Angels in Disguise

Often we need to wait for things to unfold gloriously and to take time to listen to the angels and obey instructions that come from God.

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. (Hebrews 13:2)

Angels have certain boundaries governed by law. "For behold, they are subject unto him (Christ), to minister according to the word of his command, showing themselves unto them of strong faith and a firm mind in every form of godliness." (Moroni 7:30)

Our faith, state of mind, and form of godliness certainly play as determining factors in recognizing and entertaining Angels from the presence God and receiving His messages delivered through His Angels.

One of the key responsibilities in the ministry of an Angel of God is to call men unto repentance by correctly teaching the word of God and denouncing the false and vain and foolish doctrines preached by those claiming to be prophets of God but are NOT.

False Prophets are "called out on the carpet", their false and vain and foolish doctrines are challenged, and the concealing curtain is pulled.

Without religious robes or kingly crowns of honor any longer, their nakedness becomes increasingly obvious and the naked nobility evermore apparent.

Lies are revealed, deceptions leak out at an accelerating rate, and there is no place of hiding to be found. The emperor without clothes is exposed!

Good things come to those who wake up, repent, reject error, denounce falsehoods, faithfully live according to what has already been given from heaven, diligently seek further light and knowledge from God, and patiently wait to receive more with a grateful heart.

The Doctrine of Devils

This blog post is written for my family. . . may you read it, ponder it, and ask God if these are His words. I love you all . . .

This is the second time the Lord has awakened me in the early morning hours with thoughts about this blog post . The first night (Oct. 3, 2015) he gave me the title of the blog. This morning (Oct. 5, 2015) he gave me a dream.

I was lying down on the couch in the foyer of the church. My husband was on the ground sitting next to me so that we were facing opposite directions. I thought we were alone. We started kissing. Our display of affection was tender and would be appropriate in front of the children. It could be felt that we really were in love not merely living together and putting up with each other.

I then realized we were not alone. We were being watched. I turned and saw that the chapel doors were open. A woman was standing at a distance watching this exchange between John and me. I looked past the woman to see two other women who were also in the chapel. They were on cleaning duty.

The first woman approached us. She scolded us for kissing in the church. The other women seemed to support her opinion. I headed down the hall. As I walked away, I looked back and saw my husband quietly chuckling and shaking his head as he sat alone on the couch. He said nothing to the women.

The woman followed me down the hall. Her silent supporters followed behind. This woman was not content with my response to her scolding. She did not think I had taken her seriously. She threatened to tell the church leaders about our kissing in the foyer.

I could feel my heart beating as I composed myself to respond to this woman's absurd accusations. The dream ended, and I was awake. As I came out of the dream, I was still processing the exchange. I thought about why she lashed out at me the way she did: Maybe she doesn't love her husband the way I love mine. Have her children ever seen her passionately kiss her husband? What gives her the right to condemn an innocent display of affection?

I was awake in my bed thinking about the dream that had just been given me. What does my dream mean? The Lord said, “The exchange you had with your husband represents a loving, close, and intimate relationship a bride has with her bridegroom. You are the bride. I am the bridegroom. I desire a close relationship with you, just as you desire to be close to your husband whom you love. The women cleaning the chapel represent those who serve in the church but do not know me. They haven't experienced and don't understand true, pure, and virtuous intimacy. They think all intimacy is evil and wrong. They haven't experienced love and intimacy in their their relationship with me and think it is their busy-body duty to prevent others from experiencing intimacy with me. They try to keep my sheep from coming to me.”

The Lord then told me that this dream was given me to help me understand the doctrine of devils. I asked, “How does this dream relate to the doctrine of devils?” He told me to get out of bed and write the scriptures and thoughts that came to me.

Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered. Luke 11:52

The Lord continued, “It is one thing to choose not to come to unto me; it becomes very grievous when someone tries to prevent others from developing intimacy with me. The doctrine of devils attempts to prevent loving intimacy between me and my people.”

4 And Jesus left them, and went upon the Mount of Olives. And as he sat upon the Mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying: Tell us when shall these things be which thou hast said concerning the destruction of the temple, and the Jews; and what is the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world, or the destruction of the wicked, which is the end of the world?

5 And Jesus answered, and said unto them: Take heed that no man deceive you;

6 For many shall come in my name, saying—I am Christ—and shall deceive many; Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:4-6 

“Jennifer, who is saying 'I am Christ'? These aren't just some weird lunatics running around claiming to be the reincarnated Jesus Christ. . . This is a group of people who claim to come in my name, and they have enough influence to deceive many. They use my name as a cloak. They use my name to deceive. They claim to be my servants. These false Christ's reasoning goes something like this, 'If you follow me, you're following Jesus. I follow Jesus, you follow me, see how it works? You're following Jesus because you follow me. You can't go straight to Jesus; you might be deceived. To get to Jesus you need to go through me.' ”

The Lord continued to explain, “To understand what I mean when I say, 'For many shall come in my name, saying—I am Christ—and shall deceive many', you need to understood that Christ is not a person, it is a title.”

What does “Christ” actually mean? What does it mean to speak of Jesus as the “Christ”?

This word is one of the most important, basic words in a Christian’s vocabulary. But it isn’t until you dig into the Bible’s ancient context that you that see its surprising imagery and some of its most important implications.

First of all, the word “Christ” comes from christos, a Greek word meaning “anointed.” It is the equivalent of the word mashiach, or Messiah, in Hebrew. So, to be the Christ, or Messiah, is to be “the anointed one of God.”

But what does that mean?

