195: PAPAL SUPREMACY

Because of recent events, I want to share a few things.

A few weeks ago I had a conversion with my neighbor about religion. He is Greek Orthodox. I asked him to explain how his faith differs from Roman Catholicism. He basically said that it all comes down to the fact that they don’t believe in papal supremacy. Basically, he said that he doesn’t believe that the Pope speaks with God, whereas the Catholics do. My neighbor did say that the Pope probably means well and is likely a wonderful man. 

Papal supremacy refers to the doctrine that the Pope, by reason of his office, is the earthly representative of God and holds all keys for the entire Christian Church. He has full, supreme, and universal power over the whole Church, a power which he can always exercise unhindered. In brief, "the Pope enjoys, by divine institution, supreme, full, immediate, and universal power in the care of souls.”

My neighbor and I share some common religious beliefs, since I don't believe in papal supremacy as well. 

A religion that believes in papal supremacy, would likely teach and sing songs like “Follow the Pope, follow the Pope.. don’t go astray. Follow the Pope, follow the Pope, he knows the way.” In their religious services, they would frequently speak about their love of their Pope, there would be stories told about him, illustrated books of his talks would be published, biographies would be written about his life. He would be called a Beloved Pope. Faithful members would have to sustain him as the only one who holds and can exercise all keys. People would hang on their walls pictures of the Pope, along with quotes like “When the Pope speaks, the thinking has been done”. It would be frowned upon to question the infallibility of the Pope. All of this would be required for continued growth and dominance of the Church. The Catholic church leadership would safeguard and maintain this orthodoxy of faith by bringing its members into compliance with this doctrine and its leaders or they are cast out. 

References in well known LDS books have linked the Roman Catholic church to the Great and Abominable church, and the Whore of Babylon. I wonder if the doctrine of papal supremacy is one of the main reasons. Any time we set up a man to be a mediator between us and God is abominable. While the Lord sends true messengers to preach and point His children to Him, the Lord employs no servant to come between us and the Lord.

I recently heard a quote attributed to Hugh Nibley, “Do not serve men who require your obedience, your adulation. Only one is worthy of disciples, and that is the Savior.”

True messengers sent to us from the Father will say things like.. Follow the Savior, follow the Savior. They would speak about their love of the Lord. They would not tolerate any attention towards themselves. They would say, forget about me, don’t write biographies about my life, I am not important. In fact, I am a fool. Look to the Lord, and His scriptures. In fact, please open up your scriptures in Sacrament Meeting. Read them and learn more about the prophecies. Stop hoping that someone “presiding” is going to lift you to heaven. No one can do that. There is only One who matters. When you focus on some man as a leader, you are an idolater. Put an end to your idolatry and look to Christ. The heavens are open. Connect with Him. Stop looking around – look up.

However, when these true messengers say such things they are usually mocked, labeled as apostate, and cast out and exed.

194: CONDITIONING AND INDOCTRINATION

Our daughter is now old enough to go into nursery during the 3 hour block at church. Childen can start going once they are 18 months old. These first couple of weeks I have been going in with her. It has been interesting to see what we teach our children from the very beginning before they can even talk.  During singing time, one of the songs they sing each week is “Follow the Prophet”. When they sing the song, the nursery teacher selects one of the children to hold a large photograph of Thomas S. Monson. She has the child hold up this photo, and then march around the room having all of the other children follow behind chanting the words “Follow the Prophet, Follow the Prophet, He knows the way.” Every week this song is sung a couple of times allowing more of the children to have the opportunity of being the “prophet” and having the other children follow behind them.

We teach at the very earliest of age, before our children can even talk, to follow the Prophet and that he will not lead us astray.

 This topic has been discussed extensively on many blogs and forums. The debate still continues.   It is a probably the most divisive and sensitive subjects to talk about in our LDS culture. One side accuses the other for being apostate for thinking that the Prophet is fallible.  The other side accuses the mainstream members for not being more awake and too leader dependent.

 I came across a blog written by a very faithtful member of the church that was interesting. I don’t know the author, but his mindset and analogy that he used probably very typical of 99% of active LDS members. 

