Our Capacity for Joy

The scriptures are full of examples of those who faced great challenges and temptations, many who overcame and many more who were overcome for various reasons. My mind has been impressed lately on two occasions where the individuals who held on for just a little longer were blessed with the opportunity to enter into the presence of the Lord and were taught great things. Moses conversed with the Lord and was taught the purpose of the creation of this world and how the Father had created many worlds, but he at the time was only permitted to know of the dealings of this earth. After the conversation was ended Moses found himself without strength for many hours thus we see here that he was truly in God's presence and not in vision.
Once Moses gained his strength came Satan tempting him to worship him. Moses understood that this was not to be done but in a great display did Satan give an uproar which brought Moses to fear his perceived power. In his fear he saw the bitterness of hell and called upon God more earnestly. Finally he gained enough strength and courage as to dismiss Satan in the name of the Son.
This was a great test for Moses in which he passed! After this encounter God came again unto him and told him that he had been "Chosen" to do a great work and was to be mightier than "many waters." He was also promised that Jehovah would be with him all his days. What a great promise!
Even more recent was there an example of a young boy enduring that last struggle before the blessing came that he sought. Joseph Smith, in 1820 kneeling in a grove of trees in New York State, USA at the age of 14. Pleading with God to know what church he should join. While praying he states that some dark presence engulfed him and bound his tongue so that he could no longer speak and that he was just about to give in but decided to cry unto his God just a little more earnestly and no sooner did he do that than a "pillar of light" appeared and dispelled the evil. He states that he saw 2 beings in the light. One of them introduced the other as His Son and told Joseph to hear His message.
What joy they must have felt knowing that holding on for just a little longer they were able to behold marvelous things. Things that we all desire. Since Adam was cast out of His presence man has sought to be brought back into it. This is the nature and the need of the Gospel, if followed faithfully it will bring us into His presence.
The Father has promised a fullness of joy to those who are fully committed. How could it be any other way? I realize that we fall and sometimes the blessings we seek come despite of our failures. But how much more joy do we have when we have been faithful? Does not the blessing seem just a little sweeter and more appreciated? So it will be when the judgment is set. If we have not been fully engaged in the work we would not be fully prepared nor comfortable in the presence of Father.
I liken it unto taking the beggar who has spent the last 20 years of his life on the streets daily seeking the help of others and his only companion has been the bottle. Dressing him in the finest clothes, trimming his beard and giving him a nice warm shower. Preparing him outwardly for the presidential inaugural ball in the which all the dignitaries the world over will attend. When he arrives you send him on his way to mingle freely. Just how comfortable will he be? How prepared would he be? How much joy would be had? In all likelihood it would be a hell unto him.
Thus it will be in the judgment and individuals will seek to be with those who are most like them. To which our Father has made a place for us all. We will be given all the joy and glory in which we have prepared ourselves for and to which our souls have grown to receive. Those of us who have this knowledge ought to seek to grow our capacity for joy until we have become like Jesus who is our redeemer, advocate, and brother. They love us.

A Small Moment

I struggle daily in my walk, I assume we all do. I often look at others with success in their different endeavors and often wonder why I can not be as successful as some. I wonder why I lack in talents. It is even more difficult when great trials arise that must be faced and overcome. Not only must I endure them but they must be endured cheerfully as to achieve the greatest growth.
When I do fall into the pool of self pity I am almost instantly reminded of others who faced greater challenges. I think of the words spoken to a prophet who was in prison, "Thou art not yet as Job; thy friends do not contend against thee, neither charge thee with transgression, as they did Job."  Doctrine and Covenants 121:10 A quick reminder that things could be worse and that we ought to find the good that yet remains. 
Job was a "perfect" man as is spoken of him in the scriptures. He had everything in life that was needed for comfort. Satan came unto the Lord and said Job wouldn't be so good if the Lord would remove all of the blessings he was afforded. The Lord but Job to the test and allowed many terrible things to happen to him yet he remained faithful in all things. 
Here is what Elder Neal A Maxwell meant when speaking of being humble both "UP" and "DOWN". Wherever we stand in life whether times are good and we have plenty or when the storms of life arrive and wipe us out. We must remain humble and patient. If we remain faithful we will find just as it was in the end with Job, that every loss endured well is made up a hundred fold.
If we will remember that the greater the pain we endure the sweeter the joy of relief and in the process we will have acquired a greater capacity of enjoyment just like Jesus. Trials stretch the soul which afterwards is never the same. While we struggle with our various trials and transgressions lets us endure them well, for as that same prophet was told, they are but "a small moment and if thou endure it well God shall exalt thee on high."

