Questions on Sustaining and Signing Priesthood Certificates

God invites all of us to be curious, ask questions, and study our questions out in our mind before coming to Him for answers. I don’t believe He just lays it all out without me also putting forth effort to figure out the answers. After I have pondered a question and struggled to understand, I am very grateful for God’s answers.

• . . . Ask of God. Ask and it shall be given you, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you; for everyone that asks, receives; and he that seeks, finds; and to him that knocks, it shall be opened. [emphasis added] Matthew 3:42

Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you when you took no thought save it was to ask me. But behold, I say unto you that you must study it out in your mind, then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right, I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right. But if it be not right, you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong. Therefore, you cannot write that which is sacred save it be given you from me.  [emphasis added] JSH 3:26

After working with women’s councils for the last seven years, I have questions about the rights and responsibilities associated with signing a man’s priesthood certificate. The Lord has given us instructions on how to vote to sustain a man and sign his certificate. He has also revealed how to remove a man’s certificate when his priesthood is called into question. 

“For any who would like to qualify to minister outside his family, he must meet in a community and obtain a sustaining vote of a minimum of seven women. When that is done, all seven who vote to sustain should sign a certificate. . . If the man is married, his wife must be among the seven women. If his wife will not sustain him, he is unworthy to provide priesthood service for the fellowship. . .If a man’s worthiness to function is called into question, then a conference can be convened to deal with the question. . . Removal should be by unanimous vote of the women present, with at least 12 votes against a man to end his authority to act in the fellowship community. . .” Preserving the Restoration, pg. 510-511

Question: If a woman wants to remove her signature from a man’s priesthood certificate after she has signed it, how is this to be done?

I’ve talked to men and women about this question, and most believe the only way a woman can remove her signature from a man’s priesthood certificate is to remove the man’s certificate. This does not make sense to me. A woman might want to remove her signature from a certificate, and it has nothing to do with the man’s worthiness to hold priesthood. Here are just a few reasons a woman might want to remove her signature without removing the man’s certificate.

• She hasn’t seen the man in a long time no longer associates with him

• She is no longer part of this covenant body of believers and does not want to associate herself or her name with us

• The man has left this covenant body of believers

• She is dead and can no longer openly signify support and approval

• She doesn’t feel comfortable with the man, but does not have physical evidence and/or desire to call a council to remove his certificate

• She just doesn’t want to continue openly signifying support and approval for this man

• The man does not want to be accountable to one or more of the women on his certificate

If I sustain a man and sign my name on his priesthood certificate, I believe this means “I openly signify support and approval.” Sustain suggests something ongoing. 

Sustain: To openly signify support and approval by vote or affirmation . . .  to support as true, legal, or just; or to allow or admit a proposal as valid. . . glossary of terms

If women are only authenticating a man’s priesthood certificate and do not need to continue sustaining the man, then I see no reason to remove a woman’s signature. It is a one time deal and lasts a lifetime. The woman does not need to stay in contact with, vouch for, or continue sustaining the man. Having a daily walk with the man is not implied or expected. But signing a priesthood certificate might mean more than authenticating a document (as when documents are notarized by a notary public). 

Question: What are women signifying when they sign a priesthood certificate?

Question: Is there an ongoing responsibility women have to the man or community after signing a priesthood certificate?  If so, what are the responsibilities of the woman? What is to be done if the responsibilities can no longer be fulfilled by the woman?

Question: What is the purpose and significance of obtaining a priesthood certificate?

If men are not held accountable in the community by requiring them to manifest their priesthood certificate prior to doing priesthood ordinances in the community, what are the reasons for having a certificate?

In the LDS church, we are given the opportunity every year to vote to sustain, oppose, or refrain from voting for our priesthood leaders. We can request our names be removed from the records of the LDS church. We can request to be released from an LDS calling, etc. Giving our sustaining vote is asked for and given on a regular basis.

Without removing a man’s certificate, a woman from this covenant body of believers currently has no release from signifying her sustaining vote for a man once she has signed his priesthood certificate. 

If a woman were to remove her name from a priesthood certificate, I do not believe it would invalidate the man’s certificate, assuming a minimum of seven women on his certificate are still intact. If he no longer has a minimum of seven women on his certificate, it seems reasonable that another woman’s signature could replace the one that was removed. 

Only if the wife were to remove her name from a man’s certificate, would it invalidate his certificate. I think a wife should have this prerogative. She knows her husband’s daily walk and knows his heart and struggles. If she withdraws her sustaining support, he should cease using his priesthood until that support has returned. I do not think it wise to drag personal and private marital problems before a council of 12 women. The wife should be allowed to privately withdraw support and return that support without drawing public attention to their problems. 