I quote his words:

"...I was talking with a friend that has a hard time with our leader worship in our culture. I gave him this analogy: It feels like this, you want to go to the Louvre in Paris to see the Mona Lisa. To get to the museum you have to pay to get in. You get inside the museum and you immediately are met by the tour guides. And the tour guides are talking about how they know this is the only museum that has the Mona Lisa and they know without a shadow of a doubt that the curator of the museum has all the keys to the museum. And they know without a shadow of a doubt that no one can behold the Mona Lisa unless they come to this museum. It is the only museum on the face of the earth that has the Mona Lisa. - Well all of that is true with regard to the Mona Lisa, but in my view, completely irrelevant, because I came to the museum to behold the Mona Lisa; not the tour guide; not the keys that the tour guide has; not the keys that the curator has. I respect all of that and I recognize all of that as necessary. I recognize all of that as part of the function of the museum. I do recognize that the museum has the Mona Lisa. But in the scale on my mission, my purpose, why I'm there - am there for one reason and one reason only. I am there to behold the Mona Lisa. If you can just realized that is just the museum being the museum and that is just the tour guides being the tour guides. They are doing their best, however misguided or overbearing or what have you they might be. But you can still see the Mona Lisa at the Louvre. Of course the Mona Lisa in this metaphor is Christ and the tour guides may not be the most knowledgeable people on earth about the Mona Lisa. There may be people outside the Museum, in fact there are people outside the museum who know a whole lot more about the Mona Lisa than some of the tour guides. Some of the tour guides are great. I especially like the ones with the German accent; that is one of my favorite tour guides. I have been told that we are not supposed to have favorite and less-favorite tour guides, but there are definitely some that are more favorite than others when I go to the Louvre.”

Although he doesn’t specifically say this, but the analogy could continue by saying that the curator is the only one who can have access to Mona Lisa, who would have the key to open the glass and touch the painting.  As you know the Mona Lisa is in a sealed enclosure, behind 1.5 inch thick glass with security guards and cameras making sure that no one gets close or even touch the Mona Lisa.

How sad if this is our mindset and doctrine we teach? Is this the Christ we worship, untouchable to all except one man? What about those outside the museum? Are they ever allowed in, or banded from ever seeing the Mona Lisa?  What about those who actually enter into the museum and actually find the Mona Lisa? Are they not allowed to feel and touch the painting? Do we even believe that it is possible or even try? And if it is possible, and we then tell others that we have touched the Mona Lisa, will we be chastised, or thrown out of the museum?
A true curator after touching the Mona Lisa would want all to come and touch as well. To think that “Tour guides” and “curators” are the only ones that have more access is completely false doctrine and not the Gospel of Christ.



Sidenote:

A few weeks ago I needed to renew my temple recommend. Before the member of the Stake Presidency began asking me the questions, he told me that he felt by the Spirit that he wanted me to share my testimony about the prophet after he asked me if I sustain him as the prophet, seer and revelator and recognize him as the only person on earth authorized to exercise all priesthood keys. I thought it was odd. Why not ask me to bear my testimony about Christ after he asked the question about if believe in God the Eternal Father and in His Son Jesus Christ? I talked to a friend about my experience, and he said that this a way they receive more information without asking questions on our obedience to the leaders.

.

193: JUST A COUPLE OF HEADSCRATCHERS

Here are three interesting things that make me scratch my head. I offer no commentary on this. I allow the reader to come to their own conclusions.


PROMOTING ACCEPTANCE

Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young and his wife Barb are scheduled to give the keynote address at an upcoming conference promoting acceptance of gays and lesbians in the Mormon Church. The three day conference will be held in Salt Lake City on September 13-15.

The article states the Youngs are committed members of the LDS Church. Barb and Steve are happy to be part of Affirmation’s International Conference, where they hope to lend their voices to the healing work of making our families, our society and our church more welcoming places for our LGBT brothers and sisters.


LINK to the KSL article

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BOY SCOUTS CAN NOW EARN THE THOMAS S MONSON AWARD

The Thomas S. Monson award may be earned by youth and adults of all ages.  It will be introduced at the 2013 National Scout Jamboree, and will then be available for others to receive after July 2013.  Pre-orders are accepted immediately, and will be shipped August 1, 2013. To earn the Thomas S. Monson Award, complete the following two requirements and at least four electives.



Requirements

1. Read “100 Years of Scouting in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” which is included on this card. With your family or a Scout leader, discuss two things you learned from this history. 

2. Read “Run, Boy, Run,” which is included on this card, and write your feelings about this story in your journal.


Electives


1. Complete at least two requirements toward earning the Genealogy merit badge.
2. Complete at least two requirements toward earning the Family Life merit badge.
3. Memorize the thirteenth article of faith, and discuss with your family or a leader how this article of faith and the Scout Law support each other.
4. Meet two youth outside of your area and discuss with them how Scouting has benefited your life or the life of a Scout you know.
5. Share your feelings about doing your duty to God with your family, a friend of another faith, or a leader.
 
http://ldsbsa.org/lds-bsa-centennial/thomas-s-monson-award/LINK to the award

....

