. . . James 1:27: May 2017

Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve taught that gifts of the Spirit “can lead us to God. They can shield us from the power of the adversary. They can compensate for our inadequacies and repair our imperfections” (“Spiritual Gifts,” Ensign, Sept. 1986, 72).

Elder Bruce R. McConkie taught: “Spiritual gifts are endless in number and infinite in variety. Those listed in the revealed word are simply illustrations” (A New Witness for the Articles of Faith, 371).

Elder Marvin J. Ashton of the Quorum of the Twelve said some “less-conspicuous gifts” include “the gift of asking; the gift of listening; the gift of hearing and using a still, small voice; … the gift of avoiding contention; the gift of being agreeable; … the gift of seeking that which is righteous; the gift of not passing judgment; the gift of looking to God for guidance; the gift of being a disciple; the gift of caring for others; the gift of being able to ponder; the gift of offering prayer; the gift of bearing a mighty testimony; and the gift of receiving the Holy Ghost” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1987, 23; or Ensign, Nov. 1987, 20).

Satan can try to deceive people with counterfeit spiritual gifts. Concerned about some false manifestations of these gifts among Church members, the Prophet Joseph Smith inquired of the Lord and received a revelation instructing him as to this. “Emphasize that if a gift is of God, it will be edifying and cause us to rejoice. It will lead us to do good, to love and serve God, and to believe in Christ. If a spiritual manifestation does not edify, or if it leads us to sin, it is not of God.”

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

“Lest we forget the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ – completing the Atonement so that ‘death’ could be removed from those who inhabited this earth – each and every one – none excluded – with the exception of those who through disobedience to the Commandments have found to excluded themselves from eternal life in the Celestial Kingdom (spoken of by Paul – and throughout the Scriptures of our returning to dwell with the Father and the Son. in his name even Jesus the Christ amen.” cji 4/6/2017

“Gifts of the Spirit”

cji

5/10/17

Laying on authorized hands

same as the Apostles did once

once more upon this earth

restored the Savior’s Church

thus the keys of the Priesthood

and the gifts of the Spirit

able to prompt us always

part and parcel our armor

worthiness is the obedience

making active this sacred gift

given to the Apostles again

able to give unto to others

worthy and able to receive!

“Root Hog; or Die 2”

(Anthesis 2)

cji

5/08/17

This was written several years ago and is now updated as not much has changed.

If one goes to Wikipedia – one can get an idea of what this means – but let’s go back further than this source – which only goes to prior to 1834. We’ll instead go back to the 1^st half of the 17^th Century to the year, c.1622. After the failure of King directed Communism (which had failed in Jamestown) also had failed in Plymouth by their second year. Governor Bradford said, “At length, after much debate … the governor, gave way that they should set corn every man for his own purpose, and in every regard trust to themselves … and so assigned to every family a parcel of land according to the proportion of their number, (History of Plymouth, 1606-1642, pp.160-162.)” Thus going from the common sharing – with the hard working and those who were unwilling to work because they didn’t have to one were everyone had to ‘root hog – cultivate – plant and tend; or die – of starvation.’

Root; hog or die is the polar to communism (or in today’s world socialism or sharing the wealth of those who work and/or earned – with those who do nothing) and this was learned very early in all of the colonies on the Eastern Seaboard of the new world. Again to quote William Bradford – governor of the Plymouth Colony, “The experience that was had in this common cause and condition, tried sundry years, and that amongst godly and sober men, may well evince (demonstrate) the vanity of that conceit of Plato and other ancients – applauded by some in later times – that taking away of property, and bringing it into a commonwealth, would make them happy and flourishing as if they were wiser than God, ibid,”

In the above I’ve mentioned the Jamestown Colony. This was established at the beginning of the 1600’s – and had issued a charter which mandated ‘voluntary communism’ which by 1611 had failed terribly. The company which had mandated this mistake (the London Company) revoked this mandate and established the rule of each person to survive on their own. Soon after the colony did much better!

If a people or nation want to encourage anthesis they must allow for growth separate from another – each person is to be able to rise to their level of goals set and accomplished. Nowhere in the Bible is the idea of communal life – communism – socialism found in the Scriptures! Indeed, communal life is nothing more or less than the plan which Lucifer offered in the pre-existence. One must remember his plan would provide for all – none would be lost – all would be saved and none would have to do anything. There were two plans – first, one which would require each individual to use their agency to survive the tests of mortality! The second, plan did not require agency or personal choice – all would be saved in mortality – however, there would be Celestial reward – only that to be an administering servant to Satan – for the glory would be his. Now many in the world while having voted for the first plan – have instead in mortality adopted the second plan. However, this choice is far more dangerous – because being evicted from the heavens with one-third of the host of heaven – have absolutely nothing to offer – zero – a void – darkness – zilch – and come of naught in their test of mortality.

