"Faith to Knowledge"

If I were to have the opportunity to give one last talk (which is doubtful as my breath and voice would not hold up) this would be it – c/ork

“Faith to Knowledge” cji 2/24/19

Over the past 45 years I’ve had the opportunity to express my love and appreciation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life. Now drawing into the Winter of my life (which I’ve been given multiple extensions) I even further appreciate and understand what great blessings have been granted to my family and I. Great blessings come in many ways. A son born with multiple cranial facial deformities. Another born who was never supposed to have been born (we didn’t tell the doctors – smile). We’ve a couple waiting on the other side of the veil if we remain worthy. Both Joyce and I’ve been near death on several occasions but yet we’re still here. One might ask why and I’ll tell you why as I’ve enquired to know. And this is the topic of this presentation - Faith to Knowledge!

Now in this presentation it is primarily to those who in the companionship of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and also to those of my friendship over the many years of my life. Also, for those who are looking for purpose, understanding, knowledge and most of all our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

When we first joined the Church in 1974, we had a Bishop who told me, “Sometimes you’ve to borrow my testimony of the truth of various principles, until you to have such a testimony.” I did and sometimes still do and as a result my bountiful knowledge has increased exponentially. Many who know me smirk when I tell them there’s some 63 million items found in Faith that were responsible to turn into knowledge – therefore no longer relying on Faith but now counted as sure knowledge. Kepler had faith in his study of the comets and therefore figured the error was in his figures not the Lord’s laws of science. Therefore, he was able to turn Faith to Knowledge with Halley’s Comet. We can do this in our lives. Edison had faith in the lightbulb – until the first time it worked – it was no longer faith but knowledge.

A couple quick questions: 1) Do you know that Jesus is the Christ? 2) do you know that His Father and our Father is Heavenly Father? 3) do you know the Holy Ghost can be our constant companion? 4) do you know that these three (3) make up the Godhead as three individual personages? Do you know the Father and Son have bodies as tangible as ours? Or do you just have the Faith that this is so?

When a person bares his or her testimony, they are telling someone they know this is true. Many years ago, in a Stake Conference in Rochester NY Elder Bruce R. McConkie was our visiting General Authority. His Sunday morning talk involved Paul’s teaching of Timothy about the futility of argumentation or contention with another. Then he taught us the lesson, if you’ve a testimony of what is true – how can there be any argumentation? There cannot – otherwise the person you bore your testimony to is calling you a liar and are not prepared to hear the truth. Do we have that kind of testimony?

When the Missionaries visit our home one of the questions, I ask them if they know Jesus is the Christ? If they hesitate, I ask if they’ve Faith that he’s the Christ? Then I ask do you bare your Testimony that he is? If so then what is the basis of your testimony? You see we have to know to bare our testimony!

Once we establish that you’ve a Testimony do you see how many things, Spiritual transfer to Knowledge no long dependent upon Faith? This is the way and our mission to learn to move Faith buds to Knowledge trees.

The first General Authority I met in the Church was Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Seventy at the time. They were dedicating the Rochester II Ward Building having paid it off in full. I love to review his talks from General Conference over the years – and always find new gems of wisdom and truth. The talk referenced below was given as almost his last talk. He speaks about becoming and learning more to be like the Savior – using the Atonement. Here in the talk he’s referring to enduring small conflicts as well we do greater ones.

Neal A. Maxwell Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

OCTOBER 1997 | “Apply the Atoning Blood of Christ”

“Again, our experiences surely do not approach those of Jesus, yet the same principles and processes apply. His perfected attributes exemplify what can be much 

further developed by each of us. There is certainly no shortage of relevant clinical experiences, is there? Strange as it seems, we sometimes respond better to larger

 challenges than to the incessant small ones. For example, impatience with a spouse may occur while a more public challenge is managed quite well. One can be

sincerely grateful for his major blessings but regularly murmur over minor irritations. One canhave humility that is hierarchical: being humble up, but not humble down. 

Enduring large tests while failing the seemingly small quizzes just won’t do. Such shortcomings must be addressed if we are really serious about becoming more like 

Jesus. Brothers and sisters, Christ paid such an enormous, enabling price for us! Will we not apply His Atonement in order to pay the much smaller price required for personal 

progress? (see Mosiah 4:2). Being valiant in our testimony of Jesus, therefore, includes being valiant in our efforts to live more as He lived (see D&C 76:79).”

The Savior has given us the examples to become like Him – but you have to know who he was and is with a sure knowledge for them to apply. We’ll all have major tasks to perform – but more so the taking of the 63 million Faith tasks to Knowledge is more time consuming – requiring more patience and therefore making us a whole child of God – and brother/sister to the Savior. We can say we surely Know Him.

This is what Faith to Knowledge does in our lives. I’ve known the Savior since a young child – I met Him in the Scriptures reading the Bible at the age of 11 years old. He was real – and I knew He was real and as an innocent child I bore what would’ve been a testimony of him who let me read the Bible. For I testified to him that if the Bible were true – which I knew it to be – that he and his church was in deep trouble.

When running away from home at ages 11 and 15 – I would spend hours talking with Him (the Savior) and thus on the lonely roads of the East Coast of the US I was never alone. For almost 20 years I looked for the Church of Jesus Christ. I’d be invited to various churches until they’d ask me not to come back, I asked too many questions – and when given answers would show them where they were incorrect with their own Scriptures. You see since I knew what was true – I could only accept what was true!

