God's Wheel

Sit back, relax for a moment, and carefully listen to the Lord. Let Him take your steering wheel. I believe that as you believe in His word, exercise faith by acting accordingly, He will teach you, ask you to sacrifice your unneeded "favorites", and take you on a higher road that may surprise you.

God's Wheel

God says to me with a kind of smile, 

'Hey how would you like to be God awhile 

And steer the world?' 

'Okay,' says I, 'I'll give it a try. 

Where do I set? 

How much do I get? 

What time is lunch? 

When can I quit?' 

'Gimme back that wheel,' says God. 

'I don't think you're quite ready yet.'

by Shel Silverstein

Two Ways: Forward or Backwards

"It makes no difference whether it is an individual or a community, we are all on a single path that goes two ways – forward or backward. We are either gaining, or we are losing.  We cannot stand still.

Whether a group or a person, we are either gaining (restoring) light and truth, or we are losing (apostatizing) from light and truth.  This world is a world of change.  Nothing remains the same. Everywhere you see either growth, or decay.  These forces are at work everywhere. They are also at work within you.

You either search out new truth, find it, live it, and thereby become restored to truth, or you back away from it.  If you are backing away, losing it, neglecting it, and discarding it, you are in the process of apostasy.

In a restoration process, there are moments along the way which are marked and notable.  Having the inspiration of the Spirit, or feeling the remission of your sins, or receiving revelation, or having a visit of an angel are notable.  The culmination of the restoration would be to return to God’s presence. Should that happen, through the Second Comforter’s ministry, then you have been restored in full.

As Christ put it, we need to seek for our individual, complete restoration because the group will not.

There are two ways – forward or backward.  It is not required that you finish the course in a day; but times are coming in which the environment will require of you a greater commitment as “wheat” on the one hand, or leave you to descend into becoming a “tare” on the other.  So the direction you are on now is quite important.  Either you are restoring truth or you are discarding it." (DS 4-16-10)

Complaining, But Doing Nothing About It

If you don't make the time to work on creating the life you want, you're eventually going to be forced to spend a lot of time dealing with a life you don't want.

If you're not fully satisfied with your life, do something about it. Or complain about it on the internet. Whatever you prefer.

How bad does it have to be before you do something about it?

If you have time to whine and complain about something, then you have time to do something about it.

A problem is something you can do something about. If you can't do something about it, then it's not a problem. It's a predicament. It means it's something that must be coped with, endured.

Sometimes I want to ask God why he allows poverty, famine, and Injustice, but I'm afraid he might just ask me the same question.

Do something nice for someone else and don't tell anyone about it.

Listen, pay attention, and give yourself and time to others. Rather than criticizing or complaining, consider giving compliments, encouragement, and persuasion for good. Stop thinking about yourself and start loving everyone as they are.

If you want something you've never had, then you've got to do something you've never done.

Some people die at 25 and aren't buried until 75.

Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.

Always looking for the good, seeking truth, and putting forth a sincere effort to improve relationships and situations around us may be of more value than we realize.

Have a great day :)

A "Hiccup" in a House of Cards

I  believe the world is presently in such a condition that if any "hiccup" occurred in society (weather, economy, lack of food, energy, or whatever!) many people would enthusiastically join in the effort to kill one another.

At some point in the future, probably sooner rather than later, we will either qualify to reside in Zion and survive Christ's presence or, by default, be unable to remain on earth, be destroyed, and die.

"When time comes for the establishment of Zion, it will not be necessary for us to deviate from Christ’s example.  Those who are in the promised latter-day Zion will be protected by the “the terror of the Lord.”  The residents will be those who “will not take up arms against their neighbor.”  (D&C 45:66-71)  There is no need to overthrow the world.  It will overthrow itself. The Lord will not permit the wicked to destroy the righteous. (1 Nephi 22:16)  It is the wicked who destroy the wicked.  (Mormon 4:5)

Latter-day Zion will not need to take up the sword to defend themselves. The Lord will be their shield and protection.  Since the wicked are responsible for killing the wicked, you join them when you decide to take up arms.  You also exclude yourself from those who are to come to Zion – for that group will be composed only of those who refuse to take up arms against their neighbor. (D&C 45:68)

 Read again how Zion was protected in the days of Enoch.  (Moses 7:13-17)  It wasn’t an army or arms which protected them.  It was the Lord who dwelt among them.

