My religion teacher taught his class that the education system in America is a branch of the Government... Hmm I guess I missed that Article of the Constitution last time I read it. He then so egregiously miss applied a scripture from the 132 Section of the Doctrine and Covenants on the role of government, that anyone in the class who hasn't made a serious study of the proper role of government as established by inspiration through the Founding Fathers, probably thinks that it is a good thing that the government continues to make it more difficult to pray and otherwise acknowledge and honor God in schools; we must keep the separation between church and state you know...
It is little wonder that those who wish to eliminate God and Christianity from society are having so much success when we are being taught such flagrant principles. We have been fooled into thinking that religion and the demonstrations of a religious life should be kept entirely separate from public life. We have even been conditioned to be hyper-sensitive to not being perceived as an advocate for religious views and practices in public.
The Lord needs a people who are willing to demonstrate the signs and blessings of those who believe so clearly that you leave no doubt in those around you that you are a disciple of Christ, even as a city set on a hill. This must be us! We must be advocates of the Lord and His work. We must be living witnesses of the power and blessings that come to those who follow Christ. We can never do that if we buy into this false interpretation of separating Religion/Church and State/public life.
Don't forget your daily dose of Music!
Oct 1, 2013
Looking out the Window
I stood looking out the window of the Snow building on BYU-Idaho campus this morning before class started. I stood watching all the students walking on campus, crossing the street and coming and going from buildings. Backpacks on their shoulders. Ear buds playing away. Nary a care in the world beyond the next assignment or that next date. A knot in my stomach turned.
The government shut down. The debt crisis will careen out of control half-way through the month. The socialist bill for universal health care has rift congress beyond action (not that I'm convinced that is such a bad thing under the circumstances.) The American people go on like nothing is happening. WHAT IS WRONG WITH US?
It is a mark of how apathetic and disinterested we are in current events and the world situation that not once, all day long, did I hear anyone discuss what is happening. Crash a plane into a tower, the whole world stops and watches. Bring such a heated moral and ethical issue into the heart of Congressional debate that the division runs so deep the government halts in its tracks, we hardly bat an eye. Never mind that there the result of what happens will have a profound effect on all the citizens of these United States.
I wished all through my music theory class that instead of burying our heads in the sand and hoping that the problem will go away, we would stop our study of Neapolitan chords and take time to discuss what is happening in our nation. Why is this not the most important topic being discussed on campus?
I have to admit that I get a little more annoyed each time that I hear someone call the Republican party out for being childish, or uncooperative, or unreasonable. Do not misunderstand me. I am not an advocate for everything that the Republican party has done, or is doing. But it's about time that we finally see our representatives stand up and defy the liberal agenda, and their puppet the President. We ride a fine line between barely floating and sinking into disaster on so many fronts. So I say "Bravo!" to the congressmen who have stood up and stood their ground.
What?! Did you think it was going to be an easy fix, getting out of the mess we are in? Do you think that the socialist movement is just going to throw in the white towel and hand over the victory? Lets get real. We have only two choices: we are either going to be compliant, and compromise our way down to hell, or we are going to have to stand up and take a few blows to the face.
Maybe the Republicans haven't picked the best way to handle the situation. But at least someone has put the breaks on. Buckle up, ladies and gentlemen. I expect to get hit a few times.
The government shut down. The debt crisis will careen out of control half-way through the month. The socialist bill for universal health care has rift congress beyond action (not that I'm convinced that is such a bad thing under the circumstances.) The American people go on like nothing is happening. WHAT IS WRONG WITH US?
It is a mark of how apathetic and disinterested we are in current events and the world situation that not once, all day long, did I hear anyone discuss what is happening. Crash a plane into a tower, the whole world stops and watches. Bring such a heated moral and ethical issue into the heart of Congressional debate that the division runs so deep the government halts in its tracks, we hardly bat an eye. Never mind that there the result of what happens will have a profound effect on all the citizens of these United States.
I wished all through my music theory class that instead of burying our heads in the sand and hoping that the problem will go away, we would stop our study of Neapolitan chords and take time to discuss what is happening in our nation. Why is this not the most important topic being discussed on campus?
I have to admit that I get a little more annoyed each time that I hear someone call the Republican party out for being childish, or uncooperative, or unreasonable. Do not misunderstand me. I am not an advocate for everything that the Republican party has done, or is doing. But it's about time that we finally see our representatives stand up and defy the liberal agenda, and their puppet the President. We ride a fine line between barely floating and sinking into disaster on so many fronts. So I say "Bravo!" to the congressmen who have stood up and stood their ground.