When Joyce and were dating we would talk about eternal marriage (1 Peter 3:7). We’d talk of all the things Father could do and in the next 24 hours see all we’d spoken of happen. This isn’t to brag or otherwise be less than humble – but when you know – and you really know then you can move on in dealing with the multitude of things you don’t know but have faith in. I leave you this in the name of Jesus Christ – amen.

“Faith Buds to Knowledge Trees”

cji

3/17/19

Our mortal lives have a mission

move faith buds to knowledge trees

we need to be doing this everyday

also trying and testing for eternal

truths are the result of searching

we must be praying and studying

there is no rest in mortality found

there are too many way to flounder

therefore always vigilant seeking

never to be satisfied with grey

only pure white in the truths

thus accomplishing our mission

one faith bud at a time always

into the knowledge trees found

our testimony of Jesus the Christ!

Copyright © 2019 – cji

"Known or Unknown"

(Note: if you may have noticed I skipped January 31, 2019 – smile – getting old does that – c/ork)

“Known or Unknown – Our Agency to decide what we want to know or not!”

All of sudden as always men/women start to blame religion for all of the things ‘bad’ going on in the world. In a world where most likely more than ½ if not more of its population either find “God” per se’ unknown or just plain don’t believe that leaves a large margin for error. Let’s go further there are approximately 4,200 religions in the world with as many as several thousand more spinning off of these 4,200. All of these are formed and organized by men or women of the world. They all claim divine authority without it. They claim (many) the Bible as their Scriptures but either do not believe them literally or change them to meet their criteria adding and deleting as they please. While there are many truths to be found within each (well maybe many) most are found lacking with all of the truths. How many of these 4,200 religions are found without contention – without paid clergy – with the Sealing authority of Priesthood – without Prophet’s or Apostles – a better question might be how many can with knowledge (not faith alone) say they’ve a Church led by divinely called Prophet and Apostles? How many teach the same doctrine from one side of the world to the other? How many have the Temple Ordinances or a Temple in which to preform them? If anyone is upset by these questions they fail in knowing the Scriptures. For the Lord’s Church here on this earth is not one of contention but truth – for the Savior is the Word – and the Word is the truth. As Paul said to have the gnosis of our Lord and Savior is worth all! The Gnosis of our Lord and Savior is a sure testimony of Jesus Christ!

We must understand that man’s religion was never meant to succeed but only to be used when the True Church was not on the earth. Roger Williams and many more stated this over and over again in their writings stated, “We’re trying to get closer to the teachings so when they’re restored we’ll recognize them.” So while they wait for an event which has now already occurred their current reason or those who continue to deny the Restoration is to put pelf in men/women’s pockets for every manmade religion has its womb to tomb evolution from reformation – dead limbs from a dead tree. We cannot blame Heavenly Father – for men/women wanted agency to choose for themselves to obey or disobey – and they’ve been doing just that for over 7000 years of written history – most will never learn and most will never care – religion is only good if it has good roots and understands fully and literally the Scriptures. Therefore what we’re seeing today in the world of abortion up to the time of birth is not God’s fault especially if you understand the Plan of Salvation – ‘for such is the Kingdom of God when referring to the little children’ – Oh there is so much right at our finger tips but again we’ve each agency to accept what is known or to instead limit what we know – c/ork

“Known or Unknown”

cji

1/31/19

Having read a book

what do I now know

or what is still unknown

matters the book’s subject

whether fiction or non-fiction

is it found to be eternal

or trifling as a snake in sand

or value as wisdom or guile

known or unknowns teach

not what we know or don’t

but what we’ve learned

able to discern or not!

Copyright © 2019 – cji

"Our Nation in Prophecy" (a short essay)

Throughout the Scriptures we’re warned of what was called the Gaddianton Robbers – or the local terrorists – secret oaths – Mafia and many other names – Old Man of the Mountain – usually endorsed by one major segment of the population – in Europe it was armies formed as if playing king of the mountain – never ceasing and in continual warfare. We’ve to remember the only occupation out of slavery was the military – and therefore they needed contention – just because we’re now civilized means nothing just more and better weapons better funded and the ½ of the population more gullible. Isaiah called this calling truth a lie and a lie truth.

Kings, Queens, Presidents, Dictators, all played in the various robbers. Alfred opposed and they had moderate peace but only in the fledging England of his time. Reagan worked at it – and was almost assassinated – while despoiled by the MSM (who are part and parcel of our modern day Robbers).  Today it is Trump and America – there will be continual warfare throughout our lifetimes with innocents being attacked in broad daylight – encouraged by our msm – congress – and corrupt public officials. Our inner cities teach nothing but hate – that the various speakers who taken over MLK day were allowed to preach their rhetoric – actor/singers can stop their acts and slam the leaders of our nation.

Remember always – contention is of satan – and our nation is full of it – blaming the innocent (always the innocent) those who can’t protect themselves – because they won’t throw the first punch and thus the minions of evil work in mobs and swing – shoot – knife – kick – use baseball bats – first.

Think about it – ISIS or another group of initials one uses these are not of Father or the Son but of satan – and all others – constant recruitment – even within our nation – and what have our schools taught recently promising pelf and carnal satisfaction.