To be anointed, literally, is to have sacred oil poured on one’s head, because God has chosen the person for a special task. Priests and kings were anointed, and occasionally prophets. Kings were anointed during their coronation rather than receiving a crown.

Even though prophets and priests were anointed, the phrase “anointed one” or “the Lord’s anointed” was most often used to refer to a king. . .

The overriding biblical imagery of the word “Messiah” or “Christ” is that of a king chosen by God. Often in the Old Testament, God would tell a prophet to go anoint someone and proclaim him king. The act of anointing with sacred oil emphasized that it was God himself who had ordained a person and given him authority to act as his representative.”

“Jennifer, who claims to come in name of the Lord? Who claims to be the Lord's anointed? Who claims to be chosen by God? Are they deceiving many? Can you tell the difference between a Christ (the Lord's anointed) and an impostor? Do you know how these false Christs teach and promote the doctrine of devils? Do you even know what I mean when I say 'the doctrine of devils'?”

“Lord, I'm starting to understand, but keep going.”

“Look up a few scriptures. I'll show you what this means.

22 Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones;

 23 And God saw these souls that they were good, and he stood in the midst of them, and he said: These I will make my rulers; for he stood among those that were spirits, and he saw that they were good; and he said unto me: Abraham, thou art one of them; thou wast chosen before thou wast born.

 24 And there stood one among them that was like unto God, and he said unto those who were with him: We will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of these materials, and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell . . .

 27 And the Lord said: Whom shall I send? And one answered like unto the Son of Man: Here am I, send me. And another answered and said: Here am I, send me. And the Lord said: I will send the first.

 28 And the second was angry, and kept not his first estate; and, at that day, many followed after him. Abraham 3:22-24, 27-28

Supplanting Jesus the Christ has been the desire of devils even before the world was.

1 And I, the Lord God, spake unto Moses, saying: That Satan, whom thou hast commanded in the name of mine Only Begotten, is the same which was from the beginning, and he came before me, saying—Behold, here am I, send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor.

 2 But, behold, my Beloved Son, which was my Beloved and Chosen from the beginning, said unto me—Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever. Moses 4:1-2

In their attempt to self aggrandize themselves, devils rob God of His glory. If men remain shut out of the Lord's presence, all remain damned and there are none saved.

For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. Moses 1:39

And when he had said these words, behold, the Lord showed himself unto him, and said: Because thou knowest these things ye are redeemed from the fall; therefore ye are brought back into my presence; therefore I show myself unto you.  Ether 3:13

Devils want to be worshiped. They attempt to come between God and his people.

11 But now mine own eyes have beheld God; but not my natural, but my spiritual eyes, for my natural eyes could not have beheld; for I should have withered and died in his presence; but his glory was upon me; and I beheld his face, for I was transfigured before him.

 12 And it came to pass that when Moses had said these words, behold, Satan came tempting him, saying: Moses, son of man, worship me.

 13 And it came to pass that Moses looked upon Satan and said: Who art thou? For behold, I am a son of God, in the similitude of his Only Begotten; and where is thy glory, that I should worship thee?

 14 For behold, I could not look upon God, except his glory should come upon me, and I were transfigured before him. But I can look upon thee in the natural man. Is it not so, surely?

 15 Blessed be the name of my God, for his Spirit hath not altogether withdrawn from me, or else where is thy glory, for it is darkness unto me? And I can judge between thee and God; for God said unto me: Worship God, for him only shalt thou serve.

 16 Get thee hence, Satan; deceive me not; for God said unto me: Thou art after the similitude of mine Only Begotten.

 17 And he also gave me commandments when he called unto me out of the burning bush, saying: Call upon God in the name of mine Only Begotten, and worship me.

 18 And again Moses said: I will not cease to call upon God, I have other things to inquire of him: for his glory has been upon me, wherefore I can judge between him and thee. Depart hence, Satan.

 19 And now, when Moses had said these words, Satan cried with a loud voice, and ranted upon the earth, and commanded, saying: I am the Only Begotten, worship me. Moses 1:11-19

The desire to be worshiped can be seen when men engage in priestcrafts. They participate in priestcrafts when they set themselves up for a light unto the world that they may get gain and praise of the world.

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

One reason we are warned against participating in priestcrafts is so that there is no idolatry practiced. Mortals are not to be worshiped. All are alike unto God. There should be no part-time or full-time paid clergy. The preacher is no better than the hearer, neither is the teacher any better than the learner.

Let the residue of the elders watch over the churches, and declare the word in the regions round about them; and let them labor with their own hands that there be no idolatry nor wickedness practiced. Doctrine and Covenants 52:39

And when the priests left their labor to impart the word of God unto the people, the people also left their labors to hear the word of God. And when the priest had imparted unto them the word of God they all returned again diligently unto their labors; and the priest, not esteeming himself above his hearers, for the preacher was no better than the hearer, neither was the teacher any better than the learner; and thus they were all equal, and they did all labor, every man according to his strength. Alma 1:26

It was the priestcrafts of the church authorities at the time of Jesus that were responsible for the crucifixion of Jesus. He allowed His church in Jerusalem to be led astray by false leaders and authorities. He did not prevent the apostasy of His church but instead submitted and was crucified.

But because of priestcrafts and iniquities, they at Jerusalem will stiffen their necks against him, that he be crucified. 2 Nephi 10:5

And my vineyard has become corrupted every whit; and there is none which doeth good save it be a few; and they err in many instances because of priestcrafts, all having corrupt minds. Doctrine and Covenants 33:4

The Lord's vineyard has become corrupted, and even the few who do good have become corrupted because of priestcraft. Priestcraft has corrupted our minds.

