“Emails asking for, God to Bless America and In God We Trust”

“Emails asking for, God to Bless America and In God We Trust”

cji
5/26/10


Currently many emails are circulating on the two basic ideas – asking for God’s Blessing on America or on others and “In God We Trust” – which have given me pause to reflect and comment. When the topics of asking for God’s Blessings and or to say, “In God We Trust” one must be very careful. As from the very beginning man/woman have hijacked both of these from the Scriptures and Truth – and applied them loosely within the world of their own making. Thus what follows is my thoughts on these two ideas and requests.

To understand from a Celestial or from Heavenly Father’s or his Only Begotten – Jesus Christ (our Lord and Savior) point of view should be the context of the usage and meaning of both Blessings and Trust. To do this is very interesting from several aspects – but not the ones normally thought to be the case. Thus I’ll try to proceed!

First, Heavenly Father and his Only Begotten do bless the righteous and these blessings are predicated upon obedience, chastity, honesty, service to others and to be found unspotted by the worldly. In fact we know from the Scriptures that on many occasions the Savior has interceded on our behalf for the Father’s Blessings in our lives. He does this because we are his – he gave his life that we might live eternally with him and the Father. He is the resurrection and the life – and we can all be like him – but it requires unquestioned obedience from each of individually.

There are over 426 direct usages of the word Blessings in the Scriptures (actually many more). These Scriptures define and show how blessings are earned and even abused and lost. The Scriptures clarify who is and who is not worthy of these divine favors. This is the subject of many of the revisions to the Bible and the understanding of men/women. Revision means to rewrite or redefine and is therefore to change or add to and/or take away.

This is what a blessing is, a Divine favor while in mortality or later in eternal life within the Celestial Kingdom (spoken of by Paul). It further is anything contributing to true happiness, well-being or prosperity while in this life or beyond (see guide to the Scriptures - http://scriptures.lds.org/en/gs/b/28). These blessings can only come from Heavenly Father – through his Only Begotten Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

Now to say upon one another – God Bless You – is fine, however it is entirely predicated upon your or another’s worthiness. Heavenly Father and the Son have covenanted to Bless the Land we call America – and those righteous within this land. In this covenant relationship – the righteous covenanted in return to be worthy of these blessings all of the time! This same covenant is made with all of the lands and nations of the world and Islands of the seas – again predicated upon worthiness to receive such blessings. One would be ashamed to receive such blessings in an unworthy state – which much the nations and men/women find themselves in much of the time. Therefore in the usage of self-justification they seek to change and make general (not specific) the meaning and usage of this sacred pronouncement.

Who do we serve? Who do we pledge our allegiance to? Who do we make our covenants with? Who do we renew our covenants with? It should be noted that most of the world’s population have made no covenants with Heavenly Father or the Son – but with man/woman – governments – societies, etc. Yet the blessings they seek of a Divine nature can only come from the Father or the Son. Such is the state of things when seeking blessings – when one worships the things of the world – it’s governments, coinage, positions and whatever else is there – this does not ensure of them of any of God’s Blessings as so intended by what they say or proclaim!

Secondly – it was man/woman or better governments which put on our money, “In God We Trust” and therefore they can remove it as money is really the foremost tool of the adversity to detract from our purpose of being on this earth in mortal probation.

An excellent observation was when the Savior indicated a coin of the realm of Caesar when the many questioned him:

Mark 12:14 And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?
15 Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it.
16 And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar’s.
17 And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s. And they marvelled at him.

The Savior was being truthful and was speaking not only to them but to all of us. Coinage is the things of the worldly and of governments – the images on them are of great men (some) and important personages to each nation’s history. Trusting in God is far more than simply saying it – or even promoting such an idea – for most people don’t trust in God either in or out of the Church! Most pray to the God they’ve been taught about – but then subject themselves to the peer pressures and things of material nature. We read in Isaiah 42:17:

42:17 ¶ They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, Ye are our gods.

Is not the coinage and buildings part and parcel of governments and the worldly? Therefore what do we put our trust in? This is a very difficult question as most will put some trust in both the worldly and in Heavenly Father and his Son! One cannot serve two masters – and yet this is exactly what most in this world do – they serve both men – and then indicate that they serve their God(s).