My two cents – but at this point in our history – no one alive now will be without warfare – i.e. crime of violence – till – either the US is destroyed and our Constitution dead (which the Scriptures have told us will not happen as long as there are righteous people – obedient to the commandments of God). Or until we turn it around – but it will be a mess – c/ork

“Our Nation in Prophecy”

cji

1/25/19

Have you read the Scriptures

do you know our history

now – the past and the future

reading Isaiah, Paul, John

3^rd Nephi, so many others

all there simple to read

simpler to heed for all

keep the Commandments

obedient in all things-all

our nation in prophecy

only in obedience of love

honoring the Father/Son!

Copyright © 2019 – cji

"With Goals" (30+1 goal setting errors)

"30 Common Goal Setting Errors"

One must always remember their You, Inc! is a business and discipline is required always!

1.  Goals are set too low

2.  Goals are set too high

3.  Corporate goals are not set before individual goals are identified

4.  Corporate goals are not well communicated to others involved in their ultimate accomplishment.

5.  Individual is held accountable for something beyond their control

6.  Failure of goals to identify joint responsibility for a particular objective

7.  More than one person is given responsibility for a particular objective

8.  Goals are accepted uncritically

9.  Goals are inflexible

10. Success indicators are not expressed as a range

11. Conditions prevent achievement of goals

12. Management is not committed

13. Failure to measure the most common, routine objectives

14. Useless numbers are hung on goals

15. Autocratic management

16. Individual is unable to set own goals

17. Individual and management disagree on individual goals

18. Failure to get commitments

19. Can't get rid of bad goals

20. Failure of management to think through the implications of the individual goals

21. Management is reluctant to add to individual goals

22. Failure of management to introduce new ideas from outside the company

23. Failure to set intermediate target dates

24. Old goals are retained even after being proved infeasible, irrelevant, or impossible

25. No effective evaluation of results

26. No pictures

27. No affirmations

28. No commitment

29. Not clearly defined and stated

30. Ambiguous target date  . . .

31. NOT KEEPING TRACK OF PROGRESS or COMPLETION

“With Goals”

cji

1/6/19

As each day passes

time is already spent

whether organized or not

24 hours never recovered

how much better controlled

by the user of the time

only way is with goals

clearly defined written

avoiding the common errors

inching forward with direction

as each day passes!

Copyright © 2019 – cji

"The IR Theory" (or I'm a Ten)

What will follow – for the new year are some articles I wrote for a business newspaper in Rochester NY – I could update the examples – but feel better to be left alone c/ork

Part III - the IR Theory

The IR Theory was introduced a number of years ago and is pretty simple; the I stand for you as an Individual and the R represents the current Role you are playing.  So we have the Individual Role Theory.  There are two important concepts to the IR Theory; the first is as an Individual you are always a '10' since that is man's measurement of perfection.  The second, is that a woman is better at being a woman, than a man is at being a man.  Even the scriptures allude to this, see Proverbs last chapter - 10-31. 

With the IR theory in our lives we know that then as an individual we are okay.  Heavenly Father didn't make any junk, is often stated, Father Flanigan is often quoted as, "There is no such thing as a bad boy."  Two things I've learned in my life time, is that first, we are all born with winner behavior; and second, all loser behavior is adoptive.  The medical world has discovered this over and over especially with babies born with no human chance of success at survival yet they not only live they survive, grow and blossom.  It isn't until later when they get more exposed to man and his brilliance (said critically) that they learn about such things as; luck, poor choices, too bad you just missed the cut, complaining, blaming, whining, and more importantly cheating to get ahead.  Therefore those who become quitters, losers, or other such labels as our society have found these behavior through adoption.  Losers love to blame others for their problems (this is another subject altogether - and will be written separately).

Now the second part of the theory deals with roles we play.   Women are better wives than men are husbands, this is mostly due to the some of the unchanging requirements and the constant flux of what society expects from a man.  A friend of mine who passed away used to like to say, "Wives get being wives under control in about 10-15 years, while husbands take about 2.5 million years and that is why Father gives us forever together."  But there are lots and lots of roles we play every day.   Some are given to be bosses, others just to drive a car, a child to be a student, anyone who makes a meal is playing the role of a cook, and so forth; in most of these we are nowhere near being a ten.  In new roles, facing a Ryan Nolan fast ball for example most of us are probably a .00000000000000000002; while a Ted William would have been a 3 or 4.   The problem is we tend to look at any role we are playing and associate with the who we are, and stop thinking of ourselves as tens.  

The importance of the IR Theory is to keep separate the two parts, keep intact the ten individual given you by royal birthright from a loving Heavenly Father; and try to improve at the roles we are given to play in each day.  William Shakespeare said, "All the worlds a stage and the people are the actors upon it."  This is true as far as he goes, but with moral agency we can decide the roles and from part two the effort to put forth.  What was not said, was there were some good actors and some poor ones. We then need to learn between the Individual and the Role.  Where most get in trouble is they start thinking the role is more important than the Individual.  Most of us will never make our roles to the level of 10, on given days we will be close, but the individual is always a ten. 

Respectfully yours - chuck AKA the Old Rusty Knight.   