What?! Did you think it was going to be an easy fix, getting out of the mess we are in? Do you think that the socialist movement is just going to throw in the white towel and hand over the victory? Lets get real. We have only two choices: we are either going to be compliant, and compromise our way down to hell, or we are going to have to stand up and take a few blows to the face.
Maybe the Republicans haven't picked the best way to handle the situation. But at least someone has put the breaks on. Buckle up, ladies and gentlemen. I expect to get hit a few times.
Sep 25, 2013
Thankful for my Heavenly Father
After writing my last post, and several circumstances that have happened of late, I feel the need to express gratitude to my God for his marvelous blessings on my behalf, and that of my family.
If there is anyone who happens upon this blog who is not sure if God is real, if he is aware of you and your needs and challenges, or who feel he is just not listening, please read on, and take hope and comfort in my sure knowledge that He loves you and me, and is intimately familiar with our lives.
A number of remarkable events have taken place in my life in the last couple of weeks. Each of these events, some of them too sacred to share in a place like a blog, has reaffirmed to me with undeniable certainty that I have a loving Heavenly Father who hears and answers my prayers. In testimony of these things, I will relate to you a few of these most recent experiences.
My sister drives a little white Honda. The Honda is one of the most popular makes of vehicles for those who like to steal and sell the individual parts to select. Her car was a few years old, and had it's share of problems. But in spite of the problems, the car works, and gets her to work and school. Last week, it was stolen from the parking lot at her work. This was a great inconvenience to and our whole family. Between her two jobs, ward activities, school responsibilities, and other social activities, she is a busy person. Needing to be chaperoned around would complicate life at home to say the least. A police report was filed. The department was not particularly encouraging. "It might be in St. George by now" they told her.
That night, after doing all that we knew how to do, each member of my family who could be contacted prayed and asked Heavenly Father to perform a miracle, and help return the car quickly and in working order. The very night that it was stolen and that we had prayed the car was recovered by the police. The only thing taken by the thief was an expired parking ticket. Inside of twenty-four hours, my family had seen a dramatic answer to our prayers.
Another of the miracles to happen in my life this week took the form of a grant to help pay for my schooling. Like many people, I applied for student aid months ago. Last year, my grant funds were estimated at a less-than-we-were-hoping-for amount. The actual amount that I was awarded was significantly less than had been estimated. This year, things are tighter then they were last year at this time. We applied for a federal grant again. We prayed that I would be blessed with a larger grant then I was given last semester to help offset the cost of schooling. When this years estimation came in, it was a good deal higher than last semester. This was encouraging. Expecting the pattern to follow what it had last time, we figured that the grant would again be lower than the estimation had been. But knowing that it would probably not be sufficient for what I need, We again petitioned the Lord for his assistance. This week, the grant came into my account. The amount awarded exceeded the amount estimated. And again, I knew that the Lord had heard my prayers.
I have been blessed this week with even littler miracles. I struggle when I don't get a good eight hours of sleep in. Let me rephrase that. I struggle to get up at six in the morning if I haven't been able to get eight hours of sleep. Now that I am taking violin lessons, voice lessons, singing in the Collegiate singers and serving as a section leader in the choir, serving as the Ward Home Evening group coordinator and trying to do all my homework on top of that and find a job, I came to the conclusion that I might not be able to get to bed at ten o'clock every night. Again, I prayed to the Lord. I explained to him what I wanted to do, and that I wanted to be committed to all these good things and do the very best that I can. I told him that I was really struggling to get up at six for class, and was tired through out the day. I asked him to please make up the difference for me, help me rest well and be awake and refreshed at six when my alarm goes off. He answered my prayer. I have been able to work until I was done with assignments and other responsibilities, and when six o'clock roles around, I'm read to wake up and get going.
I am so grateful for a Father in Heaven who is interested in and aware of me. He has been so kind and good. His miracles unfold daily. I know that I can count on Him, and that if I ask not amiss, he will grant me what I ask for. And those times when he doesn't grant what I ask for, I know that he has something better waiting for me. I know He is there for me.
Don't forget your daily dose of Music!
If there is anyone who happens upon this blog who is not sure if God is real, if he is aware of you and your needs and challenges, or who feel he is just not listening, please read on, and take hope and comfort in my sure knowledge that He loves you and me, and is intimately familiar with our lives.
A number of remarkable events have taken place in my life in the last couple of weeks. Each of these events, some of them too sacred to share in a place like a blog, has reaffirmed to me with undeniable certainty that I have a loving Heavenly Father who hears and answers my prayers. In testimony of these things, I will relate to you a few of these most recent experiences.
