God, I’m ready… Then do it! Part 2

I was still sitting in my chair talking with God. I communicated, “Okay, I’m ready to do whatever you tell me to do.” An immediate reply came, “Then go do what I’ve already told you.” I asked, “What is it that you have already told me to do? I don’t remember anything remarkable, extraordinary, or impressive that you’ve asked me to do. I am failing to remember an assignment from you of any great importance. Help me. What am I missing?”

Then I was reminded and my understanding increased. I had forgotten something very important. Multiple times I had received the impression to love, pay attention to, teach, inspire, take greater interest in, sacrifice my time for, and be patient with my family. What? Right within my own home? Is that your request? Is that what you want me to do? O boy, that’s hard work!

I decided to start doing what the Lord asked.  With twelve children ranging from 0 to 18 years old, I am learning fast, and feeling a massive molding process. We learn at home and spend a lot of time together. I am being exposed to a variety of situations, tests, challenges, successes, joy, and absolute failure and intimidation. 

Some days are exciting and positive. Most of the children work together, focus, and accomplish much good and learning. Things just seem to flow, peace prevails, and the day passes pleasantly.

On the other hand, there are times, too many times, when brains just turn off, everyone wants attention at once, noise erupts, motivation dies, and daydreaming becomes popular. Things can be chaotic, confusing, and disorderly. Entropy ensues and things seem to fall apart. I can talk until I’m red in the face with little affect on the descending, sliding situation.

To remedy the state of affairs, everyone has to go outside, take a deep breath of fresh air, release energy, and try again. For me, it sometimes takes more than one breath of fresh air to cool down, re-group, and attempt my assignment again. The day sometimes seems to never end, and I fall exhausted into bed.

The Lord knows just how to work with me, shape me, and redeem me. He really knows what He is doing, but it’s hard! Is it worth it? Yes, I believe so!

Initially, God’s directions seemed to be insignificant and not a big deal.  Now I recognize that His proposal is actually my next step on my journey back to Him. I must be willing to hear His voice, trust in Him, and make the necessary sacrifices and changes, step by step. I must not second guess His communication or brush it off as being inconsequential. He knows His work and His glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man, even me Moses 1:39.

God knows how to mold me as soft clay, and I must stay soft and remain moldable. At the moment, the way I am shaped and molded, won’t work in heaven.  Currently, I am not redeemed, and dwelling in the presence of a holy and just God would be miserable indeed. In fact, I’d feel better not being in the presence of God under a consciousness of my filthiness before Him. Standing naked, unclean, and unredeemed before the glory of God and the holiness of Jesus Christ will kindle unquenchable fire and not be pleasant. Mormon 9:4-5 http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/morm/9.4-5?lang=eng#3

I am in an awful situation, merit being cast out and burned, and represent fruit not worth preserving.  My hope, however, is in Christ. He has offered redemption to all who believe in Him, even me. Alma 11:40 I have faith in Jesus and trust I will soon be redeemed by Him. I am confident that I am His divine work in process.

I must have confidence knowing I have done everything He has asked me to do to the best of my knowledge.  Men tend to mess up the whole plan and try to rearrange and distort the things of God, thereby sending me off on tangents. I must focus on Christ, no one else 2 Nephi 4:34.

I suppose after being true and faithful to His voice and instructions over a necessary period of time, He will give me the next step according to His perfect judgment and wisdom. As submissive and obedient children willingly sacrifice whatever is required, we will be offered further light and knowledge even until the perfect day when redemption and the fullness comes. “That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.” D&C 50:24

I believe a specific, sufficient, and perfect sacrifice is required in order to make a claim on eternal life and behold His face. I believe the Lord will ask me to make the sacrifice of things near and dear to my heart and require me to give it to Him. Then, I can receive the greatest gift of God D&C 14:7, the Heavenly Gift 4 Nephi 1:3, be redeemed by Him Ether 3:13, and obtain His promise of eternal life Mosiah 26:20.

I think it’s worth the sacrifices that may be required of me. Lord, help me to do whatever is necessary to obtain eternal life.

God, I’m ready… Then do it! Part 1

I was sitting in my chair, pondering, and asking God questions. What lack I yet? What stands between you and me? I’m ready to do whatever you tell me to do. Father, what do I need to do to know thee? What is required of me to obtain a promise of eternal life? How can I get a promise, the everlasting covenant directly from you? Hebrews 6:13

God, I want to tell you what I’m sure you already know about me and ask some questions. I try to be a good dad and family man and keep the commandments. On the outside, it may appear all is well with me, but on the inside I feel so very much undone, unfit, and unclean Isaiah 6:5.

