Now as missionary's we are charged to go forth two by two declaring the word of god, to every nation, in every tongue, and to every people(http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/42.6?lang=eng#5). We preach the gospel by the spirit of truth, and if the spirit of truth is not there we preach not. One way to dislodge the spirit of truth is contention, which is, as the scriptures state, "For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another". The proceeding story is of a recent experience as a missionary... And so it goes
We where knocking doors(as normal) when we came across a less then friendly woman, which is odd considering I serve in the south where everyone has that nice "southern hospitality"(southern accent added). We went to the door and knocked, very lightly, almost like Egar Allen Poe's "the Raven", we where lightly tapping, yes lightly rapping on her sliding window door. As we where standing in the door way the owner walked by, it was a woman in her late 50's. She walked to the door and opened it, we greeted her with a "hello" and she proceeded to demand, through screams, never to bang on her door again. We felt the spirit leave, and so we proceeded to follow. We told her "Lord bless" and we made like a banana and split.
Now why do I tell this story? Two reasons, first, we as Christan's must be willing to follow the spirit, two, we as Christians must never argue, and three, we as Christians must show through our actions Christlike love to all men.
Lets talk about following the spirit quickly. When the Lord speaks truth he does it through the Holy Ghost, his job is to teach truth unto the conversion of souls, his promptings are not just "good advice" its absolute truth. When he prompts we follow or we do not their is no middle ground. Lets follow... "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you"(http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/16.7?lang=eng#6)
Second, as Christians we must NEVER ARGUE, because it is the causation of contention(see first paragraph), and argument is a sign of serious doubt. When ever we attempt to "argue a point" we show doubts, fear(which is a lack of faith), and pride, attempting to undertake the job of the spirit. When we do these things the " the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved"(http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/121.37?lang=eng#36) and amen to our converting power.
Finally, we as Christan's have a responsibility to bring to light the dark things of the world, by bringing truth or light to ignorance. We do this by word, and more powerfully, in deed. When we do the will of the father we have the spirit, and hearts are touched... This is our call.
Never get discouraged the spirit will guide you, even in the most vilest of occupations, you can retain the spirit I so promise in the Name of the Messiah...
Friday, December 2, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Conversion...
The story of the Road to Damascus is one of great conversion, of power and of faith. So Paul had a great visitation from Jesus Christ, what an experience that must have been! And the question is inevitably asked, with such a great miracle then how would it be possible to exercise faith? If our Savior appeared to us would we not all follow him? I mean who wouldn't end up following him? This can at times put up a wall or some enmity in our minds toward this experience due to the fact that it can be hard to relate to this particular scene, since the majority of people to my knowledge have not seen Christ. Due to this I will relate another story of conversion with similar context.
Let us begin, Alma 10-12, 15, 31 there is the story of a particular man by the name of Zeezrom. Zeezrom was a wicked lawyer who went about to destroy the gospel of Jesus Christ, attempting to stop the Holy Prophets, Alma, and Amulek.
Alma 10:31 "And there was one among them whose name was Zeezrom. Now he was the foremost to accuse Amulek and Alma, he being one of the most expert among them, having much business to do among the people", Zeezrom's goal was to do away with Alma and Amulek so that the people may continue in wickedness. In Zeezrom's wickedness he tempts Amulek to deny the Christ with large sums of money. Amulek rebuttals by the spirit of God, rejecting the false tempter, during this rebuttal Amulek crys repentance and invites all men to come unto Christ. During this masterful discourse something happens to Zeezrom, he feels the spirit, "Now, when Amulek had finished these words the people began again to be astonished, and also Zeezrom began to tremble"(Alma 11:46). Then something interesting happens to Zeezrom, in chapter 12 of Alma, "And Zeezrom began to inquire of them diligently, that he might know more concerning the kingdom of God", Zeezrom, inquiring truthfully about God, why?
In the next few chapters Zeezrom becomes converted, pleas for the release of Alma and Amulek after their imprisonment, is being baptized, and becomes a powerful advocate of Christ. How did Zeezrom go from fighting against God to becoming one of the Lords anointed(Alma 31:6)? Zeezrom didn't see Christ, an angel, or vision, so how did Zeezrom find the strength to change? Lets see, Alma 11:2(back to Chapter 11)"and seeing that he began to tremble under a consciousness of his guilt". So according to scripture Zeezrom was convicted by his conscience to change.
So what is conscience to change caused by? Romans 9:1 "I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost". Now according to Paul conscience is brought by the Holy Ghost. Knowing this I contend that all men are converted by the power of the Holy Ghost, Paul, Zeezrom, you, and I we are all converted by the Power of the Holy Ghost, manifest in a different ways.
I Know that this particular Knowledge is true, I have felt and applied this in my life, and have used it to bridge the gap of uncertainty and lack of knowledge.
Related Scriptures:
Alma 10:31(http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/10.31?lang=eng#30)
Alma 11(http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/11?lang=eng)
Alma 12(http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/12?lang=eng)
Alma 15:5-12(http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/15.5-12?lang=eng#4)
Alma 31:6, 32(http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/31.6,%2032?lang=eng#5)
Let us begin, Alma 10-12, 15, 31 there is the story of a particular man by the name of Zeezrom. Zeezrom was a wicked lawyer who went about to destroy the gospel of Jesus Christ, attempting to stop the Holy Prophets, Alma, and Amulek.
Alma 10:31 "And there was one among them whose name was Zeezrom. Now he was the foremost to accuse Amulek and Alma, he being one of the most expert among them, having much business to do among the people", Zeezrom's goal was to do away with Alma and Amulek so that the people may continue in wickedness. In Zeezrom's wickedness he tempts Amulek to deny the Christ with large sums of money. Amulek rebuttals by the spirit of God, rejecting the false tempter, during this rebuttal Amulek crys repentance and invites all men to come unto Christ. During this masterful discourse something happens to Zeezrom, he feels the spirit, "Now, when Amulek had finished these words the people began again to be astonished, and also Zeezrom began to tremble"(Alma 11:46). Then something interesting happens to Zeezrom, in chapter 12 of Alma, "And Zeezrom began to inquire of them diligently, that he might know more concerning the kingdom of God", Zeezrom, inquiring truthfully about God, why?
In the next few chapters Zeezrom becomes converted, pleas for the release of Alma and Amulek after their imprisonment, is being baptized, and becomes a powerful advocate of Christ. How did Zeezrom go from fighting against God to becoming one of the Lords anointed(Alma 31:6)? Zeezrom didn't see Christ, an angel, or vision, so how did Zeezrom find the strength to change? Lets see, Alma 11:2(back to Chapter 11)"and seeing that he began to tremble under a consciousness of his guilt". So according to scripture Zeezrom was convicted by his conscience to change.
