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Lesson 93. Light and joy and peace abide in me. (1) You think you are the home of evil, darkness and sin. You think if anyone could see the truth about you he would be repelled, recoiling from you as if from a poisonous snake. You think if what is true about you were revealed to you, you would be struck with horror so intense that you would rush to death by your own hand, living on after seeing this being impossible. (2) These are beliefs so firmly fixed that it is difficult to help you see that they are based on nothing. That you have made mistakes is obvious. That you have sought salvation in strange ways; have been deceived, deceiving and afraid of foolish fantasies and savage dreams; and have bowed down to idols made of dust,--all this is true by what you now believe. (3) Today we question this, not from the point of view of what you think, but from a very different reference point, from which such idle thoughts are meaningless. These thoughts are not according to God's Will. These weird beliefs He does not share with you. This is enough to prove that they are wrong, but you do not perceive that this is so. (4) Why would you not be overjoyed to be assured that all the evil that you think you did was never done, that all your sins are nothing, that you are as pure and holy as you were created, and that light and joy and peace abide in you? Your image of yourself cannot withstand the Will of God. You think that this is death, but it is life. You think you are destroyed, but you are saved. (5) The self you made is not the Son of God. Therefore, this self does not exist at all. And anything it seems to do and think means nothing. It is neither bad nor good. It is unreal, and nothing more than that. It does not battle with the Son of God. It does not hurt him, nor attack his peace. It has not changed creation, nor reduced eternal sinlessness to sin, and love to hate. What power can this self you made possess, when it would contradict the Will of God? (6) Your sinlessness is guaranteed by God. Over and over this must be repeated, until it is accepted. It is true. Your sinlessness is guaranteed by God. Nothing can touch it, or change what God created as eternal. The self you made, evil and full of sin, is meaningless. Your sinlessness is guaranteed by God, and light and joy and peace abide in you. (7) Salvation requires the acceptance of but one thought;--you are as God created you, not what you made of yourself. Whatever evil you may think you did, you are as God created you. Whatever mistakes you made, the truth about you is unchanged. Creation is eternal and unalterable. Your sinlessness is guaranteed by God. You are and will forever be exactly as you were created. Light and joy and peace abide in you because God put them there. (8) In our longer exercise periods today, which would be most profitable if done for the first five minutes of every waking hour, begin by stating the truth about your creation: Light and joy and peace abide in me. My sinlessness is guaranteed by God. Then put away your foolish self-images, and spend the rest of the practice period in trying to experience what God has given you, in place of what you have decreed for yourself. (9) You are what God created or what you made. One Self is true; the other is not there. Try to experience the unity of your one Self. Try to appreciate Its Holiness and the love from which It was created. Try not to interfere with the Self which God created as you, by hiding Its majesty behind the tiny idols of evil and sinfulness you have made to replace It. Let It come into Its Own. Here you are; This is You. And light and joy and peace abide in you because this is so. (10) You may not be willing or even able to use the first five minutes of each hour for these exercises. Try, however, to do so when you can. At least remember to repeat these thoughts each hour: Light and joy and peace abide in me. My sinlessness is guaranteed by God. Then try to devote at least a minute or so to closing your eyes and realizing that this is a statement of the truth about you. (11) If a sit

Lesson 92. Miracles are seen in light, and light and strength are one. (1) The idea for today is an extension of the previous one. You do not think of light in terms of strength, and darkness in terms of weakness. That is because your idea of what seeing means is tied up with the body and its eyes and brain. Thus you believe that you can change what you see by putting little bits of glass before your eyes. This is among the many magical beliefs that come from the conviction you are a body, and the body's eyes can see. (2) You also believe the body's brain can think. If you but understood the nature of thought, you could but laugh at this insane idea. It is as if you thought you held the match that lights the sun and gives it all its warmth; or that you held the world within your hand, securely bound until you let it go. Yet this is no more foolish than to believe the body's eyes can see; the brain can think. (3) It is God's strength in you that is the light in which you see, as it is His Mind with which you think. His strength denies your weakness. It is our weakness that sees through the body's eyes, peering about in darkness to behold the likeness of itself; the small, the weak, the sickly and the dying, those in need, the helpless and afraid, the sad, the poor, the starving and the joyless. These are seen through eyes that cannot see and cannot bless. (4) Strength overlooks these things by seeing past appearances. It keeps its steady gaze upon the light that lies beyond them. It unites with light, of which it is a part. It sees itself. It brings the light in which your Self appears. In darkness you perceive a self that is not there. Strength is the truth about you; weakness is an idol falsely worshipped and adored that strength may be dispelled, and darkness rule where God appointed that there should be light. (5) Strength comes from truth, and shines with light its Source has given it; weakness reflects the darkness of its maker. It is sick and looks on sickness, which is like itself. Truth is a savior and can only will for happiness and peace for everyone. It gives its strength to everyone who asks, in limitless supply. It sees that lack in anyone would be a lack in all. And so it gives its light that all may see and benefit as one. Its strength is shared, that it may bring to all the miracle in which they will unite in purpose and forgiveness and in love. (6) Weakness, which looks in darkness, cannot see a purpose in forgiveness and in love. It sees all others different from itself, and nothing in the world that it would share. It judges and condemns, but does not love. In darkness it remains to hide itself, and dreams that it is strong and conquering, a victor over limitations that but grow in darkness to enormous size. (7) It fears and it attacks and hates itself, and darkness covers everything it sees, leaving its dreams as fearful as itself. No miracles are here, but only hate. It separates itself from what it sees, while light and strength perceive themselves as one. The light of strength is not the light you see. It does not change and flicker and go out. It does not shift from night to day, and back to darkness till the morning comes again. (8) The light of strength is constant, sure as love, forever glad to give itself away, because it cannot give but to itself. No one can ask in vain to share its sight, and none who enters its abode can leave without a miracle before his eyes, and strength and light abiding in his heart. (9) The strength in you will offer you the light, and guide your seeing so you do not dwell on idle shadows that the body's eyes provide for self-deception. Strength and light unite in you, and where they meet, your Self stands ready to embrace you as Its Own. Such is the meeting place we try today to find and rest in, for the peace of God is where your Self, His Son, is waiting now to meet Itself again, and be as One. (10) Let us give twenty minutes twice today to join this meeting. Let yourself be brought unto your Self. Its strength will be the light in which the gift of sight is given