Our challenge as a people is to live so the Lord can dwell among us.  He will “take up His abode” with us as the Second Comforter, if we are prepared to receive Him.   Zion will be a byproduct of a prepared people.  It never has been and never will be the result of a violent, armed, and politically motivated insurrection by people who want to isolate themselves from the world.  Such people will only be a part of those who take up arms, and acting as part of the wicked, join in the destruction of the wicked, including themselves.

 This does not mean that some righteous will not be required to die. The Lord’s ability to protect us will require His hand move in “justice and mercy” to fulfill His promises.  Those who die will die unto the Lord.  Those who live will live unto the Lord.  But the battle is the Lord’s." (DS 4-15-10)

Thinking, Perceiving, and Acting … Correctly!

Life can be very ironic. It takes sadness to know what happiness is. It needs noise to appreciate silence. And it requires absence to value presence.

A friend is someone who gives you total freedom to be yourself.

I do not fix problems. I fix my thinking and then problems fix themselves.

The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any.

She was powerful, not because she wasn't scared, but because she went on so strongly, despite the fear.

Don't fear failure. Avoid being in the exact same place next year as you are today by doing something about it.

Life is like an elevator: On your way up, sometimes you simply have to stop and let some people off.

When people that you try to pull up actually pull you down, you may need to reconsider restructuring ... Perhaps, let them go!

People who insist on giving the most advice usually have the most problems.

Challenges are what makes life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.

Maybe the journey isn't so much about becoming anything. Maybe it's about unbecoming everything that isn't really you, so you can be who you were meant to be in the first place.

Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.

Problems are not stop signs; they are guidelines.

What screws us up most in life is the picture in our head of how “everything” is supposed to appear or must be.

If your happiness depends on what somebody else does or thinks, I guess you may actually have a problem to address.

Don't mistake silence for weakness. People, who possess sufficient intelligence, generally don't plan big moves out loud. But then, on the other hand, much can be done in plain sight and very few will even take notice.

I think our eyes need to be washed out by our tears once in a while, so that we can see life with a clearer view.

If you can find a path with no obstacles, requiring no thinking, and offering no growth, it probably doesn't lead you anywhere you want to be anyway ... Unless, of course, you do!

Anyone can run away. That's the temporary, short-term, easy way out. On the other hand, facing problems and working through them introduces another experience of growth and persuades one to become stronger in the long run.

Between what is said and not meant and what is meant and not said, much love is lost.

Only I can choose to change my life. No one else can do it for me.

Facebook is often the place where most people post their problems for everyone to see, except the person with whom they're having the problem with.

Be wise with whom you share your problems, because only God perfectly knows your heart and soul. A few people may care to the best of their ability, but even fewer are in a position to understand, while the majority are just curious and want to have priority and first chance on the latest neighborhood gossip. That's why the best parts of my life are between God and me and simply don't make it to social media!

Without God in the World

“And now, my son, all men that are in a state of nature, or I would say, in a carnal state, are in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity; they are without God in the world, and they have gone contrary to the nature of God; therefore, they are in a state contrary to the nature of happiness.” (Alma 41:11)

“That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:” (Ephesians 2:12)

“For behold, the Spirit of the Lord hath already ceased to strive with their fathers; and they are without Christ and God in the world; and they are driven about as chaff before the wind.” (Mormon 5:16)

“Therefore, blessed are they who humble themselves without being compelled to be humble; or rather, in other words, blessed is he that believeth in the word of God, and is baptized without stubbornness of heart, yea, without being brought to know the word, or even compelled to know, before they will believe.” (Alma 32:16)

Without God, life is like a doughnut. It may be good for a time, but the center is empty and without substance.

Life without God is like an unsharpened pencil. No point.

Life was never meant to be lived without God.

Without dreams we reach nothing. Without love we feel nothing. Without God we are nothing.

Life without God is a life little appreciated and less valued. It seems to be merely a number of days and years passing by without being fully utilized.

God without man is still God, but man without God is nothing.

God owes us nothing, but gives us everything.

With God life is an endless and eternal hope. Without God, life is hopeless and makes little sense.

Kindness Matters

Kindness should become the natural way of life, not the exception.

Kindness changes lives. Practice it daily.

Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.

Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.

Kindness is being a breath of fresh air to someone else when they feel like they are suffocating.

Kindness is contagious.

Every act of kindness grows the spirit and strengthens the soul.

Kindness is the root of all good things.