It must be remembered that those who’ve adopted the second plan – believe they’re in control of their lives and also have the right to control everyone else’s life. Sadly, because of this they’re called; kings, queens, dictators, rulers, and other such names – but maybe the best is Mongol. In many aspects in the United States today we’ve a government – made up of Senators, Judges, Congresspersons, and even the office of President which now is held by a different person than before it seems not much has changed except the hatred in the nation has become extreme. The Congress and the DNC/MSM and RINO’s who feel that Plato was correct and they are the chosen one’s to make all of our decision – to distribute wealth – violate the laws of God – and void his divine instrument of the Constitution. This government has enlisted the aid of the media industry, television, movies and most importantly the music or entertainment industry. (Note: let’s understand not all of the Senators, Congresspersons or Judges have adopted the second plan – yet for some reason they have not the ability to stop this wave of insanity to violate the freedoms of the working class Americans who are legal citizens.) It is in part – a large part due to three reasons of those who’ve adopted Plato – Socialism and the denial of freedom. The first is the overwhelming influence of the immoral flood of the entertainment world. The first way to counteract the ‘still small voice of the Spirit’ is to create a distraction – the music, games, and distractions of the entertainment world have accomplished this goal – without any restrictions as to content – value – or virtue. The second is the acts of those who have claimed leadership in this nation. Their behavior is selfish, wanton and without regard to the laws of the land. The third – the media who continue day and night to promote the ideas of Plato and Augustine, Calvin and many others – in their support of lies, socialism, defamation of any good, repetitively repeating rhetoric until many accept what is without merit as having merit and even is true!

In previous essays I’ve mentioned ‘strange slips’ and ‘lees’ and in this one the saying, ‘root hog or die.’ Each has to till the earth (of their inner soul) and plants and tend to their Spiritual wellbeing. It is actually quite easy – but the worldly make it seem impossible. We must remember that the Father and the Son have never asked us to do anything which was impossible. Thus we’ve to prepare – do – and eventually find the solutions to our problems or obstacles to be overcome. We must truly remember that each person’s obstacles will be different (maybe similar) but each person is their own individual. Those tools we have are our ability to pray – to call upon Heavenly Father – (James 1:5) – and if we are prepared – clean – worthy – will gain the knowledge to do what we need to do – and answer our questions or obstacles. Now these answers may not come in the way we expect but they will come!

Yet if we have not done the tilling of the field – planted seeds – tended and cared for our harvest – there will be no harvest and there will be no answers forth coming! We’re the ones who have to be obedient to the laws, statutes and Commandments of Heavenly Father and the Son! Anyone who believes one only needs to be saved – and there is no need for works – does not believe literally the Scriptures. Repeatedly James, Paul, Peter, John, Isaiah, Job, Moses, Ezra, Malachi, and indeed all of the Prophets of the Old and New Testaments – the Book of Mormon – the Pearl of Great Price – and those Prophets alive today – have always taught the principle that ‘faith without works is dead!’ It is thoroughly understood that none of us could make without the ‘grace of God.’ What is not understood is what is this ‘grace?’ Grace is the power of God which allows us to keep going, to endure to the end, when we’ve done everything we can do to the best of our ability. Grace does not take away – either ‘faith’ or ‘works’ but adds to both of them. Grace

(This is taken from the Bible Dictionary: A word that occurs frequently in the New Testament, especially in the writings of Paul. The main idea of the word is divine means of help or strength, given through the bounteous mercy and love of Jesus Christ.

It is through the grace of the Lord Jesus, made possible by His atoning sacrifice, that mankind will be raised in immortality, every person receiving his body from the grave in a condition of everlasting life. It is likewise through the grace of the Lord that individuals, through faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ and repentance of their sins, receive strength and assistance to do good works that they otherwise would not be able to maintain if left to their own means. This grace is an enabling power that allows men and women to lay hold on eternal life and exaltation after they have expended their own best efforts.

Divine grace is needed by every soul in consequence of the Fall of Adam and also because of man’s weaknesses and shortcomings. However, grace cannot suffice without total effort on the part of the recipient. Hence the explanation, “It is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do” (2 Ne. 25:23). It is truly the grace of Jesus Christ that makes salvation possible. This principle is expressed in Jesus’ parable of the vine and the branches (John 15:1–11). See also John 1:12–17; Eph. 2:8–9; Philip. 4:13; D&C 93:11–14.)

Therefore if we extend the saying, ‘root hog or die’ to be ‘root mankind or die’ and perceive the teachings of the Savior – we’ll know that there is one way to return to the Father and the Son – and that is by what we do with what we’ve given in this mortal test. Yes, of course one has to have faith – but one must also repent – be baptized and received the gift of the Holy Ghost (which only one Church has this authority on this earth at this time – as in all of the dispensations of the Gospel of Jesus Christ being on this earth have had.

Let me be quite clear each of you who read this most likely belong to a church of your choice and this is as it should be – but in the belief of the literalness of the Scriptures – then one must believe as I do that their church is the only true church on this earth at this time. Why? Because we know God is not a God of confusion, contention – but a God of order in all things. He would not have contradicting beliefs taught and call it His church! Paul addressed this when he appealed to the congregation, “1 Cor. 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. 12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. 13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?”