So what is conscience to change caused by? Romans 9:1 "I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost". Now according to Paul conscience is brought by the Holy Ghost. Knowing this I contend that all men are converted by the power of the Holy Ghost, Paul, Zeezrom, you, and I we are all converted by the Power of the Holy Ghost, manifest in a different ways.
I Know that this particular Knowledge is true, I have felt and applied this in my life, and have used it to bridge the gap of uncertainty and lack of knowledge.
Related Scriptures:
Alma 10:31(http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/10.31?lang=eng#30)
Alma 11(http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/11?lang=eng)
Alma 12(http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/12?lang=eng)
Alma 15:5-12(http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/15.5-12?lang=eng#4)
Alma 31:6, 32(http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/31.6,%2032?lang=eng#5)
Thursday, November 10, 2011
The Stars a Testimony of Gods Love
Have you ever looked into the sky on a dark cloudless night and beheld the grand view of the Milky Way Galaxy? Envisioning the wonders of the unknown and imagining what is out there? What aw that captures our minds at the vastness and glory that hangs seemingly so close to our eyes but flees from our out stretched hands grasping to touch and longing to know. This scene is causation of many feelings thougths and philosophies, I will speak of two generalized introspective feelings in the soul, first: that we have no significance and that the stars are of greater value and infinitesimally greater then what ever we could or may become, second: that such a scene is a grand spectrum, there is a Divine Creator. I will write on these two thoughts giving my views on the two.
(http://www.astronomy-images.com/images/Widefield/milky_way_in_cygnus.htm)
First thought that the stars have such value that our simple human mind is far below these scenes infinitesimally value and intrinsic character. This thought and these feelings are what many of us, as humans, experience in life feelings or insignificance and of little too know value. Many problems in life arise from these particular feelings, attention is one of the essentials of self actualization, meaning in life, zen, Nirvana, what ever you may call it. This is the reason for which children misbehave, why people drink, smoke, buy red sports cars, burn out, show off, ect... We all want to be known, make a difference and BE IMPORTANT. This is manifest in the previous statements...
Second thought, that the stars raise our vision of what we can become, they inspire uplift and motivate us to become all that we can become under given circumstances. This is a positive out look while gazing into the canvas of God. The stars are Gods testimony to us of his love, he has created the universe for us, so that we may live with him once again. It gives us the knowledge that we are of importance, worth and that HE HEARS US. This propels us beyond the gap of uncertainty and gives us the attention key in our progression to the fulfilling of our purpose, reaching self actualization, zen, Nirvana, ect...
Related Videos
http://lds.org/pages/we-lived-with-god?lang=eng
(http://www.astronomy-images.com/images/Widefield/milky_way_in_cygnus.htm)
First thought that the stars have such value that our simple human mind is far below these scenes infinitesimally value and intrinsic character. This thought and these feelings are what many of us, as humans, experience in life feelings or insignificance and of little too know value. Many problems in life arise from these particular feelings, attention is one of the essentials of self actualization, meaning in life, zen, Nirvana, what ever you may call it. This is the reason for which children misbehave, why people drink, smoke, buy red sports cars, burn out, show off, ect... We all want to be known, make a difference and BE IMPORTANT. This is manifest in the previous statements...
Second thought, that the stars raise our vision of what we can become, they inspire uplift and motivate us to become all that we can become under given circumstances. This is a positive out look while gazing into the canvas of God. The stars are Gods testimony to us of his love, he has created the universe for us, so that we may live with him once again. It gives us the knowledge that we are of importance, worth and that HE HEARS US. This propels us beyond the gap of uncertainty and gives us the attention key in our progression to the fulfilling of our purpose, reaching self actualization, zen, Nirvana, ect...
We are of ETERNAL SIGNIFICANCE. The entire human family matter to our Creator, in fact we matter so much to him that he has provided a way to return and live with him, to choose to have eternal progress. "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God"(D&C18:10) when we pair this knowledge with that of Moses 1:39 "For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" we understand and recognize that WE CAN MAKE IT! That the pain and all the horrific and damaging experiences in life can be worked through and that no matter what we've done, or where we've been, he loves us and that we can change, lay down those problems that we do have.
So if you read my last post I wrote, or blogged, take your choice of wordage, I advocated for application of knowledge, I challenge everyone who has read this to look introspectively into yourself and find one thing that has caused you to doubt Gods love(we all have them) and then question, why? Why did I doubt? Find the reason and fix it, through study... Will you do it?
Other related articles:
http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/you-matter-to-him?lang=engRelated Videos
http://lds.org/pages/we-lived-with-god?lang=eng
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Depth to life...
Depth, what is it? Defined:
Many people state, "they died old" or "they died young", I endeavor to advocate that time has little effect on a successful life, but the observations made, and the things done with in life that defines. This is what is ment by Ralph waldo Emerson when he made the statement "but the depth".
So how do we lead lives that are deep and meaningful, full of depth and color? This is a question many have but with difficultly in expression of such a question. Many search for the Meaning in Life, and Purpose. These are manifestations of the search for depth.
First step to leading a life of depth and vigor is what I will entitle as the "search for truth". The study and search for truth will lead us to places, give us experience, and create environments for depth in our lives. As we learn truth and gain understanding our view of life changes, our horizon increases and our outlook tword reality metamorphose into a thing of beauty. As we see truth our desire to obtain more truth increases and opportunity to apply that truth come... So to search truth, seek beauty and stop to smell the roses.
This leads to the second step we may take in a depth centered life, Application of truth. It is not merely enough to simply know secular knowledge, learning comes form the application of truth obtained. Truth obtained demands application and use of such, with out such applying depth and meaning in life is lost, our view becomes that of a second dimensional reality, and the true art is lost. Just as it is not enough to simply look at a work of art proclaiming that the colors are fantastic, the picture clear, but after the view walks away unchanged missing the feelings that are stirred in a soul but the carefully placed strokes of the painter. One whose does this leaves with the lesson unlearned, the energy released for the artist still clinging to the strokes of paint on the canvas. We must apply what we learn.
These are two basic and simple principles that will add depth to our lives, color, and vigor in reality. We may not control things as they really are, but we can control the way we view reality. These steps will add a measure of roundness and culture that give us the tools necessary to "paint or picture" in life, they add the wondrous colors, hughes, pastels, and depth that each soul so desperately longs for.