The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.

One kind word can change someone's entire day.

No act of kindness however small is ever wasted.

Your wealth or status doesn't make you. Your kindness and character does.

Do not underestimate a moment of your kindness. It has the power to change lives in ways you may never know.

Always be a little kinder than necessary.

Kind words do not cost much. Yet they accomplish much.

Kindness is difficult to give away because it keeps coming back.

Be kind to everyone, including yourself.

Remember there's no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.

Silence the angry man with love. Silence the ill-natured man with kindness. Silence The miser with generosity. Silence the liar with truth.

“And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work. Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence.” (D&C 4:5-6)

“By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,” (2 Cor 6:6)

Kindness makes you the most beautiful person in the world, no matter what you look like.

Being Childlike

Being “childlike” is to have constant curiosity about things of which you lack understanding. Adult gentiles, especially those of us who are religious and think we already know enough, have a tendency to pass by, gloss over, and totally miss a lot of truth.  

Men may very well end up in hell again by worshiping men, following church institutions, or allowing anything or anyone to take the place of or distract from God.

Take every opportunity to ask questions, manifest relentless curiosity, and openly consider every source. I think you should and indeed can get answers to your questions presented to God. He has already answered many initial questions through His word, scriptures, messengers, and angels. Through prayer and conversing with God, you can get an answer to anything you are ready for or revelations on how to get ready. I don't believe God makes anyone wait longer than He feels is needed in the process. He enjoys seeing your growth and progress and therefore does that which assists you and persuades you best.

“Once you were a child. Once you knew what inquiry was for. There was a time when you asked questions because you wanted answers, and were glad when you had found them. Become that child again: even now.” (C.S. Lewis)

 

“Glorious in the Eyes of the Lord”

When almost everything around you seems to be falling apart, how can you be “glorious in the eyes of the Lord” and God be the source of your strength?

“And now, saith the Lord—that formed me from the womb that I should be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him—though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, and my God shall be my strength.” (1 Nephi 21:5)

Once we enter into the covenant, we are all called to labor for the welfare of Zion. Unfortunately, Zion involves group behavior. Every group enterprise is a difficult, unpredictable and wayward thing. Although all of us should try to pursue a Zion's welfare, Zion will be uncooperative. Even if Zion is not gathered, it does not excuse the responsibility devolving upon you. You should be "glorious in the eyes of the Lord" by what you do with the covenants you make. You were formed to bring Israel (including yourself and your family) back to the Lord. Others are not going to cooperate. Priorities, practicalities, compromises, institutional needs, cultural difficulties, and lethargy will oppose this glorious work assigned to you. And Zion will largely fail, despite your best efforts on her behalf. Yet, even in failing in the larger task, you can be glorious in the Lord's eyes if you remain faithful to his call to you. Isaiah's words describe Nephi's position. Laman and Lemuel, along with the sons of Ishmael, were all unwilling to accept prophetic leadership from Nephi. While this made the ones rejecting him suffer, it did not prevent Nephi from being glorious in the Lord's eyes. No blessing was withheld from Nephi because of his audience's disobedience.

In our own day, we see most people want a broad path to walk comfortably with a larger group. It is little wonder that groups are usually headed to hell. The true path, with all the confining discomforts of being straight and narrow, is less inviting and generally a lonely undertaking. Yet if you are willing to walk there and advocate to others, you will be "glorious in the eyes of the Lord" though unaccepted among your peers. This is a recurring pattern. Why should our day be different? If our day were much different from the defects described in this verse, we should question whether things are as they should be. These patterns reoccur whenever the Lord has a people on the earth. And since latter-day history is predicted to include the same opposition, struggles and rejections, we have no scriptural basis for expecting a different set of circumstances for our time.

Sobering words in our own latter-day revelations suggest this pattern will unfold among us, to our own great distress:

“Behold, vengeance cometh speedily upon the inhabitants of the earth, a day of wrath, a day of burning, a day of desolation, of weeping, of mourning, and of lamentation; and as a whirlwind it shall come upon all the face of the earth, saith the Lord. And upon my house shall it begin, and from my house shall it go forth, saith the Lord; First among those among you, saith the Lord, who have professed to know my name and have not known me, and have blasphemed against me in the midst of my house, saith the Lord.” (D&C 112:24-26, emphasis added).