Lesson 91. Miracles are seen in light. (1) It is important to remember that miracles and vision necessarily go together. This needs repeating, and frequent repeating. It is a central idea in your new thought system, and the perception that it produces. The miracle is always there. Its presence is not caused by your vision; its absence is not the result of your failure to see. It is only your awareness of miracles that is affected. You will see them in the light; you will not see them in the dark. (2) To you, then, light is crucial. While you remain in darkness, the miracle remains unseen. Thus you are convinced it is not there. This follows from the premises from which the darkness comes. Denial of light leads to failure to perceive it. Failure to perceive light is to perceive darkness. The light is useless to you then, even though it is there. You cannot use it because its presence is unknown to you. And the seeming reality of the darkness makes the idea of light meaningless. (3) To be told that what you do not see is there sounds like insanity. It is very difficult to become convinced that it is insanity not to see what is there, and to see what is not there instead. You do not doubt that the body's eyes can see. You do not doubt the images they show you are reality. Your faith lies in the darkness, not the light. How can this be reversed? For you it is impossible, but you are not alone in this. (4) Your efforts, however little they may be, have strong support. Did you but realize how great this strength, your doubts would vanish. Today we will devote ourselves to the attempt to let you feel this strength. When you have felt the strength in you, which makes all miracles within your easy reach, you will not doubt. The miracles your sense of weakness hides will leap into awareness as you feel the strength in you. (5) Three times today, set aside about ten minutes for a quiet time in which you try to leave your weakness behind. This is accomplished very simply, as you instruct yourself that you are not a body. Faith goes to what you want, and you instruct your mind accordingly. Your will remains your teacher, and your will has all the strength to do what it desires. You can escape the body if you choose. You can experience the strength in you. (6) Begin the longer practice periods with this statement of true cause and effect relationships: Miracles are seen in light. The body's eyes do not perceive the light. But I am not a body. What am I? The question with which this statement ends is needed for our exercises today. What you think you are is a belief to be undone. But what you really are must be revealed to you. The belief you are a body calls for correction, being a mistake. The truth of what you are calls on the strength in you to bring to your awareness what the mistake conceals. (7) If you are not a body, what are you? You need to be aware of what the Holy Spirit uses to replace the image of a body in your mind. You need to feel something to put your faith in, as you lift it from the body. You need a real experience of something else, something more solid and more sure; more worthy of your faith, and really there. (8) If you are not a body, what are you? Ask this in honesty, and then devote several minutes to allowing your mistaken thoughts about your attributes to be corrected, and their opposites to take their place. Say, for example: I am not weak, but strong. I am not helpless, but all powerful. I am not limited, but unlimited. I am not doubtful, but certain. I am not an illusion, but a reality. I cannot see in darkness, but in light. (9) In the second phase of the exercise period, try to experience these truths about yourself. Concentrate particularly on the experience of strength. Remember that all sense of weakness is associated with the belief you are a body, a belief that is mistaken and deserves no faith. Try to remove your faith from it, if only for a moment. You will be accustomed to keeping faith with the more worthy in you as we go along. (10) Relax for the rest of the practice period, confident that y

Lesson 90. For this review we will use these ideas: 1.(79) Let me recognize the problem so it can be solved. Let me realize today that the problem is always some form of grievance that I would cherish. Let me also understand that the solution is always a miracle with which I let the grievance be replaced. Today I would remember the simplicity of salvation by reinforcing the lesson that there is one problem and one solution. The problem is a grievance; the solution is a miracle. And I invite the solution to come to me through my forgiveness of the grievance, and my welcome of the miracle that takes its place. Specific applications of this idea might be in these forms: This presents a problem to me which I would have resolved. The miracle behind this grievance will resolve it for me. The answer to this problem is the miracle that it conceals. 3.(80) Let me recognize my problems have been solved. I seem to have problems only because I am misusing time. I believe that the problem comes first, and time must elapse before it can be worked out. I do not see the problem and the answer as simultaneous in their occurrence. That is because I do not yet realize that God has placed the answer together with the problem, so that they cannot be separated by time. The Holy Spirit will teach me this, if I will let Him. And I will understand it is impossible that I could have a problem which has not been solved already. These forms of the idea will be useful for specific applications: I need not wait for this to be resolved. The answer to this problem is already given me, if I will accept it. Time cannot separate this problem from its solution. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The commentary on this lesson is from Kenneth Wapnick's eight volume series of books, called: "Journey Through the Workbook of A Course in Miracles," which can be purchased at the following site: Foundation for A Course in Miracles ? ~ M. Street ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lesson 90. For this review we will use these ideas: *This lesson also deals with two parallel lessons: one problem, one solution.* (1:1) (79) "Let me recognize the problem so it can be solved." *The problem is defined as a grievance, and the solution as the miracle that undoes the problem. Could anything be simpler? Jesus would ask.* (1:2-3) "Let me realize today that the problem is always some form of grievance that I would cherish. Let me also understand that the solution is always a miracle with which I let the grievance be replaced." *We find reflected here the undoing of the ego's first law of chaos -- "There is a hierarchy of illusions" (T-1.1.1:1) Despite appearances, our problems can be traced back to a grievance, such as: "If only you had been different, I would be happy." The solution is the miracle of forgiveness, for the problem was the projection of guilt, which I now happily reclaim so that it can be released.* (1:4-6) "Today I would remember the simplicity of salvation by reinforcing the lesson that there is one problem and one solution. The problem is a grievance; the solution is a miracle. And I invite the solution to come to me through my forgiveness of the grievance, and my welcome of the miracle that takes its place." *These two lessons form the capstone of the review period, because they clearly articulate that every problem we experience during the day is a form of attack or grievance -- whether we are conscious of it or not -- and the only way we can be happy and remember our function is to let the attack go. We release the grievance by asking Jesus to help us realize we are wrong because we are perceiving the situation wrongly. Thus, once again, borrowing the title of the final chapter of the text, we see and accept the simplicity of salvation: one problem one solution; one grievance, one miracle.* (2:2) "This presents a problem to me which I would have resolved." *The problem we perceive and the remedy we seek are equally illusory. The "solution" may resolve its specific expression, but not the ultimate problem -- the grievance we hold against ourselves and God.

Lesson 89. These are our review ideas for today: 1. (77) I am entitled to miracles. I am entitled to miracles because I am under no laws but God's. His laws release me from all grievances, and replace them with miracles. And I would accept the miracles in place of the grievances, which are but illusions that hide the miracles beyond. Now I would accept only what the laws of God entitle me to have, that I may use it on behalf of the function He has given me. (2) You might use these suggestions for specific applications of this idea: Behind this is a miracle to which I am entitled. Let me not hold a grievance against you, [name], but offer you the miracle that belongs to you instead. Seen truly, this offers me a miracle. 3. (78) Let miracles replace all grievances. By this idea do I unite my will with the Holy Spirit's, and perceive them as one. By this idea do I accept my release from hell. By this idea do I express my willingness to have all my illusions be replaced with truth, according to God's plan for my salvation. I would make no exceptions and no substitutes. I want all of Heaven and only Heaven, as God wills me to have. (4) Useful specific forms for applying this idea would be: I would not hold this grievance apart from my salvation. Let our grievances be replaced by miracles, [name]. Beyond this is the miracle by which all my grievances are replaced. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The commentary on this lesson is from Kenneth Wapnick's eight volume series of books, called: "Journey Through the Workbook of A Course in Miracles," which can be purchased at the following site: Foundation for A Course in Miracles ? ~ M. Street ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lesson 89. These are our review ideas for today: *This review contains two lessons that deal specifically with miracles.* 1. (77) "I am entitled to miracles." *This statement corrects the ego's assertion that we are entitled to punishment because of our sin. Jesus teaches us we are entitled to the loving correction the miracle bestows on our tortured and terrified minds.* (1:2-3) "I am entitled to miracles because I am under no laws but God's. His laws release me from all grievances, and replace them with miracles." *God's laws are an expression in our dream of the Atonement principle. His law in Heaven is the Oneness of His Love. As reflected here, it is the thought that says the separation never happened, expressed in the recognition that the grievances we hold against others -- our sins of which we accuse everyone else -- have not happened either. Thus our brother's "sins" have had no effect on us. Choosing Jesus as our teacher and the miracle as the correction helps us realize that everything held against others is secretly held against ourselves. Yet this has not changed our reality.* (1:4-5) "And I would accept the miracles in place of the grievances, which are but illusions that hide the miracles beyond. Now I would accept only what the laws of God entitle me to have, that I may use it on behalf of the function He has given me." *The important point, emphasized again and again, is that we choose to hold grievances because we are afraid of the love in our minds, because in its presence our special existence is gone. Thus are our grievances purposive, and until we change our purpose -- from remaining asleep to awakening -- the grievances will persist, if not consciously, then remaining fiercely active in the vaults of guilt well beyond our awareness. Our function of forgiveness likewise will remain hidden from us as we continue to obey the ego's laws of guilt and projection instead of God's law, reflected in the Holy Spirit's miracle.* (2:2-4) "Behind this is a miracle to which I am entitled. Let me not hold a grievance against you, [name], but offer you the miracle that belongs to you instead. Seen truly, this offers me a miracle." *Once again we observe the simplicity of Jesus' message: no complicated formulas or exercises; no intricate metaphysics or theology. All we need do is observe, with his gentle love gently beside us, how our judgments keep