“I’m A Ten”

cji

1/6/19

Maybe not in everything

when material things counted

yet internally I’m always a ten

as I’m a child of God growing

never once to just give up

never staying down when knocked

always going the extra miles

you knowing I’ll be your ‘six’

therefore I’m always a ten

where it matters the most!

Copyright © 2019 – cji

"Rules of Engagement"

(Remember it was taught that there were no Chinese involvement in Korean War)

Why does main stream media give the dnc/left a free hand to destroy America?  – because they’re part and parcel of the dnc- they’re more socialist – and enjoy the unrighteous of their enormous power – in this last midterm election they made more money than the most profitable industry in the world – advertising – why else would candidates have to raise so much money for re-election or election? In addition, we’ve an oligarchy and the msm is their spokesperson – and Obama was their golden god for his time in office. Trump getting elected over the witch – changed – but they were no less relentless on Bush (and he was one of their own) – the agenda of the left leaves only the destruction of the US between them and any remaining freedoms of the world. Without the US there would be no known freedoms. China plays the game of “Go” – there can only be one winner – unless someone behind the scenes can change the rules of engagement.

“Rules of Engagement”

cji

1/6/19

It’s their ball we write the rules

you’re invited to play if you want

but they write the rules only

they can be changed any time

however, only they change them

and thus the MSM/left/others

demand obedience to only them

they deny a God or Commandments

they deny freedom for anyone

power, money (pelf), lusts, envy

divide – divide again – often

rules of engagement political

demanding correctness in chaos

thus the righteous lambs to murder

criminals without any punishment

heroes of profanity and evilness

it’s their ball and they write the rules!

Copyright © 2019 – cji

"Ministering - RS/Priesthood Responsibilities"

Dear friends and members of the Kingsland Ward and around the world:

When I first became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints I was called as Junior Companion to Paul Toner to Home Teach the Regional Representative of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. This was a great experience – sort’ve starting at the top. Soon after when I became an Elder and had my first Temple Recommend interview with my Bishop Dallin H. Dallon – he charged me to be a 100% Home Teacher to retain my recommend. As expected I said ‘yes!’

Somehow the Elder’s Quorum President learned of this and I was assigned 19 inactive families some who nobody knew where they lived or who they were. Eventually I learned as much as I could at least their addresses and phone numbers. My companion couldn’t believe we were going to visit each of their homes. So we prayed and had a plan. We wrote letters to each of the families introducing ourselves and that we would be calling for an appointment. Knowing this would give them a reason to refuse our visits we added a short note to each letter. We asked the question “would you steal from our families?” Hoping your answer would be a ‘no’ then I’ve been directed to be a 100% home teacher in order to retain my Temple Recommend. We’d just like to meet you – say ‘hi’ and see if there’s anything you need or we can assist your family. When we called for appointments each agreed (mostly reluctantly) but we set up appointments. By the end of the first month we visited all 19 families. During the second month we found out three of the families moved out of our Ward. However, we saw the remaining 16. The circumstances were dire – smoking, drinking, some profanity (not much) and we started to make friends. Apparently some called the Church and asked for us to be removed as their home teachers! Eventually we were down to 7 or 8 families and by the end of the year most of these had been reassigned. (Note: during this year I lost 2 companions who couldn’t take the situations we encountered.) At this our oldest son was about 3 years old and he started to go with me. And for the next 30 years both of our sons were my companions.

Why tell you this – because we need to be creative in how we minister to our brothers and sisters in the Church. We need to understand the Lord asks nothing of us which we cannot accomplish. (Note: 1 Nephi 3:7 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.) However, I’ve learned over our 45 years in the Church that Home Teaching/Visiting Teaching causes a great reluctance and even inactivity for many in the Church. Why is this the case? Over those 45 years as my beginning experience I’ve had a very high number of inactive members assigned to be home taught as my wife with the Sisters to be visited. We’ve had home teachers who wouldn’t call us or come to visit us. We solved this by showing up at their homes to be home taught – smile – it worked. Therefore I believe I can say that between Joyce and I we’ve seen or communicated with every family assigned to be home taught or visited – and in turn we’ve been Home Taught and Visited. Sometimes these visits to us have been under very interesting circumstances. We’ve a record of every one of our Home Teachers and every family assigned to us. When I was recovering from my various heart surgeries – we would have families we home taught show up to our home knowing how important these visits were to them and us (many being inactive families).

Everyone needs someone – in the Church it is even more important especially if you’re inactive. Love is contagious – and can be felt. If you’re one of those who either inactive or have been offended remember we joined the Church because we had a testimony from the Holy Ghost that it was true. To those of my friends who get this and are not members that’s okay – you still let me reach out to you to share a friendship relationship and many have promised to feed the Missionaries if they call at your door. You see eternal life means to have eternal friends and to have eternal friends you’ve to make them in mortality and you are them!

The remainder of this message comes from President Russell M. Nelson – the living Prophet of God on this earth in these latter-days.

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2018/04/ministering-with-the-power-and-authority-of-god?lang=eng

President Russell M. Nelson April 2018 General Conference:

Now, may I voice a concern? It is this: Too many of our brothers and sisters do not fully understand the concept of priesthood power and authority. They act as though they would rather satisfy their own selfish desires and appetites than use the power of God to bless His children.