Trusting is exactly that – to trust – have confidence in that whoever or whatever they trust will help them to return into the presence of the Father and the Son. Yet from almost all of the pulpits of the world this one single truth is not even taught – and if taught not really believed. One needs only to read the various creeds of men/women to understand that most have no comprehension that the Scriptures are to be taken literally and are not subject to revision or men/women’s wisdom of reasoning and philosophy. Thus many have no idea of what it means to ‘Trust in God’ as they do not understand who God is and our personal relationship to him.

Samuel understood this relationship – see 2 Samuel 22:

2 Samuel 22:3 The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.

Most will not understand to take this simple verse literally. The reason they do not is found in Mormon 9 (would advise one to read the whole chapter):

Mormon 9:20 And the reason why he ceaseth to do miracles among the children of men is because that they dwindle in unbelief, and depart from the right way, and know not the God in whom they should trust.

Trust is a word which expresses the following; Assurance, Believing In, Confidence, Faith and Hope. While with their voices most will profess all of these in relationship to Heavenly Father and the Son – most in their hearts question and blame. Most do not all they can do and then leave the rest to Father and our Elder Brother. Most do not give 100% of the credit for everything to the Father and the Son – many are prideful or their accomplishments. They seek the immediate rewards of money, fame, supposed happiness, etc. – some even before they perform any labor – and not the deferred blessings and rewards which are eternal.

Now for applications of the two above in a Celestial Law as found in Malachi – the Law of Tithing and Offerings:

The tithing is the 10th part which the Father and the Son require – see various Scriptures (Old and New) – as everything is theirs already! (Satan and his minions have nothing – except what they steal or someone entitles them to say they have to give or to use to tempt many to sell their souls for in return.) In reality men/women, governments, nations and others own nothing – it is all available and to be used for all mankind (which it isn’t as many horde or take or deny what they’ve acquired and thus create the haves and have-nots). This world was created with enough for everyone – and if one remembers James 1:27 of what pure religion is – then one should have no misunderstandings about what one is to do in this world. What many mistake for their own is simply a stewardship for which there to fulfill this Scripture. To some are doctors, teachers, laborers, administrators, etc. yet all is to build up – not to unequally destroy some at the benefit of others.

What Father and the Son require from each of us is 1/10th of our increase! It used to be done in kind – and then in script or money and was used for the building up of the Kingdom here on Earth. Initially many of the early Saints gave 90% especially in the building of the Kirkland and Nauvoo Temples! Tithing is an eternal principle of the Gospel of Jesus Christ – Adam and Eve paid tithes and offerings – Able did – and Cain fabricated his. Abraham paid his to the High Priest Melchizedek.

It is part of the eternal law of finance that the Father and the Son fully demand our obedience – and provide a multitude of Blessings for this obedience when we’re found doing so. We’ve learned over the years that paying tithing is one of the most ‘selfish’ things which we do – smile. For in doing so with a willing heart – the blessings we’ve received in return have been overwhelming. There are many promises (covenants) with the paying of an ‘honest’ tithe – and great penalties associated with not paying them. See Doctrine and Covenants 119:
Doctrine and Covenants 119:3 And this shall be the beginning of the tithing of my people. 4 And after that, those who have thus been tithed shall pay one-tenth of all their interest annually; and this shall be a standing law unto them forever, for my holy priesthood, saith the Lord. 5 Verily I say unto you, it shall come to pass that all those who gather unto the land of Zion shall be tithed of their surplus properties, and shall observe this law, or they shall not be found worthy to abide among you.
Some call it fire insurance as the Scriptures talk about honest tithe payers not being burned as stubble in the last days. See Doctrine and Covenants 64:

Doctrine and Covenants 64:23 Behold, now it is called today until the coming of the Son of Man, and verily it is a day of sacrifice, and a day for the tithing of my people; for he that is tithed shall not be burned at his coming.