Try the Spirits

People often suggest to me that the choice I made nearly fourteen years ago was erroneous. That somehow I am mistaken. I can't help but do a little introspection at those times, not because I am doubtful but to be converted all over again, I welcome these occasions!
The apostle John counsels us to, "believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." 1 John 4:1 What I read here is that we are to sincerely seek the truth in the teachings. You can not do so with out trying to live it. Now I realize that most of the questions come by others who have a desire for good to become of my life but, I do become a little incensed when some approach me with this attitude at times. I feel that way when I think of where I was spiritually and temporally. I ask myself, "where were they when I was wallowing in poverty and hopelessness? Where were they when I was pleading literally everyday for the Lord to send someone to show me the way?" They and their way was nowhere to be found. In fact I may have entered their houses of worship and did not find the peace that I sought. You see this was not the first place I sought. I really did go and I really did "try" but I did not find.
I sought so earnestly until that Sunday in a church in Gulfport, FL when my friend and I looked at each other, he waiting for what my thoughts where, when I shook my head and said, "these are good people but something is missing." When service was over we walked to the convenience store got two beers and two black and mild cigars. I remember twisting the cap off of the drink in despair saying, "I don't think Jesus' church is on the earth." We were weary! We were searching but no one was there to teach us the fullness so we decided that we would just try to live as best we could and when we died we would ask that He understand but that we had looked for His way.
That night I said the same thing in my prayers that I was done looking because the church that He founded, the one I read about in the bible is not recognizable in my world. So again I think and ask who could I run to for solace? No one, until two young men knocked on my door dressed in white shirts and ties with a black name tag on the pocket that read "Jesus Christ." They came claiming that Jesus had done something in our day not just two thousand years ago. That they had a way to lift me above my surroundings, that He had raised up and called Prophets and Apostles. Not only did they claim that but they brought something with them, the Holy Ghost was with them. It was so powerful. The message so sweet and refreshing. The Spirit too testified that what they were saying was true. They then said something that really was different, "don't take our word for it, go to your knees ask God in your own personal prayers. He will  let you know again by the power of His Holy Spirit."
I did that, and He did speak of the truth. I can not deny those things. I am more sure of that than anything else in this life. I recognize just how precious my witness and testimony is, in other words just how fragile it is. It is more tender than a sprouting plant. If neglected it will wither away and will not reach its true potential. Thus I will not be able to enjoy its fruits. So I nourish it with the Word everyday. I remember where I was before they knocked on my door. You see I did indeed try that spirit and it is of God!

Virtue of the Word

In my life I have come to understand that change is easy when you are going the wrong way. But when a desire to do good and to make it happen comes about it is difficult. I liken it unto fighting against gravity. It takes an airliner jet much force to get into the air, and once there in order to remain it still takes much energy and maneuvering. If an engine blows it would be disastrous and it does not take much for the fall, in fact doing nothing will bring you down.
So it is in our lives. If we are doing nothing for change we will inevitably fall. We are taught though that change can be had and that if we work with our Father He will help us. In fact He is anxiously waiting for the moment we ask. The book of Alma says,  And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them—therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God. Alma 31:5
If we would truly be better we must start with the word. Daily feasting upon the teachings of the Savior. He has given us more than one witness. We have the Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, The Pearl of Great Price (and it is indeed a Pearl), we are also counseled to seek out many other good books in which the Lord has stated contains knowledge and wisdom, yes we are free to seek truth and light where ever it is found. We as Christians do not hold a monopoly on morality and truth. We are however truly blessed to have so much. We are told to feast upon the words of Christ, and with the many entrees he has provided we should never become tired of the same meal for it is a buffet in which we may choose a course.