I fear that too many of our brothers and sisters do not grasp the privileges that could be theirs.³ Some of our brethren, for example, act like they do not understand what the priesthood is and what it enables them to do. Let me give you some specific examples.

Not long ago, I attended a sacrament meeting in which a new baby was to be given a name and a father’s blessing. The young father held his precious infant in his arms, gave her a name, and then offered a beautiful prayer. But he did not give that child a blessing. That sweet baby girl got a name but no blessing! That dear elder did not know the difference between a prayer and a priesthood blessing. With his priesthood authority and power, he could have blessed his infant, but he did not. I thought, “What a missed opportunity!”

Let me cite some other examples. We know of brethren who set sisters apart as Primary, Young Women, or Relief Society leaders and teachers but fail to bless them—to bless them with the power to fulfill their callings. They give only admonitions and instructions. We see a worthy father who fails to give his wife and his children priesthood blessings when that is exactly what they need. Priesthood power has been restored to this earth, and yet far too many brothers and sisters go through terrible trials in life without ever receiving a true priesthood blessing. What a tragedy! That’s a tragedy that we can eliminate.

Brethren, we hold the holy priesthood of God! We have His authority to bless His people. Just think of the remarkable assurance the Lord gave us when He said, “Whomsoever you bless I will bless.”⁴ It is our privilege to act in the name of Jesus Christ to bless God’s children according to His will for them. Stake presidents and bishops, please ensure that every member of the quorums within your stewardship understands how to give a priesthood blessing—including the personal worthiness and spiritual preparation required to call fully upon the power of God.⁵

To all brethren holding the priesthood, I invite you to inspire members to keep their covenants, fast and pray, study the scriptures, worship in the temple, and serve with faith as men and women of God. We can help all to see with the eye of faith that obedience and righteousness will draw them closer to Jesus Christ, allow them to enjoy the companionship of the Holy Ghost, and experience joy in life!

A hallmark of the Lord’s true and living Church will always be an organized, directed effort to minister to individual children of God and their families.⁶ Because it is His Church, we as His servants will minister to the one, just as He did.⁷ We will minister in His name, with His power and authority, and with His loving-kindness.

An experience I had more than 60 years ago in Boston taught me just how powerful the privilege of ministering one-on-one can be. I was then a resident surgeon at the Massachusetts General Hospital—on duty every day, every other night, and every other weekend. I had limited time for my wife, our four children, and Church activity. Nonetheless, our branch president assigned me to visit the home of Wilbur and Leonora Cox with the hope that Brother Cox might come back into activity in the Church. He and Leonora had been sealed in the temple.⁸ Yet Wilbur had not participated for many years.

My companion and I went to their home. As we entered, Sister Cox welcomed us warmly,⁹ but Brother Cox abruptly walked into another room and closed the door.

I went to the closed door and knocked. After a moment, I heard a muffled “Come in.” I opened the door to find Brother Cox sitting beside an array of amateur radio equipment. In that small room, he lit up a cigar. Clearly, my visit was not all that welcome.

I gazed about the room with wonderment and said, “Brother Cox, I have always wanted to learn more about amateur radio work. Would you be willing to teach me about it? I’m sorry I can’t stay any longer tonight, but could I come back another time?”

He hesitated for a moment and then said yes. That was the beginning of what became a wonderful friendship. I returned and he taught me. I began to love and respect him. Through our subsequent visits, the greatness of this man emerged. We became very good friends, as did our dear eternal companions. Then, with the passage of time, our family moved away. Local leaders continued to nurture the Cox family.¹⁰

About eight years after that first visit, the Boston Stake was created.¹¹ Can you guess who its first stake president was? Yes! Brother Cox! During subsequent years, he also served as a mission president and a temple president.

Years later, I, as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, was assigned to create a new stake in Sanpete County, Utah. During the usual interviews, I was pleasantly surprised to encounter again my dear friend Brother Cox! I felt impressed to call him as the new stake patriarch. After I ordained him, we embraced each other and wept. People in the room were wondering why these two grown men were crying. But we knew. And Sister Cox knew. Ours were tears of joy! We silently remembered the incredible journey of love and repentance that began more than 30 years ago, one night in their home.

The account doesn’t end there. Brother and Sister Cox’s family grew to include 3 children, 20 grandchildren, and 54 great-grandchildren. Add to that their impact on hundreds of missionaries, on thousands more in the temple, and on hundreds more who received patriarchal blessings at the hands of Wilbur Cox. His and Leonora’s influence will continue to ripple through many generations throughout the world.

Experiences such as this with Wilbur and Leonora Cox occur every week—hopefully, every day—within this Church. Dedicated servants of the Lord Jesus Christ carry out His work, with His power and authority.

Brethren, there are doors we can open, priesthood blessings we can give, hearts we can heal, burdens we can lift, testimonies we can strengthen, lives we can save, and joy we can bring into the homes of the Latter-day Saints—all because we hold the priesthood of God. We are the men who have been “called and prepared from the foundation of the world according to the foreknowledge of God, on account of [our] exceeding faith,” to do this work.¹²  https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2018/04/ministering-with-the-power-and-authority-of-god?lang=eng 

The experience which President Nelson shares is one which many of us can share with the families we’ve met over the years. Hopefully if you’re inactive or struggling you’ll reach out – if you don’t know who to reach to – there’s our Bishopric – RS Presidency – or you could reach to Joyce or I.