Simply it’s a law which is lived by obedience on the part of each individual. A self-discipline which shows full trust and faith in the Father and the Son. In return the windows of heaven are opened unto us individually and as a family. It’s one of those things which we just do! When writing out our bills on the 1st of the month – we write the tithing check and add with it our monthly fast offering.

As to the fast offering it is supposed to be the cost of two meals from which one fasted from once a month. For years we’ve paid the same amount – sometimes when things are better we put in more. Now this is not the cost of the two meals Joyce and I might miss but what is a generous fast offering for us. In addition, we do a lot of ‘in kind’ offerings of food, clothing and other items – computers, etc. to those in need. Some Bishops acknowledge this and others don’t’ – really doesn’t matter. People need clothing and food - not just at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

At times when there is drought and famine – it is said, “How do you feel the Lord took 90% this year and left you with the 1/10th?”

It’s a law of fullness – many try to whittle down to the pennies – to be exact – while others do what they can – many members of the Church where there is no one authorized to accept the tithes and offerings – the members will put away their tithes and offerings until one does come.

Some in paying their tithes and offerings have little left – and this is where the Lord steps in and takes care of them – over and over this can be found – in too many situations to be by chance.

The true law of financial well being is to be a full tithe payer. Over the years I’ve been assigned to help families in debt – or struggling – and my first question to the Bishop is always the same, “Are they full tithe payers?” Now he doesn’t need to answer me or should he – but he can authorize me to ask them. This authorization is extremely important! When I ask and they say they are not – then I’ve to explain to them the importance of being such. Interestingly many stop coming to Church and most never return. Remember the young man who came unto Christ and asked about what he needed to do to follow him? To go and sell all he owned and give unto the needy and then come follow him. And the young man went away sorrowful as he had much. Yes this has to do with the law of Consecration – but it also has to do with tithing and offerings – for if one can’t live the easier law, how can they live the higher law? Much of the trials and tribulations of the early Saints was because they could not live these laws. (Reference Doctrine and Covenants 101-104.)

Blessings are predicated on obedience – and obedience is predicated upon a willingness to follow the Father and the Son – having trust in them in all things.

Therefore, we must each carefully consider what we’re saying or promoting when forwarding various emails – which usually tell at the bottom – we’re being part of the problem if we don’t forward. This is not the case – one should not forward to others that which is not clearly understood and part of their individual belief system. God will not bless the unrighteous or the wicked – he cannot – for he has covenanted to bless the righteous.

To say, “In God We Trust” – we should fully acknowledge who we’re addressing this trust to and why! In addition we must absolutely understand that much of today’s world there is neither belief in or trust in God – especially the Father and the Son. Governments, nations and people therefore do not adhere to the belief that the Bible is a literal document – a collection of the various writers of former Prophets of the Lord Jesus Christ. To them it is simply a tool to control the masses – a unification for their power and dominion. One need only look upon the 3rd and 4th Centuries – or some of the modern religions of the period since these two centuries.

Go on your Internet – read the creeds and beliefs of all of the differing churches – you need to do this – it’s important that you know what is being taught as a belief system – by either your church or others. Then if the idea of God Blessing America and In God We Trust – are part and parcel of your individual belief system as explained by your church of choice then forward these on to others. However, if not consider what you are saying and what you really believe.

Understand I like these sends – they are uplifting – my blood flows red, white and blue – but there is much more to these.


“Beliefs”

cji
5/26/10

Predicated upon obedience
willingly and without doubt
seriously reflecting intent
understanding covenants
seeking to know the truth
deeply committed to return
knowing our home before
to be our home once more;

Thus we hold the knowledge
tested and proven of worth
inviting us to be one again
taking us to where we began
finding faith and assurance
putting our trust in the Lord
blessing those in need
promptings forever to heed!


Copyright © 2010 – cji

"Enduring" (short essay)

Does anyone see where the present situations in the world are leading? China, Iran, Islamic Madness, North Korea and so much more going on in the world – chaos – added upon chaos – and at the least we’ve an Administration which leading the choir if not conducting the band. Their absolute apathy in supporting our Constitution – supposedly their Constitution – seeking every means to bring our nation – our laws – our people into the lowest form of poverty in human spirit!