In discussing this idea with others, I have heard it said, “But what if the man has a crazy wife who manipulates him by sustaining and revoking just because they had an argument, etc.?” My answer to them is . . .  Sounds like the man has marital problems he needs to work out. It might be better for him to spend his time and attention at home working on his marriage than to go out and perform priesthood ordinances for others. 

I do not want to commit to sustaining any man in the priesthood for a lifetime. My husband is not opposed to my views. His is the only priesthood certificate I could invalidate by removing my sustaining vote. I do not impose these views on other women, and they are free to reason these issues out in their own mind. 

Possible Solutions:

• All priesthood certificates are renewed on a regular basis. This would cover situations where people flow out of each other’s lives, leave this covenant body of believers, or die. 

• A woman can request her signature be removed from a man’s certificate allowing his wife time to get another woman to take her place. Records of these requests should be kept in personal journals. This would cover situations where a woman just doesn’t feel comfortable sustaining a man. 

Question: If a man wants to be ordained to the priesthood but does not want to obtain a priesthood certificate so he can perform ordinances outside his family, does he need the sustaining vote of seven women?

“There are people coming from different faiths to associate with fellowships… [they] will  need to be sustained and ordained. They should understand something about  priesthood before being sustained. Once sustained, when ordaining someone to serve in  these fellowships ordain no one to an office, only confer priesthood. Let everyone be equal. Keep lines of authority. It will reckon through the one who confers the priesthood. But power can only come from Christ. 

First time ordinations (after April 2014) should be done within a fellowship. All who are ordained in these communities should keep a record of the line of authority and pass it down. Be prepared to defend those lines of authority using the records kept. All of the women who vote to sustain should not only sign the certificate, but also record it in  diaries or journals. Let records be kept so if anyone questions, there will be abundant witnesses and documentation.” Preserving the Restoration 512-513

The Lord has not yet revealed His mind and will on these questions. There are many different perspectives and opinions. If we pray together in humility and together meekly present our dispute to the Lord, and if we are contrite before Him, He will tell us His part. I am praying for an answer and would like to invite any who are willing to join with me in petitioning the Lord.

• Study to learn how to respect your brothers and sisters and to come together by precept, reason, and persuasion, rather than sharply disputing and wrongly condemning each other, causing anger. Take care how you invoke my name. Mankind has been controlled by the adversary through anger and jealousy, which has led to bloodshed and the misery of many souls. Even strong disagreements should not provoke anger, nor to invoke my name in vain as if I had part in your every dispute. Pray together in humility and together meekly present your dispute to me, and if you are contrite before me, I will tell you my part.

Share your perspective and opinions in the comments and let us come together by precept, reason, and persuasion. 

Question #2 - How could three hundred souls be baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost and know it not?

From these scriptures we learn that there were about three hundred souls who saw and heard much; the Holy Spirit of God did enter into their hearts; they were filled as if with fire; they could speak forth marvelous words; a pleasant voice whispered, saying: Peace, peace be unto you; angels came down out of heaven and ministered unto them.

My question is: “How could three hundred souls be baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost and know it not? How do people know when they've been baptized by fire?”

“And it came to pass that when they cast their eyes about, and saw that the cloud of darkness was dispersed from overshadowing them, behold, they saw that they were encircled about, yea every soul, by a pillar of fire.

And Nephi and Lehi were in the midst of them; yea, they were encircled about; yea, they were as if in the midst of a flaming fire, yet it did harm them not, neither did it take hold upon the walls of the prison; and they were filled with that joy which is unspeakable and full of glory.

And behold, the Holy Spirit of God did come down from heaven, and did enter into their hearts, and they were filled as if with fire, and they could speak forth marvelous words.

And it came to pass that there came a voice unto them, yea, a pleasant voice, as if it were a whisper, saying:

Peace, peace be unto you, because of your faith in my Well Beloved, who was from the foundation of the world.

And now, when they heard this they cast up their eyes as if to behold from whence the voice came; and behold, they saw the heavens open; and angels came down out of heaven and ministered unto them.

And there were about three hundred souls who saw and heard these things; and they were bidden to go forth and marvel not, neither should they doubt” Helaman 5:43-49.

“Behold, it was the faith of Nephi and Lehi that wrought the change upon the Lamanites, that they were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost” Ether 12:14.

“And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit. And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, him will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost, even as the Lamanites, because of their faith in me at the time of their conversion, were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and they knew it not” 3 Nephi 9:20.

Did you walk away from the Mormon faith?