“Into Darkness’s Light”

cji

9/23/18

Assigned to call on you

warned of darkness

knowing there’s light

you’ve a new infant

needing a blessing

asking someone to do

in turn being asked

‘why not you?’

after time and caring

understanding Priesthood

you accepted responsibility

into darkness’s light view

finding love and friendship

Father’s call to you!

Copyright © 2018 – cji

Ministering “Why or why not to belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints”

Ministering “Why or why not to belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints”

The following message comes from a recent Sacrament talk and will be loosely organized as no notes were taken. The idea of the talk was to get to the basics of why one does or doesn’t belong to the Church. A secondary message is why those who do belong to the Church but choose to be inactive and not attend.

Therefore there are three groups of discussion. First we’ve non-members of the Church; second inactive members of the Church; and third active members of the Church. The third group can be further divided into at least two groups those Temple worthy and those without a Temple Recommend.

First, what follows is from a talk given by Russell M. Nelson as member of the Quorum of the 12 in 1992. He describes being on a two engine plane who had an engine catch fire. The pilot put the plane into a steep dive – where upon many of the passengers started to scream in fear for their lives. On the other hand this was his response.

“Throughout that ordeal, though I “knew” death was coming, my paramount feeling was that I was not afraid to die. I remember a sense of returning home to meet ancestors for whom I had done temple work. I remember my deep sense of gratitude that my sweetheart and I had been sealed eternally to each other and to our children, born and reared in the covenant. I realized that our marriage in the temple was my most important accomplishment. Honors bestowed upon me by men could not approach the inner peace provided by sealings performed in the house of the Lord.”

Think about his calmness – would you have such calmness – such a testimony of eternal truths. Let us be forewarned from the Scriptures:

“Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich.” (D&C 6:7; see also D&C 11:7.)

In bright contrast to such bitter chaos, the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ beams as the hope of the world. Missionaries and members courageously proclaim its brilliance. Wise students throughout the world heed its light and enrich their education by adding the curriculum of Church Seminaries and Institutes. The Lord hides His wisdom from no one: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God.” (James 1:5.)

“I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more.” (2 Ne. 28:30.)

A further witness is found given by Elder Uchtdorf of the Council of Twelve Apostles:

“Most of all, I am deeply humbled and very happy to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where millions of men, women, and children are willing to lift where they stand—in whatever capacity or calling—and strive with all their hearts to serve God and His children, building the kingdom of God.

First, we all die. No matter how young, beautiful, healthy, or cautious you are, someday your body will become lifeless. Friends and family will mourn you. But they cannot bring you back.

Nevertheless, because of Jesus Christ, your death will be temporary. Your spirit one day will reunite with your body. This resurrected body will not be subject to death,³ and you will live in the eternities, free from pain and physical suffering.⁴

This will happen because of Jesus the Christ, who laid down His life and took it up again.

He did this for all who believe in Him.

He did this for all who do not believe in Him.

Second, we have all sinned. Our sins would forever keep us from living with God, because “no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom.⁶

As a result, every man, woman, and child was shut out of His presence—that is, until Jesus Christ, the Lamb without spot, offered His life as a ransom for our sins. Because Jesus owed no debt to justice, He could pay our debt and meet the demands of justice for every soul. And that includes you and me.

Jesus Christ paid the price for our sins.” (Elder Uchtdorf)

Next I would recommend one review the hymns of Sister Eliza R. Snow – one of the truly inspired women of this last dispensation of The Gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

292 (O My Father) – 122 (Though Deepening Sorrows)– and (Think Not When You Gather to Zion?) 

Eliza R. Snow addressed the lines of a provocative pioneer hymn to those who were coming to Zion in the belief that they were leaving the afflictions of the world behind. Her words are also appropriate for all of us who embark on new experiences in which we expect to find “a nice life.”

Think not when you gather to Zion,

Your troubles and trials are through,

That nothing but comfort and pleasure

Are waiting in Zion for you: …

Think not when you gather to Zion,

That all will be holy and pure;

That fraud and deception are banished,

And confidence wholly secure: …

Think not when you gather to Zion,

The prize and the victory won.

Think not that the warfare is ended,

The work of salvation is done.

No, no; for the great prince of darkness

A tenfold exertion will make,

When he sees you go to the fountain,

Where freely the truth you may take.

(Hymns, 1948, no. 21.)

There is opposition in Zion, because there is opposition in all things, even those experiences made memorable partly by their implied promise of better times ahead.

122

Though Deepening Trials

31243, Hymns, Though Deepening Trials, 122

Though deep’ning trials throng your way,
Press on, press on, ye Saints of God!
Ere long the resurrection day
Will spread its life and truth abroad,
Will spread its life and truth abroad.

Though outward ills await us here,
The time, at longest, is not long
Ere Jesus Christ will reappear,
Surrounded by a glorious throng,
Surrounded by a glorious throng.

Lift up your hearts in praise to God;
Let your rejoicings never cease.
Though tribulations rage abroad,
Christ says, “In me ye shall have peace.”
Christ says, “In me ye shall have peace.”

What though our rights have been assailed?
What though by foes we’ve been despoiled?
Jehovah’s promise has not failed;
Jehovah’s purpose is not foiled.
Jehovah’s purpose is not foiled.