We’ve the makings of a Trojan horse in our midst and none appear to be doing anything about it except letting the occupants free to do as they will with our nation! Yet this is a chosen Nation – and a divinely inspired Constitution – where freedom will not be taken away. UNLESS – the men and women of this nation turn their collective backs on the Father and the Son! We’ve many good and righteous men and women in this nation – and many throughout the world. But their voices are being compromised and many are siding with the many rather than the few who will remain forever fast to their covenants and desire to do the Father and the Son’s will instead of their own.

Some take this rather lightly the idea of covenants and covenant making – thinking – that things will be okay – what’s so important about religion or even about Heavenly Father – and the Savior! Most consider that they’re saved or that they believe and that this is enough and they’ll protect us in America. I’m sure there were many in Sodom and Gomorrah who felt much the same way. Nations can die in many ways – death from within is usually the normal procedure for those used to power, wealth and a good success trail in history. Many actually feel someone else will protect their freedoms and therefore – they don’t need to be concerned.

Many question the need for a Prophet or Apostles – they’ve ministers/priests/ or other professional clergy to take care of their spiritual needs and to leave them alone. However, there’s always been a Prophet and Apostles in The Church of Jesus Christ on this earth – ALWAYS. Even a Prophet without honor is still a Prophet in the same way to the people – and always a Prophet to the Father and the Son. We can find many examples in the Old Testament and in the Book of Mormon of Prophets who were stoned – ignored and spit upon. So today in many parts of the world and in the United States especially we find this to be the case – the ignored part – combined with ridicule – and constant death threats is part and parcel of those with this calling in the Church today.

Yes – and some of this has come from those within and without the Church of the Savior over the history of this earth. Even today over the years of the restoration - there have been those who’ve apostatized from the Church who were directly responsible for the murder of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Jr. and his brother Hiram. In addition, there have been many weeding outs. (Note: those who left the Church due to the persecution or for other personal reasons – unable to live to the covenants they made.) Among these were Kirkland – Missouri – Nauvoo – Utah – and there are still others to come – and some going on now! We’ve many who find justifications for almost anything they want to do – we find those who murmur about the repeated talks on chastity – obedience – virtue – truthfulness – keeping the Sabbath Day Holy – and these are only some of the issues members and non-members seem to feel it’s okay to issue with.

None of us are new to the Gospel of Jesus Christ – and we need never be afraid to speak what we know to be true. We should not allow others to murmur in our presence about the principles of righteousness. When Joyce and I first joined the Church many or our friends called us ‘do-gooders’ or ‘goody two shoes’ and that after a while it would wear off and we would go back to the way we once lived. With this warning – we both determined it would not wear off but become stronger. Yes we’ve had many trials – tribulations – times when we’ve not been as strong as we could or should’ve been – but we’ve repented often (smile) – used to tell people I felt like Maria at times with some of the brothers in leadership positions.

Further I believe the one being spoken of is the active members of the Church and in our communities as being one with each other! Active means those who are striving to live all of the Commandments especially the first two – and being found doing the Father and the Savior’s will – not ours!

We’ve to remember in this type of obedience one actually is given more and more agency – smile – for by being obedient for the right reasons and at the right times – one finds that they open many more windows in their lives and those of their loved ones. Too many miss this simple procedure of blessings.

We know from the Prophets that there are very dark days ahead (read Isaiah 13/3rd Nephi/ and any part of Revelations – as there have been in the past. We’ve to endure – meaning to keep the covenants we’ve made with the Father and the Son. Each of the Apostles and the Disciples knew enduring to the end meant without murmuring – doubt – selfishness – and being happy in the peace which the truth (the Savior) makes in our individual and collective lives. Many are proclaiming, “The truth shall set you free!” without really knowing what it means. They’ve the secular understanding – but there’s a much deeper understanding – which those who’ve covenanted with the Lord will learn to understand.