Here are a few examples:

President Nelson said he can empathize with those brethren who will be called to the Twelve. “There is no way you can describe it,” he said. “It is the most sacred thing that can happen to a man in this life. It is life-changing, yes. But hopefully, he, in turn, will be able to change the lives of many other people toward the Lord. This is what we do. We are servants of the Lord. We are His agents, and that means salvation and exaltation for the people who come under the sphere of His influence.”

Really? Is the most sacred thing that can happen to a man in this life a position in the top hierarchy of a multi-billion dollar corporation? Where is Jesus the Christ in this equation? If this is the most sacred thing that can happen to a man in this life, what about all those who will never experience such a call? Does salvation and exaltation for the people come through these top paid officials of the LDS church or does it come through Jesus the anointed one? How can they claim to be servants and agents, or in other words, Christ's when they've never been anointed by God?

Here is another example of the doctrine of devils. This man isn't even subtle about where to focus your eyes. He uses God's name in vain to divert attention away from the Lord onto himself.

Recently, I spoke at the new mission presidents’ seminar and counseled these leaders:

“Keep the eyes of the mission on the leaders of the Church. … We will not and … cannot lead [you] astray.

“And as you teach your missionaries to focus their eyes on us, teach them to never follow those who think they know more about how to administer the affairs of the Church than …

Here is another example:

“Sister Willis I urge you to do the ordinary things the Lord has prescribed for his children to do at this time, and leave the timing of other essential things to the Lord. When it is time to take extraordinary measures or to do different things to be “sanctified,” that word will come from the Lord, speaking through his servants.” Dallin Oaks

Here is another example:

“I say to Israel, the Lord will never permit me or any other man who stands as President of this Church to lead you astray.” [Emphasis added] (“I say to Israel” is omitted in Official Declaration 1, but you can read the original text in Deseret Evening News, October 11, 1890, p. 2)

Have we forgotten the doctrine taught by Nephi?

 41 O then, my beloved brethren, come unto the Lord, the Holy One. Remember that his paths are righteous. Behold, the way for man is narrow, but it lieth in a straight course before him, and the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel; and he employeth no servant there; and there is none other way save it be by the gate; for he cannot be deceived, for the Lord God is his name. [emphasis added]

 42 And whoso knocketh, to him will he open; and the wise, and the learned, and they that are rich, who are puffed up because of their learning, and their wisdom, and their riches—yea, they are they whom he despiseth; and save they shall cast these things away, and consider themselves fools before God, and come down in the depths of humility, he will not open unto them.

 43 But the things of the wise and the prudent shall be hid from them forever—yea, that happiness which is prepared for the saints.

 44 O, my beloved brethren, remember my words. Behold, I take off my garments, and I shake them before you; I pray the God of my salvation that he view me with his all-searching eye; wherefore, ye shall know at the last day, when all men shall be judged of their works, that the God of Israel did witness that I shook your iniquities from my soul, and that I stand with brightness before him, and am rid of your blood.

 45 O, my beloved brethren, turn away from your sins; shake off the chains of him that would bind you fast; come unto that God who is the rock of your salvation. 2 Nephi 9

Jesus is calling us to come to him and be close.

Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am; D&C 93:1

We are to the point in church history that seeking the Second Comforter is now derided and mocked by current LDS apostles.

“Another claim is that the church is not teaching what is necessary for exaltation, for example, some say that only those who see the face of Jesus Christ in mortality will receive Celestial Glory.

“Of course, all of the righteous desire to see the face of our Savior, but the suggestions that this must happen in mortality is a familiar tactic of the adversary. To identify a worthy goal, such as to achieve exaltation, and then to use the desirability of that goal and people’s enthusiasm for it to obscure the new means the adversary suggests to achieve it. The means are important, even vital. As the Lord said in another setting, ‘it must needs be done in mine own way.’ ”(Dallin Oaks page 13, audio) 

Since when is enthusiasm to seek the face of our Savior become a tactic of the adversary? It takes a lot of determination and dedication to ask, seek, knock, and find. It is not a quest for the faint of heart.

Here is another example of the kinds of teachings you'll need to sort through and determine if they come from God or a devil. . .

“Another claim that we sometimes hear is that current apostles have no right to run the affairs of the church since they do not meet the New Testament standard of apostles because they do not testify of having seen Christ. (Turley)

“The first answer to this claim is that modern apostles are called to be witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world, Doctrine and Covenants 107:23. This is not to witness of a personal manifestation. To witness of the name is to witness of the plan, the work, or mission such as the atonement and the authority or priesthood of the Lord Jesus Christ, which an apostle who holds the keys is uniquely responsible to do.

“Of course apostles are also witnesses of Christ just like all members of the Church who have the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Dallin Oaks page 14, audio)

When did the standard for apostles change? Why does this man call himself a special witness if his testimony is just like all members of the Church?

This is what the Prophet Joseph Smith taught:

"Answer to the question, Was the Priesthood of Melchizedek taken away when Moses died? All Priesthood is Melchizedek, but there are different portions or degrees of it. That portion which brought Moses to speak with God face to face was taken away; but that which brought the ministry of angels remained. All the prophets had the Melchizedek Priesthood and were ordained by God himself." p.180 Teachings ofthe Prophet Joseph Smith

“Salvation cannot come without revelation; it is in vain for anyone to minister without it. No man is a minister of Jesus Christ without being a Prophet. No man can be a minister of Jesus Christ except he has the testimony of Jesus; and this is the spirit of prophecy. Whenever salvation has been administered, it has been by testimony. Men of the present time testify of heaven and hell, and have never seen either; and I will say that no man knows these things without this.” p.160 Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith

. . . for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. Revelation 19:10

Doctrine and Covenants 76:51-70 explains what it means to have a testimony of Jesus.