This work is moving on apace,
And great events are rolling forth;
The kingdom of the latter days,
The “little stone,” must fill the earth.
The “little stone,” must fill the earth.

Though Satan rage, ’tis all in vain;
The words the ancient prophet spoke
Sure as the throne of God remain;
Nor men nor devils can revoke.
Nor men nor devils can revoke.

All glory to his holy name
Who sends his faithful servants forth
To prove the nations, to proclaim
Salvation’s tidings through the earth.
Salvation’s tidings through the earth.

Text: Eliza R. Snow, 1804–1887

Music: George Careless, 1839–1932

Doctrine and Covenants 58:2–4

John 16:33

I’ll add “O My Father” at the end.

Why all of the above is to present to all who read this the feeling of both peace and understanding of part and parcel of our having been born into this world at this time. If your found among those who feel there is no God or Divine being then this mostly will be found amusing to you until you consider the odds of what you believe and what I believe (actually know to be true).

Okay let’s now look at the first group – those who do not belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This represents about 99% of the world’s population. It would be surmised that many have never heard of the Church – while there are some who have but have not responded. Why have they not responded can be from family traditions – refusing to want to change – listening to others who influence their behaviors to be among some of their reasons. Yet mostly they don’t know much of the Scriptures or of our eternal purpose of this life.

Many proclaim their love of the Savior and therefore of their Heavenly Father and the Savior’s Father. Yet fail to understand the Scriptures – all of them. When anyone lets another interpret the Scriptures for them they are living on very thin ice. When we leave our eternal progression up to another, why? What interest do they have about your eternal progression? Why would most of these who do so for income and indeed incorporate philosophy with the Scriptures ignoring that which doesn’t fit their conception of truth. Let’s give an example – life after death. Too many have passed the veil – to return to life having described finding those who’ve gone before on the other side. But how can this be so if we believe the Creeds of men and women which deny this occurring. Yet the Scriptures are full of life after death – seek out Malachi or Paul or the Savior.

Next they’re taught there is no more revelation and that the heavens are closed – but then why do little children get answers to their prayers or why indeed do we offer up prayers to a non-interested Father or His Son. In any event theirs is a world of confusion, contention, mis-understanding and when seeking common sense of the Scriptures it is not found when comparing what they’re taught compared to what they can read. One must consider the Scriptures – all of them – as they teach the Bible stands not alone.

Next we’ll look at those who’re members but for reasons of their own they’re inactive; not attending meetings, not following the Word of Wisdom, or otherwise not living to the covenants they made at Baptism or in other ordinances to which they’ve covenanted. Why when they’ve a truth given and received walk away? There are many reasons for this – some because they were raised in the Church and never obtained their own testimony. Some are inactive because they refuse to live one or more of the commandments. Others simply find membership too difficult to live and therefore walk away.

(Note: Let me clarify there’s a difference between being inactive and having been excommunicated. Excommunication takes place for one of two reasons. One and primary reason for excommunication is to allow a member who has fallen to various temptations to be able to repent and come back into full fellow-ship. The second is for those who deny the Holy Ghost – and therefore renounce their membership. It is these who seemingly willingly leave the Church but cannot seem to leave it alone.)

Too many following the training of the worldly feel too embarrassed to return – or worse feel that the Atonement was never intended for them. Some because of being offended – or otherwise disaffected feel they cannot forgive or be forgiven.

In any event it appears that those who become inactive do so without truly having a firm testimony of the truthfulness or Jesus Christ – the Scriptures and that Joseph Smith, Jr. is a Prophet of God and are all those who’ve been called since his passing. Now this is the pivot point to understand the next group or those who are active members of the Church.

The number one reason to be an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to have a firm knowing testimony of Jesus Christ – the Scriptures and that of those called from the Restoration of the Gospel as Prophets and Apostles. Knowing i.e. to know – never doubting that the Atonement of our Lord and Saviors was done for us and has full effect in our lives.

This is only part of the why we belong – a friend of mine when he was called on his mission was directed to bring people to the understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and prepare them to go to the Temple. And this is the reason one should belong to the Church. i.e. if you’re a member and are of age – you should have a Temple Recommend and then attend the Temple when able.

If you’ve no desire to have a Temple Recommend – then why do you belong to a Church which because it is the Lord’s restored Church in these latter-days? Hopefully the reason is that you need to gain the knowledge of why having a Temple Recommend is so important.

When I was home-teaching two sisters who were both ill (mother – daughter) and unable to attend the Temple – we would arrange for a member of the Bishopric and Stake Presidency to interview them each time their recommends came up for renewal. They always had their Temple Recommend active.

Thus the reason anyone should belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to have a Temple Recommend – to have their family Sealed for Time and All Eternity. And then to do the sealing and other Temple ordinances for their generations who’ve gone before. This is the Gospel plan for eternal families spoken of throughout the Scriptures. This what President Nelson was speaking about at the beginning of this essay.

Remember the Savior gave the Sealing power to the twelve Apostles to that what they Seal on Earth would be Sealed in Heaven – there would be no other way. Today that same Sealing power is held by Prophet and the Apostles and so delegated to worthy Priesthood holders for performing these Temple ordinances – for the Lord is the same yesterday – today and forever.