Hopefully we each can endure – finding strength in our individual and collective testimonies of the truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

In the name of Jesus Christ – amen – c/ork
“Enduring”

cji
5/20/10

Holding fast to the Word
knowing it to be truth all
found in prayer and belief
a safe haven in the storm
battering waves of brutality
with hands held tight now
finding strength all about
yet to see others fall away
we must never give up
as the followers of Christ
enduring without waiver!


Copyright © 2010 – cji

“The Tragedy” cji 5/17/10

“The Tragedy” cji 5/17/10

Currently in the US and the World we've many who want nothing more than to destroy freedom of any kind - in any way that they can. China by the normal lies and guile - giving weapons and support to anyone who'll engage in military actions - sometimes feeding both sides. North Korea as China's hired gun in both killing - reckless provocations - and supplying illegal arms and technical data to hostile nations to any sort of freedom. Mexican Leaders and former citizens of Mexico who've attained high positions of responsibility in the US striving to take over all of the South Western United States - demanding everything free the US will give to them and threatening any who stand in their way. Mexico indeed and those of Mexican descent are feeding those who will do their will and commit crimes of any kind. Lastly the Jihad movement of the Islamic Terrorist and they're webs of supporter who claim to be of the Islam Faith - even the President of the US - fostering the worldwide takeover of everyone and everybody by any means possible.

If this were a world cup event it might get more attention. We'd have the first round of Mexico versus Islamic Terrorists - while China would host North Korea. Then we'd have China hosting Islamic Terrorists. King of the hill - repeated over and over in history till there's only one - and then the rebellion starts from within once more. If one is wondering where the others teams are in this playoff - by default the US - Europe - Africa - Australia - the Islands of the Seas and all others were eliminated by seeking a peaceful means to maintain their freedoms. Weakness in this contest is only submission and to be eliminated by forfeit. A good friend has also described this as the Chinese game of 'Go'. Some have called it the game of 'Risk'. Actually it's no game but one of warfare - where the adversary holds all of the worldly and mortal cards.

Most of the world/worldly have turned their backs on the literal belief of the Scriptures - the teachings of the Prophets - the Commandments of the Father and the Son - thus negating any role of a 'pure religion.' Instead have substituted Greek Philosophy or Worldly way of belief which by its very nature is pure Lucifer and his Plan. A Plan which was rejected in the Pre-existence is the common belief of the worldly. By denying the Scriptures of their literalness - they've negated all truth and wisdom of Heavenly Father and His Only Begotten Son - Jesus the Christ.

Thus we've the tragedy of what's being taught in our places of learning - either schools or places of worship. To teach that an earth upon which we reside is made from nothing - which makes no sense when one reads the Scriptures - and that Our Heavenly Father - and his Son our Savior Jesus Christ - have no body, parts or passions - and that we will not be reunited with them and our families after this mortal existence is the tragedy.

Now the Scriptures are quite clear on all that is happening today in our time and seasons. The Prophets of old and now have plainly written and professed of the truths seen in vision and their prophecies. One must remember every single prophecy will be fulfilled either with our knowledge or without it. Those who profess the Prophets are dead and there is no more prophecy have no ground on which to stand in this proclamation as if makes no sense. How do they know there is no more prophecy unless by prophecy it was revealed to them? They proclaim the heavens to be closed - that they have all of the knowledge needed and need no more - while in reality only using about 5% of the Scriptures and ignoring the remainder as unessential.

To reiterate the tragedy commenting, if the world knew and understood the Scriptures - accepted them literally - most all of everything else would be solved and resolved. But when one presents that all of this is out of nothing - there's no eternal family - and that God the Father and the Son - don't really have any feelings (passion) - is to foster generation upon generation with absolutely no hope of anything better than being saved as an administering angel - in a world where there's no substance or being.

In summery - the worldly accept the teachings of the schools and their professional clergy/professors - over the divine revelations of the Father and the Son and their appointed Prophets and Apostles on this Earth today and as they did in the past history of the world. Therefore one should read: Isaiah 13; Psalms 73; James; Revelations; 3rd Nephi; Ether; Hosea; and all of the Holy Bible; Book of Mormon; Doctrine and Covenants; Pearl of Great Price and rehearse the words of the Prophets living today and at the head of the Lord's Church on this Earth in our times. Sadly, most are going to watch TV - go to the movies - read dime store novels - engage in actions clearly defined in the Ten Commandments as WRONG! The greater tragedy then is that there will be no excuses - and those who've chosen to be on the side of the worldly will pay the appropriate price whether a member of the one true Church or not!