TWO NEW BOOKS ANNOUNCED IN TIME FOR GENERAL CONFERENCE


A new illustrated book with the teachings and stories told by Thomas S Monson during 50 years as an apostle and prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is titled
“Consider The Blessings: True Accounts of God’s Hand in Our Lives” . This book is scheduled to be released just in time for October General Conference..

The other book is titled “I Will Lead You Along: The Life of Henry B. Erying,” due out in the fall as well. This is the biography of President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the LDS Church's First Presidency.

LINK to the Deseret News article

192: A FLAME OF UNQUENCHABLE FIRE

"For behold, when ye shall be brought to see your nakedness before God,

and also the glory of God, and the holiness of Jesus Christ,

it will kindle a flame of unquenchable fire upon you.

O then ye unbelieving, turn ye unto the Lord; cry mightily unto the Father in the name of Jesus,

that perhaps ye may be found spotless, pure, fair, and white,

having been cleansed by the blood of the Lamb, at that great and last day."

Mormon 9:5

....

 

 

 

TYPE and SHADOW OF THINGS TO COME?

 

Here a few photos taken over the past couple of days in Salt Lake. There have been some devastating fires started by lightning which have destroyed many homes in Summit County. Last night, due to the all of the smoke covering the sky, the sun was darkened and the moon turned red in color.



photo taken at Guardsman Pass on August 12, 2013

photo taken of the sun from our front yard at about 6:00 PM on August 14, 2012

photo taken around 9:00 PM on August 14, 2013 from our front yard.

"And they shall see signs and wonders,

for they shall be shown forth in the heavens above,

and in the earth beneath."

 

"And they shall behold blood, and fire, and vapors of smoke.

And before the day of the Lord shall come, the sun shall be darkened,

and the moon be turned into blood, and the stars fall from heaven."

D&C 45: 40-42



191: HEEDING THE WARNING CALL FROM DANGER

A friend of mine called after we returned home and asked if we went to Waimea Bay. I told him we did. He then proceeded to tell me of an experience that he had with his family when they were there. I share it on this blog because I think it is a great parable.

Waimea Bay is a famous beach for swimming, surfing and cliff diving with its beautiful waves, rocky cliffs, and white sandy beach. When my friend took his family up to this North Shore beach, a storm off the coast had begun to produce some really big waves. The waves were larger than normal and were enticing and fun to swim in. His son went out swimming in the ocean joining the others who were already in the water. After some time, the lifeguard on the shore could see that a very strong riptide was beginning to form which started to pull and carry out his son as well as the other swimmers farther out into the ocean. 

The swimmers were now in danger. Instead of jumping into the riptide himself, the lifeguard grabbed his megaphone, walked to the edge of the water and proceeded to speak in a loud voice and give the swimmers directions on how to get out of this dangerous and life-threatening situation. The instructions were simple. They needed to swim parallel to the shore until they were no longer in the riptide. All of the swimmers knowing that they were in trouble and now farther and farther out in the ocean, listened to the lifeguard and began to swim until they were no longer in the riptide … except for an older man. The lifeguard could see that the old man was not listening to his instructions and probably not completely aware of the danger he faced. Frustrated, the lifeguard jumped in the ocean, risking his own life to save this old man. Fortunately the lifeguard was able to reach the older man, swam with him under his arm with his floating device and saved him. Once they reached the shore, the lifeguard told the man that he was done swimming for the day, and that it might be best that he went home for the safety of all involved.

190: ASCENDING BEFORE THE STORM

After posting the last blog, a friend sent me some additional information about Homer's 'The Iliad and the Odyssey'. For those who have not read the epic tales, the Iliad is tragic tale, while the Odyssey is more hopeful. The Odyssey describes a man who journeys far, and even though he suffers much while trying to return home,  it ends in harmony and acceptance.

The Iliad and the Odyssey do have a few things in common. They both deal with the struggles and hardship of mortal life. They both deal with the gods interceding in human affairs. The mortals in both stories have to struggle against fear, anger, and other ego-based emotions of human existence. Both stories give us insight into the minds of the inhabitants of the earth during this time period and their perception of reality. The reality of the “gods”, angels and heavenly messengers, was common knowledge for most people during that time. Today, the existence of the gods is dismissed by most, questioned by many, and known by few.  I wonder if it is our choice.. whether our journey will be more like the Iliad or more like the Odyssey. I wonder if one of the factors depends on if we truly know God.