Can you appreciate what this means – read carefully Malachi – for is this Sealing work is not accomplished the whole purpose of this earth would be totally wasted. Satan knows this and will and is doing everything in his powers with his minions – to destroy the family unit. Next to the two greatest sins – murder (shedding innocent blood) and denying the Holy Ghost is that of sexual immorality.

We’ve each choices to be made – it’s easy to be among the 99% and far more difficult to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is the Lord’s Church – Restored in these latter-days to prepare His Kingdom upon this earth for Him to return to at His 2^nd coming. There’s another hymn – “Who’s on the Lord’s Side? Who?”

Who’s on the Lord’s Side?

31243, Hymns, Who’s on the Lord’s Side?, 260

Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?
Now is the time to show.
We ask it fearlessly:
Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?
We wage no common war,
Cope with no common foe.
The enemy’s awake;
Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?

Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?
Now is the time to show.
We ask it fearlessly:
Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?

We serve the living God,
And want his foes to know
That, if but few, we’re great;
Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?
We’re going on to win;
No fear must blanch the brow.
The Lord of Hosts is ours;
Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?

Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?
Now is the time to show.
We ask it fearlessly:
Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?

The stone cut without hands
To fill the earth must grow.
Who’ll help to roll it on?
Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?
Our ensign to the world
Is floating proudly now.
No coward bears our flag;
Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?

Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?
Now is the time to show.
We ask it fearlessly:
Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?

The pow’rs of earth and hell
In rage direct the blow
That’s aimed to crush the work;
Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?
Truth, life, and liberty,
Freedom from death and woe,
Are stakes we’re fighting for;
Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?

Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?
Now is the time to show.
We ask it fearlessly:
Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?

Text: Hannah Last Cornaby, 1822–1905

Music: Henry H. Russell, 1818–1900, alt.

We’ve each to consider where we stand and why? I’ve an advantage in that I know and testify that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior – that He restored His Church in these the latter-days. That in so doing He’s called Prophets and Apostles – and re-established Temples for the eternal ordinances for both the living and the dead. And that He did this for all living and dead of this world – i.e. He did it for us – for those who believe and for those who do not.

“Sealed For Eternity”

cji

5/1/15

Unlocking the key of happiness

eternal and unending forever

what the world searches always

while right there in the Scriptures

Psalms 73 – 1 Peter 3:7

and so many more to be found

family it’s all about family

our family – generations ago

generations still to occur

knowing who we are and why

children of our Heavenly Father

mortal probation to be proven

worthy of eternal progression

sealed for eternity within family!

Copyright © 2015 – cji

Closing now I’ll leave each of us with the Hymn “O My Father” and ask the question how many of us will be able to ask the question in the last verse. I’m hoping I’ll be worthy to do so and you also. A friend of mine long ago said to me, “Chuck sometimes having a testimony will come hard for some things – do this – use my testimony until you get your testimony – and then share as I’ve done with you.”  In the name of Jesus Christ amen – c/ork

292
O My Father

31243, Hymns, O My Father, no. 292

1. O my Father, thou that dwellest
In the high and glorious place,
When shall I regain thy presence
And again behold thy face?
In thy holy habitation,
Did my spirit once reside?
In my first primeval childhood
Was I nurtured near thy side?

2. For a wise and glorious purpose
Thou hast placed me here on earth
And withheld the recollection
Of my former friends and birth;
Yet ofttimes a secret something
Whispered, "You're a stranger here,"
And I felt that I had wandered
From a more exalted sphere.

3. I had learned to call thee Father,
Thru thy Spirit from on high,
But, until the key of knowledge
Was restored, I knew not why.
In the heav'ns are parents single?
No, the thought makes reason stare!
Truth is reason; truth eternal
Tells me I've a mother there.

4. When I leave this frail existence,
When I lay this mortal by,
Father, Mother, may I meet you
In your royal courts on high?
Then, at length, when I've completed
All you sent me forth to do,
With your mutual approbation
Let me come and dwell with you.

Text: Eliza R. Snow, 1804-1887

Music: James McGranahan, 1840-1907

Romans 8:16-17 Acts 17:28-29

Copyright © 2018 – cji

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

“Father loves us dearly each day a new sunrise-sunset – with music and adornments – we can chose to love Him more dearly – but being obedient to Him always – or … what? To follow the world expecting what? Love teaches – trials and tribulations – so we too then teach of eternal life and the Gospel of His Only Begotten Son.” Cjingerson 12/31/17

Photo Sites:

http://www.snapfish.com/library/photos?website=snapfish_us&cobrand=snapfish&locale=en_US

https://www.flickr.com/gp/18184248@N00/7uP309

“… tis true – we’ve but a season – to grow – nourish – plant – protect – water – correct – and most importantly to love as the Savior loved …” cji 1/7/15

http://www.lds.org/liahona/2012/04/he-is-risen-a-prophets-testimony?lang=eng

http://whispersofthespirit.yuku.com/topic/10118

(Do We Want to Know?)

http://www.jesuschrist.lds.org/SonOfGod/eng/ http://dailypoems1.blogspot.com/ (to access poems) http://cjames127.blogspot.com/ (to access essays)

http://www.angelfire.com/ga/cjiwarpoetry/
http://iwvpa.net/ingersoncj/index.php

http://www.angelfire.com/ga/chuckingersonpoems/poetrylist.html

http://whispersofthespirit.yuku.com/