My sister drives a little white Honda. The Honda is one of the most popular makes of vehicles for those who like to steal and sell the individual parts to select. Her car was a few years old, and had it's share of problems. But in spite of the problems, the car works, and gets her to work and school. Last week, it was stolen from the parking lot at her work. This was a great inconvenience to and our whole family. Between her two jobs, ward activities, school responsibilities, and other social activities, she is a busy person. Needing to be chaperoned around would complicate life at home to say the least. A police report was filed. The department was not particularly encouraging. "It might be in St. George by now" they told her.
That night, after doing all that we knew how to do, each member of my family who could be contacted prayed and asked Heavenly Father to perform a miracle, and help return the car quickly and in working order. The very night that it was stolen and that we had prayed the car was recovered by the police. The only thing taken by the thief was an expired parking ticket. Inside of twenty-four hours, my family had seen a dramatic answer to our prayers.
Another of the miracles to happen in my life this week took the form of a grant to help pay for my schooling. Like many people, I applied for student aid months ago. Last year, my grant funds were estimated at a less-than-we-were-hoping-for amount. The actual amount that I was awarded was significantly less than had been estimated. This year, things are tighter then they were last year at this time. We applied for a federal grant again. We prayed that I would be blessed with a larger grant then I was given last semester to help offset the cost of schooling. When this years estimation came in, it was a good deal higher than last semester. This was encouraging. Expecting the pattern to follow what it had last time, we figured that the grant would again be lower than the estimation had been. But knowing that it would probably not be sufficient for what I need, We again petitioned the Lord for his assistance. This week, the grant came into my account. The amount awarded exceeded the amount estimated. And again, I knew that the Lord had heard my prayers.
I have been blessed this week with even littler miracles. I struggle when I don't get a good eight hours of sleep in. Let me rephrase that. I struggle to get up at six in the morning if I haven't been able to get eight hours of sleep. Now that I am taking violin lessons, voice lessons, singing in the Collegiate singers and serving as a section leader in the choir, serving as the Ward Home Evening group coordinator and trying to do all my homework on top of that and find a job, I came to the conclusion that I might not be able to get to bed at ten o'clock every night. Again, I prayed to the Lord. I explained to him what I wanted to do, and that I wanted to be committed to all these good things and do the very best that I can. I told him that I was really struggling to get up at six for class, and was tired through out the day. I asked him to please make up the difference for me, help me rest well and be awake and refreshed at six when my alarm goes off. He answered my prayer. I have been able to work until I was done with assignments and other responsibilities, and when six o'clock roles around, I'm read to wake up and get going.
I am so grateful for a Father in Heaven who is interested in and aware of me. He has been so kind and good. His miracles unfold daily. I know that I can count on Him, and that if I ask not amiss, he will grant me what I ask for. And those times when he doesn't grant what I ask for, I know that he has something better waiting for me. I know He is there for me.
Don't forget your daily dose of Music!
Sep 22, 2013
The Hearts of Men Fail Them
If you've been keeping up to date on my blog (which would be hard to do since I haven't blogged for an extended period of time) you will know that the last several posts have been almost exclusively of a religious/doctrinal nature. This was because I was required to blog for my online religion course from BYU-I.
In spite of the overwhelming amount of material on a spiritual subjects in recent posts, I find it more and more difficult to assuage myself of the inclination to write thus. In a world which has increasingly demonstrated that it has no intention of returning to the spiritual and wholesome on its own, it will only be through our increased commitment to and reliance on our God, the scriptures, and personal revelation that we can hope to remain standing on that foundation whereon if men build, they cannot fall.
It is clear to those who seek after righteousness that virtue, charity and sacrifice, humility, and personal responsibility are becoming increasingly rare commodities in the society in which we live. So much of our lives is centered around what you have, and what you don't. Too far we have fallen into the rat race of things; honoring possessions, positions, and wealth above sacrifice, honesty and integrity. Most of us are so caught up in the war of 'getting ahead in life' that little time and energy is left, if any at all, to take an interest in the welfare of the lives of our fellow men, or even the condition of our own souls. We have been hoodwinked; tricked into the distractions meant to blind us to the things of real worth in this world.
We are under the constant barrage of people and programs seeking to make us sacrifice our principles and morals, change our wills and actions, to align them with their desires and agendas. Entitlement they cry. You deserve! So pervasive are these trends of evil that even the best of men are intoxicated with them, and fail to do their duty to God and their fellow men. Selfishness and her sisters pride and apathy; these are those cheap prostitutes of the honor of men, stealing from him his sense of duty and brotherly love. Gone are the days when the society of men is capable of asking "what can I do for my country, for my fellow man, for my God?"