We know that the application of truth to our reality paints depth in our canvas of life, Now how do we gain, or obtain truth is the question that remains in the equation. Here are a few ways that Ive been able to gain truth:
1)Study, "...seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith."(D&C88:118) As we study we must seek out of the best of the best, we do not have time in life to study EVERYTHING even though we may desire to know all things, so we must choose the best to study, the best yields the most vital truth.
2)Seek Truth by Faith "and that they may seek learning even by study, and also by faith..."(D&C109:14) As we diligently seek to know truth we delicate ourselves to follow what ever truth we may obtain, this is the meaning to seek learning by Faith, or real intent.
3)Endeavor to teach the principles you've learned, "seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom."(D&C88:118) The making available truth learned will intern help us find more truth and temper our wisdom. That all may be edified, teach to learn, half of a lesson or truth learned is the student, half the teacher, both are to be edified together...
I hope that this has given added measure in how to live life to the fullest, it is simple and could be expounded upon much more in depth, but this is the way, truth sets us free from the bondage of ignorance and pushes us into the light, like the allegory of the cave (http://classics.mit.edu/Plato/republic.8.vii.html) truth is freedom... All these things I so declare in the Name of Truth the way and the light, Jesus Christ amen...
- The distance from the top or surface of something to its bottom.
- Distance from the nearest to the farthest point of something or from the front to the back.
Many people state, "they died old" or "they died young", I endeavor to advocate that time has little effect on a successful life, but the observations made, and the things done with in life that defines. This is what is ment by Ralph waldo Emerson when he made the statement "but the depth".
So how do we lead lives that are deep and meaningful, full of depth and color? This is a question many have but with difficultly in expression of such a question. Many search for the Meaning in Life, and Purpose. These are manifestations of the search for depth.
First step to leading a life of depth and vigor is what I will entitle as the "search for truth". The study and search for truth will lead us to places, give us experience, and create environments for depth in our lives. As we learn truth and gain understanding our view of life changes, our horizon increases and our outlook tword reality metamorphose into a thing of beauty. As we see truth our desire to obtain more truth increases and opportunity to apply that truth come... So to search truth, seek beauty and stop to smell the roses.
This leads to the second step we may take in a depth centered life, Application of truth. It is not merely enough to simply know secular knowledge, learning comes form the application of truth obtained. Truth obtained demands application and use of such, with out such applying depth and meaning in life is lost, our view becomes that of a second dimensional reality, and the true art is lost. Just as it is not enough to simply look at a work of art proclaiming that the colors are fantastic, the picture clear, but after the view walks away unchanged missing the feelings that are stirred in a soul but the carefully placed strokes of the painter. One whose does this leaves with the lesson unlearned, the energy released for the artist still clinging to the strokes of paint on the canvas. We must apply what we learn.
These are two basic and simple principles that will add depth to our lives, color, and vigor in reality. We may not control things as they really are, but we can control the way we view reality. These steps will add a measure of roundness and culture that give us the tools necessary to "paint or picture" in life, they add the wondrous colors, hughes, pastels, and depth that each soul so desperately longs for.
We know that the application of truth to our reality paints depth in our canvas of life, Now how do we gain, or obtain truth is the question that remains in the equation. Here are a few ways that Ive been able to gain truth:
1)Study, "...seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith."(D&C88:118) As we study we must seek out of the best of the best, we do not have time in life to study EVERYTHING even though we may desire to know all things, so we must choose the best to study, the best yields the most vital truth.
2)Seek Truth by Faith "and that they may seek learning even by study, and also by faith..."(D&C109:14) As we diligently seek to know truth we delicate ourselves to follow what ever truth we may obtain, this is the meaning to seek learning by Faith, or real intent.
3)Endeavor to teach the principles you've learned, "seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom."(D&C88:118) The making available truth learned will intern help us find more truth and temper our wisdom. That all may be edified, teach to learn, half of a lesson or truth learned is the student, half the teacher, both are to be edified together...
I hope that this has given added measure in how to live life to the fullest, it is simple and could be expounded upon much more in depth, but this is the way, truth sets us free from the bondage of ignorance and pushes us into the light, like the allegory of the cave (http://classics.mit.edu/Plato/republic.8.vii.html) truth is freedom... All these things I so declare in the Name of Truth the way and the light, Jesus Christ amen...
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
"Flash/Bang-isim"
As a I have been pondering media and society in general(is that possible?) I have been noticing a pattern, that I will entitle "flash/bang-isim". I have been seeing very flashy and lucrative objects, philosophy's, and theology's, that all seem to be the right path to happiness that ultimately lead to a destructive end. It seems to note that the flash that is so inticing is the promise of Happiness, Peace, Love, Joy, Attention, Individuality, Neededness and Security. These seem to be a desire of the normal human, I will attempt in this blog post to give example, and the solution to the Flash/Bang-ism craz that is currently destroying humanity down to the individual soul.
The Flash: The flash is the enticement factor, we as Humans are enticed to choose a numerous amount of things, if it where not so we would not exist. Example, we are enticed to eat food, if we choose to eat food we live, if we do not we of course die. We are invited by food to live. Taking this example one step further we are free to choose good food or bad food, to eat malnutritional food or eat healthy food that will prolong or mortal existence.
These days there are many "enticements" that are placed in our way to do both good and bad. The age old phrase "the devil made me do it" is a complete and utter lie, the devil has no power to make us do anything, he may invite and entice is to use our agency to choose evil deeds all he wants. To believe this would be to say 1)God has a lack of power otherwise he would force us to obey him, or 2) God has created us to sin. Now Satan will use sophistry in order to deceive us into wickedness, "Sophistry; 1)A subtle, tricky, superficial pausable, but generally fallacious method of reasoning, 2)False argument". This is the Flash Factor, it looks good from the outside but the substance is bad. Have you ever seen a commercial and thought: "oh man if I had that life would be so much more bearable?" this is how the flash effects us. It may even temporally blind us from seeing clearly, or seeing at all.
The Bang
So after the Flash, what happens? Bang, the failment of what ever entices us. It may be a hair product that promised to fulfill our deepest desire of fitting in, it may be the car that everyone will oww and ahhh over, it may perhaps even be a miss guided philosophy that promises eternal peace. In the end the Bang ultimately dies, it fulfills its created measure and leaves as quickly as the Flash.
The substance is the ultimate determining factor in the evidence of "flash/bang-ism". It will leave us all that it can , and usually leaves a hole of apathy to filling the gap now in the soul. This usually leads to deeper and more fervent search for more flashes that will "quick fix" us back to normality.
So how do we find the remedy for Flash/Bang-isim? What does bring everlasting peace and happiness?
Seeing things as they really are, seeking not for the superficial answer, ie question the "Why? why do i need this? Why am I doing this?" Asking why will provide introspection and will reveal the flash of the unneeded and bad. This is how to stay away form the Flash.