Turning Our Hearts

In the celebration of the Jewish passover which is an annual festival where they remember and tell the tale of their escape from Egypt, they have a tradition of leaving a seat open for the coming of the prophet Elijah. This act is based upon a promise from the Lord in which he stated that before the Messiah (who in the Christian tradition is Jesus while Jews are waiting on the promised One) should come that He would send the prophet Elijah. The mission of Elijah at his coming would be according to Malachi, "turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse." This prophecy has come to pass. Not only did the Lord send Elijah, but also did Moses come and commit his dispensation and other prophets who held responsibilities in the Kingdom anciently. They committed the responsibilities to Joseph Smith in 1836. The promise of Elijah is that men and women would began to seek out their kindred dead. That people the world over would begin to wonder where they came from and seek their fathers.
We can see its fulfillment on TV, the Internet and other types of media. There are now TV shows dedicated to showing celebrities their ancestors and people sit down to watch it. Websites that focus on genealogy are either 1 or 2 in most traffic generated.  There is indeed a spirit in the world in which people want to know.
Elijah's coming wasn't simply to turn our hearts just for intrigue but that there was a sacred work that was to be done for those who did not have an opportunity in life to hear the message of peace. We find it taught in Paul's writing about baptism for the dead. Paul in teaching about the surety of the resurrection asks the people of his day in 1 Corinthians chapter 15:29, "Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?" Paul says that there are individuals going into the waters of baptism for those who have passed on. Thus showing that God is indeed merciful to all yet all must still obey the commands. The command is that all must repent and be baptized for the remission of sins.

Peter teaches that while Jesus was dead He went to the spirits in prison and taught those that died without a knowledge of His teachings."By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; Which sometime were disobedient, when once the long suffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water." 1 Peter 3:19-20... Here we see again that He is merciful and just in His dealings with His children. He has provided means that salvation can be brought to all who ever lived. In our day we too enjoy the blessings of helping our ancestors by going in to temples like the one at the bottom of this post.

The Lord said in Malachi that the earth would be cursed if not for this turning of the hearts and I wish to speak on this. It is indeed a curse to not know where you descend from. African Americans of all people feel this most. It is a great tragedy in which we find ourselves. Because of slavery I find it very difficult to trace my history. I am able to go back a few generations but all of a sudden a barrier is placed in the way. This is indeed a thorn in my flesh. That many of my people will go on waiting for the great work to be done for them. I pray for the day that we too can join the rest of the world in the joy of our heritage. 

There is so much more to the Gospel of Jesus Christ than baptism and church on Sunday. We are called to labor with our might in doing all that is necessary for the salvation of every soul. Father did not send us here to fail and His grace is sufficient. He has laid out a plan in the which everyone ever born will hear the message and have an opportunity to accept it. So the teen who dies in a suicide bomb attack in Kabul will too hear of Jesus and His message of peace. He lives and loves us and has prepared the way.

Cardston, Alberta

 

What Lack I yet?