The smug self-assurance of any Latter-day Saint thinking membership in the Church is enough to guarantee return to the Lord, will certainly end at some point. Then those who have heard the Master's voice and followed Him, rather than his institution, will be vindicated. While the faithless, cultural, social members of His Church will find themselves among the Telestial residents of the world (D&C 76:98-102), destined to be consumed at His coming. (JST 2 Peter 3:9-12)

For those who follow the Lord as Nephi did, it will be glorious. But this will only occur when things are finally seen in their true proportions and light. Until then, Israel will not permit any true messenger to fully gather them. Israel has always been too status conscious, making them unprepared to be guided by the Holy Ghost. We prefer "bona fide" sources of information; our PhD's, our distinguished faculty; even mediocracy is deemed credible when it holds Church office. The Holy Spirit, however, is unpredictable (John 3:8) and moves in unanticipated, even counter-intuitive, ways (1 Cor 2:11). It has never been bona fide, and almost always "has no beauty that we should desire" it. Christ's pattern remains the same. To follow Him, we have to find his voice, even when it originates from unlikely places, saying unpleasant things. He will never scratch our "itching ears" with words of praise, while we lack so much. (Source: Nephi's Isaiah, pages 127-129) 

Tempter's Tool of the Trade

Feeling the spirit is directly tied to keeping the commandments. The adversary knows that law and therefore, repeatedly tempts us mortals to disregard the commandments of God with the intention to reduce light within us and to make us less able to feel the spirit.

“And that wicked one cometh and taketh away light and truth, through disobedience, from the children of men, and because of the tradition of their fathers.” (D&C 93:39)

“And they that will harden their hearts, to them is given the lesser portion of the word until they know nothing concerning his mysteries; and then they are taken captive by the devil, and led by his will down to destruction. Now this is what is meant by the chains of hell.” (Alma 12:11)

Satan more fully understands than do we that as we harden our hearts, rebel against truth, disobey the word of God, commit sin, live untrue doctrines because of the traditions of our fathers, and fail to repent, our ability and connection with God is greatly reduced. Since we generally fail to sufficiently recognize this important relationship between obedience to God and our ability to hear Him, Satan continually uses it as his firsthand tool of the trade and too often succeeds.

Soooo …. We do not hear Him because we cannot feel Him because we lost the light we previously had because of our disobedience. Since we hear Him less, feel less, and perhaps care less, we tend to disobey more and it becomes a fast vicious spiral downhill into the captivity of the devil and the chains of hell!

The alternative is to be like Jesus: “He suffered temptations but gave no heed unto them.” (D&C 20:22) Then the upward spiral ascends as we obey what we know, receive further light and truth, and continually repeat! 

Baptism of Fire

Nephi, who conversed with both Christ and Christ's Father, taught plainly concerning baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost, and the baptism by fire and of the Holy Ghost:

“And he [Christ] said unto the children of men: Follow thou me. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we follow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father? And the Father said: Repent ye, repent ye, and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son. And also, the voice of the Son came unto me, saying: He that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father give the Holy Ghost, like unto me; wherefore, follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism—yea, by following your Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel. But, behold, my beloved brethren, thus came the voice of the Son unto me, saying: After ye have repented of your sins, and witnessed unto the Father that ye are willing to keep my commandments, by the baptism of water, and have received the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost, and can speak with a new tongue, yea, even with the tongue of angels, and after this should deny me, it would have been better for you that ye had not known me. And I heard a voice from the Father, saying: Yea, the words of my Beloved are true and faithful. He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved.” (2 Nephi 31:10-15; underline added)

In modern revelation the Lord explained His Gospel as follows:

“And verily, verily, I say unto you, he that receiveth my gospel receiveth me; and he that receiveth not my gospel receiveth not me. And this is my gospel—repentance and baptism by water, and then cometh the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, even the Comforter, which showeth all things, and teacheth the peaceable things of the kingdom.” (D&C 39:5-6; underline added)

In another revelation we read: 

“Yea, open your mouths and they shall be filled, saying: Repent, repent, and prepare ye the way of the Lord, and make his paths straight; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand; Yea, repent and be baptized, every one of you, for a remission of your sins; yea, be baptized even by water, and then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost. Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, this is my gospel;” (D&C 33:10-12; underline added)

"The most consistent and the minimum description of this baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost includes these elements:

-repentance,
-baptism by water,
-baptism by fire and the Holy Ghost,
-evidenced by speaking with the tongue of angels.

