I Timothy 2:8

King James Version of the Bible

from Providential Guideposts

Changing Our Life

For The Better … p. 9

To simply accept that which daily befalls us, believing this to be our fate, is to resign ourselves to a life offering little hope and even less happiness. History, no less our own spiritual intuition, shows us a better way.

Changing our life for the better means changing our thinking, our attitude and, as well, our routine. Like all things in life worthwhile, personal enlightenment, both intellectual and spiritual, requires commitment and discipline.

Set aside time for meditation and reflection. Meditation means putting conscious thought from the mind such that we become unaware of our own physicality, thus achieving a state of spiritual transcendence: able to sense God’s presence. Reflection, whereby we but give thanks to God throughout the day, serves to reinforce the benefits of meditation.

Regular adherence to this routine, enforced by thoughts of love for oneself and others, results in spiritual enlightenment: we at once come to know ourself and become one with God.

— Garry D. Kilbourn

He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.

— Proverbs 4:4

King James Version of the Bible

from Providential Guideposts

Carefree Life … p. 8

We may forgive ourselves were we to fantasize about a carefree life, knowing all the while ’tis but a fantasy. Life, as we know all to well, is anything but carefree. In truth, life is an ofttimes tortuous path strewn with mistake and misfortune. The trick is to not let things get out of hand.

Whether self-imposed or otherwise, life’s problems have to be faced up to and dealt with. Denial is not a solution. Relief will only come if we:

1) quiet the turmoil of the mind and acknowledge responsibility;

2) let go of conscious thoughts and mentally step away from the problem;

3) with a clear mind, allow the initial steps for a solution to take hold, being careful not to force the issue;

4) look for the ever-present sunshine, confident in the knowledge that no problem is insurmountable; 

5) fear not to confide in a trustworthy friend, being mindful that two heads are ofttimes better than one;

6) await resolution of the problem, to be revealed in a state of quietude;

7) Give Thanks !

— Garry D. Kilbourn

For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
— II Corinthians 4:15

King James Version of the Bible

from Providential Guideposts

Worldly Brotherhood … p. 7

Time and again, in every area of human endeavour, history shows it is but a few who, for good or ill, initiate momentous change. Thus evermore will it be. Thus too is it essential for mankind that good prevail.

We, in this time and of this age, are society’s custodian and its moral conscience. Hence, it is we, each one of us individually, who must embrace goodness — the embodiment of moral excellence — in behalf of our fellowman. In doing so we are not asking of ourselves anything that we would not otherwise aspire to: We are but living our life after that of Jesus of Nazareth by answering his moral imperative to "love thy neighbour as thyself.” Only thus may we foster worldly brotherhood.

— Garry D. Kilbourn

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven. Hallowed by thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. — St. Matthew 6:9-13

King James Version of the Bible

from Providential Guideposts

Prayer … p. 6

Just as we feel the need to confide in a trusted friend, so it is when we talk with God in prayer. There is this difference though: We are at one with God, and ever will be. It thus behooves us to keep God in the forefront of our mind, knowing that He lives in us and we live in Him.  

That God knows our every thought need come as no surprise, although our awareness of it tends to foster a more intimate relationship. We find it both easy and comforting to say a simple “Thank you, God” as we go about our daily business. We find too that when we have meaningful conversation with God our relationship is affirmed and made whole.

Whenever we feel the need to spend time alone with God in prayer, our selfless faith alone affords us the understanding to know that whatever we ask of God is at once asking the same of ourself. We are, quite simply, part of the solution and must expect to play an active role. Empowered by faith and suffused with His divine presence, we can but ask of God His ever-abiding Goodness and wondrous Love for all. 

— Garry D. Kilbourn

Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. — St. John 15:8, 9

King James Version of the Bible

from Providential Guideposts

Reclaim Purity and Peace … p. 5

A universal awakening is called for to resuscitate mankind’s soul. That it can only be done one soul at a time is enough to hope for.

We are, each one of us, the children of God: He lives in us and we in Him. God’s Goodness and Love are at one in our immortal soul, that which gives rise to our spirituality.

From our very conception we are blessed with the potential to manifest God’s divine gifts, those which define our humanity. Fate, however, would have it otherwise, allowing worldly forces to intrude from the outset: forces both good and evil.

Though not always, still, all too often, the ways of the world tend to veil the soul, obscuring that which is most precious within us — the spiritual guiding light of God. Materialism comes to define who and what we are, drawing us ever farther from our God-given humanity. Uncertain of our purpose in life, confusion and unhappiness reign within: Morally and spiritually, we have lost our way.

Only by going within and, in all honesty, learn to love ourselves and others, may we reclaim the purity of our birthright and know the harmony of inner peace.

— Garry D. Kilbourn

Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doth good is of God: but he that doth evil hath not seen God. — III John 1:11

King James Version of the Bible 

from Providential Guideposts

Troublin’ Mind … p. 4

Oh, the mind, what it can’t do

’tis something needs attending to

It’ll drive you crazy and make you sad

Left unattended, can be bad, all bad.

But there’s more to this than meets the eye

To those bad thoughts we can say bye-bye

There’s a silver lining in every cloud

Good thoughts are a’comin’, we’ll say it aloud!

When thoughts are a’comin’ like a runaway freight

Get hold of yourself and set everything straight

’tis a visionary thought comin’ out of the brain

’tis the brain needs a stoppin’; air brakes for this train.

Out with those thoughts that are holding me down

Make room for the sunshine, we’re in a new town

The light from within me’s beginning to glow

Thank God for His lovin’, I’m now in the know.

— Garry D. Kilbourn