Lesson 88. Today we will review these ideas: 1.(75) The light has come. In choosing salvation rather than attack, I merely choose to recognize what is already there. Salvation is a decision made already. Attack and grievances are not there to choose. That is why I always choose between truth and illusion; between what is there and what is not. The light has come. I can but choose the light, for it has no alternative. It has replaced the darkness, and the darkness has gone. These would prove useful forms for specific applications of this idea: This cannot show me darkness, for the light has come. The light in you is all that I would see, [name]. I would see in this only what is there. 3.(76) I am under no laws but God's. Here is the perfect statement of my freedom. I am under no laws but God's. I am constantly tempted to make up other laws and give them power over me. I suffer only because of my belief in them. They have no real effect on me at all. I am perfectly free of the effects of all laws save God's. And His are the laws of freedom. For specific forms in applying this idea, these would be useful: My perception of this shows me I believe in laws that do not exist. I see only the laws of God at work in this. Let me allow God's laws to work in this, and not my own. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The commentary on this lesson is from Kenneth Wapnick's eight volume series of books, called: "Journey Through the Workbook of A Course in Miracles," which can be purchased at the following site: Foundation for A Course in Miracles ? ~ M. Street ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lesson 88. Today we will review these ideas: (1:1)(75) "The light has come." *The light has come because the light has always been in our minds. This is reflected in the first sentence.* (1:2) "In choosing salvation rather than attack, I merely choose to recognize what is already there." *That is why "the light has come." The light of the Atonement is in our minds, but when we choose it we experience it as coming to us. In truth, however, we have come to it. We left the light when we chose the ego's darkness, and now we have returned. Coming to the light is salvation, just as leaving it constituted the first attack, mirrored in the specific attacks within our lives that are merely the shadowy fragments of the original thought.* (2:2-4) "This cannot show me darkness, for the light has come." "The light in you is all that I would see, [name]." "I would see in this only what is there." *Confronted by the ego's perceptions of specialness -- the darkened world of guilt, judgment, hate, punishment, and fear -- we go quickly to Jesus that we may see the situation differently. His vision -- <all> people calling for love or expressing it; <all> people sharing in the ego's insanity of hate and the Holy Spirit's sanity of forgiveness -- reflects Heaven's light. This light, born of our inherent sameness as God's Son, we now wish to see in others, for it is what we wish to see in ourselves.* (4:2-4) "My perception of this shows me I believe in laws that do not exist." "I see only the laws of God at work in this." "Let me allow God's laws to work in this, and not my own." *Whatever we perceive outside shows us that we believe in the ego's "laws that do not exist." Our daily practice, therefore, consists of first looking at the world through the ego's eyes of special and separate interests, the reflection of its fundamental law of separation. Recognizing this false perception allows me, next, to ask my new Teacher to teach me its correction. And so the Holy Spirit gently instructs me in the practicing of forgiveness, the reflection on earth of God's law of love. Regardless of the situation I am in, regardless of the pain (or pleasure) afforded me in a relationship, I can see God's laws reflected by seeing the opportunity to learn how separate interests lead to hell, while shared purpose leads to the Heaven I never truly left -- the Home of God's laws of love and life.* Love and Blessings, Lyn Johnson 719-369-1822 Gather YouTube Channel Our Facebook Group ACIM

Lesson 87. Our review today will cover these ideas: 1.(73) I will there be light. I will use the power of my will today. It is not my will to grope about in darkness, fearful of shadows and afraid of things unseen and unreal. Light shall be my guide today. I will follow it where it leads me, and I will look only on what it shows me. This day I will experience the peace of true perception. These forms of this idea would be helpful for specific applications: This cannot hide the light I will to see. You stand with me in light, [name]. In the light this will look different. 3.(74) There is no will but God's. I am safe today because there is no will but God's. I can become afraid only when I believe there is another will. I try to attack only when I am afraid, and only when I try to attack can I believe that my eternal safety is threatened. Today I will recognize that all this has not occurred. I am safe because there is no will but God's. These are some useful forms of this idea for specific applications: Let me perceive this in accordance with the Will of God. It is God's Will you are His Son, [name], and mine as well. This is part of God's Will for me, however I may see it. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The commentary on this lesson is from Kenneth Wapnick's eight volume series of books, called: "Journey Through the Workbook of A Course in Miracles," which can be purchased at the following site: Foundation for A Course in Miracles ? ~ M. Street ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lesson 87. Our review today will cover these ideas: (1:1) (73) "I will there be light." *This is a direct appeal to the power of our minds to make another choice: the light of forgiveness instead of the darkness of attack.* (1:2-3) "I will use the power of my will today. It is not my will to grope about in darkness, fearful of shadows and afraid of things unseen and unreal." *This was my ego's wish in contrast to the Holy Spirit's Will, which I now reflect in the right-minded use of my decision-making ability. Despite my wish for shadows, my will remains one with God's, held in safekeeping by the Holy Spirit. I had substituted what the ego would say is my will -- really the ego's wishes -- to be an individual, a decision which inevitably led to the ego's darkened thought system of separation and fear, culminating in the shadowy physical world of separation and fear. This lesson, then, is a direct appeal to look at things differently, to exercise the power of my mind ("the power of my will") to make another choice.* (1:4-6) "Light shall be my guide today. I will follow it where it leads me, and I will look only on what it shows me. This day I will experience the peace of true perception." *Learning our lessons, we happily choose to let the light of Jesus' wisdom guide us each day. We look on the world through his non-judgmental eyes of forgiveness and peace. Our eyes "see" what they have always seen, but now we see differently: calls for love or expressions of it, as opposed to the ego's "eyes" that see only sin, guilt, and the need for punishment.* (2:2) "This cannot hide the light I will to see." *Looking at situations that heretofore had reflected the ego's darkened world of guilt and judgment, I recognize they had no power to hide the light of forgiveness from me. It was my mind that had the power, by choosing not to see the light that was always there. In other words, nothing here has the power of that light. But within the delusional dreams of shadows and death, we can choose not to recognize it, even though it shines so brightly within, and its reflections all around us. We choose now to recognize these witnesses to the light and see them as our own. Thus we say to each special love and hate partner.* (2:3) "You stand with me in light, [name]." *Those we had condemned to hell join as one Son, along with us, together awakening from the dream of death. All that is necessary for this happy recognition to occur is the willingness to look at the ego's lies for what they are, choosing instead to believe the truth Jesus has always held out f