15 And the king said that a seer is greater than a prophet.

 16 And Ammon said that a seer is a revelator and a prophet also; and a gift which is greater can no man have, except he should possess the power of God, which no man can; yet a man may have great power given him from God.

 17 But a seer can know of things which are past, and also of things which are to come, and by them shall all things be revealed, or, rather, shall secret things be made manifest, and hidden things shall come to light, and things which are not known shall be made known by them, and also things shall be made known by them which otherwise could not be known. Mosiah 8:15-17

“Wherefore, we again say, search the revelations of God; study the prophecies, and rejoice that God grants unto the world Seers and Prophets. They are they who saw the mysteries of godliness; they saw the flood before it came; they saw angels ascending and descending upon a ladder that reached from earth to heaven; they saw the stone cut out of the mountain, which filled the whole earth; they saw the Son of God come from the regions of bliss and dwell with men on earth; they saw the deliverer come out of Zion, and turn away ungodliness from Jacob; they saw the glory of the Lord when he showed the transfiguration of the earth on the mount; they saw every mountain laid low and every valley exalted when the Lord was taking vengeance upon the wicked; they saw truth spring out of the earth, and righteousness look down from heaven in the last days, before the Lord came the second time to gather his elect; they saw the end of wickedness on earth, and the Sabbath of creation crowned with peace; they saw the end of the glorious thousand years, when Satan was loosed for a little season; they saw the day of judgment when all men received according to their works, and they saw the heaven and the earth flee away to make room for the city of God, when the righteous receive an inheritance in eternity. And, fellow sojourners upon earth, it is your privilege to purify yourselves and come up to the same glory, and see for yourselves, and know for yourselves. Ask, and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” p. 12 Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith

Doctrines of Resurrection and Election

The Doctrines of the Resurrection of the Dead and the Eternal Judgment are necessary to preach among the first principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Doctrine of Election. Peter exhorts us to make our calling and election sure. This is the sealing power spoken of by Paul in other places.

"13. In whom ye also trusted, that after ye heard the word of truth, the Gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise,

"14. Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory, that we may be sealed up unto the day of redemption."--Ephesians, 1st chapter.

This principle ought (in its proper place) to be taught, for God hath not revealed anything to Joseph, but what He will make known unto the Twelve, and even the least Saint may know all things as fast as he is able to bear them, for the day must come when no man need say to his neighbor, Know ye that Lord; for all shall know Him (who remain) from the least to the greatest. How is this to be done? It is to be done by this sealing power, and the other Comforter spoken of, which will be manifest by revelation.

The Two Comforters

There are two Comforters spoken of. One is the Holy Ghost, the same as given on the day of Pentecost, and that all Saints receive after faith, repentance, and baptism. This first Comforter or Holy Ghost has no other effect than pure intelligence. It is more powerful in expanding the mind, enlightening the understanding, and storing the intellect with present knowledge, of a man who is of the literal seed of Abraham, than one that is a Gentile, though it may not have half as much visible effect upon the body; for as the Holy Ghost falls upon one of the literal seed of Abraham, it is calm and serene; and his whole soul and body are only exercised by the pure spirit of intelligence; while the effect of the Holy Ghost upon a Gentile, is to purge out the old blood, and make him actually of the seed of Abraham. That man that has none of the blood of Abraham (naturally) must have a new creation by the Holy Ghost. In such a case, there may be more of a powerful effect upon the body, and visible to the eye, than upon an Israelite, while the Israelite at first might be far before the Gentile in pure intelligence.

The Second Comforter

The other Comforter spoken of is a subject of great interest, and perhaps understood by few of this generation. After a person has faith in Christ, repents of his sins, and is baptized for the remission of his sins and receives the Holy Ghost, (by the laying on of hands), which is the first Comforter, then let him continue to humble himself before God, hungering and thirsting after righteousness, and living by every word of God, and the Lord will soon say unto him, Son, thou shalt be exalted.

When the Lord has thoroughly proved him, and finds that the man is determined to serve Him at all hazards, then the man will find his calling and his election made sure, then it will be his privilege to receive the other Comforter, which the Lord hath promised the Saints, as is recorded in the testimony of St. John, in the 14th chapter, from the 12th to the 27th verses.

Note the 16, 17, 18, 21, 23 verses:

"16. And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever;

"17. Even the Spirit of Truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him; but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

"18. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.* *

"21. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

"23. If a man love me, he will keep my word: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him."

Now what is this other Comforter? It is no more nor less than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself; and this is the sum and substance of the whole matter; that when any man obtains this last Comforter, he will have the personage of Jesus Christ to attend him, or appear unto him from time to time, and even He will manifest the Father unto him, and they will take up their abode with him, and the visions of the heavens will be opened unto him, and the Lord will teach him face to face, and he may have a perfect knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of God; and this is the state and place the ancient Saints arrived at when they had such glorious visions--Isaiah, Ezekiel, John upon the Isle of Patmos, St. Paul in the three heavens, and all the Saints who held communion with the general assembly and Church of the Firstborn. Teaching of the Prophet Joseph Smith page 149-150

Although false Christs and prophets may deceive, God is still calling you. If you can start by just believing that this great blessing can be yours in this lifetime, you've begun to repent. Continue to believe and follow the voice of God, and you will behold his face.