"The Tragedy"

cji
5/17/10

Being in the crowd
sinners laughing
Saints crying*
shouting profanities
shamefully the harlot
or the procurer of such
claiming living today
ignoring the weather
prophecies of old
then those of today
justifying apathy
playing their part
in the tragedy
found in living color
flavored and decayed!

Copyright © 2010 – cji

(*Lyrics in a Billy Joel song
inticing a young lady
to turn her virtue to him)

“Of Corrupt Humans” cji 5/14/10

Follow-up to “Choices Within Agency” – “Of Corrupt Humans” cji 5/14/10

In following up to the short essay entitled, ‘Choices Within Agency” there's going to be a lot who've decided to choose the worldly over the delayed blessings of the Celestial! We knew that before we came down here! The noise of the world overwhelms the still small voice of the Spirit’s promptings to do what is right for the right reasons - all of the time! Fun to the worldly is like having a credit card! They can use it now and figure they'll pay later. Sadly most don't realize many with credit cards seldom pay at all - and they then pay all it is the interest with very little paid against the principal!

Many of the worldly clergy are telling their employers (those who pay them) – sin a little now - just a little or a lot - once you're saved you'll be forgiven; or be beaten with a few stripes and then forgiven! They forget a few stripes if applied expertly will kill the person receiving them – just a surely as will sin! Delayed repentance doesn't work well if at all. Many feel they’ve lots of time to repent – leave the play grounds of sin behind and get their lives in order – this has never been true and has always been a lie!

When one studies the Scriptures the seriousness of sin begins with the denial of the Holy Ghost - refusing to feel knowledge of the truth to which one is entitled if having received the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Writers note: The promptings of the Spirit are available to all – but are different from the absolute testimony of the Holy Ghost!) Second to this and equal in gravity is that of shedding innocent blood - i.e. murder! The commission of these two sins - will open the doors wide to 'outer darkness' and they will be very difficult if almost impossible to close. Doesn't mean they can't be closed - but will be very difficult to do.

The third major sin is that of any form of sexual transgression - which it would appear the worldly are totally accepting of either in politically correctness or actual participation. Sexual transgression is so serious because it is directly linked to the process of creation which Heavenly Father shares with his children in righteousness to bring forth life. Thus the adversary works on this more so than the other two major sins.

Why? As for the denial of the Holy Ghost - most don't even understand what this implies and one must have received the Gift of Holy Ghost by proper authority before they can deny it - thus it directly effects those who've come to the truth - been baptized - confirmed a member of the Lord's Church (not any of man's or woman's or of the worldly) - and then have become apostate from these truths. Further, because the adversary knows most people won't go out and kill someone (of course he's getting more to do so) but for much of the human race this is not a choice they'd make. Therefore - the sexual sin becomes the one of choice for the adversary to use.

Noise of any kind as in loud music dulls the senses. Additionally the usage of drugs - lewd language – reading dirty books – going to PG-R-X rated movies – visiting Internet sites with sexual content or violence – or accepting in one’s own life loose morals will find as most of the worldly, hooked. The adversary and his minions start with the very youth of the nations and work until they've infiltrated every vestige of family life - or the lack of such. They seek by the usage of rhetoric and changing meanings of words to pave the road with a slight slope and then slowly steepen the incline until most think it's too late to repent or forsake - and therefore believe it's okay. Justification is the highest form of excuse for poor choices - and the worldly uses it all of the time. Reason and logic pass off any bad feelings and peer pressure does the rest in beguiling even the elect into choices of participation rather than to be the subject of other's ridicule. Calling happiness what is in reality a numbness of feeling – blindness and being deaf to the eternal truths of the Scriptures, the Prophets and the Father and the Son!