Is it possible I have just been going through the motions and following the precepts of men and have missed something vital? Have I overlooked receiving the rest, which you have to offer me? Matthew 11:28 Have I ignored your power to free me from sorrow, fear, and the hard bondage of Babylon?” Isaiah 14:3-4

I am lacking a lot, much of which I cannot obtain alone. I am asking for your help. I need mercy, forgiveness, and heavenly assurance of my status. I want to know where I stand with you. I believe Jesus Christ to be my Redeemer and friend with power to save. I believe in His sacrifice, atonement, crucifixion, death, resurrection, and ascension to heaven. 

I have heard witnesses and read the visions of others who know Christ and have been in His presence. I want to know Him myself independent of any other.  I know it is only through Christ I can be saved Helaman 5:9. What is blocking the path between Jesus and me? Perhaps, I am feeling much like the young man that asked Jesus similar questions.

“And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet”? Matthew19:16-20. 

I remember the words of Jesus, and I relate to the young man who had sufficient faith to ask. It is highly unlikely you, God, will give an answer, a test, or instructions to those who are reluctant to even ask D&C 103:31. We cut ourselves short when we lack faith to ask, are unwilling to hear, and demonstrate little desire to act. When we have a determination to serve you to the end, we will truly manifest it by our works D&C 20:37. When we draw near unto Christ, seek Him diligently, ask questions, and knock, it shall be opened unto us and answers will surely come. Matthew 7:7, D&C 88:63

The young man put forth the effort to ask.  He cared enough to inquire with a sincere heart and real intent. Jesus answered his question directly. “Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions” Matthew 19:21-22. 

The Lord knew this young man perfectly. What Christ asked him to sacrifice was exactly what the young man valued most. It proved to be very difficult to yield and give up his riches. He struggled to make this sacrifice to the Lord, sorrowed, and failed to surrender his possessions and lay them upon the altar. He forfeited eternal life for the things of the world, his possessions.

I am aware that sacrifice is required to obtain eternal life. When I make an acceptable and sufficient sacrifice unto you, I will not seek your face in vain. I will know you and receive a promise of eternal life. This was confirmed again to me when reading the Lectures on Faith prepared by the Prophet Joseph Smith.

“Let us here observe, that a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things, never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation; for from the first existence of man, the faith necessary unto the enjoyment of life and salvation never could be obtained without the sacrifice of all earthly things: it was through this sacrifice, and this only, that God has ordained that men should enjoy eternal life; and it is through the medium of the sacrifice of all earthly things, that men do actually know that they are doing the things that are well pleasing in the sight of God. When a man has offered in sacrifice all that he has, for the truth's sake, not even withholding his life, and believing before God that he has been called to make this sacrifice, because he seeks to do his will, he does know most assuredly, that God does and will accept his sacrifice & offering, & that he has not nor will not seek his face in vain. Under these circumstances, then, he can obtain the faith necessary for him to lay hold on eternal life.” Lectures on Faith 6:7 (Pages60-61)

It seems clear that in order to receive the promise of eternal life and to know that I am doing the things that are well pleasing in your sight, I must submit and be willing to sacrifice all that I possess, even my own life if necessary. Anything I possess or anything over which I have choice or control may be required. All things must be sacrificed to obtain redemption and the promise of eternal life. I must withhold nothing from you, God. You know the tests that will sufficiently prove me. I must be willing to make the required sacrifice when you ask.

To be continued . . .

And They Shall Fall Into the Pit Which They Digged

“For that which ye do send out shall return unto you again, and be restored.” Alma 41:15 Or in other words, what goes around comes around.  If we really believed this eternal principle to be true, most of us would probably change our thoughts and actions for the better.  Even the self-interested would change.

Jesus taught, “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” Matthew 7:12 This isn’t just about being kind to others; we’re showing God how we want to be treated.  If we want good to come our way, we need to send out good. 

It’s the law of the harvest. Our words and actions are the seeds we plant. What kind of harvest are we preparing for? “Fear not to do good, my sons, for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also reap; therefore, if ye sow good ye shall also reap good for your reward.” D&C 6:33, Mosiah 7:30-31 

What are we choosing? 