Lesson 86. These ideas are for review today. 1.(71) Only God's plan for salvation will work. It is senseless for me to search wildly about for salvation. I have seen it in many people and in many things, but when I reached for it, it was not there. I was mistaken about where it is. I was mistaken about what it is. I will undertake no more idle seeking. Only God's plan for salvation will work. And I will rejoice because His plan can never fail. These are some suggested forms for applying this idea specifically: God's plan for salvation will save me from my perception of this. This is no exception in God's plan for my salvation. Let me perceive this only in the light of God's plan for salvation. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 3.(72) Holding grievances is an attack on God's plan for salvation. Holding grievances is an attempt to prove that God's plan for salvation will not work. Yet only His plan will work. By holding grievances, I am therefore excluding my only hope of salvation from my awareness. I would no longer defeat my own best interests in this insane way. I would accept God's plan for salvation, and be happy. Specific applications for this idea might be in these forms: I am choosing between misperception and salvation as I look on this. If I see grounds for grievances in this, I will not see the grounds for my salvation. This calls for salvation, not attack. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The commentary on this lesson is from Kenneth Wapnick's eight volume series of books, called: "Journey Through the Workbook of A Course in Miracles," which can be purchased at the following site: http://www.facim.org/ ~ M. Street ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lesson 86. These ideas are for review today. 1.(71) "Only God's plan for salvation will work." *It can only be God's plan for salvation that will work, because no other plan can save us. All others are external and designed to fail, since each would distract attention from our minds -- the source of our problem and the Source of our salvation.* (1:2-3) "It is senseless for me to search wildly about for salvation. I have seen it in many people and in many things, but when I reached for it, it was not there." *We senselessly followed the ego's plan of <seek but do not find,> and wherever we sought for salvation -- our special relationships -- will always fail, since they were made for that purpose, being the substitutes for What alone can save us. Even more to the point, idols were made to keep us in perpetual state of mindlessness, ensuring we would never exercise the mind's power to choose -- salvation instead of slavation.* (1:4-5) "I was mistaken about where it is. I was mistaken about what it is." *The reference is to special relationships, and Jesus' purpose for us is to forgive our special indulgences, to look with him and realize our insanity in wildly looking around for things to make us happy. Thus would we recognize the futility of specialness as a way of life: <It does not work>. Peace and love will never come when we seek for them outside ourselves. Note this summarizing statement from "Seek Not Outside Yourself" on the hopelessness of pursuing idols of specialness, and the hope in seeking only God: "An idol cannot take the place of God. Let Him remind you of His Love for you, and do not seek to drown His Voice in chants of deep despair to idols of yourself. Seek not outside your Father for your hope. For hope of happiness is not despair." (T.29.VII.10.4-7). Whenever we look without judgment at our mistaken search for idols, we are free to make another choice -- salvation in place of specialness.* (1:6-8) "I will undertake no more idle seeking. Only God's plan for salvation will work. And I will rejoice because His plan can never fail." *Coming to our sanity at last, we pledge no longer to waste time seeking for what can never be found, choosing only to follow the path of forgiveness, which alone will bring us home. In that choice is found our salvation; in that choice is found our joy. We look now at the first specific application:* (2:2) "God's plan

Lesson 85. Today's review will cover these ideas: 1.(69) My grievances hide the light of the world in me. My grievances show me what is not there, and hide from me what I would see. Recognizing this, what do I want my grievances for? They keep me in darkness and hide the light. Grievances and light cannot go together, but light and vision must be joined for me to see. To see, I must lay grievances aside. I want to see, and this will be the means by which I will succeed. Specific applications for this idea might be made in these forms: Let me not use this as a block to sight. The light of the world will shine all this away. I have no need for this. I want to see. 3.(70) My salvation comes from me. Today I will recognize where my salvation is. It is in me because its Source is there. It has not left its Source, and so it cannot have left my mind. I will not look for it outside myself. It is not found outside and then brought in. But from within me it will reach beyond, and everything I see will but reflect the light that shines in me and in itself. These forms of the idea are suitable for more specific applications: Let this not tempt me to look away from me for my salvation. I will not let this interfere with my awareness of the Source of my salvation. This has no power to remove salvation from me. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The commentary on this lesson is from Kenneth Wapnick's eight volume series of books, called: "Journey Through the Workbook of A Course in Miracles," which can be purchased at the following site: Foundation for A Course in Miracles ? ~ M. Street ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ (1:5-6) "Grievances and light cannot go together, but light and vision must be joined for me to see. To see, I must lay grievances aside." *This is the bottom line: Do I want to see or not? If I do, Jesus must be my eyes, which means I cannot judge. I will know which choice I made by its outcome. Finding myself angry, depressed, guilty, fearful, or anxious is what tells me I do not want to see. With the ego, my individuality and separation are all I know and my self is safe, though miserable.* (1:7) "I want to see, and this will be the means by which I will succeed." *We are no longer willing to be safe <and> miserable. We want the vision that embraces all Sons as the same, the precursor to remembering our Oneness as Christ. In this vision -- born of letting go of grievances -- we find our true happiness.* (2:2-5) "Let me not use this as a block to sight." "The light of the world will shine all this away." " I have no need for this. I want to see." *Diligently practicing these lessons helps us realize we have a split mind. The part that does not want to return home is responsible for our being in the world. The other part is a student of A Course in Miracles. We must be aware of both so we can make a meaningful choice between them. We need to understand that the ego's grievances hold the light of peace and joy from ourselves, leaving us in the darkness of misery and pain. Only by realizing the connection between our decision to attack and our suffering will we be motivated to say and mean: "I have not need for this." In that recognition we shall see, and in that vision all pain is shined away in the light of forgiveness.* 3.(70) "My salvation comes from me." *Jesus and the Holy Spirit are not outside me, nor is salvation. Indeed, I am not outside of me!* (3:2-6) "Today I will recognize where my salvation is. It is in me because its Source is there. It has not left its Source, and so it cannot have left my mind. I will not look for it outside myself. It is not found outside and then brought in." *That is what people want to do with God, Jesus, and A Course in Miracles: see them outside themselves. We must realize that salvation rests only within, in the power of the mind to choose Jesus as our teacher and not the ego. It is not found <in> Jesus, but in our mind's capacity to choose him. As we discussed earlier, Jesus has always asked us to come to him <outside the dream>. Yet we have continually striven to bring him

Lesson 84. These are the ideas for today's review: 1.(67) Love created me like itself. I am in the likeness of my Creator. I cannot suffer, I cannot experience loss and I cannot die. I am not a body. I would recognize my reality today. I will worship no idols, nor raise my own self-concept to replace my Self. I am in the likeness of my Creator. Love created me like itself. You might find these specific forms helpful in applying the idea: Let me not see an illusion of myself in this. As I look on this, let me remember my Creator. My Creator did not create this as I see it. 3. (68). Love holds no grievances. Grievances are completely alien to love. Grievances attack love and keep its light obscure. If I hold grievances I am attacking love, and therefore attacking my Self. My Self thus becomes alien to me. I am determined not to attack my Self today, so that I can remember Who I am. These specific forms for applying this idea would be helpful: This is no justification for denying my Self. I will not use this to attack love. Let this not tempt me to attack myself. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The commentary on this lesson is from Kenneth Wapnick's eight volume series of books, called: "Journey Through the Workbook of A Course in Miracles," which can be purchased at the following site: Foundation for A Course in Miracles ? ~ M. Street ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ (1:7-8) "I am in the likeness of my Creator. Love created me like itself." *Jesus returns to the lesson's theme, and asks us to return as well. We are speeded along our journey by our willingness to set aside the ego's shabby substitutes and accept the truth about ourselves. We are created in the image and likeness of our Creator and Source -- Love Itself. This is reiterated in the specific applications:* (2:2-4) "Let me not see an illusion of myself in this." "As I look on this, let me remember my Creator." "My Creator did not create this as I see it." *The "this" is any situation that causes us to believe we are vulnerable bodies, reinforcing the belief we are not glorious Self of spirit that God created. Jesus' point is that if we see ourselves as hurt or exhilarated by anything, it is because we have chosen to see it that way. Nothing has the power to make us feel good or bad but the mind's choice for the ego, made because we value it over the non-dualistic Self created by God. Jesus asks us to want to choose differently; to see each event of our day as an opportunity to remember our Creator. This choice is reflected by our recognition that Perfect Love could not have created the situation we experience, and so it cannot be real. And what is not real can have no power over us.* (3:1) (68). "Love holds no grievances." *Jesus returns to the important theme of grievances and attack thoughts. Implied here is that our grievances do not just come; we <actively choose them> because we want to hold another responsible for the misery we feel from having separated from love. Rather than accept responsibility for our "sin" and admit the fear that caused us to separate, we deny the sin, split it off from the self and, through projection, hold grievances against someone else -- <anyone> else -- accusing that person of what we secretly believe we have done. All this is brought about to fulfill the ego's purpose of protecting its existence through denying the mind and making us mindless, leaving us "at the mercy of things beyond [us], forces [we] cannot control" (T-19.IV-D.7:4)* (4:2-4) "These specific forms for applying this idea would be helpful: "This is no justification for denying my Self." " I will not use this to attack love." "Let this not tempt me to attack myself." *Jesus, as always, appeals to the power of our minds to make another choice. His appeal takes the power of recognizing there is no justification for attack thoughts of any kind. Recalling the shift in purpose, of which the Holy Spirit is the reminder, allows us to release our grievances. Thus does the love underneath ascend in our awareness and bring us peace, the steppingstone to remembering

