Pre-Service Talk
There are many people in the world, who are suffering from illness or other problem and I am sure there is someone in your life that is sick, physically or mentally challenged. Please take today’s service to bring those people to your mind and pray for them. In addition let us pray for TC who is presently at Straub Hospital for internal bleeding. Also: LS, LA, JM, LK, CA (names obfuscated for privacy reasons).
Let us put hearts together in fervent prayer for those we know who are suffering from illness or personal problems and those survivors in the Philippines and that our disaster relief donations will reach the people as intended.
Post Service Sermon
Thank you all for joining your hearts and minds in performing the December Monthly Service here at Pearl Church. I believe that when we perform the Service spiritedly and in unity, as we have today, God the Parent and Oyasama are truly satisfied with our efforts. In this we are waking up the good genes that will bring about healing, good health and even good fortune. And thank you very much for joining us in prayer with unity of mind.
Switching “On” the Good Genes
In life, there is an abundance of possibilities and great potential depending on whether we make a slight adjustment to the way we use our mind.
Last month we had a great scientist, Dr. Kazuo Murakami who is an enthusiastic Tenrikyo follower. We received a good lecture by Dr. Murakami about how good and bad genes can be switched on and off. How can we switch on our good genes? And what happens when the good genes are turned “on.”
For instance, when we make other people happy or caring for other people, your body reacts by keeping healthy. On the other hand, the cancer cells are very self-centered and egotistic. Cancer cells are very aggressive and spread to other cells very quickly. We want to turn “off” the genes in these cells. We can do this by maintaining a correct lifestyle and positive attitude.
All living things in this world have the same genetic code. There is no such living thing that is living by its own power. Everything is kept alive by God’s power. Let us appreciate to God, for our life and this body that we are using. To turn the switch “on” the good genes, we must maintain a mind of gratitude. This is the key word. The key word is gratitude. Moreover, Dr. Murakami said that the children in developed countries have an abundance of material wealth. He said that when the children get whatever they want, their good genes are turned off. In other words, it is my understanding that the children will lack in motivation, patience and perseverance.
Next year in April, this DVD movie called “Prayer,” will be released and anyone can go and purchase it. For those who could not make it to Ala Moana Hotel viewing and attend Dr. Murakami’s lecture, I would like to show some excerpts from the movie and a testimonial by the movie director, Mr. Tetsu Shiratori. Since we have both English and Japanese versions, we would like the Japanese-speaking attendees to go to the kitchen downstairs to observe it.
If you truly resolve your mind and pray to Me,
I shall grant you My free and unlimited workings at once. VII: 43
If your mind is sincere, pray to Me quickly about any concerns.
I shall respond at once. VII: 46
I shall not refuse any prayer,
for I am hastening solely to save you. VII: 47
Then, in whatever you pray, your salvation will be assured.
Watch closely! IX: 6
If all of you in the world pray with this thought sincerely held,
you shall receive any blessing, whatever it may be. XII: 182
Thank you for your attention.
Announcements
- For those of you able, please join us in the yearend cleaning, at Mission HQ on Friday, 12/26 beginning with Yohaishiki at 9am and at Pearl Church Saturday, December 27th from 9am.
- Also mochi pounding on Thursday, 12/30 from 7am.
- New Year’s Service at Pearl Church on New Year’s Day from 7am.
- Thank you for bringing your deposit cans and bottles for our fundraising drive. Please continue bringing your deposit cans and bottles and any yard work referrals.