One proof of baptism of fire is the gift of prophecy. Both Joseph and Oliver experienced the gift. So did the Lamanites, which they used to preach and declare repentance. I also experienced it after baptism in water. The gift follows as a sign to confirm baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost. (D&C 63:9)

This “gift,” like other signs, is designed to confirm in the one who receives it a witness to them, from God, that this baptism has occurred. It is one of the essential elements, and is present in all the accounts. It appears on Nephi’s list also." (BFHG - Part 4)

Here are some additional links:

Baptism of Fire

Baptism of Fire and the Holy Ghost
BFHG - Part 2
BFHG - Part 3
BFHG - Part 4
BFHG - Part 5
BFHG - Conclusion

Just Change ... Don't Complain

Within your circle of influence with others, using persuasion, long-suffering, gentleness and meekness and love unfeigned, change for good can certainly happen, if the other person makes that choice.

On the other hand, within yourself, you get to make the choices of change, therefore, don't complain about things or consequences of your choices that you are unwilling to change.

Drop Your Stuff and Fly!

A lot what weighs you down is not yours to carry.

You only lose what you cling to.

Whatever comes, let it come. Whatever stays, let it stay. Whatever goes, let it go.

Accept what is. Let go of what was. Have faith in what will be.

When you let go, you create space for better things to enter your life.

We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us.

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary." (Steve Jobs)

Let go of comparing.

Let go of competing.

Let go of judgments.

Let go of anger.

Let go of regrets.

Let go of worrying.

Let go of blame.

Let go of guilt.

Let go of fear.

Let go or be dragged ... and have a proper belly laugh at least once a day!

“And now, my brethren, I desire that ye shall plant this word in your hearts, and as it beginneth to swell even so nourish it by your faith. And behold, it will become a tree, springing up in you unto everlasting life. And then may God grant unto you that your burdens may be light, through the joy of his Son. And even all this can ye do if ye will. Amen.” (Alma 33:23)

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Surf the Waves of Life!

 Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards.

Go for it. Whether it ends good or bad, it was an experience.

Ride the waves of life with joy.

It's better to see something yourself and experience first hand than to hear about it a thousand times.

Fill your life with experiences, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show.

Life is a journey with problems to solve, lessons to learn, but most of all, experiences to enjoy.

Good decisions come from experience and experience comes from decisions.

You cannot truly understand something until it happens to you. The meaning of life is discovered in the experience.

Experience is the teacher of all things.

Mistakes are painful when they happen, but years later a collection of mistakes is what is called experience.

One thorn of experience is worth a whole wilderness of warning.

Never be afraid to try something new, because life gets boring when you stay within the limits of what you already know.

Life is short. Time is fast. No replay. No rewind. So enjoy every moment as it comes.

You are where God wants you to be at this very moment. Every experience is part of his divine plan.

“Yea, I would that ye would come forth and harden not your hearts any longer; for behold, now is the time and the day of your salvation; and therefore, if ye will repent and harden not your hearts, immediately shall the great plan of redemption be brought about unto you. For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors. And now, as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many witnesses, therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end; for after this day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed.” (Alma 34:31-33)

Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.

Take advantage of every moment, situation and experience that you encounter. Learn, gather light and truth and manifest sincere gratitude for it all.

Stars in the Gutter

Perhaps there are more stars in the gutter than most realize.

Those, who turn and face God and follow Him, can arise and get out of the gutter. After all, Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. And He is more intelligent than us all!

May we always focus on the greatest light, even Christ.

Unique Exam

Not only is each exam unique and tailored individually, but many fail to realize that the test is currently underway.

Zion ... Offered Today

There have only been two successes of Zion in all of history. One was through Enoch and the other Melchizedek. Both were meek and used persuasion, long-suffering, gentleness and love rather than force, compulsion, and control. Enoch and Melchizedek preached repentance. The people heard the word of God and chose to repent and Zion was established.

Like Enoch and Melchizedek, Joseph Smith preached repentance baptism and the Holy Ghost. Likewise in the future, Zion will be established only through someone preaching repentance followed by people repenting. Today, repentance is currently being preached and baptism and the Holy Ghost is being offered to all. Who will choose to receive?

Zion is for those living in the flesh.

Zion requires people with understanding of Heaven.

Zion requires priesthood from heaven.