Lesson 83. Today let us review these ideas: 1. (65) My only function is the one God gave me. I have no function but the one God gave me. This recognition releases me from all conflict, because it means I cannot have conflicting goals. With one purpose only, I am always certain what to do, what to say and what to think. All doubt must disappear as I acknowledge that my only function is the one God gave me. (2). More specific applications of this idea might take these forms: My perception of this does not change my function.This does not give me a function other than the one God gave me. Let me not use this to justify a function God did not give me.< 3. (66) My happiness and my function are one. All things that come from God are one. They come from Oneness, and must be received as one. Fulfilling my function is my happiness because both come from the same Source. And I must learn to recognize what makes me happy, if I would find happiness. (4). Some useful forms for specific applications of this idea are: This cannot separate my happiness from my function.The oneness of my happiness and my function remains wholly unaffected by this. Nothing, including this, can justify the illusion of happiness apart from my function.< ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The commentary on this lesson (below) is from Kenneth Wapnick's eight volume series of books, called: "Journey Through the Workbook of A Course in Miracles," which can be purchased at the following site: Foundation for A Course in Miracles ? ~ M. Street ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lesson 83. Today let us review these ideas: 1.(65) "My only function is the one God gave me." *There <is> nothing else.* (1:2-5) "I have no function but the one God gave me. This recognition releases me from all conflict, because it means I cannot have conflicting goals. With one purpose only, I am always certain what to do, what to say and what to think. All doubt must disappear as I acknowledge that my only function is the one God gave me." *Our function is to forgive, the only right-minded reason for being in the world. We are not here to save it, make a lot of money, raise a happy family, have a healthy body, or live to be a hundred and fifty years. Remembering this will remove conflict, because believing our function is external will inevitably conflict with our internal function of realizing that nothing external is important; only the change of thinking brought about by the change of teachers. Conflict results as well from wanting to study this course and return home, at the same time yearning to be its great teacher,or, seemingly more humbly, its devoted student, while still desiring the gifts of specialness: money, fame, power, and love. In these cases we regard an external goal as important -- if not more so -- than the internal one, setting up conflict that was the ego's goal from the beginning. Yet this course will end conflict, not exacerbate it, and the only right-minded purpose of the external world, once we have made it, is for it to be the mirror that shows us the choice we have made internally. Only then can our minds -- the true source of conflict -- be healed, as the following passage explains: "Forget not that the healing of God's Son is all the world is for. That is the only purpose the Holy Spirit sees in it, and thus the only one it has. Until you see the healing of the Son as all you wish to be accomplished by the world, by time and all appearances, you will not know the Father nor yourself. For you will use the world for what is not its purpose, and will not escape its laws of violence and death." (T.24.VI.4.1-4) Healing is thus the world's only sane purpose. Once we made it as an expression of our hatred of God and Christ, our new Teacher shifts the purpose. The world becomes the vehicle for showing us, first, that we have a mind, and second, the ego decision we made within it. Now the right decision is inevitable, and we are certain of the purpose of forgiveness as doubt disappears. We now seek to apply what we are learning:* (2:2-3) "My perception of this does not change m

Lesson 82. We will review these ideas today: 1.(63) The light of the world brings peace to every mind through my forgiveness. My forgiveness is the means by which the light of the world finds expression through me. My forgiveness is the means by which I become aware of the light of the world in me. My forgiveness is the means by which the world is healed, together with myself. Let me, then, forgive the world, that it may be healed along with me. 2.Suggestions for specific forms for applying this idea are: Let peace extend from my mind to yours, [name]. I share the light of the world with you, [name]. Through my forgiveness I can see this as it is. 3.(64) Let me not forget my function. I would not forget my function, because I would remember my Self. I cannot fulfill my function if I forget it. And unless I fulfill my function, I will not experience the joy that God intends for me. 4. Suitable specific forms of this idea include: Let me not use this to hide my function from me. I would use this as an opportunity to fulfill my function. This may threaten my ego, but cannot change my function in any way. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The commentary on this lesson (below) is from Kenneth Wapnick's eight volume series of books, called: "Journey Through the Workbook of A Course in Miracles," which can be purchased at the following site: Foundation for A Course in Miracles ? ~ M. Street ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lesson 82. We will review these ideas today: 1.(63) "The light of the world brings peace to every mind through my forgiveness." *This lesson extends the previous one.* (1:2-5) "My forgiveness is the means by which the light of the world finds expression through me. My forgiveness is the means by which I become aware of the light of the world in me. My forgiveness is the means by which the world is healed, together with myself. Let me, then, forgive the world, that it may be healed along with me." *We see the by-now familiar theme that the mind of God's Son is one, the basis for the world's healing. If I forgive you, I must be forgiving me because we come from the same self. When I accept Jesus' love as my identity instead of the ego's special love, I realize there is no separation in the Sonship without forgiving all of it. This is an essential part of Course's message. To say it again, Jesus is not talking about healing an external world. <There is no external world!> That is why he says in the text, "seek not to change the world, but choose to change your mind about the world." (T-21.in.1.7) The world, being an idea, has never left its source in the mind; therefore it still exists there. Thus, when my mind is healed of thoughts of separation -- sin, guilt, and attack -- the world must be healed accordingly. Next we see these three statements, to be applied in our daily practicing: * (2:2-4) "Let peace extend from my mind to yours, [name]. I share the light of the world with you, [name]. Through my forgiveness I can see this as it is." *If there is peace in your mind, it must extend to everyone. One clear way of discerning whether you have chosen God's peace or the ego's hatred is to pay attention to your perceptions. If you perceive anything in the world disturbing you, peace cannot be in your mind. This reflects the early lessons that taught that everything we perceive outside comes from our thoughts. We will thus realize that if we are not peaceful outside, our minds cannot be peaceful. This helps us understand the ego choice we have made, which we can correct and undo. While at this point in our practice of A Course in Miracles we are not directly in touch with our minds, we can recognize them by understanding that what perceive outside directly reflects what we have made real inside. To say it again, if we want to know whether we have chosen Jesus or the ego as our teacher, we need but pay attention to our reactions in the world. We need to remember that whenever we find ourselves making judgments or getting upset, this is a red flag that says: "I have chosen my ego again. Rather than assume responsibility for