...

The following is a brief account of a personal experience of hiking what is called the "Stairway to Heaven". It is also known as the Haiku Stairs which entails climbing approximately 4000 vertical stairs that ascends skyward over the towering ridge lines of a volcanic mountain range. These stairs were constructed during World War II and were originally wooden ladders spiked into the steep Hawaiian cliffs in order to build a radio transmission tower at the summit. The radio antenna on the tower was capable of transmitting very low frequency radio signals which could actually reach US Navy submarines across enemy lines, as far away as Tokyo Bay even while submerged.

After the war, these "stairs" became a popular hike. However, due to safety and other concerns, the station and trail were closed to the public in 1987. Access to the stairs is prohibited, and a guard is stationed at the bottom of the stairs to make sure hikers do not attempt to climb the stairs anymore.

Here is a view of the stairs to give you an idea of what the hike entails.



Here is a photo of trailhead before reaching the Stairway to Heaven. The peak of the mountain is not visible because of the clouds.

 

Here is a photo of a portion of the stairs. 

 

 

One of the ridges along the hike. There are parts along the way where you descend only to then ascend higher along this very steep and what feel like a razor thin ridge line.

 

...
 

On our recent "odyssey", I hiked the stairway to heaven twice. The first time was with my adventurous and amazingly strong wife. The day we hiked it, we woke up around 2:30 AM, drove as close as we could get to the stairs and began our  hike into the jungle at about 3:30 AM. We were fortunate enough to have arrived at the same time as 5 others who also were attempting to hike it that morning. A member in their group had hiked it before and knew the best path in the jungle to get to the stairs. We were grateful since it was extremely dark and we possibility could have gotten lost. When someone has actually been to a place or experienced something before, they make for a good guide. When someone claims they know the path but has never taken the path.. they are a false guide.

All of us hiking had headlamps fastened to our forehead. It would have been impossible to hike this trail without your own personal light. You could not rely on someone else's light. It would be too dangerous. My wife and I also brought reinforced gloves to help us hold on to the handrails which is your only source of security to avoid falling. We reached the stairs before the guard and  bypassed  the security gates and fences. As we began climbing the stairs, we noticed more hikers above us that had begun the hike earlier than us. It was helpful to see their lights above us to see the direction we would be heading up.

About 30 minutes into the hike, I was sweating profusely, not only because of the humidity, but the intense never ending "Stairmaster" workout. While I knew it would be steep, I was unprepared for how steep it got. Completely vertical. It was more like a ladder than stairs. One slip and there was nothing to stop you below, and if there was another hiker behind you, you would take them out as well.

At literally the steepest part of the climb, the strap to my wife's headlight somehow came unattached. While trying to grip the handrail with one hand and try and fix the strap with the other, my wife tried to fix her lightsource.  I used my headlamp to help give the needed light for my wife to correct the problem with her light source. After several minutes of intense fear, my wife fixed her headlight and we began climbing again. Prayers were answered.

We finally  reached the first of five platforms and enjoyed the needed time to rest our legs and drink some water before we got too dehydrated.

From this first platform, we could see the road and city lights below us and could see car lights of the guard who was now on duty. After our much needed break, we continued on our ascent. By this time, clouds has rolled in and it started to rain heavily. It never stopped. This made the stairs and handrails very slippery. We needed to climb with extra care, with patience, with long-suffering, and with persistence to make it to the top. One step at a time. You could not hurry or try to skip a step, even if you thought you could. The risk was just to great and it was not worth potentially slipping and falling.

We reached each platform and rested at each station until the final push to the top. I never lost the hope that the storm would pass and we would reach the summit in time to see the sunrise. We finally made it to the top before 6:00 AM, after hours of never ending stair/ladder climbing. Tired, wet, and cold, we waited in small enclosed area of the abandoned communication tower. There were others that had made it to the top as well before us... all waiting for the storm to break and for possibly seeing the sunrise. I had brought an extra set of clothes to change into. I was grateful that I had done so,  since I was wet to the bone. Now with dry clothes and no longer cold and wet, my wife and I huddled together. The clouds were still thick at the top and the wind was blowing hard. We made the decision that we needed to get back to our kids and could no longer wait to see if we could get a glimpse of the sunrise. As we descended, I could feel the presence of the sun that it was now visibile. It was no longer dark and we no longer needed our flashlights. However it continued to still rain.