To prepare for and enter Zion, one must correctly identify a true Messenger of God and repent. Mankind almost always mistakes a false prophet for a true one or, on the other hand, doesn't even recognize the true one, speaking the word of God. 

“The world always mistook false prophets for true ones, and those that were sent of God, they considered to be false prophets and hence they killed, stoned, punished and imprisoned the true prophets, and these had to hide themselves "in deserts and dens, and caves of the earth," and though the most honorable men of the earth, they banished them from their society as vagabonds, whilst they cherished, honored and supported knaves, vagabonds, hypocrites, impostors, and the basest of men.” (TPJS 206)

Zion is prevented quite easily: jarrings, contentions, envyings, strifes, lustful and covetous desires, etc. This will pollute our inheritances. (D&C 101:6)

And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them. (Moses 7:18)

Zion does not require a strong man. In fact a strong man model, which our society craves, will hinder and prevent Zion. Zion was never the product of strongman leadership.

We must have the glory of God or intelligence to be comfortable in Zion. God's glory must be in you. People are not just going to walk in and take up residency in Zion without repentance.

Zion requires each individual to know God himself. "Know ye the Lord" for they all would know him. This is the prophecy about Zion in the last days. (Jeremiah 31:33-34)

Zion will require a covenant . It will require authority from God for that covenant because only he can establish it.

The people will need to keep the covenant and live in a Terrestrial society. Any who refuse the greater light will be in peril. Real covenants make each individual directly accountable to God, not to man.

Those, who reside in Zion, will obey Terrestrial law. Failure to obey the law will bring immediate judgment from God. The ground itself will be included within God's covenant. When Zion is built, if the unworthy enter they will encounter conditions they cannot endure. Anyone living a telestial law will be destroyed if they attempt to enter Zion without repentance. Pretenders, using the strongman model, have no idea what it takes to bring Zion.

The only way to bring again Zion is to rise up and live lives filled with greater light. All must come to know the Lord. The only way is to comprehend the gospel of Christ, accept the invitation, prepare your heart, mind, soul, and clean up, leaving behind sins, and come to face the Lord.

Jacob, in the book of Mormon, denounced priestcraft, which is an ill-fit and not acceptable in Zion. Anyone setting themselves up for a light unto the world that they may get gain does not qualify for Zion. Anyone attempting or succeeding to make a profit from being a pseudo-prophet has not, does not, and will not work in Zion.

The problem is we need to rise up individually and having risen up individually then we have the potential for a gathering. Zion cannot come by are doing a "minimum" effort. Zion is to be at the forefront to invite the Lord's return. Until Christ is invited by members of His family, it is not reasonable to expect the Lord to return.

Zion will be where the qualified meet. It will not be where people come to get qualified.

Zion shall not go out with haste nor by flight for the Lord will go before you. Assemble yourselves together unto the land of Zion, not in haste, lest there should be confusion, which bringeth pestilence. (3 Nephi 20:42; D&C 63:24)

Repent and be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost! 

“And in my name shall ye baptize them. And now behold, these are the words which ye shall say, calling them by name, saying: Having authority given me of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen” [ 3 Nephi 11:23-25]. When I was baptized into the LDS church, the baptismal prayer was, “Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in name of the Father…” When I was rebaptized, I was rebaptized by one who had authority from Christ. Therefore, in that baptism, the words were, “Having authority of Jesus Christ…”

If all you are going to do is baptize someone again according to the LDS pattern with a commission in a church, don’t bother doing it. But if you follow these principles, and if the Spirit empowers you to baptize, then baptize having authority from Christ. And follow His words. We’ve deviated long enough. It’s time to return. “And then shall ye immerse them in the water, and come forth again out of the water. And after this manner shall ye baptize in my name; for behold, verily I say unto you, that the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost are one; and I am in the Father, and the Father in me, and the Father and I are one. And according as I have commanded you thus shall ye baptize” [3 Nephi 11:26-28]. I’m telling you in the name of the Lord, that that commandment is renewed again, by Him, today to you. (Baptism Podcast)

Do not expect an institution to bring Zion. Expecting some pseudo-prophet to bring Zion again will surely result in disappointment.

Zion must be in the mountains. It must be among the original natives of the Americas. It must be established under the guidance of someone who hails from both the tribe of Ephraim, and is a descendant of Jesse. It will be set up before the world's kingdoms are destroyed.