Corrupt humans therefore find themselves happy to be in the pig-sty of life and condemn anyone who says that's where they are living. When one doesn't understand the eternal price, i.e. the Celestial Kingdom which is being paid as the price of their actions - then there's nothing of value that they're giving up in choosing to be corrupt. Lots of good people are corrupt as the meaning has been changed. People find good things to say about the most evil of others - because they're friends, etc. Politicians have made an art form of this in their speeches and lives.

In the final analysis one has to understand that they're not their own person! The Savior paid the price for our eternal lives - and thus we've a responsibility to all that He and His Father have commanded us to do! Agency within this is our choice to be obedient. If we choose any other choice we alone will destroy our agency by succumbing to the wiles and guile of the worldly. Many have no comprehension of this - they are not taught this in their places of worship - and they read not - nor study their Scriptures to learn and understand.

If the Savior is the way to return to the Father and our home - then it would not be either confusing or have multiple roads. It would be simple - straight forward- and with only one path (or one Church) for each to attain this goal of the Celestial Kingdom - Sealed in Marriage for Time and All Eternity - bound with our families forever and ever! Only one Church on this Earth today teaches this, practices this and covenants to do this - and it was Restored to this Earth by the Father and the Son as the Savior told his Apostles it would be in the Latter-days. The hardest and most difficult part of this is to face the enmity of the worldly for this choice of eternal life and accepting the Scriptures as being literally true. It's far easier to just say, "I'm Saved" or to just believe one preachers/priests/rabbi's/ministers, etc. because they teach Greek Philosophy mixed with Scriptures - and using man/woman's reason/wisdom which is foolishness compared the Savior and His Prophet's.

The last day’s are to be filled with all sorts of corruption – at all levels and by many – without regard to age – color – nationality – male or female. All of the prophecies will be fulfilled – and all will know – there will be no exceptions!

Chin up my friends – we know the results – now it’s what we choose to do with that information – in the name of Jesus Christ – amen c/ork


“Of Corrupt Humans”

cji
5/14/10

Choosing to violate law
or Commandments
knowing not to get caught
or buying off penalties
found lying or denying
or excusing behavior
for of corrupt humans
or others acting so
there’s time only here
or living the moment
credit card sprees had
or living in full debt
finding the immediate
or the time at hand
more than what’s ahead
or if there’s eternity!

Copyright © 2010 – cji

"Choices Within Agency"

The agency which we have from Heavenly Father - is the most important trust which we've been asked to protect and honor! That the adversary sought to take away this agency right from the beginning in our pre-mortal life shows just how important it is! One-third of the host of the heavens choose to go with the adversary - two-thirds with the Savior. Many of the two-thirds have tried to change their choice - some have been successful in doing so - while at the same time condemning themselves to anything less than the Telestial Kingdom and some to outer darkness.

None of the major religions teach anything about this as there are dependent on their membership for their own room and board as paid professionals. The Scriptures however are quite clear on the issues of agency and no-agency. Further, much of what is in the Scriptures is not taught - changed - or so mixed with the idea of mystery - confusion - or rhetoric anyone who does not read them on their own prayerfully will most likely never have a clue as to what we should and are required to know for ourselves.

Mysteries in the language has little to do with cannot be known - but to do with what is sacred and is known only through righteousness, repentance and being one with the Father and the Son - i.e. through baptism into their Church and not man's!

But, alas most choose not to listen - and would rather follow - not change - or feel any road will lead to the Celestial Kingdom. Most will find that being Saved by the worldly definition isn't the end result but only a beginning. Yet believing or led to believe it's the last step - will settle for the Terrestrial Kingdom or less.

Yes - choices you make must show who you are and what you're willing to be accountable and responsible for in your mortal probation - no one can make these choices/decisions of right or wrong - good or evil - truth or fiction - literal or rhetoric - as one reads, prays, studies, listens, ponders in their life.



“Choices Within Agency”

cji
5/13/10

To each it is a given in life
making choices is their’s alone
none other can do so ever
even if man seems so clever;

Too many seek this to avoid
blaming and making excuses
professional clergy encourage
and self-agency discourage;

Choices within agency account
for the who we’ve become
adopted behavior of the world
all righteousness thus hurled
or as a child of God so found
accountable in truth bound!