Lesson 81. Our ideas for review today are. (1) (61) I am the light of the world. How holy am I, who have been given the function of lighting up the world! Let me be still before my holiness. In its calm light let all my conflicts disappear. In its peace let me remember Who I am. (2) Some specific forms for applying this idea when special difficulties seem to arise might be: Let me not obscure the light of the world in me. Let the light of the world shine through this appearance. This shadow will vanish before the light. (3:1) (62) Forgiveness is my function as the light of the world. It is through accepting my function that I will see the light in me. And in this light will my function stand clear and perfectly unambiguous before my sight. My acceptance does not depend on my recognizing what my function is, for I do not yet understand forgiveness. Yet I will trust that, in the light, I will see it as it is. (4) Specific forms for using this idea might include: Let this help me learn what forgiveness means. Let me not separate my function from my will. I will not use this for an alien purpose. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The commentary on this lesson (below) is from Kenneth Wapnick's eight volume series of books, called: "Journey Through the Workbook of A Course in Miracles," which can be purchased at the following site: Foundation for A Course in Miracles ? ~ M. Street ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lesson 81. "Our ideas for review today are." *As I mentioned when discussing the first review, Helen had informed Jesus she did not want the same mundane introductory statement repeated throughout. One of her criteria for judging whether Jesus really was who he claimed to be, was to see if he would dictate different words for the opening of each lesson (e.g., "Our ideas for review today are"; "We will review these ideas today"; Today let us review these ideas"; etc.). Having now seen another example of how these lessons share the same content, but different form, we can proceed from the ridiculous to the sublime.* 1(61) "I am the light of the world." "How holy am I, who have been given the function of lighting up the world! Let me be still before my holiness. In its calm light let all my conflicts disappear. In its peace let me remember Who I am." *In this first lesson we find a clear statement of our real Self, reflected in what the Holy Spirit's Voice reminds us of: our function of lighting up the world. As we had seen when we discussed this lesson earlier, we do not illuminate an external world, as would a lamp casting its glow. The world exists only in the mind of God's Son, and is darkened because we have chosen to listen to the ego. By thus choosing the Holy Spirit, we become His light of truth. Since God's Son is one, and the world is in the Son's mind, we become the world's light as well. In this light conflict cannot be, for it exists only in the darkness of the ego's thought system of opposition.* (2) "Some specific forms for applying this idea when special difficulties seem to arise might be: Let me not obscure the light of the world in me. Let the light of the world shine through this appearance. This shadow will vanish before the light." *When we choose Jesus, the world's shadow -- the projection of our guilt -- must disappear. They have no power before the light as long as we choose the light, regardless of the shadow's form. An illusion is an illusion is an illusion, and has no power before the truth. Our daily function is thus to bring our perceptions of darkness to the light of Jesus' truth. The next lesson deals with forgiveness, the major theme of A Course in Miracles.* (3:1) (62) "Forgiveness is my function as the light of the world." *Our function in Heaven is to create, with which no one here is in touch, for it has no worldly reference. On the other hand, forgiveness does have meaning for us. Previewing Lesson 192, we are reminded: "It is your Father's holy Will that you complete Himself ... extending love, creating in its Name, forever one with God and with your Self. Yet what can such a function mean

Review IIIntroduction 1. We are now ready for another review. ?We will begin where our last review left off, and cover two ideas each day. ?The earlier part of each day will be devoted to one of these ideas, and the latter part of the day to the other. ?We will have one longer exercise period, and frequent shorter ones in which we practice each of them. 2. The longer practice periods will follow this general form: Take about fifteen minutes for each of them, and begin by thinking about the ideas for the day, and the comments that are included in the assignments. ?Devote some three or four minutes to reading them over slowly, several times if you wish, and then close your eyes and listen. 3. Repeat the first phase of the exercise period if you find your mind wandering, but try to spend the major part of the time listening quietly but attentively. ?There is a message waiting for you. ?Be confident that you will receive it. ?Remember that it belongs to you, and that you want it. 4. Do not allow your intent to waver in the face of distracting thoughts. ?Realize that, whatever form such thoughts may take, they have no meaning and no power. ?Replace them with your determination to succeed. ?Do not forget that your will has power over all fantasies and dreams. ?Trust it to see you through, and carry you beyond them all. 5. Regard these practice periods as dedications to the way, the truth and the life. ?Refuse to be sidetracked into detours, illusions and thoughts of death. ?You are dedicated to salvation. ?Be determined each day not to leave your function unfulfilled. 6. Reaffirm your determination in the shorter practice periods as well, using the original form of the idea for general applications, and more specific forms when needed. ?Some specific forms are included in the comments which follow the statement of the ideas. ?These, however, are merely suggestions. ?It is not the particular words you use that matter.(ACIM, W-rII.in.1:1–6:4) Love and Blessings, Lyn Johnson 719-369-1822 Gather YouTube Channel Our Facebook Group ACIM Gather for "A Course in Miracles" Students & Teachers

Lesson 80. Let me recognize my problems have been solved. (1) If you are willing to recognize your problems, you will recognize that you have no problems. Your one central problem has been answered, and you have no other. Therefore, you must be at peace. Salvation thus depends on recognizing this one problem, and understanding that it has been solved. One problem, one solution. Salvation is accomplished. Freedom from conflict has been given you. Accept that fact, and you are ready to take your rightful place in God's plan for salvation. (2) Your only problem has been solved! Repeat this over and over to yourself today, with gratitude and conviction. You have recognized your only problem, opening the way for the Holy Spirit to give you God's answer. You have laid deception aside, and seen the light of truth. You have accepted salvation for yourself by bringing the problem to the answer. And you can recognize the answer, because the problem has been identified. (3) You are entitled to peace today. A problem that has been resolved cannot trouble you. Only be certain you do not forget that all problems are the same. Their many forms will not deceive you while you remember this. One problem, one solution. Accept the peace this simple statement brings. (4) In our longer practice periods today, we will claim the peace that must be ours when the problem and the answer have been brought together. The problem must be gone, because God's answer cannot fail. Having recognized one, you have recognized the other. The solution is inherent in the problem. You are answered, and have accepted the answer. You are saved. (5) Now let the peace that your acceptance brings be given you. Close your eyes, and receive your reward. Recognize that your problems have been solved. Recognize that you are out of conflict; free and at peace. Above all, remember that you have one problem, and that the problem has one solution. It is in this that the simplicity of salvation lies. It is because of this that it is guaranteed to work. (6) Assure yourself often today that your problems have been solved. Repeat the idea with deep conviction, as frequently as possible. And be particularly sure to apply the idea for today to any specific problem that may arise. Say quickly: Let me recognize this problem has been solved.<(7) Let us be determined not to collect grievances today. Let us be determined to be free of problems that do not exist. The means is simple honesty. Do not deceive yourself about what the problem is, and you must recognize it has been solved. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The commentary on this lesson (below) is from Kenneth Wapnick's eight volume series of books, called: "Journey Through the Workbook of A Course in Miracles," which can be purchased at the following site: Foundation for A Course in Miracles ? ~ M. Street ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lesson 80. "Let me recognize my problems have been solved." *This lesson expresses even more specifically the message of Lesson 79.* (1:1) "If you are willing to recognize your problems, you will recognize that you have no problems." *Recognizing that "my problems have been solved" can be understood as the presence of the Holy Spirit in my mind holding the solution to every problem I have, regardless of its form or complexity. Since He is already in my mind as the answer, this means my problems are gone. Recall this previously quoted passage about the role of the miracle in showing us that we have no problems: "The miracle does nothing. All it does is to undo. And thus it cancels out the interference to what has been done. It does not add, but merely takes away. And what it takes away is long since gone, but being kept in memory appears to have immediate effects. This world was over long ago. The thoughts that made it are no longer in the mind that thought of them and loved them for a little while. The miracle but shows the past is gone, and what has truly gone has no effects. Remembering a cause can but produce illusions of its presence, not effects." (T.28.I.1.1) Thus our problems were also over lo