God has asked me to write these words to you, my family. Please take these things seriously; pray about what has been said; search the scriptures; ponder these things out in your hearts and minds; take advantage of the opportunity being offered you today. He doesn't care where you've been or what you've done, he has absolute power to forgive and heal you. Turn and face him while it is called today. Cry out to him, and he will guide you.

I love you.

Your Daughter, Sister, and Aunt

Prophets??? - Dallin H. Oaks' Response to My Questions

On October 16, 2007, John and I started praying every night to see the face of God as promised in D&C 93:1 “Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am;”

Soon after we began to pray for this blessing, many challenges came. I was humbled, smashed, crushed, and humiliated. I felt like I was drowning. For three years, it was all I could do to keep my head above water.

In 2009 a friend told me about  The Second Comforter, Conversing With the Lord Through the Veil. I politely listened to her, but didn't read the book, even though I had been praying for the second comforter for two years.

In November 2010, a family member told me about a book she was reading. Before she could tell me the title, I knew the name of the book. I asked, “Is it The Second Comforter, Conversing With the Lord Through the Veil?"  It was. I knew I needed to read the book. I bought it for my husband for Christmas. We couldn't wait and both had it read by the beginning of December. It was the help we were seeking.

When I finished the book, I started to search the Ensign and write down all the commandments I was failing to live. I also searched the scriptures. As I read the scriptures, the Lord started to teach me. He showed me what it meant to be one of his prophets. He led me from scripture to scripture and began to open my mind.

After six months of studying, wrestling, and questioning the Lord, I could see that these LDS 15 presiding leaders were not Jesus's prophets.

I questioned, “Jesus, are you sure these guys aren't your prophets? All of my life I've been taught that they are your prophets. Are you sure?”

He responded, “Well, I should know these things, but if you don't believe me, go ask them yourself.” The thought of questioning them made my jaw drop.

On May 14, 2011, the Lord told me what to say in the letter. I told him I didn't want to do it. I was nervous about asking them questions. I argued back, “Do you know what they do to people who ask questions like that?”

On May 15, 2011, the letter was again put into my mind. This time I got up and wrote the letter. I decided to write Dallin H. Oaks since he knows my parents. Here's the letter:

______________________________________________________________________

May 15, 2011

Hello Elder Oaks,

I’m Dean and Joy Wilding’s youngest daughter. You came to our wedding reception in 1991.

Over the past six months, I’ve had an overwhelming desire to come into the presence of the Savior, have my calling and election made sure, become a personal witness of Christ, and receive my vision of the end from the beginning. Everyday I ask the Lord how I can repent and please him. It’s the driving force in my life.

Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am; - D&C 93:1

I have not yet been invited to become a member of the church of the Lamb of God also known as the church of the Firstborn. By default that makes me a member of the church of the devil. I desire to get out of the church of the devil and become a member of the church of the Lamb of God.

And he said unto me: Behold there are save two churches only; the one is the church of the Lamb of God, and the other is the church of the devil; wherefore, whoso belongeth not to the church of the Lamb of God belongeth to that great church, which is the mother of abominations; and she is the whore of all the earth. - 1 Nephi 14:10

I’ve always thought that I was on the straight and narrow path leading to eternal life. It seems that I’m on a preliminary path. I have not yet been cleansed by the Holy Ghost and come into the presence of the keeper of the gate. See all of 2 Nephi 31-33

O then, my beloved brethren, come unto the Lord, the Holy One. Remember that his paths are righteous. Behold, the way for man is narrow, but it lieth in a straight course before him, and the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel; and he employeth no servant there; and there is none other way save it be by the gate; for he cannot be deceived, for the Lord God is his name.- 2 Nephi 9:41

Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost. - 2 Nephi 31:17

Right now I’m repenting of my sins so I can get on the straight and narrow path. I ask the Lord daily to reveal my sins to me so I can repent. When I am sufficiently pure, the Lord will come and give me further instructions.

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 angles, and after this should deny me, it would have been better for you that ye had not known me. - 2 Nephi 31:14

Behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and there will be no more doctrine given until after he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh. And when he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh, the things which he shall say unto you shall ye observe to do. - 2 Nephi 32:6

I desire to come into the presence of the Lord and know him so that I can receive my exaltation. I hear the Holy Ghost talking to me often, but I have not yet been sanctified. The Holy Ghost has revealed to me that coming into the presence of the Lord and knowing Him in this lifetime is essential.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, except ye abide my law ye cannot attain to this glory.

For strait is the gate, and narrow the way that leadeth unto the exaltation and continuation of the lives, and few there be that find it, because ye receive me not in the world neither do ye know me.

But if ye receive me in the world, then shall ye know me, and shall receive your exaltation; that where I am ye shall be also. - D&C 132:21-23

There are many scriptures showing me that all the Holy Prophets have followed the pattern of becoming sanctified, coming into the presence of the Lord, witnessing the ministry and atonement of Christ, and receiving their vision of the beginning to the end: Lehi, Nephi, Jacob, Enos, King Benjamin, Isaiah, John, brother of Jared, Joseph in Egypt, etc. They are qualified to reveal and prophesy because they’ve seen it all and have been commissioned to do so.

It has been my understanding that the reason we sustain the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve as Prophets, Seers, and Revelators is because all of you have been sanctified, have had the experience of seeing the Savior face to face, and have become apostolic witnesses of His birth, death, atonement, and resurrection. As part of that experience you’ve also seen the history and future of the world. Is this true?