Last week someone sent an email to our Provident Living Today website. “I would like to ask you a personal question. You were talking about seeking God in A Little Peace in Paradise. It seemed like you found what you were looking for. Did you walk away from the Mormon faith? I am a Christian, and it sounds like you did. Can you let me know either way?”

I don't mind answering. I prefer it when people ask straightforward questions. No, I haven't walked away from the Mormon faith. I still strongly believe in Joseph Smith as a prophet of God and the Book of Mormon as another testament of Jesus Christ. I also believe in the Bible. The center of my faith is Jesus Christ. I don't agree with some of the beliefs that are being perpetuated in the Mormon Church today, but I haven't given up on the Mormons.

No, I haven't found what I'm looking for; I'm still on a quest to see God. I currently attend church with Christian people who aren't Mormons. My new friends have welcomed me into their congregations.

The leaders of the Mormon Church don't like some of my questions and comments. I’m not angry with them because I can see that they're human just like the rest of us. I realize that I challenge some of the Mormon traditions, and that might be a little scary for many of them. I understand their fear because I felt the same way when I recognized that some of my Mormon traditions were false. To be reconciled with new understanding, many of my paradigms and beliefs had to be rearranged or abandoned.

I am reporting what I see, feel, and experience. I notice inconsistencies between the teachings in the scriptures (Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price) and what is being taught and practiced in the Mormon Church today. Some people don't like it when I talk about these discrepancies. It seems to make them feel uncomfortable. It’s okay if they don’t agree with me. I don’t have all the answers. I am discovering new information and have a lot of questions. I think we should talk about our beliefs and ideas without fear of being threatened and rejected. But it is what it is:)

Joseph Smith saw Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father face to face and encouraged us to seek the Lord’s face. This is what I'm looking for. I want to see and talk with the Lord face to face before I die.

Many Christians believe that accepting Christ is enough. They love Jesus, and I enjoy worshiping the Lord with them. It is my belief that there is still much more available. I know people who have seen the Lord. I am told that the Heavenly Gift is offered to all who desire it.

"Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." John 14:23

“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

And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved. Genesis 32:30

Therefore, sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall see him; for he will unveil his face unto you, and it shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will. D&C 88:68

“And the Lord said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes, And be ready against the third day: for the third day the Lord will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai” Exodus 19:10-11. . . “And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off. And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die. And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.” Exodus 19:18-20

“And now I, Moroni, bid farewell unto the Gentiles, yea, and also unto my brethren whom I love, until we shall meet before the judgment-seat of Christ, where all men shall know that my garments are not spotted with your blood. And then shall ye know that I have seen Jesus, and that he hath talked with me face to face, and that he told me in plain humility, even as a man telleth another in mine own language, concerning these things. . . And now, I would commend you to seek this Jesus of whom the prophets and apostles have written, that the grace of God the Father, and also the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, which beareth record of them, may be and abide in you forever. Amen.” Ether 12:38,39,41

A Little Peace in Paradise is a record of our journey as we seek the face of God. Feel free to ask questions anytime.

Question #1 – Was the Brother of Jared the first man to see God?

“And the Lord said unto him: Because of thy faith thou hast seen that I shall take upon me flesh and blood; and never has man come before me with such exceeding faith as thou hast; for were it not so ye could not have seen my finger. Sawest thou more than this?” Ether 3:9

“And never have I showed myself unto man whom I have created, for never has man believed in me as thou hast. Seest thou that ye are created after mine own image? Yea, even all men were created in the beginning after mine own image” Ether 3:15.

Does this mean that the Brother of Jared was the first man to see God?

What about Adam, Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch, and Methuselah D&C 107:48-54?

What am I missing here?

Disclaimer

We reserve and claim the right and privilege to change our thoughts, ideas, and beliefs on any issue as God reveals further light and knowledge.

We have a lot of questions. At this time, we do not have perfect knowledge only beliefs, ideas, and questions. We acknowledge that some of our beliefs may be false beliefs. Questions are good because they challenge our viewpoints. Since we don’t always know the difference between our false traditions and the ways of God, we need to keep our minds and hearts open to what God has to reveal.

Questions can destroy faith or build faith. If the intention behind the question is to align our lives with truth, the questioning process is faith promoting. If the intention behind the question is to justify an angry heart or find an excuse to remain in sin, questions can be destructive.

We have confidence that if we continue asking God questions with the intent to obey all His commands, He will rearrange our beliefs and present new paradigms . . . until we come to that perfect day and know for ourselves.