So how do I find the peace and purpose that I am existing for? Helaman 5:17 "Peace, peace be unto you, because of your faith in my Well Beloved, who was from the foundation of the world" Faith in Christ is the ultimate healer and giver of purpose, the Who I am? the Why I am here? and the Where am I going? can all be answered by Faith in Christ, his Atonement. This is the How to find peace.
From personal experience I can bear testimony that Healing comes in and through Christ, the Flash Bang-ism can be seen through and be over come. As Christ invites so invite I "Come and see"(1 John 1:39) in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
(more answers here)
mormon.org
lds.org
The Flash: In order to make a choice we must be invited to use our agency(ability to choose) to do either good, or bad. 2 Nephi 2:16 states "Wherefore, the Lord God gave unto man that he should act for himself. Wherefore, man could not act for himself save it should be that he was enticed by the one or the other" acting takes enticement.
So if action or use of agency takes enticement one way or the other, the question arises, What am I being enticed to do? Are my surroundings inviting me to do good? or bad? What am I choosing?
These days there are many "enticements" that are placed in our way to do both good and bad. The age old phrase "the devil made me do it" is a complete and utter lie, the devil has no power to make us do anything, he may invite and entice is to use our agency to choose evil deeds all he wants. To believe this would be to say 1)God has a lack of power otherwise he would force us to obey him, or 2) God has created us to sin. Now Satan will use sophistry in order to deceive us into wickedness, "Sophistry; 1)A subtle, tricky, superficial pausable, but generally fallacious method of reasoning, 2)False argument". This is the Flash Factor, it looks good from the outside but the substance is bad. Have you ever seen a commercial and thought: "oh man if I had that life would be so much more bearable?" this is how the flash effects us. It may even temporally blind us from seeing clearly, or seeing at all.
The Bang
So after the Flash, what happens? Bang, the failment of what ever entices us. It may be a hair product that promised to fulfill our deepest desire of fitting in, it may be the car that everyone will oww and ahhh over, it may perhaps even be a miss guided philosophy that promises eternal peace. In the end the Bang ultimately dies, it fulfills its created measure and leaves as quickly as the Flash.
The substance is the ultimate determining factor in the evidence of "flash/bang-ism". It will leave us all that it can , and usually leaves a hole of apathy to filling the gap now in the soul. This usually leads to deeper and more fervent search for more flashes that will "quick fix" us back to normality.
So how do we find the remedy for Flash/Bang-isim? What does bring everlasting peace and happiness?
Seeing things as they really are, seeking not for the superficial answer, ie question the "Why? why do i need this? Why am I doing this?" Asking why will provide introspection and will reveal the flash of the unneeded and bad. This is how to stay away form the Flash.
So how do I find the peace and purpose that I am existing for? Helaman 5:17 "Peace, peace be unto you, because of your faith in my Well Beloved, who was from the foundation of the world" Faith in Christ is the ultimate healer and giver of purpose, the Who I am? the Why I am here? and the Where am I going? can all be answered by Faith in Christ, his Atonement. This is the How to find peace.
From personal experience I can bear testimony that Healing comes in and through Christ, the Flash Bang-ism can be seen through and be over come. As Christ invites so invite I "Come and see"(1 John 1:39) in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
(more answers here)
mormon.org
lds.org
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Sailing... in the Gospel
So the last 4 or 5 days in Florida have been super windy, its been especially interesting because of the bike thingy I ride to get places for some reason isn't A) aerodynamic and B) seem to be greatly underpowered. This combination equates to a very slow progression down the street, unless of course we are going with the wind, which seems to turn directions every time I get on my bike, so yes biking into the wind is possible...
Unlike on a bike a sail boat utilizes the wind, no matter which way you go, into or out of the wind... How is that possible?! Well lets see...
Unlike on a bike a sail boat utilizes the wind, no matter which way you go, into or out of the wind... How is that possible?! Well lets see...
Now lets explain, in order to head into the wind you need to turn your boat at a 45 degree angle, this causes the boat to move forward as it moves out. The progress of the boat is decreased by 50%, but there is progress, which is the blessing... This process in sailing is called Tacking. You give up some forward progress to actually make it... On the way back you "run" with the wind, letting you sail wide open and letting her go!! But be careful to put weight in the stern, or you catch your bow and end up having to de-turtle your boat...
This is a very proficient metaphor for the gospel principle, of sacrifice. It is essential to Tack into the wind to reach our destination, it is also essential to sacrifice to obtain our full potential. It may take massive sacrifices if theres big wind, or small sacrifices if theres little to no wind. Sometimes we think to ourselves "dang I have to give up that?" But the giving up ultimately gets us to our destination. Doctrine and Covenants 97:8 "Verily I say unto you, all among them who know their hearts are honest, and are broken, and their spirits contrite, and are willing to observe their covenants by sacrifice—yea, every sacrifice which I, the Lord, shall command—they are accepted of me". Sacrifice is a must...
It is also important to recognize the turn that is required to continue on a straight line, which of course requires two things; 1)destination, and 2) land marks.
1)As we know our destination we have a vision of what we can do, and where we are going, Proverbs 29:18 "Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he". When our destination is known we understand what purpose is...
2)Landmarks, in order to efficiently apply the process of tacking equal distance is required, in order to do this constant course corrections is needed, we do this by looking around us, ie reading scriptures, and searching for truth, this will keep us on the straight and narrow...
So 3 things have come up in the sailing analogy; 1:sacrifice is necessary to reach our destination, 2: we need a destination or vision, or purpose is lost, and 3: we must constantly look for continual truth in order to keep on the course.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Now I am going to start with a story... One time at Youth Conference(how all great story's start) I learned an important lesson about consecration and sacrifice.
In this particular Youth Conference(youth retreat) everyone was sorted in to a "Family", each family had different parents(adult leaders) and had a set amount of finances, to buy food, pay loans, and survive. As a group we all decided on finances. The money we had was just paper cash. Really kind of silly, but never the less we all decided on where all of the money went.The prize at the end of the conference was a feast of food, that was rather expensive, we started to save our money so all of us could "partake" in the feast.
On the second day the Steak President(Main Leader) of the conference asked the entire Youth Conference to donate to a Temple that was being built, along with a request to pay tithing. Each of the groups had at this time limited cash and this would be a great sacrifice, but the way to eat and pay tithing was provided, now my family wouldn't have enough to eat, pay tithing and support the temple, something had to go. So after thought and family council my family decided to sacrifice eating at the feast so that we would able to follow the commandments of the Lord. We thought that because it was the final meeting and final day we would just eat when we got home. We payed our tithing, and donated all the rest of the funds to the temple. What was important had been paided.