Today a few of us spontaneously gathered in my office at work. We stumbled on the subject of race. Friends often ask me if I run into racism, of course I do. Good people even struggle with it. I gave of an example of a leader having an issue with my marriage and one of my coworkers asked if I found another congregation to worship. No I didn't, I would never allow someone else to rob me of my blessings. If I became offended I would have removed myself from communion with Father while another would be allowed to continue to enjoy. Often times people offend not knowing so they are able to continue to enjoy because ignorance is indeed bliss.  The coworker who asked the question stated that he considered himself pretty open minded and accepting of most all people but that he had a real problem with "racist." He said though after hearing how I thought nothing of it He might need to rethink his position. Meaning maybe he ought to be more accepting of them also.
That got me thinking that we all have something to work on even when we think we are "there" on a particular subject. I came home tonight and opened my electronic scriptures for a moment and read a little of the book of Matthew chapter 19.
There is a young man who approaches the Savior and asks what he needed to do to gain eternal life and the Savior gave the basics, you know, don't steal or kill or lie...etc. The young man replied, "All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?" From this we can assume that the man would have made it when the time of his death came, he undoubtedly was taught from his parents to do and be good, simply he was an honorable young man. Jesus answered him, "If thou wilt be perfect..." he was told to sell what he had and give to the poor and to follow Him. He couldn't do it. That one thing that kept him back from full commitment.  For him it was his money what is yours?
In the book of Alma chapter 22 something happens that amazes and humbles me. I seek such faith in my life. A king was taught by a young man and his brother and when he was taught the words of eternal life exclaimed, What shall I do that I may have this eternal life of which thou hast spoken? Yea, what shall I do that I may be born of God, having this wicked spirit rooted out of my breast, and receive his Spirit, that I may be filled with joy, that I may not be cast off at the last day? Behold, said he, I will give up all that I possess, yea, I will forsake my kingdom, that I may receive this great joy. Did you catch what he said, I will give up all that I posses! I was so impressed that a man in his position would give up his crown to serve the King of Kings. As you read a little further he really got to the root by saying, O God, Aaron hath told me that there is a God; and if there is a God, and if thou art God, wilt thou make thyself known unto me, and I will give away all my sins to know thee, and that I may be raised from the dead, and be saved at the last day.  I will give away all my sins to know thee! Elder Neal A Maxwell once stated that all we really have to give anyway is our wills because everything else already belongs to Him. He also taught the sacrifice of animals anciently were to show us that we needed to put the animal in us on the alter of sacrifice. Give away it all to come to know him. 
He has promised that if we come to Him He will show us our weaknesses and then if we will work with Him, He will make them strong. Yes it mat hurt but let Him build us up.  Until we seek Him and ask of Him what and where are we lacking we will remain only half done. Who among you is able to enjoy a fruit that is not fully ripe? Thus in the end unfortunately it too is cast aside for something more fulfilling.
I have learned and am sure that I will continue to learn that trying to live with one foot in the kingdom and one in the world just makes life too hard. We then lift our hands to heaven and cry and say, "there can be no God because I have not seen His hand." You simply must choose one side. 
I am acutely aware of my many struggles and great sins yet I still seek His face. I have made a commitment to myself that when I fall I will continue to rise and come to Him until either I am finally rejected or hear the words, "well done thou good and faithful servant, Thou has been faithful over a few things I will make the ruler over many." 
I love Him and seek to emulate His ways, they are good and provides real peace in a tumultuous world. 

Like Unto A Net

Today I spent an hour on the grounds of the Jordan River Temple. I went to read a little and to remove myself from the daily grind for just a while. I find it refreshing to spend a little energy daily with my thoughts in that other world that I'm seeking. Because it was closed today it was more quiet than normal. I however was quite impressed while I was leaving as I thought of the individuals who were also there undoubtedly for the same reason as me.
When I first arrived there was a Soldier dressed in fatigues, cap off head down I could only imagine the horrors he has seen if he has been fighting for us, as I approached there was another brother dressed in jeans and a button down shirt with cowboy boots. When he sat down at a bench he pulled out his electronic scriptures. As I was leaving two women maybe a mother and daughter were approaching they were of Asian descent. I thought of the Savior's words found in Matthew chapter 13, "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind..."
In His gospel and Church there is room enough for all, every nation is invited to attend the feast. It is amazing to me how universal (literally) His message is. I think of the old sci-fi movies of aliens and how they always "come in peace", this message is a message of peace. Never did He take up weapons nor call down legions of angels to "save" Him. He simply moved forward in Love. He even rebuked His chief Apostle Peter as soldiers came to take Him that fateful night, "for all they that take up the sword shall perish with the sword." The only sword we are commanded to wield in His name is the "sword of the spirit." In fact the prophet Alma taught, And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them—therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God.
I am moved by the faith of the people of Ammon who were willing to put it all on the line and simply kneel down before their enemies and die than to shed blood especially the blood of those they knew were not prepared to meet their maker. That is faith! 
Because the gospel is meant to gather in all people in all parts of the world we who have it ought to be concerned by what happens in far away Uganda. They are our brothers and sisters too. We should be soft when speaking of others cultural and political differences when understood these things add to the beauty of the Kingdom. Who in our world would find beauty in only one color in all of nature. Think of the beauty of the spring with its pinks and purples, then the fall with its oranges and reds, variety adds to beauty.
Though variety adds beauty we can be assured and have security that God does not change. He is the same as He ever will be. His words are the same, "go ye into all the world..." Not just America the whole earth will be filled with His ways. His way is the way of peace and prosperity for all. His way is the same for all. His net is big enough for all cultures and races. We are taught that not only this world but every world that Jesus has had a hand in creating will be brought into the Kingdom. He is truly the Lord of the universe thus making his gospel truly universal. I know He is real. I have seen real miracles, I have heard His voice. It is an amazing thing the things I've seen and been able to witness. I do not know what I have done to be apart of this great work, but I am grateful to Him for saving my physical life a few times. I sense it was to simply witness of Him, He brought me out of darkness into His beautiful light of which I seek to walk in daily.