Life is a personal and unique journey with God. This blog is an attempt to record our thoughts, ideas, and experiences as we seek to come back into the presence of God. It is highly probable that we will get some things wrong along the way. That’s part of our progression. This is only a record of the journey, not a claim that we’ve got it all figured out.

Not All Who Wander Are Lost

Not all who wander are lost. J.R.R. Tolkien My daughter has this quote on her screen saver. It carries a powerful message that’s worth considering.

I think it’s healthy to have differences in opinions. No mortal is infallible, and we all have much to learn in our search for truth. When someone challenges our beliefs and traditions, it gives us an opportunity to take another look at those beliefs and traditions. Are they founded in truth or in superstition and the philosophies of men?

On the other hand, I do not think it is healthy when one person or group of people uses threats, intimidation, manipulation, bullying, duress, fear tactics, and force to coerce someone else into believing as they believe. We should take our example from God who really does know the truth of all things. He uses persuasion, long-suffering, gentleness, meekness, love unfeigned, kindness, and pure knowledge to help his children come to an understanding of the truth. D&C 121:41-42

When I share ideas and ask questions, I occasionally get comments like: you’re going off the deep end; you’re apostatizing; or if you don’t believe as we believe, you and your family are going to hell.

I loved swimming as a child. When I think about going into the deep end, I think about more freedom in the water. Of course it takes more skill, strength, and endurance to swim in the deep end, but there is so much more you can do there. Swimming in deep water also reminds me a statement by Joseph Smith.

“And as for the perils which I am called to pass through, they seem but a small thing to me, as the envy and wrath of man have been my common lot all the days of my life; and for what cause it seems mysterious, unless I was ordained from before the foundation of the world for some good end, or bad, as you may choose to call it. Judge ye for yourselves. God knoweth all these things, whether it be good or bad. But nevertheless, deep water is what I am wont to swim in. It all has become a second nature to me; and I feel, like Paul, to glory in tribulation; for to this day has the God of my fathers delivered me out of them all, and will deliver me from henceforth; for behold, and lo, I shall triumph over all my enemies, for the Lord God hath spoken it.” Doctrine and Covenants 127:2

It might not be a bad thing to swim in the deep end of the swimming pool.

I don’t think the cry of apostasy is a method that should be used to stifle sincere questions and suppress the sharing of ideas. When we ask God questions, he doesn’t call us an apostate. In fact, he commands us to ask him questions and assures us that we won’t be scolded if we do so. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James 1:5

As for going to hell, well that’s exactly what we all deserve. Christ is the only one who can lift us out of that awful pit. That being the case, I think I’ll let him be the judge of who’s going to heaven or hell.

I grew up in the Chicago area. There are so many things that I love about my childhood. There were many religions and cultures present in Chicago. I don’t know if I appreciated this diversity as a child, but I look back at it as a great blessing. Most of my friends had different religious backgrounds, and that’s just the way it was. I never felt forced to accept their beliefs. They came to church with me, and I went to church with them. We didn’t see it as a threat to either one of us. We were friends.

Everything wasn’t always good. There were some people who were intolerant of our family’s beliefs. I didn’t like that part. My younger brother seemed to get more flak than I did, but it was still hard on me. I saw people spit on him, scatter his things across the hall, and be just plain mean. I learned at an early age what it feels like to be an outcast. I started to learn how to find answers by going to God instead of looking at popular opinion.

Halfway through high school, our family moved to Utah. I thought it would be different. It was different in some ways, but very much the same in others. Although many more people in Utah share my religion, the friendships and intolerance were very similar. I have many dear friends that I treasure, and I like that part.

On the other hand, the religious intolerance is a challenge for me. There is a sameness that is expected in this culture. The freedom to be curious and ask questions is not valued. I wonder how we’re going to receive greater light and knowledge if we’re censored when we ask questions, oodles of questions, any questions, even forbidden questions.

It feels good to ask questions. It feels even better to learn that I’ve been wrong. Putting away false notions and ideas is liberating. Worshipping God according the dictates of our own conscience is a privilege to be claimed. It is highly unlikely that society is just going to offer it to us.

We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may. Articles of Faith 1:11

Keep Those Questions Coming

Keep Those Questions Coming

I hear God saying, “Keep those questions coming. You need to learn how to ask meaningful questions if you intend to find me.” Over and over he counsels us to ask, seek, and knock.

And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Luke 11:9-10

What are we looking for? Is there someone or something that we want to find?

God has something of great value to share with us, but to receive it we must put forth the required effort. “What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods . . .” Thomas Paine

I imagine in my mind a game of hide-and-go-seek. Do I expect to find this great treasure in the first place I look? No. I keep looking for the Heavenly Gift, asking for clues, and following directions. This is how He teaches me and shows me the path.