The most important aspect of the saying, ‘root hog or die’ is that we must not be dependent upon government or socialism/communism to provide for our needs. Yes there are government programs which we’ve paid into to help us in disability and or injury and retirement; but these were earned through our efforts in working and providing. However, if there are those who are gathering in these social benefits having not contributed – having not become a legal citizen – but instead are entitled by a government which has exceeded its Constitutional restraints – then there is something seriously wrong on the tangible side of the equation. Yet, let us remember that, ‘root mankind or die’ in a Spiritual context deals with our eternal salivation – i.e. returning to our Heavenly Father and our Savior in the highest degree of glory of the Celestial Kingdom – with our families – (both our progenitors and our posterity) which is something no government (except a Theocracy under the Father and the Son) can provide. If one is indolent, wicked, evil, and immoral, doesn’t abide the Commandments, doesn’t make covenants with the Father and the Son and other understandings found in the Scriptures – then they have no promise other than that of the Atonement that they will be resurrected. As found in Paul there are three kingdoms for those who are resurrected – The Celestial: The highest of the three degrees of glory that a person can attain after this life. Here the righteous will dwell in the presence of God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ. The glory of the celestial is one:1 Cor. 15:40; ( D&C 76:96;) The second of the three degrees of glory in which people will dwell after the final judgment. Paul saw a terrestrial glory, likened to the glory of the moon:1 Cor. 15:40–41; The lowest of the three degrees of glory in which people will dwell after the final judgment. Paul saw a glory of the stars:1 Cor. 15:40–41. There is one more – but this is called ‘outer darkness’ for those who cannot abide any of the three mentioned. Each individual will inherit that which they’re able to abide!

How are we doing in our intangible lives? Most can tell how we are doing in our tangible lives by the way we live – what we have stewardship (for no one truly owns anything material but have them for a while until no longer useful, rust or moth corrupts, or we die) over while living. Are we found digging into the Scriptures – are we planting seeds of good value – and do we harvest for both ourselves and others? Please carefully remember James 1:27, “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 the Book of Mormon – King Benjamin added to this, “Mosiah 4:16 And also, ye yourselves will succor those that stand in need of your succor; ye will administer of your substance unto him that standeth in need; and ye will not suffer that the beggar putteth up his petition to you in vain, and turn him out to perish.

17 Perhaps thou shalt say: The man has brought upon himself his misery; therefore I will stay my hand, and will not give unto him of my food, nor impart unto him of my substance that he may not suffer, for his punishments are just—

18 But I say unto you, O man, whosoever doeth this the same hath great cause to repent; and except he repenteth of that which he hath done he perisheth forever, and hath no interest in the kingdom of God.

19 For behold, are we not all beggars? Do we not all depend upon the same Being, even God, for all the substance which we have, for both food and raiment, and for gold, and for silver, and for all the riches which we have of every kind?

20 And behold, even at this time, ye have been calling on his name, and begging for a remission of your sins. And has he suffered that ye have begged in vain? Nay; he has poured out his Spirit upon you, and has caused that your hearts should be filled with joy, and has caused that your mouths should be stopped that ye could not find utterance, so exceedingly great was your joy.

21 And now, if God, who has created you, on whom you are dependent for your lives and for all that ye have and are, doth grant unto you whatsoever ye ask that is right, in faith, believing that ye shall receive, O then, how ye ought to impart of the substance that ye have one to another.

22 And if ye judge the man who putteth up his petition to you for your substance that he perish not, and condemn him, how much more just will be your condemnation for withholding your substance, which doth not belong to you but to God, to whom also your life belongeth; and yet ye put up no petition, nor repent of the thing which thou hast done.

23 I say unto you, wo be unto that man, for his substance shall perish with him; and now, I say these things unto those who are rich as pertaining to the things of this world.

24 And again, I say unto the poor, ye who have not and yet have sufficient, that ye remain from day to day; I mean all you who deny the beggar, because ye have not; I would that ye say in your hearts that: I give not because I have not, but if I had I would give.

25 And now, if ye say this in your hearts ye remain guiltless, otherwise ye are condemned; and your condemnation is just for ye covet that which ye have not received.”

Thus we’ve much to be doing! Hopefully we’ll each be found anxiously engaged in both learning, discerning and doing the Will of our Father in Heaven – seeking to be worthy servants in the vineyards and gardens during our mortal probation – and we must be in continual prayer for both our friends, enemies, government (especially those striving to preserve the Constitution) in the name of Jesus Christ – amen – c/ork

“Anthesis 2”

cji

5/8/17

Are we cultivating the soil

tending and weeding daily

carefully planting the seeds

each in their proper place

mindful of the eternal goals

we covenanted to once obey

when in our pre-mortal estate;

Have we increased effort