As I listened to this last general conference, I was alarmed and concerned. I heard messages that were inconsistent with the message I read in the Book of Mormon. For those of you who have had the same experience as Nephi and the Brother of Jared, would you instruct us on how we can obey and please the Lord so that we can have the experience of entering back into the presence of the Lord?

And it came to pass after I, Nephi, having heard all the words of my father, concerning the things which he saw in a vision, and also the things which he spake by the power of the Holy Ghost, which power he received by faith on the Son of God—and the Son of God was the Messiah who should come—I, Nephi, was desirous also that I might see, and hear, and know of these things, by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him, as well in times of old as in the time that he should manifest himself unto the children of men.

For he is the same yesterday, today, and forever; and the way is prepared for all men from the foundation of the world, if it so be that they repent and come unto him.

For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round.- 1 Nephi 10:17-19

For it came to pass after I had desired to know the things that my father had seen, and believing that the Lord was able to make them known unto me, as I sat pondering in mine heart I was caught away in the Spirit of the Lord, yea, into an exceedingly high mountain, which I never had before seen, and upon which I never had before set my foot. - 1 Nephi 11:1

Nephi wasn’t a sign seeker but he knew that he could have the same vision as his father if he would but diligently seek the Lord. Nephi mourns because of our unbelief, wickedness, and ignorance. He’s telling us how to receive the same visions and manifestations that he’s had, yet we won’t seek after them with all our heart.

And now I, Nephi, cannot say more; the Spirit stoppeth mine utterance, and I am left to mourn because of the unbelief, and the wickedness, and the ignorance, and the stiffneckedness of men; for they will not search knowledge, nor understand great knowledge, when it is given unto them in plainness, even as plain as word can be. - 1 Nephi 32:7

In Elder David A. Bednar’s talk he speaks of “looking beyond the mark” as looking for great manifestations promised by God himself. Jesus Christ is the mark. Coming back into his presence while in the flesh is the greatest manifestation we can seek for in this life. I don’t want to be normal and be part of the mainstream that enters the broad gate and follows the wide road. I want to be peculiar and treasured by the Lord. If you read the rest of Jacob 4:14 you’ll see that “looking beyond the mark” is being stiffnecked and unwilling to repent. “Looking beyond the mark” does not mean looking for the miracles and angels promised to the believers.

Behold I say unto you, Nay; for it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain. - Moroni 7:37

“We as members of the Church tend to emphasize marvelous and dramatic spiritual manifestations so much that we may fail to appreciate and may even overlook the customary pattern by which the Holy Ghost accomplishes His work. The very “simpleness of the way” (1 Nephi 17:41) of receiving small and incremental spiritual impressions that over time and in totality constitute a desired answer or the direction we need may cause us to look “beyond the mark” (Jacob 4:14).

I have talked with many individuals who question the strength of their personal testimony and underestimate their spiritual capacity because they do not receive frequent, miraculous, or strong impressions. Perhaps as we consider the experiences of Joseph in the Sacred Grove, of Saul on the road to Damascus, and of Alma the Younger, we come to believe something is wrong with or lacking in us if we fall short in our lives of these well-known and spiritually striking examples. If you have had similar thoughts or doubts, please know that you are quite normal. Just keep pressing forward obediently and with faith in the Savior. As you do so, you “cannot go amiss” (D&C 80:3).

President Joseph F. Smith counseled: “Show me Latter-day Saints who have to feed upon miracles, signs and visions in order to keep them steadfast in the Church, and I will show you members … who are not in good standing before God, and who are walking in slippery paths. It is not by marvelous manifestations unto us that we shall be established in the truth, but it is by humility and faithful obedience to the commandments and laws of God” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1900, 40).” (David A. Bednar, The Spirit of Revelation, April 2011 Conference)

When “individuals who question the strength of their personal testimony and underestimate their spiritual capacity because they do not receive frequent, miraculous, or strong impressions” ask questions of their leaders, they need to be told how to repent. Being consoled in our wickedness will never bring us back into the presence of the Lord. Something is wrong if we’re not following and experiencing the spiritually striking examples of the Holy Prophets. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. God gives the examples so we know what to look for.

For I, the Almighty, have laid my hands upon the nations, to scourge them for their wickedness.

And plagues shall go forth, and they shall not be taken from the earth until I have completed my work, which shall be cut short in righteousness—

Until all shall know me, who remain, even from the least unto the greatest, and shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord, and shall see eye to eye, and shall lift up their voice, and with the voice together sing this new song, saying: D&C 84:96-98

In Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s talk “Waiting on the Road to Damascus”, he speaks of Joseph Smith having divine manifestations like Paul. Do the current apostles have these kind of manifestations? I understand that our testimony doesn’t come all at once, but when I come to know Christ, it is my hope that He doesn’t come “almost unnoticed”. I desire to see him in all his glory.

We know that manifestations such as this happen. In fact, we testify that a similar divine experience happened in 1820 to a boy named Joseph Smith. It is our clear and certain testimony that the heavens are open again and that God speaks to His prophets and apostles. God hears and answers the prayers of His children. . .

The truth is, those who diligently seek to learn of Christ eventually will come to know Him. They will personally receive a divine portrait of the Master, although it most often comes in the form of a puzzle—one piece at a time. Each individual piece may not be easily recognizable by itself; it may not be clear how it relates to the whole. Each piece helps us to see the big picture a little more clearly. Eventually, after enough pieces have been put together, we recognize the grand beauty of it all. Then, looking back on our experience, we see that the Savior had indeed come to be with us—not all at once but quietly, gently, almost unnoticed.