Along the way I have to change my paradigms and thoughts to match His. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9

The object of prayer is not to change the will of God, but to secure for ourselves and others blessings that God is already willing to grant, but that are made conditional on our asking for them. Blessings require some work or effort on our part before we can obtain them. Prayer is a form of work, and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings. (Bible Dictionary page 753)

Finding this treasure takes time. It’s not that God is unwilling to grant the blessings now, but my heart needs to learn a few things. I’m on a journey. I don’t know the way, but trust in Him as the perfect guide. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

Let’s contrast the results of those who are unwilling to ask God questions with those who eagerly ask Him questions.

What happens when we don’t ask Him questions?

Wherefore, now after I have spoken these words, if ye cannot understand them it will be because ye ask not, neither do ye knock; wherefore, ye are not brought into the light, but must perish in the dark. 2 Nephi 32:4

Why are people unwilling to ask God questions?

And their hearts are corrupt, and full of wickedness and abominations; and they love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil; therefore they will not ask of me. Doctrine and Covenants 10:21

What happens when we ask in faith and believe?

Do ye not remember the things which the Lord hath said?—If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you. 1 Nephi 15:11

Who will we find?

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. Doctrine and Covenants 88:63

What does God have to give us?

If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things—that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal. Doctrine and Covenants 42:61

Who can qualify for these blessings?

Behold, I say unto you that whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him; and this promise is unto all, even unto the ends of the earth. Mormon 9:21

Some people are afraid of questions because it threatens their false traditions, but God welcomes all our questions. I find it humorous that after confronting Jesus’ wisdom time after time, the Pharisees and Sadducees decided not to ask him any more questions. “And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions.” Matthew 22:46

How do our traditions prevent us from asking questions?

I say unto you, my sons, were it not for these things, which have been kept and preserved by the hand of God, that we might read and understand of his mysteries, and have his commandments always before our eyes, that even our fathers would have dwindled in unbelief, and we should have been like unto our brethren, the Lamanites, who know nothing concerning these things, or even do not believe them when they are taught them, because of the traditions of their fathers, which are not correct. Mosiah 1:5

How do we know if our traditions are true traditions or false traditions? Are they true because our parents told us they were true? Are they true because our friends and neighbors believe they are true? This is an interesting phenomenon. Who can tell us the truth? Who can show us what reality really looks like?

I have good parents and I feel secure their love for me. We were having a conversation, and I asked some questions that had been on mind for some time. It was interesting to see my dad’s reaction. He said, “That’s very dangerous to ask those questions.” I asked him why it was so dangerous. He didn’t have a response.

Now his reaction is not uncommon. My parents have raised me to be an independent thinker, and we often talk about things that are different from mainstream thinking. But when it comes to challenging a deep seeded tradition of our family, it feels like dangerous territory.

We really are in a predicament. If we don’t have permission to challenge our own traditions, we’ll never know if they’re true or false. There’s little room for progress with this mindset.

We have false traditions that we think are true. If we’re willing to ask God questions, the door is open for Him to lead us to the truth. Now if you decide to ask God questions, it’s very probable that talking to Him will change your belief system. How many people really think like him? How many people have his power and wisdom?

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. James 1:5

God won’t scold you for asking questions. He rejoices in the humble soul who will come and inquire of him. He stands at the door and knocks, ready to have a conversation with you.

Cursed is he that putteth his trust in man, or maketh flesh his arm, or shall hearken unto the precepts of men, save their precepts shall be given by the power of the Holy Ghost. 2 Nephi 28:31

Although we can help and encourage each other, we are cursed if we rely on another person for knowledge. We must inquire of God for ourselves.

It’s an awesome undertaking to come before God for first-hand knowledge. The children of Israel found it quite frightening. They didn’t want to talk to God. They wanted Moses to talk to God for them. Because of their unwillingness to come, God swore in his wrath that they should not enter into his rest.

And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with God; and they stood at the nether part of the mount. Exodus 19:17

And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off. And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die. And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not. And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was. Exodus 20:18-21

Wherefore we labored diligently among our people, that we might persuade them to come unto Christ, and partake of the goodness of God, that they might enter into his rest, lest by any means he should swear in his wrath they should not enter in, as in the provocation in the days of temptation while the children of Israel were in the wilderness. Jacob 1:7

God loves us and want us to enter into his rest. God welcomes our questions. If we don’t know the answers, he will tell us all about it. He really does answer all of the questions of our hearts. I have learned this truth through my own experience, and I still have many things to inquire of Him.

Not All Who Wander Are Lost