So bold an assertion and accusation as this is sure to raise the eyebrow of most of my friends and peers. From those who least understand what I have said will come the most lively attempts to defend the society I have, in their view, so rashly slandered. They will try to correct me, hoping to change what I think. "We are not all as bad as that," they will argue. "Most people in the world try to do good things and be good people." For these I will try to expound on my judgement.
First on the distraction of the rat race. Some of us are completely consumed with the need to have possessions, or positions or wealth. For these people, there can be little doubt that they are distracted from the things that are truly important. Even Hollywood agrees on this point from time to time. But what of those of us who are not totally consumed in the rat race? Are we really so affected as I have suggested? Consider how much time you spend watching television, listening to the radio and the various internet radio sites, watching videos in the theater and online, driving by billboards. Think of how many minutes a day, a week, a year you spend viewing or listening to content whose express purpose and design is no more or less then to lure you into feeling like you need another this or that, the latest and greatest. In the deepest corners of your heart, are you the slightest bit jealous when your friend or associate has the newest latest and greatest, and you don't? Are you envious of your co-worker who gets the raise or the better position; longing for that next entitlement you deserve? If you are, you, like me, are still running around in the rat race.
Ask yourself what things in life are truly important; family, education, service, religion etc. If you were to track how you spend your time, would your tracking sheet say? Would you be spending most or all of your time on those things which are most important? Or would you find that you have been distracted? And lets be honest, half and half doesn't cut it. Even sixty percent is not good. Lukewarm lives are unfulfilling at best. You would not want a doctor to perform surgery on you if he spaced out during fifty percent of the surgery. You wouldn't want him if he only focused sixty or even seventy percent of the surgery. You want a doctor who was intent and focused, doing all of the important things, being the best doctor that he can be during the whole surgery. Your life is in your own hands. You wouldn't let your doctor be distracted. Don't let yourself be distracted. Remember that distractions do not have to be evil to be effective.
Now, even when we aren't too caught up in the race for prominence, money, and the like, we still struggle with the greater problem; that of yielding our will and desire for righteousness.
True enough it is that the questions of "what can I do" are almost posed by those who wish to do and be good Christians. But they ask without an understanding of duty or responsibility. They ask "what can we do for our country?" "What can we do for the good of our fellow man?" They see the duty of man to bless and strengthen each other as the duty of men, as though man were but a collective mind, with but a collective responsibility for these things. This is not, and cannot, be. We as a society have lost the ability to prioritize, take responsibility, and do the hard things that the important things require.
Further compounding this problem is the realization that the promoters of the evil have very effectively created a feeling through out our entire society of helplessness. And we are buying into it. To many of those who recognize the awful state in which our society finds itself have been lulled into apathy, choosing to allay their sense of duty with the selfish sleaze that oozes into our lives in nearly every form of media to which we expose ourselves. Elder Patrick Kearon, member of the Quorum of the Seventy in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said "When we choose to consume the attitudes and opinions of the mass media, we find our own values and viewpoints following suit. We tell ourselves we’re not being affected by these messages, but that is not possible."
In illustration of this point, I relate an experience I had very recently. I tell the story not in judgement of an individual, but rather as an example of the symptom of the condition in which we now find ourselves. Some weeks ago I attended church services in the Salt Lake area for a few weeks between semesters a the university. Sitting in the Sunday School classroom before class, I was chatting with one of the long time members of the congregation, one whom I felt was among the many outstanding and faithful people whom I have had the privilege of knowing and associating with. In the course of our discussion, she inquired about my schooling, and what I plan to do after college. We talked briefly about my plans and also about the ever increasing changes making it harder and harder to do what I wish to do, and which are drawing us closer and closer to socialism and eventually communism. After expressing our mutual disagreement about these circumstances she suddenly ended the conversation by saying, with a shrug of the shoulder, "Well, what can you do?" I was taken aback by this sudden change in the timbre of our conversation. Time and circumstance did not permit further discussion on the subject. I came away from that conversation utterly alarmed!
Admittedly, I can't say that I have a solution to those problems, or am even an expert on them. But friends, let us never forget that all evil needs to claim the victory is for good people to do nothing. The pattern of thought expressed above leads to exactly that: nothing. But I mistake. The reality is that this pattern of thought and behavior is tantamount to pushing forward the very agendas and evils we loathe. Our silence is as good as our consent.