Nauvoo Temple(http://lds.org/church/temples/nauvoo-illinois?lang=eng#)
(http://old.mormon.org/mormonorg/eng/videos?channelId=ad1fcf6cdfeac110VgnVCM1000003a94610aRCRD&sourceId=387b747631f92210VgnVCM100000176f620a)
(Saints similarly donated all they had to build the Navuoo Temple)
10 minutes before this "grad feast" was about to begin, our family was called into the Steak Presidents office, the Steak President and a few other Conference Leaders where there, they began to ask us why we had no money for food, we where a little embarrassed when we told them that we wouldn't have had enough money to pay tithing, temple, and food, so we just cut the food out. After we told them this, they looked at us, and with loving words began to thank us for the example that we were setting, sacrificing all that we had to further the Lords Kingdom. They told us that because of our faith in the Lord a miracle would be given, we would be allowed to eat with out paying for the food, and we would be able to receive food first.
The Lords promise was fulfilled, "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it"(Malachi 3:10). I learned an important lesson from this small and first viewed insignificant trial. The Lord provided us a miracle after the trial of our faith, it is interesting the timing of the miracle, 10 minutes before the feast, and after the trial of our faith... Our sacrifice may not have built the entire temple, or even filled the store house, but the contribution was enough for the Lord. How much was it? All of what we had, that is what the Lord of Hosts asks for, our heart, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise"(Psalms 51:17). I know that the sacrifice of ALL we have IS ENOUGH for the Lord. May we be so inspired to sacrifice what he has given...
After the trial, that is giving our heart, the Lord Promises life eternal, the greatest of all gifts. But it will come after the trials. "My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes"(D&C 121:7-8). I know these things are true in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
In this particular Youth Conference(youth retreat) everyone was sorted in to a "Family", each family had different parents(adult leaders) and had a set amount of finances, to buy food, pay loans, and survive. As a group we all decided on finances. The money we had was just paper cash. Really kind of silly, but never the less we all decided on where all of the money went.The prize at the end of the conference was a feast of food, that was rather expensive, we started to save our money so all of us could "partake" in the feast.
On the second day the Steak President(Main Leader) of the conference asked the entire Youth Conference to donate to a Temple that was being built, along with a request to pay tithing. Each of the groups had at this time limited cash and this would be a great sacrifice, but the way to eat and pay tithing was provided, now my family wouldn't have enough to eat, pay tithing and support the temple, something had to go. So after thought and family council my family decided to sacrifice eating at the feast so that we would able to follow the commandments of the Lord. We thought that because it was the final meeting and final day we would just eat when we got home. We payed our tithing, and donated all the rest of the funds to the temple. What was important had been paided.
Nauvoo Temple(http://lds.org/church/temples/nauvoo-illinois?lang=eng#)
(http://old.mormon.org/mormonorg/eng/videos?channelId=ad1fcf6cdfeac110VgnVCM1000003a94610aRCRD&sourceId=387b747631f92210VgnVCM100000176f620a)
(Saints similarly donated all they had to build the Navuoo Temple)
10 minutes before this "grad feast" was about to begin, our family was called into the Steak Presidents office, the Steak President and a few other Conference Leaders where there, they began to ask us why we had no money for food, we where a little embarrassed when we told them that we wouldn't have had enough money to pay tithing, temple, and food, so we just cut the food out. After we told them this, they looked at us, and with loving words began to thank us for the example that we were setting, sacrificing all that we had to further the Lords Kingdom. They told us that because of our faith in the Lord a miracle would be given, we would be allowed to eat with out paying for the food, and we would be able to receive food first.
The Lords promise was fulfilled, "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it"(Malachi 3:10). I learned an important lesson from this small and first viewed insignificant trial. The Lord provided us a miracle after the trial of our faith, it is interesting the timing of the miracle, 10 minutes before the feast, and after the trial of our faith... Our sacrifice may not have built the entire temple, or even filled the store house, but the contribution was enough for the Lord. How much was it? All of what we had, that is what the Lord of Hosts asks for, our heart, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise"(Psalms 51:17). I know that the sacrifice of ALL we have IS ENOUGH for the Lord. May we be so inspired to sacrifice what he has given...
After the trial, that is giving our heart, the Lord Promises life eternal, the greatest of all gifts. But it will come after the trials. "My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes"(D&C 121:7-8). I know these things are true in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Pain Essential?
This morning I was reading the General Conference edition of the Ensign(lds.org/general-conference) and I read a talk By Elder Kent F. Richards. His talk focused on how pain is an essential part of our mortality, and how pain is either a building or breaking part of our lives. Pain is a very vital part of healing, and growth. Physical or spiritual pain, each teaches us to grow and become better.
So how does pain help to heal us? Isn't it damaging? So if pain hurts what does that have to do with growth? Well lets see, "Pain is a gauge of the healing process"(Elder Richards), it is a measurement of damage, it is a reality lense that lets us see how much we need help with pain. Its a helpmate to humility, the lord inevitably sends us pain, or allows pain to occur, so that we, his people will remember that he is the lord. Jonah states "When my soul fainted within me I remembered the Lord: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple". As we remember the Lord we rely on him and we recognize the position we stand with him. The fist reason for pain is Humility... Now what does humility accomplish? Humility sets a teaching environment so that the spirit can give us the needed knowledge to live with our Heavenly Father again.
We are taught by the trials we go through, the chastisement we receive should not be viewed as a opportunity to fail, or "woe is me" ammunition, but to be viewed as a growing opportunity. Orson F. Whitney taught: “No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude, and humility. … It is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire"(Orson F. Whitney, in Spencer W. Kimball, Faith Precedes the Miracle (1972), 98). The trials we go through are one of the many ways we see Heavenly Fathers love for us, "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth"(Hebrews 12:6). This applys for us the lord loves us so he teaches and chastises us...
The main reason that we have trials and tribulations in life is so that we may be succored by the lord of hosts, that we may be "drawn unto him", his Gospel is that he may be lifted up on the cross that he may draw all men unto him... "And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities"(Alma 7:12). The Lord did not have to suffer and die for our sins, "“It will comfort us when we must wait in distress for the Savior’s promised relief that He knows, from experience, how to heal and help us. … And faith in that power will give us patience as we pray and work and wait for help. He could have known how to succor us simply by revelation, but He chose to learn by His own personal experience."(Henry B. Eyring, “Adversity,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2009, 24).