Lesson 79. Let me recognize the problem so it can be solved. (1) A problem cannot be solved if you do not know what it is. Even if it is really solved already you will still have the problem, because you will not recognize that it has been solved. This is the situation of the world. The problem of separation, which is really the only problem, has already been solved. Yet the solution is not recognized because the problem is not recognized. (2) Everyone in this world seems to have his own special problems. Yet they are all the same, and must be recognized as one if the one solution that solves them all is to be accepted. Who can see that a problem has been solved if he thinks the problem is something else? Even if he is given the answer, he cannot see its relevance. (3) That is the position in which you find yourself now. You have the answer, but you are still uncertain about what the problem is. A long series of different problems seems to confront you, and as one is settled the next one and the next arise. There seems to be no end to them. There is no time in which you feel completely free of problems and at peace. (4) The temptation to regard problems as many is the temptation to keep the problem of separation unsolved. The world seems to present you with a vast number of problems, each requiring a different answer. This perception places you in a position in which your problem solving must be inadequate, and failure is inevitable. (5) No one could solve all the problems the world appears to hold. They seem to be on so many levels, in such varying forms and with such varied content, that they confront you with an impossible situation. Dismay and depression are inevitable as you regard them. Some spring up unexpectedly, just as you think you have resolved the previous ones. Others remain unsolved under a cloud of denial, and rise to haunt you from time to time, only to be hidden again but still unsolved. (6) All this complexity is but a desperate attempt not to recognize the problem, and therefore not to let it be resolved. If you could recognize that your only problem is separation, no matter what form it takes, you could accept the answer because you would see its relevance. Perceiving the underlying constancy in all the problems that seem to confront you, you would understand that you have the means to solve them all. And you would use the means, because you recognize the problem. (7) In our longer practice periods today we will ask what the problem is, and what is the answer to it. We will not assume that we already know. We will try to free our minds of all the many different kinds of problems we think we have. We will try to realize that we have only one problem, which we have failed to recognize. We will ask what it is, and wait for the answer. We will be told. Then we will ask for the solution to it. And we will be told. (8) The exercises for today will be successful to the extent to which you do not insist on defining the problem. Perhaps you will not succeed in letting all your preconceived notions go, but that is not necessary. All that is necessary is to entertain some doubt about the reality of your version of what your problems are. You are trying to recognize that you have been given the answer by recognizing the problem, so that the problem and the answer can be brought together and you can be at peace. (9) The shorter practice periods for today will not be set by time, but by need. You will see many problems today, each one calling for an answer. Our efforts will be directed toward recognizing that there is only one problem and one answer. In this recognition are all problems resolved. In this recognition there is peace. (10) Be not deceived by the form of problems today. Whenever any difficulty seems to rise, tell yourself quickly: Let me recognize this problem so it can be solved.<Then try to suspend all judgment about what the problem is. If possible, close your eyes for a moment and ask what it is. You will be heard and you will be answered. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lesson 78. Let miracles replace all grievances. (1) Perhaps it is not yet quite clear to you that each decision that you make is one between a grievance and a miracle. Each grievance stands like a dark shield of hate before the miracle it would conceal. And as you raise it up before your eyes, you will not see the miracle beyond. Yet all the while it waits for you in light, but you behold your grievances instead. (2) Today we go beyond the grievances, to look upon the miracle instead. We will reverse the way you see by not allowing sight to stop before it sees. We will not wait before the shield of hate, but lay it down and gently lift our eyes in silence to behold the Son of God. (3) He waits for you behind your grievances, and as you lay them down he will appear in shining light where each one stood before. For every grievance is a block to sight, and as it lifts you see the Son of God where he has always been. He stands in light, but you were in the dark. Each grievance made the darkness deeper, and you could not see. (4) Today we will attempt to see God's Son. We will not let ourselves be blind to him; we will not look upon our grievances. So is the seeing of the world reversed, as we look out toward truth, away from fear. We will select one person you have used as target for your grievances, and lay the grievances aside and look at him. Someone, perhaps, you fear and even hate; someone you think you love who angered you; someone you call a friend, but whom you see as difficult at times or hard to please, demanding, irritating or untrue to the ideal he should accept as his, according to the role you set for him. (5) You know the one to choose; his name has crossed your mind already. He will be the one of whom we ask God's Son be shown to you. Through seeing him behind the grievances that you have held against him, you will learn that what lay hidden while you saw him not is there in everyone, and can be seen. He who was enemy is more than friend when he is freed to take the holy role the Holy Spirit has assigned to him. Let him be savior unto you today. Such is his role in God your Father's plan. (6) Our longer practice periods today will see him in this role. You will attempt to hold him in your mind, first as you now consider him. You will review his faults, the difficulties you have had with him, the pain he caused you, his neglect, and all the little and the larger hurts he gave. You will regard his body with its flaws and better points as well, and you will think of his mistakes and even of his "sins." (7) Then let us ask of Him Who knows this Son of God in his reality and truth, that we may look on him a different way, and see our savior shining in the light of true forgiveness, given unto us. We ask Him in the holy Name of God and of His Son, as holy as Himself: Let me behold my savior in this one You have appointed as the one for me toask to lead me to the holy light in which he stands, that I may join with him.< The body's eyes are closed, and as you think of him who grieved you, let your mind be shown the light in him beyond your grievances. (8) What you have asked for cannot be denied. Your savior has been waiting long for this. He would be free, and make his freedom yours. The Holy Spirit leans from him to you, seeing no separation in God's Son. And what you see through Him will free you both. Be very quiet now, and look upon your shining savior. No dark grievances obscure the sight of him. You have allowed the Holy Spirit to express through him the role God gave Him that you might be saved. (9) God thanks you for these quiet times today in which you laid your images aside, and looked upon the miracle of love the Holy Spirit showed you in their place. The world and Heaven join in thanking you, for not one Thought of God but must rejoice as you are saved, and all the world with you. (10) We will remember this throughout the day, and take the role assigned to us as part of God's salvation plan, and not our own. Temptation falls away when we allow each one we meet to save us, and refuse to hide his light beh

Lesson 77. I am entitled to miracles. (1) You are entitled to miracles because of what you are. You will receive miracles because of what God is. And you will offer miracles because you are one with God. Again, how simple is salvation! It is merely a statement of your true Identity. It is this that we will celebrate today. (2) Your claim to miracles does not lie in your illusions about yourself. It does not depend on any magical powers you have ascribed to yourself, nor on any of the rituals you have devised. It is inherent in the truth of what you are. It is implicit in what God your Father is. It was ensured in your creation, and guaranteed by the laws of God. (3) Today we will claim the miracles which are your right, since they belong to you. You have been promised full release from the world you made. You have been assured that the Kingdom of God is within you, and can never be lost. We ask no more than what belongs to us in truth. Today, however, we will also make sure that we will not content ourselves with less. (4) Begin the longer practice periods by telling yourself quite confidently that you are entitled to miracles. Closing your eyes, remind yourself that you are asking only for what is rightfully yours. Remind yourself also that miracles are never taken from one and given to another, and that in asking for your rights, you are upholding the rights of everyone. Miracles do not obey the laws of this world. They merely follow from the laws of God. (5) After this brief introductory phase, wait quietly for the assurance that your request is granted. You have asked for the salvation of the world, and for your own. You have requested that you be given the means by which this is accomplished. You cannot fail to be assured in this. You are but asking that the Will of God be done. (6) In doing this, you do not really ask for anything. You state a fact that cannot be denied. The Holy Spirit cannot but assure you that your request is granted. The fact that you accepted must be so. There is no room for doubt and uncertainty today. We are asking a real question at last. The answer is a simple statement of a simple fact. You will receive the assurance that you seek. (7) Our shorter practice periods will be frequent, and will also be devoted to a reminder of a simple fact. Tell yourself often today: I am entitled to miracles.<Ask for them whenever a situation arises in which they are called for. You will recognize these situations. And since you are not relying on yourself to find the miracle, you are fully entitled to receive it whenever you ask. (8) Remember, too, not to be satisfied with less than the perfect answer. Be quick to tell yourself, should you be tempted: I will not trade miracles for grievances.I want only what belongs to me. God has established miracles as my right.< ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The commentary on this lesson (below) is from Kenneth Wapnick's eight volume series of books, called: "Journey Through the Workbook of A Course in Miracles," which can be purchased at the following site: http://www.facim.org/ ~ M. Street ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lesson 77. "I am entitled to miracles." *This is the first mention of miracles in the workbook. There is an indirect reference earlier in the lessons, but discussion of this central theme occurs here for the first time. Since it is so easily misunderstood, I shall talk briefly about the miracle before moving into the lesson itself. In A Course in Miracles, Jesus is fond of using terms that seem to suggest one thing, and providing them with an entirely different meaning. The term <miracles>, which gives its name to the Course, is a prime example. Almost everyone associates the word with something external. Whether or not one believes in the Bible, everyone in our Western world has been influenced by the accounts of various miracles described in the Old and the New Testaments. An examination shows that they involve some change in the body or the world, whether it is the parting of the Red Sea, healing of illness, or raising the dead. In the Course, miracle