What say ye.

Living Witnesses

As time rolls on I am reminded often just how far I am from my goal, yet at the same time I am moving ever closer. I have a overpowering desire to be better yet the flesh is weak. My faith is such that I believe the Lord is able to do anything except for me. I believe what He says till it is a promise for me. I at times slack in my faith so I cry out sincerely as the father who's son was inflicted with a dumb spirit, "Help thou my unbelief." At times in the midst of trials I am fearful of the outcome even when I hear the quiet whisperings and the memories of just how He has never failed me. He has never gone back even when I have continued to fall.
The scriptures and history is full of examples of people overcoming through faith. We learn from history that others overcame by "doing". James teaches that "faith without works is dead." He brings it home even more so when he states, "the devils also believe and, tremble" In other words, it is not enough to simply say it but we have to live it and when trials come as they will inevitably come we must stand firm.

In the book of Mosiah chapter 23 we learn a very valuable lesson. This is a group of people who had recently given up their homes and city, family and friends, to follow Christ. They had all made a covenant to serve Him and their fellow men. In the midst of making these promises they were commanded to flee for their lives because of a wicked king. They did so willingly. They founded a new city and were prospering, quietly living their religion. They were dedicated but we read, "Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith. Nevertheless whosoever putteth his trust in him the same shall be lifted up at the last day. Yea, and thus it was with this people." 

We can rest assured that if we are faithful we will be tried by the Lord. I believe He does this so that we might learn for ourselves just how committed we are to the cause. He already knows. We learn later on that when we thrive in those situations we can become witnesses of His power and mercy to others. We will indeed stand as a living testimony that He lives and loves us. Living witnesses are more important and have a greater affect upon the hearts and minds of the people in their day.  People can speak with them and ask them, "did that really happen?"

Let us so live to be worthy to stand as an example of our Father's reality, that when He needs a witness we will stand the challenge that will be before us and partake of the bitter cup while not becoming bitter ourselves. 

He is real! Jesus really is His Son and He was able to overcome all things including death. Let us be faithful in our difficult circumstances so that we may be a living witness.

Striving in Gentleness

Everyday we see fighting amongst the children of men. We find it so difficult to seek common ground which is so tragic. We all have one thing in common but so often fail to realize it and that is that we are all His children. Lets start there. Now, I'm an under no illusions that this will solve all of the worlds problems because we know that siblings will fight. They will quarrel in the back seat of the car, they will argue over the last piece of candy and at times even come to blows. But yet they still feel a sense of kinship and when the moment has passed and they come to themselves you see them once again expressing their love and appreciation for one another.
It is even more tragic for those of us who profess to be Christian. There is no need to point fingers at another faith and say they are absolutely wrong. There is no room for this nor is there time, we have to great a work ahead of us and most of us believe that we are in the final days. Besides are we not all fallen and seeking to find our way home. Again here I understand that we can not all be completely right while espousing contradictory doctrines but can we not seek to bring about His love on the grounds of what we have in common as in, "Do unto others...", and "love thy neighbor."

In the book of Timothy chapter 2 Paul teaches, "But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,  In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth..."

Is Paul not saying here "do not bash!" It is clear that we ought to teach others with love and patience and to let the Lord work with them on a full conversion. We ought to however seek to bring peace and not strife to our siblings. We ought to work together no matter what religion we are to ease the suffering, to share of our abundance, and  of our talents which we have been blessed with. Are we not taught that, Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

In other words ease the burdens of others, be mindful of those in need. This is how we live our religion not by bashing someone's seemingly "awkward" beliefs. Jesus taught His disciples that if they judged another they would be judged with that same judgment. 