When will it be time? When will we have had enough? How long will we be satisfied with the tantalizing toys and pleasures that call from every side while the principles on which a righteous and happy people must be built are being eroded right out from under us? Shall we stand in silence and in the shadows of society saying and doing nothing till the wickedness and apathy of men pull down the wrath of God upon this once great nation? No. Let us rise and heed the council of that great prophet Isaiah. "Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean. Shake thyself from the dust; arise, and sit down, O Jerusalem: loose thyself from the bands of thy neck, O captive daughter of Zion. For thus saith the Lord, Ye have sold yourselves for nought; and ye shall be redeemed without money." (Isaiah 52:1-3)
Now is the time. This is the day. Take courage. "Touch not the evil gift, nor the unclean thing." Remember the word of the Lord which he spoke to those who were his servants and were about his work: [L]o, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." Stand and serve that God who created heaven and earth. Open your mouth in the defense of His righteousness and "The Lord of hosts shall defend [thee]" (Zachariah 15:9). So be up and doing. Speak up. Do good, and fear not to oppose evil; God is your defense.
Don't forget your daily dose of Music!
In spite of the overwhelming amount of material on a spiritual subjects in recent posts, I find it more and more difficult to assuage myself of the inclination to write thus. In a world which has increasingly demonstrated that it has no intention of returning to the spiritual and wholesome on its own, it will only be through our increased commitment to and reliance on our God, the scriptures, and personal revelation that we can hope to remain standing on that foundation whereon if men build, they cannot fall.
It is clear to those who seek after righteousness that virtue, charity and sacrifice, humility, and personal responsibility are becoming increasingly rare commodities in the society in which we live. So much of our lives is centered around what you have, and what you don't. Too far we have fallen into the rat race of things; honoring possessions, positions, and wealth above sacrifice, honesty and integrity. Most of us are so caught up in the war of 'getting ahead in life' that little time and energy is left, if any at all, to take an interest in the welfare of the lives of our fellow men, or even the condition of our own souls. We have been hoodwinked; tricked into the distractions meant to blind us to the things of real worth in this world.
We are under the constant barrage of people and programs seeking to make us sacrifice our principles and morals, change our wills and actions, to align them with their desires and agendas. Entitlement they cry. You deserve! So pervasive are these trends of evil that even the best of men are intoxicated with them, and fail to do their duty to God and their fellow men. Selfishness and her sisters pride and apathy; these are those cheap prostitutes of the honor of men, stealing from him his sense of duty and brotherly love. Gone are the days when the society of men is capable of asking "what can I do for my country, for my fellow man, for my God?"
So bold an assertion and accusation as this is sure to raise the eyebrow of most of my friends and peers. From those who least understand what I have said will come the most lively attempts to defend the society I have, in their view, so rashly slandered. They will try to correct me, hoping to change what I think. "We are not all as bad as that," they will argue. "Most people in the world try to do good things and be good people." For these I will try to expound on my judgement.
First on the distraction of the rat race. Some of us are completely consumed with the need to have possessions, or positions or wealth. For these people, there can be little doubt that they are distracted from the things that are truly important. Even Hollywood agrees on this point from time to time. But what of those of us who are not totally consumed in the rat race? Are we really so affected as I have suggested? Consider how much time you spend watching television, listening to the radio and the various internet radio sites, watching videos in the theater and online, driving by billboards. Think of how many minutes a day, a week, a year you spend viewing or listening to content whose express purpose and design is no more or less then to lure you into feeling like you need another this or that, the latest and greatest. In the deepest corners of your heart, are you the slightest bit jealous when your friend or associate has the newest latest and greatest, and you don't? Are you envious of your co-worker who gets the raise or the better position; longing for that next entitlement you deserve? If you are, you, like me, are still running around in the rat race.
Ask yourself what things in life are truly important; family, education, service, religion etc. If you were to track how you spend your time, would your tracking sheet say? Would you be spending most or all of your time on those things which are most important? Or would you find that you have been distracted? And lets be honest, half and half doesn't cut it. Even sixty percent is not good. Lukewarm lives are unfulfilling at best. You would not want a doctor to perform surgery on you if he spaced out during fifty percent of the surgery. You wouldn't want him if he only focused sixty or even seventy percent of the surgery. You want a doctor who was intent and focused, doing all of the important things, being the best doctor that he can be during the whole surgery. Your life is in your own hands. You wouldn't let your doctor be distracted. Don't let yourself be distracted. Remember that distractions do not have to be evil to be effective.
