“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
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
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