Copyright © 2010 – cji

"Testimonies and Baring Same"

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Fast Sunday is held usually the first Sunday of each month. Many who are investigating seem surprised at some of the Testimonies and especially the number of young children who take this opportunity to do so. Also, some will be up there every Sunday to bare their testimony – while others will seldom do so. The Testimony Meeting (called Fast Sunday) because those who can fast from at least two meals – three if possible – do so to be more prepared to be spiritually fed. Those who are unable to Fast due to health should not do so!!

When the meeting starts the Presiding Priesthood holder usually will bare his testimony first – thus every three months we get the blessing of hearing those sustained to share with us their testimony. After this there’s usually a rush to get up – and some of the older members – whether age or membership will wait till all slows down. Some members hardly ever bare their testimony – some because to do so is very difficult – others because they’ve difficulty to move (some Wards/Branches will provide a microphone to carry to someone in need).

A testimony is based on one principle only: Jesus is the Christ! Therefore a testimony has three building blocks – 1: That the Bible/Book of Mormon are true; 2: That Joseph Smith, Jr. is/was a Prophet of God (and that Thomas S. Monson is the living Prophet on earth today); and 3: That The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Restored Church on the earth today.

1. The Bible and Book of Mormon (Doctrine and Covenants/Pearl of Great Price) – testify that Jesus is the Christ!
2. Joseph Smith, Jr. and all of the Prophets testify that Jesus is the Christ!
3. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints testifies that Jesus is the Christ!

Further the Bible and the Book of Mormon testify of each other and the Prophets – as do all of the Prophets testify of the Scriptures – and the sole purpose in each dispensation that the Church has been found on this earth testifies to the truthfulness of the Scriptures – and therefore all testify of each other and give three testimonies that Jesus is the Christ!

Guess this could be expanded – but there’s no need – each testimony is sacred – and therefore many are reluctant to share – even thought this is what we both covenant and are commanded to do - teach repentance and testify that Jesus is the Christ.

Once the meeting is underway there always seems to be a pause. The pauses are both interesting and an opportunity for those hesitant to get up and take this opportunity. For others this does cause some discomfort – but the purpose of the meeting is to reflect on one’s own testimony – and thus the quiet allows for this.

The seeming repetitiveness of Fast Sunday once a month seems to deaden some of the feelings – while in reality all Sacrament Meetings are what we use to recharge our batteries for the coming week of dealing with the world and worldly. Thus, some feel the need to move on – which is of the world – and not to appreciate the lulls – which allow us to ponder our own testimonies and those to which we’ve listened.

The social pressure occurs because some feel the need to keep the meeting moving – i.e. the clock on the wall! This is neither needful or sometimes desirable – but sometimes it is a good motivator especially for leaders to get up and bare their testimonies. The leaders of a Ward/Branch or Stake don’t want to interfere (so to speak) in meetings where the individual members have their opportunity to share their testimony, but this not a correct principle as anyone in a leadership position is also a member of the Ward or Branch. Sometimes hearing our leaders bare their individual testimony not attached to a talk gives us added strength as members.

Little children are the joy of any meeting – especially in this Church! Their infectious smile – cry’s – etc. make us completely understand the meaning of families and the eternal family unit! The Savior never sent little children away – as the same as Joseph Smith – he would often interrupt what he was doing to give personal attention to the children around him. Loving the children is the most Christ-like attribute we can have in this life!

Well hopefully this helps – hugs and love - c

“And Baring Same”

cji
5/3/10

When one has treasure
something sacred and pure
yet without value hidden
thus it’s meant to share;

A testimony of Jesus Christ
is the most precious pearl
one can acquire and hold
thus it’s meant to share;

Each month one day set
for each to bare their own
others to then are blessed
when one his does share!


Copyright © 2010 – cji

'Chuck' Charles J. Ingerson, CPCM, Fellow (NCMA)

http://whispersofthespirit.yuku.com/topic/10118
(Do We Want to Know?)