Lesson 76. I am under no laws but God's. (1) We have observed before how many senseless things have seemed to you to be salvation. Each has imprisoned you with laws as senseless as itself. You are not bound by them. Yet to understand that this is so, you must first realize salvation lies not there. While you would seek for it in things that have no meaning, you bind yourself to laws that make no sense. Thus do you seek to prove salvation is where it is not. (2) Today we will be glad you cannot prove it. For if you could, you would forever seek salvation where it is not, and never find it. The idea for today tells you once again how simple is salvation. Look for it where it waits for you, and there it will be found. Look nowhere else, for it is nowhere else. (3) Think of the freedom in the recognition that you are not bound by all the strange and twisted laws you have set up to save you. You really think that you would starve unless you have stacks of green paper strips and piles of metal discs. You really think a small round pellet or some fluid pushed into your veins through a sharpened needle will ward off disease and death. You really think you are alone unless another body is with you. (4) It is insanity that thinks these things. You call them laws, and put them under different names in a long catalogue of rituals that have no use and serve no purpose. You think you must obey the "laws" of medicine, of economics and of health. Protect the body, and you will be saved. (5) These are not laws, but madness. The body is endangered by the mind that hurts itself. The body suffers just in order that the mind will fail to see it is the victim of itself. The body's suffering is a mask the mind holds up to hide what really suffers. It would not understand it is its own enemy; that it attacks itself and wants to die. It is from this your "laws" would save the body. It is for this you think you are a body. (6) There are no laws except the laws of God. This needs repeating, over and over, until you realize it applies to everything that you have made in opposition to God's Will. Your magic has no meaning. What it is meant to save does not exist. Only what it is meant to hide will save you. (7) The laws of God can never be replaced. We will devote today to rejoicing that this is so. It is no longer a truth that we would hide. We realize instead it is a truth that keeps us free forever. Magic imprisons, but the laws of God make free. The light has come because there are no laws but His. (8) We will begin the longer practice periods today with a short review of the different kinds of "laws" we have believed we must obey. These would include, for example, the "laws" of nutrition, of immunization, of medication, and of the body's protection in innumerable ways. Think further; you believe in the "laws" of friendship, of "good" relationships and reciprocity. Perhaps you even think that there are laws which set forth what is God's and what is yours. Many "religions" have been based on this. They would not save but damn in Heaven's name. Yet they are no more strange than other "laws" you hold must be obeyed to make you safe. (9) There are no laws but God's. Dismiss all foolish magical beliefs today, and hold your mind in silent readiness to hear the Voice that speaks the truth to you. You will be listening to One Who says there is no loss under the laws of God. Payment is neither given nor received. Exchange cannot be made; there are no substitutes; and nothing is replaced by something else. God's laws forever give and never take. (10) Hear Him Who tells you this, and realize how foolish are the "laws" you thought upheld the world you thought you saw. Then listen further. He will tell you more. About the Love your Father has for you. About the endless joy He offers you. About His yearning for His only Son, created as His channel for creation; denied to Him by his belief in hell. (11) Let us today open God's channels to Him, and let His Will extend through us to Him. Thus is creation endlessly increased. His Voice will speak of this to us, a

Lesson 75. The light has come. (1) The light has come. You are healed and you can heal. The light has come. You are saved and you can save. You are at peace, and you bring peace with you wherever you go. Darkness and turmoil and death have disappeared. The light has come. (2) Today we celebrate the happy ending to your long dream of disaster. There are no dark dreams now. The light has come. Today the time of light begins for you and everyone. It is a new era, in which a new world is born. The old one has left no trace upon it in its passing. Today we see a different world, because the light has come. (3) Our exercises for today will be happy ones, in which we offer thanks for the passing of the old and the beginning of the new. No shadows from the past remain to darken our sight and hide the world forgiveness offers us. Today we will accept the new world as what we want to see. We will be given what we desire. We will to see the light; the light has come. (4) Our longer practice periods will be devoted to looking at the world that our forgiveness shows us. This is what we want to see, and only this. Our single purpose makes our goal inevitable. Today the real world rises before us in gladness, to be seen at last. Sight is given us, now that the light has come. (5) We do not want to see the ego's shadow on the world today. We see the light, and in it we see Heaven's reflection lie across the world. Begin the longer practice periods by telling yourself the glad tidings of your release: The light has come. I have forgiven the world.<(6) Dwell not upon the past today. Keep a completely open mind, washed of all past ideas and clean of every concept you have made. You have forgiven the world today. You can look upon it now as if you never saw it before. You do not know yet what it looks like. You merely wait to have it shown to you. While you wait, repeat several times, slowly and in complete patience: The light has come. I have forgiven the world.<(7) Realize that your forgiveness entitles you to vision. Understand that the Holy Spirit never fails to give the gift of sight to the forgiving. Believe He will not fail you now. You have forgiven the world. He will be with you as you watch and wait. He will show you what true vision sees. It is His Will, and you have joined with Him. Wait patiently for Him. He will be there. The light has come. You have forgiven the world. (8) Tell Him you know you cannot fail because you trust in Him. And tell yourself you wait in certainty to look upon the world He promised you. From this time forth you will see differently. Today the light has come. And you will see the world that has been promised you since time began, and in which is the end of time ensured. (9) The shorter practice periods, too, will be joyful reminders of your release. Remind yourself every quarter of an hour or so that today is a time for special celebration. Give thanks for mercy and the Love of God. Rejoice in the power of forgiveness to heal your sight completely. Be confident that on this day there is a new beginning. Without the darkness of the past upon your eyes, you cannot fail to see today. And what you see will be so welcome that you will gladly extend today forever. (10) Say, then: The light has come. I have forgiven the world.Should you be tempted, say to anyone who seems to pull you back into darkness: The light has come. I have forgiven you.< (11) We dedicate this day to the serenity in which God would have you be. Keep it in your awareness of yourself and see it everywhere today, as we celebrate the beginning of your vision and the sight of the real world, which has come to replace the unforgiven world you thought was real. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The commentary on this lesson (below) is from Kenneth Wapnick's eight volume series of books, called: "Journey Through the Workbook of A Course in Miracles," which can be purchased at the following site: Foundation for A Course in Miracles ? ~ M. Street ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lesson 75. "The light has come." *In this lesson Jesus speaks of the real wo