This book contains a collection of John Templeton's favorite inspirational passages.                   “From the Bible, from philosophers and poets, and from other writers, we begin to form a clear understanding of the spiritual and ethical laws of life. The world's literature teaches us valuable lessons that no amount of money can buy. Those lessonsare there for everyone. They are free and they are priceless.”— John Marks Templeton   John Marks Templeton, legendary Wall Street financier and founder of the Templeton Mutual Funds, established the John Templeton Foundation in 1987. Now in his 90s, he continues to devote his time and energy to funding scientific research in religion, spirituality and health, character development, and freedom through the John Templeton Foundation. Knighted in 1987 by HRH Queen Elizabeth II for his philanthropic work, he also funds the Templeton Prize, given yearly to an outstanding individual whose research has advanced our understanding of God. He is the author and editor of numerous books that encourage humility, optimism, scientific research of spiritual principles, and the study of spirituality. Riches for the Mind and Spirit John Marks Templeton's Treasury of Words to Help, Inspire & Live By By John Marks Templeton, James Ellison Templeton Foundation Press Copyright © 1990 The K. S. Giniger Company All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-59947-101-3 Contents INTRODUCTION, I TALKING WITH GOD, II THE POWER OF SPIRIT, III THE POWER OF LOVE, IV THE OPTIMUM STATE OF MIND, V BUILDING ON DREAMS, VI WINNING THROUGH HUMILITY, VII BUILDING A CATHEDRAL, VIII GOD'S OPEN DOOR, ACKNOWLEDGMENTS, CHAPTER 1 Talking With God WHEN I was a small boy growing up in Winchester, Tennessee, Sunday school was an important part of my life. It was there that I began to sense the magical power of spiritual conversation. I learned that when God talks to us, His means of communication is the Bible. The great lessons of Jesus are narrated for our edification and, from Genesis to Revelation, light is shed on the mysteries of spritural existence. It was in Sunday school that I was introduced to the Golden Rule. People of all faiths have been inspired and uplifted by its message, which is repeated in the scriptures of the nine major religions. It was in Sunday school also that I first read the Sermon on the Mount, which is at the very heart of the Christian gospel and should be studied and memorized by every Sunday school student. Both the Golden Rule and the Sermon on the Mount are included in this section. As an adult, I taught Sunday school in the Presbyterian church in Englewood, New Jersey. I helped all of my students memorize Luke 6:27-38, where God speaks to us of the most profound matters. When we talk to God we reach Him through prayer. We tell Him of our hopes and fears; we express our desire to help others and to become better human beings. In the Bible passages and prayers that follow, we can explore and experience the vital dialogue that takes place constantly between God and humans. Because I find that some Bible translations express their ancient meanings in words I like better than others, I have drawn on three versions: the King James Version (KJV), the Revised Standard Version (RSV), and the New English Bible (NEB). God Speaks to Us In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through him and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:1–5, RSV "But I say to you that hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from him who takes away your cloak do not withhold your coat as well. Give to every one who begs from you; and of him who takes away your goods do not ask them again. And as you wish that men would do to you, do so to them. "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do that to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. "Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the m