I say let us join hands in lifting the hands that hang down, it does not matter why they are hanging. Bring some light and peace in your part of the Lord's vineyard, this is why you are there to serve all those you meet. Will you join me?

What say ye?

Honor

The Apostle Paul and his writings are a great asset unto the Church of Christ. He did understand the Law of Moses so greatly as to when he was finally able to set aside his prejudice he saw how it all did indeed point to Jesus as being the promised Christ. Paul was converted by the word, though his experience with the resurrected Jesus on the road to Damascus was a very important step. As he began to look at the prophecies he could clearly see that it was He who was promised. He had truly come to fulfill the law.

Paul taught much about the role of the Priesthood and the offices that pertain to the Priesthood while always explaining that Jesus was the great High Priest who did truly atone for all the people. In his expounding on the topic he taught clearly that "no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron." In Exodus we learn that Moses was commanded by the Lord to consecrate Aaron and his son to the office of "Priest" and that it would be their duty (Aaron's posterity) to hold that office forever. Later in the book of Numbers speaking of one of Aaron's grandsons named Phinehas we read, "And he shall have it, and his seed after him, even the covenant of an everlasting priesthood; because he was zealous for his God, and made an atonement for the children of Israel..."  Then in the book of Joshua we find the Lord reaffirming that same promise through the new prophet, "But the Levites have no part among you; for the priesthood of the Lord is their inheritance."
Thus we see through the ancient text that not all were honored to hold that office just those which whom the Lord said should and would. They did not either take this honor unto themselves but they were set apart from all the other tribes and it was their sole duty to serve the people. They were there to set an example unto all of the house of Israel. Their lives were dedicated to service in the temple in preparing and making offerings and sacrifice.

Thus we come to our day and the Priesthood is in our time also. Jesus ordained His Apostles with this authority and they returned to earth as resurrected beings and they too, as Jesus did to them, placed hands on heads to ordain new Apostles. This authority was as we see anciently not freely given to all men until the time finally came when the Lord in His wisdom gave His will for it to be so. Now all worthy men in all the world are invited to be His servants. The honor in which we give to Him is in service to His children. This is the nature of the call. All those that are willing to serve are invited to do so. Come let us work together in bringing about goodness on the earth, let us work together in love to bring hope and a little joy into the lives of our fellow brothers and sisters. There is so much pain and suffering in the world and we can do so much good.
The Lord will work with us going before us in preparing others to hear His message which we call "The Good News".

What say ye?

I Had a Dream!

In the year 1997 I found myself in place I would wish on no one. I spent some time with no where to go literally. I had no place to lay my head. I would drink myself into a drunken stupor just to not have to think of my situation. There were nights where I would just wander down to the beach and look for a spot to close my eyes for a while. It was humbling. Friends would let me sleep on their floor. Thankfully this did not last long, but where I ended up was not much more comforting, Jail.
I was humbled even more, now I'd lost my freedoms and future possibilities because of the label that would forever follow me. But what I came to learn is that Father has no boundaries in which His children can go. He has so much love for us that He will send others to find us. There is no place too far for Him to travel.
I had been there for about three months when one night I had a dream. It began with me being shown around a room by a guide. He pointed me to a statue of "The Virgin Mary". She was holding the baby Jesus. I had a very strong impression that I was to teach others about the child. I was then taken down a hallway by this individual and I could hear very loud cheering. It grew louder and more intense till finally I came to a window in which I could see out. There was a sea of people who were in the act of cheering and encouraging an individual who was dressed like a wizard. He was dressed in all white with hat on in the fashion of a "dunce" cap. The more he spoke the more intense the crowd became. I could not make out what he said. There came a time in which the weather began to be affected. It began to thunder and lightning with hail. The earth began to shake and he would gesture as the Nazis of the Third Reich would greet each other (Hail Hitler). There then began the raining of blood.
I looked around in the room in which I was and noticed that others were with me and they too were frightened. We all looked at each other and for some reason I said "we should pray". They agreed but there was no one there who wanted to or knew how. They said, "you should do it". I was not comfortable with that but decided I would. We knelt down in a circle and as soon as "amen" was said. We opened our eyes and there was peace. You could hear the birds singing out that same window and it seemed like a beautiful spring morning  we felt at peace. I exclaimed, "I told you, I told you that all we needed to do was pray!"
I woke up and I heard a voice as clear as I had ever heard, "Marlow, you are to be a preacher."
I didn't know much about Jesus other than the stories I grew up with and from occasional reading, like he died on the cross for us type things. But I knew that He had called and that I needed to do all in my power to heed the call. So here I am preaching...