I testify that pain is essential in our spiritual growth to the lord, on as we are drawn unto Christ can we truly "feel of the wounds in his hands".
http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/the-atonement-covers-all-pain?lang=eng#14-PD50028768_000_1050
So how does pain help to heal us? Isn't it damaging? So if pain hurts what does that have to do with growth? Well lets see, "Pain is a gauge of the healing process"(Elder Richards), it is a measurement of damage, it is a reality lense that lets us see how much we need help with pain. Its a helpmate to humility, the lord inevitably sends us pain, or allows pain to occur, so that we, his people will remember that he is the lord. Jonah states "When my soul fainted within me I remembered the Lord: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple". As we remember the Lord we rely on him and we recognize the position we stand with him. The fist reason for pain is Humility... Now what does humility accomplish? Humility sets a teaching environment so that the spirit can give us the needed knowledge to live with our Heavenly Father again.
We are taught by the trials we go through, the chastisement we receive should not be viewed as a opportunity to fail, or "woe is me" ammunition, but to be viewed as a growing opportunity. Orson F. Whitney taught: “No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude, and humility. … It is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire"(Orson F. Whitney, in Spencer W. Kimball, Faith Precedes the Miracle (1972), 98). The trials we go through are one of the many ways we see Heavenly Fathers love for us, "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth"(Hebrews 12:6). This applys for us the lord loves us so he teaches and chastises us...
The main reason that we have trials and tribulations in life is so that we may be succored by the lord of hosts, that we may be "drawn unto him", his Gospel is that he may be lifted up on the cross that he may draw all men unto him... "And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities"(Alma 7:12). The Lord did not have to suffer and die for our sins, "“It will comfort us when we must wait in distress for the Savior’s promised relief that He knows, from experience, how to heal and help us. … And faith in that power will give us patience as we pray and work and wait for help. He could have known how to succor us simply by revelation, but He chose to learn by His own personal experience."(Henry B. Eyring, “Adversity,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2009, 24).
I testify that pain is essential in our spiritual growth to the lord, on as we are drawn unto Christ can we truly "feel of the wounds in his hands".
http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/the-atonement-covers-all-pain?lang=eng#14-PD50028768_000_1050
Saturday, September 17, 2011
A Missionarys Motivation
This morning during personal study I had some powerful insight and revelation as to motivation in missionary work... Motivation is a driving force that is behind anything, and it is directly motivated to anything we choose to do.
Now to tell you about the revelation I received this morning, I was conducting a study on Heavenly Father and his influence in our lives. During the process I traveled to 1 Samuel 17:47 "And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hands", for context I read verses 32-47, there in I found the motivation of a missionary:
"32 And David said to Saul, Let no man’s heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.
Now to tell you about the revelation I received this morning, I was conducting a study on Heavenly Father and his influence in our lives. During the process I traveled to 1 Samuel 17:47 "And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hands", for context I read verses 32-47, there in I found the motivation of a missionary:
"32 And David said to Saul, Let no man’s heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.
33 And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.
34 And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock:
35 And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him.
36 Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.
37 David said moreover, The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the Lord be with thee."
In these verses David goes from his flock and saves the sheep form the bear and the lion, how does he save them? By the power of God on High. As missionaries we go forth and preach saving Gods sheep by his power. I imagined in my study, the pain and anguish that a soul that has been ripped from the fold of god into the world, the pain and suffering that he or she may experience. This thought is what motivates us as missionaries to go and rescue the souls that are suffering and in pain. Because we know how they can be healed... By Christ and the power of God, that's what delivers us...
This message of Christ has the power to deliver us from the painful wounds we acquire in life. This can mend the painful wounds that are inflicted to us by the Lion and the Bear, it can bring us back to the fold of Christ. But it can only do this if we let the power of the spirit work with in us, and LISTEN to his counsel. We as missionaries go about, not because its required of us, or because we gain growth because of the service we render, or even because of the blessings we receive, its because we understand and know the pain that comes for mortality, from Spiritual and Physical death... We also know the relief and peace that comes from access to the suffering of Christ. We desire ALL to partake of this joy, we desire to save those souls who hunger and want for rescue. This is our desire and our motivation.
We cannot deliver ourselves, but thought the Power of God and the Shepard of man(Christ) we can be saved from the Lion and Bear of this world. Let us all lean upon he who has given his love, and let us listen to the counsel of him on high...
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Good things to come...
So this post will be a bit shorter then the last few, but its still important. I was browsing through lds.org, watching some of the Mormon Messages(http://www.youtube.com/mormonmessages) looking for some spiritual inspirations, when I came across "Good Things to Come", a talk by Jeffery R. Holland, and Apostle. The message was one of faith. Watch it and the comments will make sense...
http://lds.org/pages/mormon-messages-gallery?lang=eng#good-things-to-come
In the message Elder Holland talks about a man, his wife, and two children who are on there journey seeking a new life. They are befallen by obstacles and a overwhelming road ahead of them. I as a person feel like this at times, I feel as if nothing will work out and everything is going wrong, I look to the future and see, like the young Jeffery, and daunting road ahead of me, road blocks and nothing but discouragement, wondering how everything will work out, its in these times in life, we get down, depressed and shut off. I have felt the bottom, and lets face it, it stinks, its painful, and we feel like giving up. This is when it is the most important to keep moving, Because like Elder Holland states, there are good things to come. I have many story's personal and from others who have been in the bottom, wandering in the darkness praying that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Thankfully enough there always is, ALWAYS, no matter how low we are, no matter where we are, when our life lays shattered all around us in painful shards and it seems as if there is no hope, I so witness that those Good Things WILL COME. Weather in this life or in the life to come, it will come. So if you reading this and your in the tunnel of dispare, look forward with hope, "Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life."(2 Nephi 13:20). I so testify that the light is there, and I do so in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
http://lds.org/pages/mormon-messages-gallery?lang=eng#good-things-to-come
In the message Elder Holland talks about a man, his wife, and two children who are on there journey seeking a new life. They are befallen by obstacles and a overwhelming road ahead of them. I as a person feel like this at times, I feel as if nothing will work out and everything is going wrong, I look to the future and see, like the young Jeffery, and daunting road ahead of me, road blocks and nothing but discouragement, wondering how everything will work out, its in these times in life, we get down, depressed and shut off. I have felt the bottom, and lets face it, it stinks, its painful, and we feel like giving up. This is when it is the most important to keep moving, Because like Elder Holland states, there are good things to come. I have many story's personal and from others who have been in the bottom, wandering in the darkness praying that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Thankfully enough there always is, ALWAYS, no matter how low we are, no matter where we are, when our life lays shattered all around us in painful shards and it seems as if there is no hope, I so witness that those Good Things WILL COME. Weather in this life or in the life to come, it will come. So if you reading this and your in the tunnel of dispare, look forward with hope, "Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life."(2 Nephi 13:20). I so testify that the light is there, and I do so in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Divine Creator
http://lds.org/pages/we-lived-with-god?lang=eng
This goes along with the previous post, yet another testimony of the Divine Creator...