“. . . the meaning of the word restoration is to bring back again evil for evil, or carnal for carnal, or devilish for devilish—good for that which is good; righteous for that which is righteous; just for that which is just; merciful for that which is merciful.

“Therefore, my son, see that you are merciful unto your brethren; deal justly, judge righteously, and do good continually; and if ye do all these things then shall ye receive your reward; yea, ye shall have mercy restored unto you again; ye shall have justice restored unto you again; ye shall have a righteous judgment restored unto you again; and ye shall have good rewarded unto you again.

“For that which ye do send out shall return unto you again, and be restored; therefore, the word restoration more fully condemneth the sinner, and justifieth him not at all.” Alma 41:13-15

The Mouse, the Frog, and the Hawk - Aesop Fables

A Mouse, who had always lived on the land, and a Frog, who passed most of his time in the water, became friends.

The Mouse showed the Frog his nest and everything he could think of that was pleasant to see; and the Frog invited the Mouse to go home with him and see all the beautiful things that are under the water.

"Can you swim?" asked the Frog.

"Not much," said the Mouse.

"No matter," said the Frog; "I will tie your foot to my foot with a piece of this strong grass, and then I can pull you along nicely." The Frog laughed as he said this. He thought it would be good fun for him, but he well knew that the Mouse would not enjoy it.

When the Frog had tied the Mouse's foot to his own, they started together across the meadow. They soon came to the edge of the water, and the Frog jumped in, pulling the Mouse in with him.

"Oh, how cool and nice the water is, after the dry, hot land!" said the Frog, as he swam gaily about. But the poor Mouse was frightened.

"Please let me go," said he, "or I shall die."

"Oh, never mind," said the unkind Frog; "you will get used to the water. I just love it."

But soon the poor Mouse was drowned, and floated up to the top of the water, while the Frog frisked about down below.

Just then a Hawk saw the Mouse, and pounced upon it.

As he flew away with it the Frog was dragged out of the water, too, for he was still tied to the Mouse.

"Stop, stop!" cried the Frog. "Let me go. It is the Mouse you want."

"Come along," said the Hawk; "I want you both. I will eat you first, for I like Frog meat ever better then I do Mouse." In a few moments the Hawk had made a good supper, and there was nothing left of either the false Frog or the foolish Mouse.

Do you sorrow seeing the false Frog eaten by the hawk?  What about the foolish Mouse?

The Devil and his children are digging the great pit, which is designed to ensnare the people of the Lord. Can we see the pit?  Where is it?  What does it look like? What are we going to do?  Are we going to warn our family, friends, and neighbors? What if they mock and ridicule us, calling us a fool?  What if they falsely accuse us?  Should we stop sounding the alarm?

“And that great pit, which hath been digged for them by that great and abominable church, which was founded by the devil and his children, that he might lead away the souls of men down to hell—yea, that great pit which hath been digged for the destruction of men shall be filled by those who digged it, unto their utter destruction, saith the Lamb of God; not the destruction of the soul, save it be the casting of it into that hell which hath no end.” 1 Nephi 14:3

“And every nation which shall war against thee, O house of Israel, shall be turned one against another, and they shall fall into the pit which they digged to ensnare the people of the Lord. And all that fight against Zion shall be destroyed, and that great whore, who hath perverted the right ways of the Lord, yea, that great and abominable church, shall tumble to the dust and great shall be the fall of it.” 1 Nephi 22:14

The irony is that the pit is going to be filled by those who digged it.  How do we know if we are part of this great digging effort? Can we rely on what men have to say?  Have we tied ourselves to a false frog? What is God telling us?  Are we awake?  Can we see the awfulness of our situation? Ether 8:24 Has He opened our eyes? 

Do we see that we are not redeemed by the vain conversation received by the traditions from our fathers? 1 Peter 1:18 What does it mean to be redeemed from the earth? Revelation 14:3 Are we looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ? Why did he give himself for us? Have we been redeemed from all iniquity? Have we been purified unto Him a peculiar people, zealous of good works?  Titus 2:13-14

“For behold, justice exerciseth all his demands, and also mercy claimeth all which is her own; and thus, none but the truly penitent are saved.” Alma 42:24 What does it mean to be truly penitent?  Why are the penitent the only ones who are saved? Doesn’t God love all his children?

