Charles Fillmore is the co-founder of the Unity Movement and author of the book, Prosperity. He says, “Divine substance is our supply.” So what is substance? “Substance is invisible. It is everywhere present and it pervades all things.” Another word for divine substance is Source, Spirit or God. It underlies all manifestation. Sub means “under” and stance means “stand” so if you put those two meanings together it means that which stands under everything that is visible. It’s the essence of all things, the living energy out of which all things are made.

How do we use substance? First, we must be aware of it and understand that we shape it with our thoughts, feelings and words. Yes, it’s like invisible dough. Our thoughts, feelings and words are like cookie cutters. We get to choose the size and shape of the cookie cutter. Substance doesn’t question what type of cookie cutter you use, it just fills the mold.

We are working with substance all of the time whether we are aware of it or not. This year being an eight energetic, we are shaping things quicker and more powerfully. We lay hold of substance very deliberately when we meditate upon it. Fillmore says, “By entering the silence, acknowledging divine substance, affirming our faith in it and our oneness with it, we become more conscious of substance.” Spiritual realization of divine substance enriches the soil of the mind. As you focus on it, it will begin to form itself into whatsoever it is that you desire. Get clear about your intention and then take control of your attention.

Jesus considered divine substance the treasure field in which he could find the fulfillment of every need. This is why he said, “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God.” We can access this kingdom lifestyle with our mind and the results of this attention and understanding will show up as our lives. Our power and prosperity comes through our spirituality. Where the mind goes the power flows. I offer you a few affirmations to speak and write daily:

The rich substance of the Source is pouring forth blessings, miracles and wonderful opportunities into my life constantly, consistently and copiously.

I am prospered in everything that I do, for I understand that there is only One Presence and Power operating in my mind, body and financial affairs.

I am the radiant, rich substance of God and I draw wonderful results and beautiful experiences to me this year.

Until the principle of supply is understood, many will continue to experience lack, limitation, disease and discord.

Principle 1. We are one with the Source; therefore, we are already one with health, wealth and every other good thing. It’s not about getting; it’s about realizing our oneness. It’s not even about becoming because you are already one with Source, made out of God-stuff.

Principle 2. We must live in a state of constant forgiveness of ourselves and all others. A Course In Miracles says that we are to experience miracles all of the time and that purification is necessary before we can live in this way. The Course teaches over and over again about the importance of forgiveness of ourselves and all others because we are one. Unforgiveness not only blocks your prosperity, it creates disease and discord.

Principle 3. We are Spirit and we live in a Spiritual world as we live in a so-called material world. We live in two places simultaneously. Until we are consciously and constantly present with this principle we will be caught up in the matrix (the world of appearances, lack and limitation.) Spiritual living is based on the ability to contact God. The Source is not outside of you. It is closer than hands or breathing.

The world seeks its good in the external realm. A Course In Miracles says, “The Ego has us constantly seeking and not finding.” It has us seeking to find peace, joy satisfaction, companionship or supply from the outer world of people and things. When we aren’t in a state of joy, we have disconnected ourselves from the Source.

By faith, believe that Source has a way of meeting your every need. For every problem there is a divine solution. The answer comes before the problem. The problem comes so that you will open yourself up to the answer.

Pray in the affirmative. Affirmations are prayers. Know that when you begin this process it might seem like things are getting worst before they get better. Fillmore calls this “chemicalization.” What is chemicalization? Fillmore defines it as “a condition in the mind that is brought about by the conflict that takes place when a high spiritual realization contacts an old error state of consciousness.” So don’t be discouraged if it “seems” like all hell is breaking loose just as you have begun to forgive, meditate, pray, attend classes or do affirmations.

This too shall pass. When a new idea is introduced into the mind, there is resistance. The old error thoughts contend for their place and will declare war. Just don’t stop forgiving, praying, believing and affirming.

I know that many of you are dealing with cutbacks, layoffs, home foreclosures and unemployment. You still have the Source. Start today doing your spiritual work. Reach out for spiritual support. phenomeNEWS is filled with many places where you can go for support. You must begin within.

I close with this thought from Spiritual Economics by Eric Butterworth, “You are a rich and creative spiritual being. You can never be less than this. You may frustrate your potential. You may identify with that which is less than what you can be. But within you now and always is the unborn possibility of a limitless experience of inner stability and outer treasure and yours is the privilege of giving birth to it. And you will, if you can believe.”

Rev. Shaheerah Stephens is author of The Wealth of a Spiritual Woman and the Spiritual Leader at Transforming Love Community. She is a sought-after keynote speaker and workshop facilitator. TLC’s website is http://tlctheplace2b.org. She can be reached at (313) 270-2325.