This goes along with the previous post, yet another testimony of the Divine Creator...
Gods Reflection
So two days ago, my Missionary companion and I, had a discussion on Heavenly Father and the many evidences of him. The discussion went from physics to philosophy, diction, math even showed up(go figure). We talked about the intricate design of our physical state, our peculiar situation and position in our known universe, and many other relating topics. In the course of our conversation I asked the question: "what color is a mirror?" a brain teaser I have always asked, never finding answer. For a little background any object with color your eye sees is not the color of the particular object you are looking at. Example: if you are looking at a red box, the box is not really red, red is the only color that is reflecting off the box, all other colors are the box. So if a mirror reflects all color, what color is it? This proceeded to lead us to compare the universe to Gods Reflection, we may not see god directly with our own eyes, but we can see his reflection in our physical world around us, "all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator"(Alma 30:44). All things are the reflection of the Divine Creator.
That light that is reflected as we find in the scriptures comes from god and is truth, "And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlightened your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understanding"(D&C 88:11) Heavenly Father teaches us and doing so builds our light/understanding. Heavenly Fathers light "proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space"(D&C 88:12), his light is in all. Heavenly Father, his power and glory are light, "The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God who sitteth upon his throne"(D&C 88:13). When Heavenly Father teaches us, we gain greater truth and knowledge our light goweth, other people can see that light in our eyes, hence the saying "the window to the soul are the eyes". Christ in the New Testament charges all of his followers, those early Christians to: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" this charge remains, we are to show our faith, and let our light shine before men that they may see gods reflection and glorify his name. Glorify his name by becoming converted, following his commandments and striving to be like Christ.
Lets us so shine before man, testify by word, deed, and the light of our eyes. Let us be the mirror of reflection for the Creator, being a reflection in our eyes and our countenance, that as the ancient prophet Moroni writes: "that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purifyed even as he is pure. Amen."
That light that is reflected as we find in the scriptures comes from god and is truth, "And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlightened your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understanding"(D&C 88:11) Heavenly Father teaches us and doing so builds our light/understanding. Heavenly Fathers light "proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space"(D&C 88:12), his light is in all. Heavenly Father, his power and glory are light, "The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God who sitteth upon his throne"(D&C 88:13). When Heavenly Father teaches us, we gain greater truth and knowledge our light goweth, other people can see that light in our eyes, hence the saying "the window to the soul are the eyes". Christ in the New Testament charges all of his followers, those early Christians to: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" this charge remains, we are to show our faith, and let our light shine before men that they may see gods reflection and glorify his name. Glorify his name by becoming converted, following his commandments and striving to be like Christ.
Lets us so shine before man, testify by word, deed, and the light of our eyes. Let us be the mirror of reflection for the Creator, being a reflection in our eyes and our countenance, that as the ancient prophet Moroni writes: "that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purifyed even as he is pure. Amen."
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Faith for building a firm foundation
Faith, the first frontier of any religious soul. Faith is the building component that ultimately leads to the complete gospel in ones life. The subject of Faith has been constantly in my studies for the past two months or so, Paul himself speaks of how important Faith is in the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and how it is through Faith in him we may be saved. Faith leads to all aspects of the gospel.
Well to begin, what is Faith? The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines faith 1a : allegiance to duty or a person : loyalty b (1) : fidelity to one's promises (2) : sincerity of intentions. 2a (1) : belief and trust in and loyalty to God (2) : belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion b (1) : firm belief in something for which there is no proof (2) : complete trust. Faith is trust in anything to do what it is intended to do! When we have Faith in the lord we TRUST him, its kind of like the 6th grade camp game where all but one person would stand in a circle and the single soul would with out looking fall back into the trusting hands of his friends, trusting that they would not drop him.
So why is faith important? Faith is firm belief in something for which there is no proof. Faith is the bridge that fills the gap of "what if"-isms and uncertainty, making it so that we may progress and believe in things we cannot prove, but are true. In the Book of Mormon, Alma 32:21, "And now as I said concerning faith—Faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true." Faith is the power in which mountain can be moved, Matthew 17:20, it is also the power given to us that we may be saved, a power greater and more noble then that of moving mountains. It is through belief in the the Crucifixion of Christ unto redemption that we must build. The Rock of Christ is where we must build. In my short life I have discovered that having Faith in Christ destroys all of my fears, even natural fear. This happens because I have realized that everything will work out the way its suppose to happen, I trust Heavenly Father to make my pathways straight.
How can Faith be obtained? Apostle Bruce R. McConkie explained: "Faith is a gift of God bestowed as a reward for personal righteousness. It is always given when righteousness is present, and the greater the measure of obedience to God's laws the greater will be the endowment of faith."( Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed. [1962], 264.) To obtain Faith we must be willing to act, following Christs commandments, live his teachings, and exercise trust in the Lords sacrifice on the Cross. If we don't follow the teachings of the Savior, and begin to believe then we will never taste of the sweet fruit of Gods love. As the prophet Alma declares in Alma 32:27-33, experiment, if its good keep it, if its bad throw it out. That is how we gain Faith we ACT we DO then listen to our heart, if what we are doing is good, well know and feel it.
I have defiantly experimented on the words of Christ throughout my life and have felt the seed of faith grow. When I have followed the commandments for the Lord I feel less and less fear in everyday life. My apathy turned to fearlessness in Christ, giving me a brightness of hope and a love of all mankind... Everyday I pray for Faith, everyday Heavenly Father grants me Faith...
http://jesuschrist.lds.org/SonOfGod/eng/finding-faith-in-christ/video/finding-faith-in-christ
If you have time to watch this is an excellent video on Faith In Christ
Well to begin, what is Faith? The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines faith 1a : allegiance to duty or a person : loyalty b (1) : fidelity to one's promises (2) : sincerity of intentions. 2a (1) : belief and trust in and loyalty to God (2) : belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion b (1) : firm belief in something for which there is no proof (2) : complete trust. Faith is trust in anything to do what it is intended to do! When we have Faith in the lord we TRUST him, its kind of like the 6th grade camp game where all but one person would stand in a circle and the single soul would with out looking fall back into the trusting hands of his friends, trusting that they would not drop him.