I was reading Elder Boyd K Packer’s October 2007 talk “The Weak and the Simple of the Church”, and I appreciate the straight forward manner in which Elder Packer talks of his witness of Christ. I too was surprised to find out that Apostles don’t need to have a unique and special witness of Christ.

To my great surprise, I was called to meet with President David O. McKay. He took both of my hands in his and called me to be one of the General Authorities, an Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

A few days later, I came to Salt Lake City to meet with the First Presidency to be set apart as one of the General Authorities of the Church. This was the first time I had met with the First Presidency—President David O. McKay and his counselors, President Hugh B. Brown and President Henry D. Moyle.

President McKay explained that one of the responsibilities of an Assistant to the Twelve was to stand with the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as a special witness and to bear testimony that Jesus is the Christ. What he said next overwhelmed me: “Before we proceed to set you apart, I ask you to bear your testimony to us. We want to know if you have that witness.”

I did the best I could. I bore my testimony the same as I might have in a fast and testimony meeting in my ward. To my surprise, the Brethren of the Presidency seemed pleased and proceeded to confer the office upon me.

That puzzled me greatly, for I had supposed that someone called to such an office would have an unusual, different, and greatly enlarged testimony and spiritual power. . .

I bear witness that the gospel is true and that the worth of souls is great in the sight of God—every soul—and that we are blessed to be members of the Church. I have the witness that would qualify me for the calling I have. I’ve had it since I met the First Presidency those many years ago. I bear it to you in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

In David B. Haight’s April 1989 talk “The Sacrament—and the Sacrifice” he shares his experience and apostolic witness of Christ. David B. Haight is a special witness of Christ.

. . .I had never doubted nor wondered. But now I knew, because of the impressions of the Spirit upon my heart and soul, these divine truths in a most unusual way.

I was shown a panoramic view of His earthly ministry: His baptism, His teaching, His healing the sick and lame, the mock trial, His Crucifixion, His Resurrection and Ascension. There followed scenes of His earthly ministry to my mind in impressive detail, confirming scriptural eyewitness accounts. I was being taught, andthe eyes of my understanding were opened by the Holy Spirit of God so as to behold many things. . .

Have all the apostles received an apostolic witness of Christ unique and different from the faith and belief that most of us have? I like many others believe He lives because we can feel it in our hearts, but we are not yet special witnesses of Him. Have you seen him and witnessed His baptism, His teaching, His healing the sick and lame, the mock trial, His Crucifixion, His Resurrection, and His Ascension?

I ask this question because I am studying this issue out in my mind. I don’t hear the special apostolic witness of Christ shared in our general conferences apart from the one I quoted from David B. Haight. I need to know why we call the current First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Prophets, Seers, and Revelators.

Thank you for all you do. I sustain you with my prayers and fellowship.

Jennifer Willis

______________________________________________________________________

I didn't know if I would get a response. They're busy and probably don't have time to respond to my questions, but to my surprise, Dallin Oaks sent me a response. Here is a copy of the letter:

I had my answer. I could tell from his response that he wasn't the kind of prophet I read about in the scriptures. I don't fault him for it . . . I'm not a prophet either. The Lord knew I needed this letter as a second witness. The scriptures and God's voice were my first witness. This letter was my second.

Some Things Said Just Ain’t So, Part 3

Made in the absence of direct revelation

In the official statement of the church it reads: “The Church unequivocally condemns racism, including any and all past racism by individuals both inside and outside the Church. In 2006, then Church president Gordon B. Hinckley declared that “no man who makes disparaging remarks concerning those of another race can consider himself a true disciple of Christ. Nor can he consider himself to be in harmony with the teachings of the Church.”

Does President Hinckley really mean that any individual who makes disparaging remarks concerning those of another race is NOT considered a true disciple of Christ? If this is the case, are the racist Church presidents and apostles condemned and not considered true disciples of Christ? Gordon B. Hinckley, Brigham Young, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, Joseph Fielding Smith, Bruce R. McConkie, others, and the Church have all made some strong statements either for or against the black race. Are all of their statements authorized? Why do some directly oppose each other? 

Is the current Church denouncing doctrines that were preached by previous church leaders? Is it reasonable to conclude that the current official position of the church condemns precisely the official doctrine that had been approved by the church for decades? If so, would it seem logical that the church today should be considered out of harmony with the Church in times past?

If this, in fact, is the case, could some teachings previously encouraged and upheld by the church be wrong and be called abominations? Are there any abominations existing among the saints today? Are false doctrines being taught? Is it possible that some church leaders have led us astray in the past? If it happened before, could it be happening today? Are we ever led astray by the President of the Church, who is sustained by the members as prophet, seer, and revelator? How about the Apostles who are also sustained as prophets, seers, and revelators? General Authorities? Other leaders? If Church leaders have ever led us astray, how often does it happen? Seldom? Frequently? Every day? Always? How can we tell?

Are leaders and members held to the same standard of discipleship? According to President Hinckley’s statement, are some past church leaders disqualified as true disciples of Christ? Does this standard of discipleship apply to Church Presidents? Can doctrines taught by men, who fall short of true discipleship, be trusted to be accurate and official? Do the teachings of these religious leaders come from God and reflect His will? Are their messages valid and binding? Or are their words merely false traditions and the philosophies of men, which reflect the current trends of society?

Does God bestow power upon men who are NOT true disciples of Christ? Can they exercise power in the priesthood? Is their priestly power valid in heaven? Can anyone who is NOT a true disciple of Christ, possess sealing power? Is it possible for church leaders, who lack true discipleship, to hold the keys of the kingdom? Are the words of a non-disciple of Christ held up by God that whatsoever they shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever they shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven? Or do the words of an imposter fall to the ground and have no binding effect?