Could the great pit be, not knowing what God truly expects of us?  Have we come before Him with a broken heart and contrite spirit? Have we been baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost? 3 Nephi 9:20 Have we been redeemed from the fall and brought back into the Lord’s presence? Ether 3:13  

Jesus asks both the Gentiles and the house of Israel to call upon the Father in his name. Great things have been withheld from both groups because of unbelief. He's asking us to rend the veil of unbelief, which doth cause us to remain in our awful state of wickedness, and hardness of heart, and blindness of mind. What great things await those who come with a broken heart and a contrite spirit? Would you like to receive marvelous things, which have been hid up from the foundation of the world? What is God asking you to do? Ether 4:13-15 

Connections in High Places

The other day, I was having a conversation with a friend of mine. During the course of our discussion, she almost unknowingly shared a little catchphrase, “It’s so good to have connections in high places.” The words are brilliant and true, but usually misconstrued and applied wrongheaded.

Having connections in high places seems beneficial when you are competing for something that appears to exist in limited supply. Connections may give you the needed edge to acquire something you value. Connections in the world may put you in place of advantage and even eliminate someone more qualified than you. We are familiar with competition, shortage, not enough to spare or share, dog eat dog, and survival of the fittest. Where does all this come from?

Children learn early how connections seem to operate to their advantage here in this telestial world. Here are a few examples of the benefits of being connected with the “important people”:

Parents – I get favored, privileged, and what I want.

Teacher – I can get better grades than what I really deserve.

The "in group" – I have important friends, prestige, success, feel accepted, and fit in.

Spiritual leaders – I rise in the religious hierarchy, obtain influence, demonstrate authority, claim power, and receive praise.

Rich business owner – I get a great job, have more than enough money, and mingle with important people.

It seems like there are extra benefits in knowing or associating with key people who possess power and influence. This notion is taught a lot in this good old world in which we live. Connections are everything, right?

Maybe there’s a higher way to look at this, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” Isaiah 55:9.

Is there a higher connection? Higher authority? Is there a source “out of this world” where we can receive superior understanding, knowledge, and favor?

Symbolic ordinances are in place inviting us to receive the real thing, connect with heaven, and make binding covenants with God. Christ encourages us to seek eternal treasures that endure “where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal?” Matthew 6:20

Do we have to compete with others for eternal life? Are there a limited number of heavenly seats? Or is there enough and to spare? Do we need to step on each other to reach the top? Or is this a call extended to all?

“Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith: Repent, and I will receive you.” Alma 5:33 There’s not just one place at the top with God.  There is a place reserved for anyone who wants to come.

“Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me” 3 Nephi 9:14.

Everyone who comes is received one by one. He is not a respecter of persons and cannot be tricked or persuaded to act contrary to eternal law. We are all invited to come unto Him under the same terms. He doesn’t play favorites and fully knows the intentions of our hearts.

What do you think it takes to receive eternal life? Is it worth connecting with Heaven? Would you like to connect with and know God? Do you see your eternal potential?

Telestial connections can offer temporary pleasure, satisfaction, reassurance, and success. The pleasures of sin are enjoyed for but a season. After that, they fade away, prove to be disappointing, and cannot save Hebrews 11:25. The telestial approach is vain and unproductive. As time passes, you become worn out, weary, tired, and exhausted having found yourself only running in circles. It’s like running on a useless circular treadmill that takes you nowhere. 

If we fail to build upon the Rock and His gospel and choose to build upon the works of men or the devil, our joy will only be for a season, and by and by the end cometh, and we are hewn down and cast into the fire, from whence there is no return. 3 Nephi 27:11

We will discover the enticing invitations of the world, the wide gate, and broad ways have drawn us away from God. If our eyes remain blind, ears deaf, and hearts hard, we will find ourselves lost, unredeemed, and still in our fallen condition. Destruction and death awaits many who fail to enter in at the strait gate; “for strait is the gate, and narrow is the way that leads to life, and few there be that find it” 3 Nephi 27:33. Fruitless, wasted, and barren are those who are led away into broad roads, and they perish and are lost. 1 Nephi 12:17

Having a connection with the Most High God really does matter. The ways of God are higher, better, and superior to the ways of men.“ Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6 God extends mercy, offers redemption from the fall, and bestows the promise of eternal life. He is the only One who can. Alma 38:9

Abraham – A Change of Residence

Our family has been reading about Abraham. We found a lot of information in the first few verses. Abraham lived in a society that had deteriorated to a low state of idolatry and sin.  Abraham saw that it was needful to obtain another place of residence. Abraham 1:1