So why is faith important? Faith is firm belief in something for which there is no proof. Faith is the bridge that fills the gap of "what if"-isms and uncertainty, making it so that we may progress and believe in things we cannot prove, but are true. In the Book of Mormon, Alma 32:21, "And now as I said concerning faith—Faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true." Faith is the power in which mountain can be moved, Matthew 17:20, it is also the power given to us that we may be saved, a power greater and more noble then that of moving mountains. It is through belief in the the Crucifixion of Christ unto redemption that we must build. The Rock of Christ is where we must build. In my short life I have discovered that having Faith in Christ destroys all of my fears, even natural fear. This happens because I have realized that everything will work out the way its suppose to happen, I trust Heavenly Father to make my pathways straight.
How can Faith be obtained? Apostle Bruce R. McConkie explained: "Faith is a gift of God bestowed as a reward for personal righteousness. It is always given when righteousness is present, and the greater the measure of obedience to God's laws the greater will be the endowment of faith."( Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed. [1962], 264.) To obtain Faith we must be willing to act, following Christs commandments, live his teachings, and exercise trust in the Lords sacrifice on the Cross. If we don't follow the teachings of the Savior, and begin to believe then we will never taste of the sweet fruit of Gods love. As the prophet Alma declares in Alma 32:27-33, experiment, if its good keep it, if its bad throw it out. That is how we gain Faith we ACT we DO then listen to our heart, if what we are doing is good, well know and feel it.
I have defiantly experimented on the words of Christ throughout my life and have felt the seed of faith grow. When I have followed the commandments for the Lord I feel less and less fear in everyday life. My apathy turned to fearlessness in Christ, giving me a brightness of hope and a love of all mankind... Everyday I pray for Faith, everyday Heavenly Father grants me Faith...
http://jesuschrist.lds.org/SonOfGod/eng/finding-faith-in-christ/video/finding-faith-in-christ
If you have time to watch this is an excellent video on Faith In Christ
Thursday, August 18, 2011
TESTIFY! TESTIFY! TESTIFY!
Well, its been about 2 week since my first post. In the last two weeks I have had some experiances that have strenghtened my conversion. Ill start by talking about some departing missionarys, yesterday I was able to see 9 missionarys give the last testimony of there mission, I have served around a few of them and seen them grow in the gospel. As each of them rose to speak the Spirit testifyed that what they where saying was true. This definatly remined me that in order to keep our testimony of Christ, we should participate in the listening of testimonys, and bearing our testimony. When truth is spoken of the Spirit lets us know, I felt the prompting of truth and was edifyed and learned. I am beginning to understand that the more I share what I know the more I invite the spirit to be with me, and the stronger my conversion is.
Testify, Testify, Testify, thats the title of this post, I have learned from experience that its the spirit that conversion comes through. When I was a missionary in the Timuquana area I had a very special experiance that was key in the conversion of others. On a wensday night class I was teaching a lesson on Revelation, tword the end of the lesson I realized that I had not shared my testimony of revelation, so I testifyed of a time when I recived revelation and a powerful spirit of truth, I began to testify of Christ and his Gospel, the spirit was so powerful that the air stood still and not a decibel was sounded, the world seemed to stand still. Then the class began to also testify of revelation, then one student raised her hand and began to tell of the revelation she had recived from the spirit the the testimony I had given, the revelation she recived from the spirit and testimony had resolved all of her concerns and fears, she was baptize with in the week.
Testimony is not just for us to hold with in us, but it is to share with all the world. When Mary Magdalene, and Mary came to the tomb of Christ, they where met by an Angel who informed them that Christ had risen and was raised from the dead, his charge "And go quickly, and tell his disicples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there ye shall see him: lo, I have told you."(Matt. 28:7) Just like the angel told Mary and Mary to go and tell, we to must tell of truth.
I so Testify that Jesus Is the Messiah of the world , by his srtipes I am healed. I Have felt the amazing power of his Atonement, I have felt the forgivness that comes on throught Him. I know with all my faith that it is through him that I will be able to live with my Heavenly Father. I testify of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I know that there is a Prophet on the earth again, and that Christs full gospel has been restored. All these things I know by the Holy Spirit of Truth. I say these things, not fo my self but of he who has called me to be his disicple, even Jesus Christ, Amen.
Testify, Testify, Testify, thats the title of this post, I have learned from experience that its the spirit that conversion comes through. When I was a missionary in the Timuquana area I had a very special experiance that was key in the conversion of others. On a wensday night class I was teaching a lesson on Revelation, tword the end of the lesson I realized that I had not shared my testimony of revelation, so I testifyed of a time when I recived revelation and a powerful spirit of truth, I began to testify of Christ and his Gospel, the spirit was so powerful that the air stood still and not a decibel was sounded, the world seemed to stand still. Then the class began to also testify of revelation, then one student raised her hand and began to tell of the revelation she had recived from the spirit the the testimony I had given, the revelation she recived from the spirit and testimony had resolved all of her concerns and fears, she was baptize with in the week.
Testimony is not just for us to hold with in us, but it is to share with all the world. When Mary Magdalene, and Mary came to the tomb of Christ, they where met by an Angel who informed them that Christ had risen and was raised from the dead, his charge "And go quickly, and tell his disicples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there ye shall see him: lo, I have told you."(Matt. 28:7) Just like the angel told Mary and Mary to go and tell, we to must tell of truth.
I so Testify that Jesus Is the Messiah of the world , by his srtipes I am healed. I Have felt the amazing power of his Atonement, I have felt the forgivness that comes on throught Him. I know with all my faith that it is through him that I will be able to live with my Heavenly Father. I testify of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I know that there is a Prophet on the earth again, and that Christs full gospel has been restored. All these things I know by the Holy Spirit of Truth. I say these things, not fo my self but of he who has called me to be his disicple, even Jesus Christ, Amen.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Stride into Eternity
The Road to Damascus, the story of Saul of Tarsus and his miraculous visitation by the Son of God Jesus Christ, which instituted the manifestation of miraculous conversion to Paul, the man who would later become an Apostle, write what has been known as the Pauline Epistles, and ultimately become a Martyr for Christ. The great account on the Road to Damascus, found in Acts 9:4-19, focuses on the moment of visitation, but the lasting legacy is found in the choice Saul of Tarsus made in becoming Paul. The purpose of each entry is to strengthen Christian's faith, to bear Similar Testimony, Preach of Christ, and to the convincing of both the Jew and the Gentile that Jesus is the promised Messiah of the Old and new Testiments. Many topics of religion will be discussed and expounded upon, with the purpose of conversion, that we may, as Christ charges in Luke 22:32, "and when thou are converted strengthen thy bretheren". Let us do all that we may to become converted, that we may strengthen our brethren.
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