Now, even when we aren't too caught up in the race for prominence, money, and the like, we still struggle with the greater problem; that of yielding our will and desire for righteousness.
True enough it is that the questions of "what can I do" are almost posed by those who wish to do and be good Christians. But they ask without an understanding of duty or responsibility. They ask "what can we do for our country?" "What can we do for the good of our fellow man?" They see the duty of man to bless and strengthen each other as the duty of men, as though man were but a collective mind, with but a collective responsibility for these things. This is not, and cannot, be. We as a society have lost the ability to prioritize, take responsibility, and do the hard things that the important things require.
Further compounding this problem is the realization that the promoters of the evil have very effectively created a feeling through out our entire society of helplessness. And we are buying into it. To many of those who recognize the awful state in which our society finds itself have been lulled into apathy, choosing to allay their sense of duty with the selfish sleaze that oozes into our lives in nearly every form of media to which we expose ourselves. Elder Patrick Kearon, member of the Quorum of the Seventy in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said "When we choose to consume the attitudes and opinions of the mass media, we find our own values and viewpoints following suit. We tell ourselves we’re not being affected by these messages, but that is not possible."
In illustration of this point, I relate an experience I had very recently. I tell the story not in judgement of an individual, but rather as an example of the symptom of the condition in which we now find ourselves. Some weeks ago I attended church services in the Salt Lake area for a few weeks between semesters a the university. Sitting in the Sunday School classroom before class, I was chatting with one of the long time members of the congregation, one whom I felt was among the many outstanding and faithful people whom I have had the privilege of knowing and associating with. In the course of our discussion, she inquired about my schooling, and what I plan to do after college. We talked briefly about my plans and also about the ever increasing changes making it harder and harder to do what I wish to do, and which are drawing us closer and closer to socialism and eventually communism. After expressing our mutual disagreement about these circumstances she suddenly ended the conversation by saying, with a shrug of the shoulder, "Well, what can you do?" I was taken aback by this sudden change in the timbre of our conversation. Time and circumstance did not permit further discussion on the subject. I came away from that conversation utterly alarmed!
Admittedly, I can't say that I have a solution to those problems, or am even an expert on them. But friends, let us never forget that all evil needs to claim the victory is for good people to do nothing. The pattern of thought expressed above leads to exactly that: nothing. But I mistake. The reality is that this pattern of thought and behavior is tantamount to pushing forward the very agendas and evils we loathe. Our silence is as good as our consent.
When will it be time? When will we have had enough? How long will we be satisfied with the tantalizing toys and pleasures that call from every side while the principles on which a righteous and happy people must be built are being eroded right out from under us? Shall we stand in silence and in the shadows of society saying and doing nothing till the wickedness and apathy of men pull down the wrath of God upon this once great nation? No. Let us rise and heed the council of that great prophet Isaiah. "Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean. Shake thyself from the dust; arise, and sit down, O Jerusalem: loose thyself from the bands of thy neck, O captive daughter of Zion. For thus saith the Lord, Ye have sold yourselves for nought; and ye shall be redeemed without money." (Isaiah 52:1-3)
Now is the time. This is the day. Take courage. "Touch not the evil gift, nor the unclean thing." Remember the word of the Lord which he spoke to those who were his servants and were about his work: [L]o, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." Stand and serve that God who created heaven and earth. Open your mouth in the defense of His righteousness and "The Lord of hosts shall defend [thee]" (Zachariah 15:9). So be up and doing. Speak up. Do good, and fear not to oppose evil; God is your defense.
Don't forget your daily dose of Music!
Nov 28, 2012
Blessings and responsibilities of a relationship with the Holy Ghost
The Holy Ghost
• Teaches Truth
• He dwells inside us
• Teaches us all things
• Brings all things to our remembrance
• Gives peace
• Testifies of Christ
• Comforts us
• Guides us to truth
• Speaks the words of the father
• Glorifies the Lord
• Helps us understand the glory and work of God
• Enlivens and invigorates our senses and bodies
• Strengthens us spiritually and physically
•
We must
• Desire for the companionship of the Holy Ghost
• Trust and fear not
• Bear witness of Christ by the power of the Holy Ghost
• Continue faithful to the end
• Obey with exactness
• Share with others that which we have been given
In all these ways, and many more, the Holy Ghost was active in the lives of the Apostles and disciples following the death of Christ and their receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost. For Peter the Holy Ghost gave him the power, knowledge and wisdom to lead the new-founded church according to the will of God and of Christ. He was blessed with revelations that lead to the end of the practices of kosher observance among the saints, the end of circumcision as a requirement in the law of the gospel, and opening the preaching of the gospel to the gentile nations. For Paul the Holy Ghost gave him strength to travel extensively, endure a myriad of trials and suffering, preach to the simple and week and to the great and mighty. To all of the apostles were such gifts given and used in the work and will of the Lord.