Can they pass priesthood power on from generation to generation, leader to leader, father to son? If the current leaders received priesthood from these former leaders who made racist remarks, and therefore are not true disciples of Christ, how valid is the priesthood the current leaders hold? How does all this workout? If the origins of priesthood availability are not entirely clear, and there is an absence of direct revelation, as declared in the Church’s official statement, does this raise any apprehension? Alarm? Anxiety? Concern? Uneasiness? Or worry? Does it bring up any questions?

Contradictory doctrinal claims and conflicting official statements seem to be obvious and have been circulating, changing, and adjusting to accommodate the views of men for a long time. Where do we turn for truth? How can Church hierarchy, who claim to speak in the name of God, make official doctrinal statements in an absence of direct revelation?  How can church leaders sustained as prophets, seers, and revelators contradict others sustained in the same manner? How can both be speaking and acting under direct revelation from God? Or have one or the other or both been in absence of direct revelation, and therefore, not speaking the mind and will of God? Are they truly prophets, seers, and revelators chosen by God himself? Or do they merely hold the title or leadership position to which they have been sustained? In an absence of direct revelation how can they be revelators?

Isn’t there a general belief among members of the church that words coming from the prophet, presently President Monson, are to be esteemed with high regard, not debated or questioned, and regarded as the final word of God upon which our salvation hangs? Does this same standard of belief extend, and at least partially apply, to the words of the quorum of the twelve apostles and other general authorities? What does the Lord think of this deep-rooted idea promoted among the saints? 2 Nephi 4:34 How does He feel about our unbelief? Hebrews 3:19

The church officially declared that some explanations were made in the absence of direct revelation and some statements are personal and do not represent Church doctrine. If this is true, does it seem reasonable to conclude that some leaders were in error? Have they taught for doctrine the commandments of men? Matthew 15:9

 Is it sensible to believe that some men within the church hierarchy have practiced priestcraft and taught contrary to the will of God?  Have some authentic bona fide church leaders 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 Or have they just made foolish human mistakes and contradict each other by following the crowd of the day?

When inconsistency and discrepancies of doctrinal views rise within a single church over a relatively short time, red flags are sent up all over the place. Sincere people seeking truth, together with critics, start asking some pretty tough and searching questions. D&C 123:12 Sensible, logical, and acceptable answers are very difficult, if not impossible, to obtain without admitting apostasy, priestcraft, and corruption within the church itself.

Lucifer employs fabrications, trickery, deceit, and cover-ups. One of his tactics is to imitate God and supplant true prophets with counterfeit powerless substitutes. The father of lies uses priestly leaders, formal procedures, and ceremonial observances to manipulate people and endorse collective apostasy. All the while, sincere folk think they are following God, obeying his commandments, making sufficient sacrifice, walking the path to heaven, and believing all is well in Zion. “And thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell” 2 Nephi 28:21.

Lyings, deceivings, whoredoms, secret abominations, idolatries, murders, priestcrafts, envyings, strifes, evil doings, much wickedness, and abominations are used in the grand scheme of deception by the evil one. If the adversary succeeds by keeping us from receiving a remission of our sins and being filled with the Holy Ghost, we will fail to be numbered among the people of God, who are of the house of Israel. 3 Nephi 30:2

Is a true messenger sent from the presence of God? Would he be clothed with power? Does he have a message for mankind? Is the message clear, binding, and unalterable? Are God’s messengers different than mere men who promote their own agendas? Are true prophets chosen of God or simply called by men? Do they really know God or just say so and claim His authority? Have they yielded to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, been born again, sanctified, redeemed from the fall, and become a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord? Or do they remain a natural man and enemy to God? Mosiah 3:19

Have they heard the voice of their Redeemer and personally received the testimony of Jesus? Or do they simply bear testimony of Him like many Christians do in churches throughout the world? Do prophets receive the sealing authority from God, possess heavenly power, and proclaim a binding message from God to society? Or do they use modern social sciences to determine public opinion and go with the flow?

Do they waver, change their minds, vacillate, back track, submit to and build up Babylon, and attempt to please the general public? Do they forget God, search for political correctness, succumb to peer pressure, and yield to society? Do they remain unclear, uncertain, unprepared, unqualified, unredeemed, unsaved and lost, being disconnected from heaven like most men find themselves? “Yea, how long will ye suffer yourselves to be led by foolish and blind guides?” Helaman 13:29 What is the description of a true prophet who you want to receive?

Joseph Smith had something to say about true prophets: “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 p. 206 

Are true messengers, sent from heaven, ever accepted, praised, or placed on coveted pedestals for public display? Do they ever receive special awards, earn high honors, have their names attached to buildings and engraved on granite, or accept recognition and praise from men? Or are they mocked, persecuted, reviled, and cast out by the non-repentant souls who attempt, against odds, to vilify their names, ignore the message of repentance, and deny the power of the Holy Ghost?

How can Church leaders in an absence of direct revelation possibly call repentance to Babylon, prophesy, declare warnings, curses, and blessings without Godly authority, teach the doctrine of Christ with power, and point souls to Christ, who is the One authorized to redeem mankind? Does the word of God spoken by prophets bend to worldly power, conform to popular opinion, and succumb to society? Or must the people humble themselves, repent of their sins, and surrender their will to God? What must we do to be saved and avoid damnation?

To be continued . . .