Zion will be established at a location in the Rocky Mountains. Whether it comes in our lifetime is entirely dependent on us. (The source of the above material is the Zion Chapter of Preserving the Restoration)

Priestcraft, Idolatry, and Consequences

“The twin companion of kingship is priestcraft. Jacob denounced priestcraft:  "He commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts; for, behold, priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion."  (2 Nephi 26:29)

The purpose of priestcraft is "to set themselves up that they may get gain." It is not merely setting up "for a light unto the world", but to "set themselves up for a light unto the world that they may get gain." They want to make a profit from being a pseudo-prophet. There is no need for a king. There is no need for more priestcraft. There is nothing for a strong man to do. Changing the leader will not fix the problem. The problem is the people. The problem is that we need to rise up individually, and having risen up individually then we have the potential for a gathering. But changing the leader will not accomplish anything. It is just another delay, another perversion.

There is some irony about those who will survive the Lord's return and those who will not. The Telestial will be burned at his coming. The Terrestrial will survive. As discussed above, those who "follow the prophet" are Telestial and will be destroyed. (D&C 76:100-101)  But those who are mainstream Christians are Terrestrial and will survive: " (D&C 76:72-77)

Mainstream Christians, who are blinded by the preaching of faults ministers, may nevertheless live honorably. They will survive the Lord's coming living Terrestrial lives. But the Catholics and the various Mormon sects who reverence their leaders presumed to have the "keys"of Salvation will be accountable for their misunderstanding. They are idolaters, rejecting the Lord and the truth. Take away their idolatry and Christians are simply confused about the nature of God. Mormons of all sects should know better and will be accountable for having the Book of Mormon and Joseph's revelations and teachings. For them to fall into idolatry condemns them.” (Preserving the Restoration, Page 252)

Wealth, Riches, and Money

You aren't wealthy until you have something that money cannot buy.

The real measure of your wealth is how much you'd be worth if you lost all your money.

An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.

Money and success don't change people. They merely amplify what is already there.

Some people are so poor all they have is money.

Wealth is the ability to fully experience life.

Wealth is not in making money but perhaps in making the man while he is making money.

The richest of men are those whose pleasures are the cheapest.

Money is like Love. It kills slowly and painfully the one who with holds it, but enlivens the other that turns it on his fellow man.

They say money doesn't bring happiness but everyone still wants to prove it for themselves.

A man's true wealth is the good he does in the world.

I'd rather walk in the rain with a man who treats me like a queen than ride in a Mercedes with a man who doesn't value me.

Not he who has much is rich, but he who gives much.

Perhaps, wealth isn't about having a lot of money, but rather about having a lot of options.

Too many people spend money they haven't earned to buy things they don't want to impress people that they don't like.

A little goodness and a little kindness are often worth more than a great deal of money.

Money is the slave to a wise man and the master of a fool.

Wealth consists not of having great possessions but in having few wants.

It is okay to live a life others do not understand.

No man is rich enough to buy back his past, but everyone possesses the gift to choose his present, which influences his future.

 

“And he said unto them, It is impossible for them who trust in riches, to enter into the kingdom of God; but he who forsaketh the things which are of this world, it is possible with God, that he should enter in.” (JST Luke 18:27)

“And I hold forth and deign to give unto you greater riches, even a land of promise, a land flowing with milk and honey, upon which there shall be no curse when the Lord cometh; And I will give it unto you for the land of your inheritance, if you seek it with all your hearts.” (D&C 38:18-19)

Being a "Friend" of God

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.” (John 15:13-15, emphasis added)

“Verily, I say unto my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., or in other words, I will call you friends, for you are my friends, and ye shall have an inheritance with me—” (D&C 93:45, emphasis added)

“And as I said unto mine apostles, even so I say unto you, for you are mine apostles, even God’s high priests; ye are they whom my Father hath given me; ye are my friends;” (D&C 84:63, emphasis added)

“And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.” (James 2:23, emphasis added)

I believe God is your true and faithful friend. You can trust and count on that, but the big questions that arise are: "Are you a true and faithful friend of God?" With whom do you walk every day? With whom do you continually converse?  Who and what do you think about all day long? What do you do in your spare time?

