Spiritual power is the only real power. All power flows from the Source, which is Spirit. On Sundays we affirm, “There is only one Presence and one Power, God the absolute good, omnipotent.” Omnipotence is defined as power with no limits or inexhaustible, in other words, unlimited power. We often define power with the abundance of one’s possessions. Yet we know that there are so many things that money cannot buy. It can’t buy an extension of one’s life. Spirit can extend a life but think about aligning your mind, heart and soul to The Power, the higher power that’s omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent!

Each year brings forth a specific vibration. Understanding the nature of the vibration offers us an opportunity to align with the energy and reap the rewards of each year. 2006 added together equals an eight (8), (2+0+0+6=8). The number eight symbolizes the axiom “as above so below.” As it is in your mind, so it shall be in your life. The number eight is two circles representing infinity; no beginning and no end.

Money will definitely be a central focus in 2006. Some people will experience the lack of money and others will experience more than enough.

I have been a student of prosperity for over 30 years and I understand that money like everything else manifests in visible form according to our thoughts and our “feelings.” I have been a student of Abraham for 7 years now and I highly recommend the Jerry and Esther Hicks book, Ask And It Is Given. Read it and then apply the principles. Abraham teaches the importance of feeling joyful. Arnold Patent really taught me this in the 80s and in the late 90s I began understanding at a deep level how important my feelings were. When I found myself around sad, angry or negative people, I became aware of how it made me “feel.” I understood that I was drawing to myself a myriad of things that I didn’t want to experience just through how I was “allowing” myself to feel. I have played my prosperity games via the internet and they have opened me up to such loving, healing and prosperous spaces. We have to allow ourselves to receive. We have to believe that we are worthy to receive.

If you desire to experience abundance, your first assignment is to do your forgiveness work. Some people buy books, tapes and CDs. They read, listen and apply the principles. Some may even experience a few nice demonstrations, yet they don’t experience permanent prosperity. I believe that many of these teachings miss a basic principle and that is the principle of forgiveness. Forgiveness is not something you do once. It’s something you do everyday, all of the time.

Why is forgiveness so important? When you carry unforgiving thoughts and ideas in your mind and heart, those thoughts create conflict within your temple. Unforgiving thoughts create obstructions in various parts of the body. Anger boils your corpuscles. Your vibration gets muddled and you no longer attract, you repel. So, in this month of preparation for the new year, everyday, write out three pages of things you are releasing and forgiving. This simple exercise is going to open up channels within you and the good that is waiting at the threshold will flow to you in peace and grace.

In 2005 we were to have mastered the “seven” energy. This was our year to pray more, meditate and heal. Look at the events of this year with storms, hurricanes, tornados and homelessness. Those who weren’t centered in their own “God” consciousness were shaken on many levels.

We must know how to connect with the inner Source to receive divine guidance and direction. No matter what happens in the outside world (the matrix) we can transcend it and receive everything that we need to be about our divine purpose here on the planet at this time. Joshua said, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and everything that you need will be added.”

It’s definitely a year to pull out every prosperity book you have and not just read them but also apply the principles so that money will flow into your life, world and affairs no matter what the economy looks like.

I have been in the position a few times where I had to really, really focus on “prosperity principles.” I was a single mom for a short time with two children and unemployed. I left my job because I was basically dealing with “burn out.” I was just “burned out” on life. I needed time to heal. I didn’t have a job for two years and I lived on these principles. I decided that these principles either worked or they didn’t.

I became 100 percent committed to forgiving each day, reading a few scriptures, praying and then listening. I would journal letters to God making sure that I was not carrying around any worry or concern in my head or my heart. I would go to various bodies of water to speak my affirmations. My ritual took about 2 hours. Since I didn’t have a job, my job was to get with the Source. I began working for God, Inc. I have so many stories about how Spirit manifested as money, trips and cars.

This was not just a breeze for me. I wouldn’t suggest to anyone to do this. It was “my” journey and one that was guided by the Source. This was one of the hardest things I ever did. Fear tried to take me over many days, yet I was 100 percent committed to studying and applying. I was committed to my spiritual development. I attended church, seminars, workshops and retreats. For awhile I totally abandoned myself in Spirit.

I have lived these “manifesting” principles. The principles work. Whether you are reading books by Catherine Ponder, John Randolph Price or Eric Butterworth; it’s about doing the work. Within you is the all-knowing, all-loving and all-giving Source. Embrace your spirit, embrace your power. Shalom!

Rev. Shaheerah Stephens is author of The Wealth of a Spiritual Woman and the Spiritual Leader at Transforming Love Community. She is a keynote speaker and workshop facilitator. Visit www.tlctheplace2b.org or call (313) 270-2325.