“And, finding there was greater happiness and peace and rest for me, I sought for the blessings of the fathers, and the right whereunto I should be ordained to administer the same; having been myself a follower of righteousness, desiring also to be one who possessed great knowledge, and to be a greater follower of righteousness, and to possess a greater knowledge, and to be a father of many nations, a prince of peace, and desiring to receive instructions, and to keep the commandments of God, I became a rightful heir, a High Priest, holding the right belonging to the fathers.” Abraham 1:2

Abraham was a follower of righteousness and desired further light and knowledge. He did not avoid the truth. He did not stick his head in the sand and pretend it did not exist. He did not claim all was well in Zion (or in the land of the Chaldeans). He recognized the mess he was in and wanted out. He knew he had to change his residence. He was observing that most of society (family, associates, and peers) was taking the freeway to hell. He needed to take an exit, turn around, and return to heaven.

When he became aware of and obtained truth, he didn’t mutter, mumble, or think it was too hard to obey. He rejoiced in it. He put doubt in the back seat and proceeded forward with faith in God. He could plainly see that idolatry would get him nowhere of value. It hadn’t with his father or his acquaintances where he resided. Abraham was neither afraid nor hesitated to walk away from the false traditions of his fathers. He turned away from Babylon, faced God, and trusted heaven.

Abraham wanted and sought the word of God. He found that greater happiness and peace came to him as he sought for the blessings of the fathers. He wanted to possess greater knowledge, receive instructions from heaven, and to keep the commandments of God. As he faithfully did so, over a period of time, he became a rightful heir, a High Priest, holding the right belonging to the fathers.

It is very uncommon in this world to find one like Abraham. Few sincerely seek and actually want the word of God. I suppose even fewer have enough faith to obey and personally live it. It seems strange for someone to receive revealed truth and then reject and refuse to live it.  It is rare indeed to find one who is willing to give up this life and make sufficient sacrifice to receive eternal life.

Does this mean I should take time out of my important and over-booked schedule to focus on the word of God? Am I required to sacrifice my habits of chasing money, my addictions of taking pleasure in the things of the world, and my thrills of earning a bigger and better lunch?  To come unto God, do I need to abandon some of these habits and addictions? Is it really necessary to personally study, learn, and apply the doctrine of Christ? Which shall it be? God or the world? Salvation or Damnation? Heaven or Hell? After all, I can’t serve two masters. Some argue and tell me otherwise, but the work of God and mammon simply don’t mix and can’t combine in one. Matthew 6:24

Am I supposed to calm down, soften my heart, find a peaceful place, and talk to God about it all? Am I expected to hear Him, receive revelation, and recognize the Holy Spirit bearing witness of truth? Should I follow it? Is it my obligation to conform to the Lord’s instructions? Would it be wise to surrender my traditions and opinions to God and be anxious to follow His ways? His ways are higher and better than mine, you know? Isaiah 55:9

Fighting truth frustrates our search for it.  Resisting light brings darkness and prevents us from obtaining more understanding. The Lord will never force us to value Him or His ways. It’s our personal choice.  He invites us to come and know Him.  He uses persuasion, long-suffering, gentleness and meekness, and love unfeigned D&C 121:41. He is patient and His invitation is open to all.

Joseph Smith declared the following:

“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” TPJS, Page 149. 

“We consider that God has created man with a mind capable of instruction, and a faculty which may be enlarged in proportion to the heed and diligence given to the light communicated from heaven to the intellect; and that the nearer man approaches perfection, the clearer are his views, and the greater his enjoyments, till he has overcome the evils of his life and lost every desire for sin; and like the ancients, arrives at that point of faith where he is wrapped in the power and glory of his Maker and is caught up to dwell with Him. But we consider that this is a station to which no man ever arrived in a moment: he must have been instructed in the government and laws of that kingdom by proper degrees, until his mind is capable in some measure of comprehending the propriety, justice, equality, and consistency of the same” TPJS, Page 51. 

God is no respecter of persons Acts 10:34. He is ready to reveal further light and knowledge to anyone whenever he or she is ready to receive it. I believe that we must at least live the truth we already have and make sufficient sacrifice to submit to God and obey Him in all things that He may require. Many are called but few are chosen. Few live like Abraham lived, and therefore few will receive what he received.