“What draws people to be friends is that they see the same truth. They share it.” (CS Lewis)

Here are a couple links that may shed further light on the subject of becoming a "friend" of God: Developing Your Faith   and   A "friend" of God 

Time and Beyond Time

"Another difficulty we get if we believe God to be in time is this. Everyone who believes in God at all believes that He knows what you and I are going to do tomorrow. But if He knows I am going to do so—and-so, how can I be free to do otherwise? Well, here once again, the difficulty comes from thinking that God is progressing along the Time-line like us: the only difference being that He can see ahead and we cannot. Well, if that were true, if God foresaw our acts, it would be very hard to understand how we could be free not to do them. But suppose God is outside and above the Time-line.

In that case, what we call ‘tomorrow’ is visible to Him in just the same way as what we call ‘today’. All the days are ‘Now’ for Him. He does not remember you doing things yesterday; He simply sees you doing them, because, though you have lost yesterday, He has not. He does not ‘foresee’ you doing things tomorrow; He simply sees you doing them: because, though tomorrow is not yet there for you, it is for Him. You never supposed that your actions at this moment were any less free because God knows what you are doing. Well, He knows your tomorrow’s actions in just the same way— because He is already in tomorrow and can simply watch you. In a sense, He does not know your action till you have done it: but then the moment at which you have done it is already ‘Now’ for Him.

This idea has helped me a good deal. If it does not help you, leave it alone. It is a ‘Christian idea’ in the sense that great and wise Christians have held it and there is nothing in it Contrary to Christianity. But it is not in the Bible or any of the creeds. You can be a perfectly good Christian without accepting it, or indeed without thinking of the matter at all.” (C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity 1960, pages 148-149)

Take Time With God

Take time to think, ponder and pray! Talking with God alone can bring peace and understanding, and a whole new perspective.

“In consequence of these things, I often felt condemned for my weakness and imperfections; when, on the evening of the above-mentioned twenty-first of September, after I had retired to my bed for the night, I betook myself to prayer and supplication to Almighty God for forgiveness of all my sins and follies, and also for a manifestation to me, that I might know of my state and standing before him; for I had full confidence in obtaining a divine manifestation, as I previously had one.” (Joseph Smith—History 1:29)

Satan does not love us and wants to keep mortals occupied and busy with the things of this world and forget about talking with God, repenting, and coming unto Him. 

God, on the other hand, loves His children equally, wants us to understand Him, and is "as eager to meet with and touch us as we should be to know and touch Him." (The Second Comforter - Conversing with The Lord Through the Veil, page 417)

“Therefore I command you to repent—repent, lest I smite you by the rod of my mouth, and by my wrath, and by my anger, and your sufferings be sore—how sore you know not, how exquisite you know not, yea, how hard to bear you know not. Wherefore, I command you again to repent, lest I humble you with my almighty power; and that you confess your sins, lest you suffer these punishments of which I have spoken, of which in the smallest, yea, even in the least degree you have tasted at the time I withdrew my Spirit.” (D&C 19:15,20)

“And now, my beloved brethren, I perceive that ye ponder still in your hearts; and it grieveth me that I must speak concerning this thing. For if ye would hearken unto the Spirit which teacheth a man to pray, ye would know that ye must pray; for the evil spirit teacheth not a man to pray, but teacheth him that he must not pray. But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul.” (2 Nephi 32:8-9)

“Nevertheless the children of God were commanded that they should gather themselves together oft, and join in fasting and mighty prayer in behalf of the welfare of the souls of those who knew not God.” (Alma 6:6)

I have been profoundly struck by these words of God. Have you identified the word of God being taught today? Are you giving strict heed to the message He has sent? Have you and are you repenting in all sincerity of heart? Have you been baptized anew? Do you pray unto the Father in the name of Christ? Does God consecrate your performance?  Is your performance proving to be for the welfare of your soul?   Do you speak and converse with the Lord through the veil? Have you asked God what your state and standing is with Him? Do you now know your state and standing with God? Are the children of God gathering themselves together often and joining in fasting and mighty prayer in behalf of the welfare of the souls of those who know not God?

 

"Taking time to do nothing (at least from the perspective of this world and putting forth the minimum energy necessary to meet mortal needs and obligations) often brings everything (the things that matter most) into perspective" ... because as an individual spends less time in the "rat race" of this world and more time conversing with God, focusing on and obeying the things pertaining to the kingdom of God, and gathering further light and knowledge, she will know her state and standing with God and have so much the advantage in the world to come.

“And again, verily I say unto you, my friends, I leave these sayings with you to ponder in your hearts, with this commandment which I give unto you, that ye shall call upon me while I am near—Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” (D&C 88:62-63)