One of my favorite experiences that happen with the Holy Ghost are when I receive what are best called “packets of light” by Elder Scott. Those “Ah Ha!” moments when a little extra light is given, and it seems that my soul takes a deep breath as it expands. Most often these experiences happen when I am studying, pondering or discussing the gospel. A couple days ago I was discussing the role of the Holy Ghost with my family in a Family Home Evening. As we discussed the scripture in D&C where we are told that when the spirit is doing the ‘real’ teaching, both the teacher and the learner understand one another and are both edified. As we discussed I received personal revelation and inspiration for my class that I teach on Sunday morning.
Don't forget your daily dose of Music!
• Teaches Truth
• He dwells inside us
• Teaches us all things
• Brings all things to our remembrance
• Gives peace
• Testifies of Christ
• Comforts us
• Guides us to truth
• Speaks the words of the father
• Glorifies the Lord
• Helps us understand the glory and work of God
• Enlivens and invigorates our senses and bodies
• Strengthens us spiritually and physically
•
We must
• Desire for the companionship of the Holy Ghost
• Trust and fear not
• Bear witness of Christ by the power of the Holy Ghost
• Continue faithful to the end
• Obey with exactness
• Share with others that which we have been given
In all these ways, and many more, the Holy Ghost was active in the lives of the Apostles and disciples following the death of Christ and their receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost. For Peter the Holy Ghost gave him the power, knowledge and wisdom to lead the new-founded church according to the will of God and of Christ. He was blessed with revelations that lead to the end of the practices of kosher observance among the saints, the end of circumcision as a requirement in the law of the gospel, and opening the preaching of the gospel to the gentile nations. For Paul the Holy Ghost gave him strength to travel extensively, endure a myriad of trials and suffering, preach to the simple and week and to the great and mighty. To all of the apostles were such gifts given and used in the work and will of the Lord.
One of my favorite experiences that happen with the Holy Ghost are when I receive what are best called “packets of light” by Elder Scott. Those “Ah Ha!” moments when a little extra light is given, and it seems that my soul takes a deep breath as it expands. Most often these experiences happen when I am studying, pondering or discussing the gospel. A couple days ago I was discussing the role of the Holy Ghost with my family in a Family Home Evening. As we discussed the scripture in D&C where we are told that when the spirit is doing the ‘real’ teaching, both the teacher and the learner understand one another and are both edified. As we discussed I received personal revelation and inspiration for my class that I teach on Sunday morning.
Don't forget your daily dose of Music!
Nov 24, 2012
At the waters of baptism by each made a covenant to take upon them the name of Christ, and to be a witness of his name. In order for us to be effective representatives of the Savior it will be important for us to know how others will recognize us as witness of Him. Christ gives us the most basic and universal way that others know that we are servants and witnesses of Christ. He said "by this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another." As a missionary, and at other times in my life, I have seen that this is true. It is much easier to believe that one is a follower of Christ, and witness of him truly when they love as Christ loved.
One of the experiences that has really impacted me took place early in my mission. We traveled early in the morning to one of my first zone conferences. On arriving I discovered that I had completely forgot to put on my name tag, and with no suit coat to cover my completely white shirt. I felt naked and humiliated in front of the entire zone and the mission president. During one of the breaks my mission president and I were exchanging greetings. He noticed that I didn't have my tag and that I had been embarrassed. Almost in passing, he reached inside his suit coat and took his name tag from off his shirt, handed it to me and said, "Let's see if anyone notices."
His simple act of kindness and generosity meant a great deal to me. I couldn't help thinking how Christ like this had been, his name covering my own mistake and foolishness. I was also grateful that none of the other Elders said or did anything to make me feel foolish. I was shown a small glimpse of the love of Christ.
Another of the great example of the showing the love of Christ also comes from my mission. One of the most common things that a convert says as something that affected their decision and helped them feel comfortable in the new surroundings of the church was how friendly and welcoming the people of the church were and are. The welcoming and loving hand of friendship shows the love of Christ and helps them know that they are home.
I think that such love and service are the greatest ways that we can show our love for those around us.
Don't forget your daily dose of Scripture!