Many are called but few are chosen.

What say ye?

Progression

There’s never been a moment when I was not conscience of my existence or that I was conscience and had life. I was once held to a lower set of laws. While these laws governed me in all my decisions I was free to do as I will within the bounds of those laws. As I obeyed law I was allowed to learn and experience greater laws that allowed me more freedoms to exercise my will and ability. It was made known to me that as I obeyed, greater light would be given, and that the day would come that I would understand more.      

Those of superior knowledge and experience had an eye on us all. We all had obeyed these lesser laws until a time came for a greater experience. We were obedient. We have existed with them as long as they have existed. We loved and honored them. What ever they asked we willingly did out of love and the great respect we had for them. They in turn should us such compassion and respect for upholding them. They wanted more for us.

You see this is how it works. They rely on us to uphold our responsibilities and as we do they add glory upon us. This is what happened to me. I obeyed until the time came that I was born of God. He is the God and Father of my eternal spirit. You see my consciousness was finally coupled with spirit which is a more refined matter that can be only seen with eyes that are open to see.

I lived with my Father for eternity. I spent much time learning the reason why we exist. They are interested in perpetuated their species to fill the vastness of space and time with love and joy. There is no end to the glories and They desire that all intelligence share in the riches of eternity there is also no beginning. Father always taught me that what He is doing has forever been done. The thought was still always there. “But who was the first”. I was always reminded that there is no “first” neither a last.

A Watered Garden

I wanted to lift today by speaking about the great blessings we posses here in America. We are indeed blessed with much peace in this land relative to all other nations. I say relative because all of life is relative. We are large compared to an ant but in the vastness of space we are as an atom. But when I went to use the scripture that I had in mind I was pulled another way. I sought the words of the prophet Isaiah when he speaks about the "repairer of the breach". I will bring that up another time because of the way I feel about the remainder of the chapter.
In light of how I celebrate the first Sunday of each month by setting this time aside to fast this chapter was very appropriate to come across. It teaches the true meaning of fasting. Isaiah here speaking for the Lord gives nice promises. Isaiah states, "And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not."
Can you not see the imagery here? Israel is much desert and imagine how living in a climate like that and having imposed upon your mind a beautiful garden and a spring of water always flowing unto you and your family. Never worrying about drought and thirst. Spiritually never hungering or thirsting. It is beautiful!
In the fast we are seeking special blessings and needs for ourselves and others. But in letting us know what He will give He warned that we have to remember the poor, to clothe and feed them. We can not simply go without a meal or two and say repetitious prayers but  we are to give of what we would have spent to those who are less fortunate than ourselves. 
The church to which I belong has put in place a great way for me to reach those in need with my offerings, but I must admit that at times those offerings were meager compared to my blessings. I must also confess that at times I really took no thought to the sacredness of the act thus forgoing the real communion that I sought. 
While reading this chapter tonight I have sought to be more mindful of those who have not and to really be mindful of how thus far he has blessed me also to give of my abundance more generously.  I have this night truly caught the spirit of the fast, it is a shame that it has taken so long. May you join me in remembering those who for one reason or another (and it does not matter why or how they got there) are in need. Give of your abundance go without for a short time and lift another. Find a way to give to another this day and you will surely be blessed.


What say ye?


Isaiah 58

The Heavens Weep

I have witnessed the loss of faith in many. Individuals that I never dreamed would fall away have taken detours from that which I know at one time brought them happiness and a sense of peace and belonging. I am reminded of Lehi's dream where so many partook of the fruit that was most sweet and then turned away. While I served as a representative of The Lord Jesus Christ in Detroit, Michigan, I wept with my companions and friends. We truly sought the blessings of The Father for all we served. Every night did my companions and I spend on our knees pleading with heaven to help us show love and to help others see that love. We shed tears of sorrow for the doings of others and tears of joy when they returned to the fold. My heart is moved with pain when I think of my dear friends who for one reason or another have decided that the path they once traveled and had great hopes for is no longer worthy.
There is no doubt that this path is difficult and trying. I have not always been faithful in all that is required, I too have sat on the sidelines looking for rest, but what I always found is that life is just better and I progressed only when I am in the game. My friends Invite you back. I love you! Come back to the path of peace, the way home. There is no other real way to lasting joy. We all know that everything else eventually disappoints. They do not last, but He is always there. When we have felt that we have lost His presence it is us who has moved and all we need do is to turn back. His message is that it is never too late, we are never so lost that He can not find. There is nowhere so dark that His light can not penetrate.
In my weeping I recognize that I am not alone but that He too has wept, we have that witness from Enoch who lived
many seasons ago.. He had communion with The Father and was commanded by Him to preach unto the people of his day. The people in which Enoch was called to serve were very much about themselves. They did not love one another as they ought. While communing with God one particular day he saw and bore record that He was crying. Tears, not just words but real moisture falling from His eyes. His tears were that because of our choices we would have to suffer needlessly  (Moses 7:28). Enoch was taken aback and in a way rebuked God for such an act. How can someone so holy allow such emotion to be apart of His ways, thought Enoch.
Our Father Loves us! He mourns when we mourn, He joys with our joys and only wishes for our happiness. So much has been sacrificed and the plan has been in works for a very long time. He too calls His children and He says that His hand is stretched out all the day long. My dear friends He loves us forever.

What say ye?

Its a Good Thing that Life Isnt Fair!

And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

A few days ago as I sat with my oldest son to speak about how his life is going, he said "sometimes things are not fair". I asked what he meant. They were things like, when the siblings are watching TV sometimes he doesn't get to watch what he wants.  Something so trivial but in his life at times it seems like the end of the world. It dawned on me that life really isn't fair but that it is a good thing. 
I asked him about the kid who lives in Ethiopia right now who let alone does not have a TV to worry about but has a big belly because of the famine he endures. That isn't fair either but yet it is life. 
True indeed life is not fair but if it were we would all be in trouble. According to Paul, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God..." What I seek to say is that if life were fair we would get what was coming to us in all fairness. In all fairness justice would cause that no good thing would come upon any of us. We would forever be separated from true happiness. Life here would not only be fair but also the life hereafter in the which justice there would claim that no Atonement could be made in the behalf of others. Who in all fairness would place their wrongs on the shoulders of another? Especially someone who is completely innocent. There could be no Savior if life were fair. Because the very essence of salvation declares that blame has to be placed upon another who has done no wrong, this would however not be fair. 
Out of the mouth of babes is truth declared. And it is truly good news! Thankfully we have a Father who understands the work of bringing about salvation. In Him can we indeed lend all of our trust. For though life is not fair all the losses, pain, and sorrow we do now face will all be made whole in the resurrection. Happiness awaits us all (for even the glory of the telestial kingdom surpasses all understanding) but for those that are truly faithful will the happiness be a fullness. Father has promised that if we keep this estate that all that He hath will be ours. We will be joint heirs with Him in whom all blame was placed. He is our Friend. You can truly place your faith in The Savior.

What say ye?

His Willingness to Serve

And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

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.

Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.
  
Life is extremely difficult at times, so many disappointments and trials. We often wonder if we can make it through the day and when we do another one awaits with new challenges. Those who find faith in Christ can rest assuredly that He is able to save. Not just in the future but He is able to do so daily. When we place our burdens at His feet they indeed are swallowed up in Him. 


We do not follow some distant being who is only thinking of how to increase his glory. We follow and serve a very personal God. One who knows all things but yet still wanted to have the experience of life. In His experiencing the hurt, trials, pains and sicknesses of ALL He came to know what it takes to heal ALL. He was willing to serve us in any way possible to make it where this life could be more meaningful. We can truly place our full trust in Him. When we do our burdens will be come light and all of the things that are now so troubling can be placed in proper perspective. Let us move towards the Light of Men. He is ever willing and ready to serve us. Yes we indeed have a Savior who is willing to serve.