One of the experiences that has really impacted me took place early in my mission. We traveled early in the morning to one of my first zone conferences. On arriving I discovered that I had completely forgot to put on my name tag, and with no suit coat to cover my completely white shirt. I felt naked and humiliated in front of the entire zone and the mission president. During one of the breaks my mission president and I were exchanging greetings. He noticed that I didn't have my tag and that I had been embarrassed. Almost in passing, he reached inside his suit coat and took his name tag from off his shirt, handed it to me and said, "Let's see if anyone notices."
His simple act of kindness and generosity meant a great deal to me. I couldn't help thinking how Christ like this had been, his name covering my own mistake and foolishness. I was also grateful that none of the other Elders said or did anything to make me feel foolish. I was shown a small glimpse of the love of Christ.
Another of the great example of the showing the love of Christ also comes from my mission. One of the most common things that a convert says as something that affected their decision and helped them feel comfortable in the new surroundings of the church was how friendly and welcoming the people of the church were and are. The welcoming and loving hand of friendship shows the love of Christ and helps them know that they are home.
I think that such love and service are the greatest ways that we can show our love for those around us.
Don't forget your daily dose of Scripture!
Nov 17, 2012
Preparing for the Coming of the Lord.
The 13th chapter of Mark is an excellent resource for us when we are pondering what needs to be done to be prepared for the second coming of the Lord.
The phrase 'take heed' is used repeatedly in this chapter as a warning and an instruction from the Lord. 'Take heed' can be used like, 'beware,' being just a simple warning. But I believe that there is more to what the Lord is telling us than that. 'Take heed...' He says; and I believe that He means for us to do just that.
'Take' is an action word. We are to get or acquire something. 'Heed' is a word that generally means to listen to council, or to consider suggestions given; but also it means to obey them. Thus, I believe that the Lord is telling us that he wants us to take heed from Him. How do we do that? Probably the most obvious answers to that question are to seek to know him and his will through diligent prayer and scripture study. One might go to the temple, fast, worship at church, sing hymns, and perform other labors that come to us by assignment and calling as we seek to 'take heed.'
We have been warned that subtle and crafty will be the works of the devil that he will have power to deceive even the very elect. How do we avoid this? The promise that is given to those who take heed is that they will not be deceived in the last day.
In D&C 87:8 the Lord tells us that it is extremely important to be doing these things constantly, consistently. We need to stand "in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come".
It has also been told to us that we need to study the signs that are going to be given to us to know when the coming of the Lord is close at hand. Those signs are in the scriptures and will help us to be prepared not fear.
We are reminded of the ten virgins in the forty fifth section of the Doctrine and Covenants, and told that it is those who receive the truth, and take the Holy Ghost as their guide that are prepared for return of the Lord. I think of this charge as being on a 'truth quest'. We should be driven to know the truth, pray for the companionship of the Holy Ghost and for the sense and humility to recognize and follow his guidance.
When we do these things, where ever we are in life, we can be prepared for what will come.
Don't forget your daily dose of scripture!
The phrase 'take heed' is used repeatedly in this chapter as a warning and an instruction from the Lord. 'Take heed' can be used like, 'beware,' being just a simple warning. But I believe that there is more to what the Lord is telling us than that. 'Take heed...' He says; and I believe that He means for us to do just that.
'Take' is an action word. We are to get or acquire something. 'Heed' is a word that generally means to listen to council, or to consider suggestions given; but also it means to obey them. Thus, I believe that the Lord is telling us that he wants us to take heed from Him. How do we do that? Probably the most obvious answers to that question are to seek to know him and his will through diligent prayer and scripture study. One might go to the temple, fast, worship at church, sing hymns, and perform other labors that come to us by assignment and calling as we seek to 'take heed.'
We have been warned that subtle and crafty will be the works of the devil that he will have power to deceive even the very elect. How do we avoid this? The promise that is given to those who take heed is that they will not be deceived in the last day.
In D&C 87:8 the Lord tells us that it is extremely important to be doing these things constantly, consistently. We need to stand "in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come".
It has also been told to us that we need to study the signs that are going to be given to us to know when the coming of the Lord is close at hand. Those signs are in the scriptures and will help us to be prepared not fear.
We are reminded of the ten virgins in the forty fifth section of the Doctrine and Covenants, and told that it is those who receive the truth, and take the Holy Ghost as their guide that are prepared for return of the Lord. I think of this charge as being on a 'truth quest'. We should be driven to know the truth, pray for the companionship of the Holy Ghost and for the sense and humility to recognize and follow his guidance.
When we do these things, where ever we are in life, we can be prepared for what will come.
Don't forget your daily dose of scripture!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)