The descent was just as difficult as that ascent. In fact, it some parts it was more frightening. Instead of constantly looking up, we were looking down and could see the peril. It was slippery as well, and one dumb mistake could cost you your life. In fact, some hikers in front of us had lost some of their equipment including their glasses, making it hard for them to see.

After about 2 hours of descending carefully, we made it to the bottom. My wife and I were very glad to had this experience especially without injury.  A few days before our odyssey would come to an end, I climbed the "Stairway to Heaven" once again, but this time I hiked it with "my brother." We hiked it on the morning when the Tropical Storm Flossie was due to hit the island. The prompting to "ascend before the storm" was heeded and I am grateful for the blessing, the inspiration, and personal revelation that I received on that second hike. We were able to summit and descend before the storm came. Here is a photo that I took as I was driving home and I could see that the storm was now approaching.

Here is a view of the top of Stairway to Heaven mountain that you summit.

189: THOUGHTS FROM A 33 DAY ODYSSEY

 

 photo taken on July 6, 2013
...
 

An odyssey is any long eventful journey, especially when filled with notable experiences. In High School, I enjoyed reading Homer's "The Odyssey". This Greek epic poem describes Odysseus's adventures in his ten-year attempt to return home to Ithaca after the Trojan War.

Most importantly, we can read in the scriptures the records of divine "odysseys" by those who have ascended back into the Lord's presence.

All of us have an individual odyssey to complete. All of us are fellow travelers in this world. I am grateful for those who share their experiences from their personal journey. It increases my faith.

 In gratitude, I hope to share a few thoughts over the course of the next several blog posts about a 33 day odyssey which began on June 30, 2013 and ended on August 1, 2013.  It included leaving behind work and home, the computer, emails, blogs, phone.... and even a watch.  It was life changing, it was life renewing, it was divinely orchestrated. The past 33 days included ascending to the highest of peaks, to descending below to the depths of the sea, as well as entering inside into sacred places where heaven meets earth.

Just a side note: the number 33 is significant.. A few things to note about the number 33.  Jesus Christ’s mortal life in the meridian of time was 33 years. The New Testament records Christ performing 33 miracles. The spans of years between Joseph Smith’s death and Brigham Young’s death was 33 years. (1844 to 1877). And in a popular novel, the number 33 was discovered to lead to the essential meaning of life. ("The Lost Symbol.” by Dan Brown)

Yes, all of us in this mortal world are on our individual journey, an odyssey, filled with notable experiences, with high and lows and everything in the middle. May we always take note, and all recognize the hand of the Lord in all things, and His patience and love guiding us on our odyssey back into His presence.

188: CIRCLE THE WAGONS

..

 To “circle the wagons” is a idiom that usually suggests that a group of people have come together, unified and work together for a common purpose. In the early migration of pioneers to the west this was a common practice used for protection from outside forces. They became united in purpose. They would circle their wagons at night, or when threatened during the day. These wagon trains would stop moving and form into a circle on the frontier prairie as a means of protection against the weather, the wind, or an attack by local Native Americans or outlaws. The above photo actually show a similar "circling" with those in active duty.

  

Like many who probably read this blog, we look forward to a day to “circle our wagons” and live in Zion. Zion is a group of people who have come together, who are of one heart and one mind. In the meantime, many of us weep for Zion. In my opinion, each of  must individually seek the “Face of the Lord” in order to join such a miraculous endeavor, whenever the Lord chooses to make it happen. All will have to receive revelation directly from heaven, directly from the Lord Himself.

  

Once the Lord establishes the City of Zion, the Lord will come to dwell among His people. It will be difficult in our society, yet the Lord promised that He would do it. How does Zion work? It is my understanding that everyone will know the Lord, and have a great love for one another. It will not bother us that there will be those who will work more and others less.

 

Unfortunately very little is spoken in scripture that gives us a model for Zion. Probably the best chapter is Fourth Nephi in the Book of Mormon. Here is a short list:

 

• They had all things common among them.
• There were not rich and poor, bond and free. 
• They were all made free.
• They were all partakers of the Heavenly Gift.
• There was no contention, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts
• There were no envyings, strifes, tumults, whoredoms, lyings, murders, nor lasciviousness.
• There could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God.
• There were no robbers, nor murderers, neither were there Lamanites, nor any manner of -ites; 
• They were in one, the children of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of God.

  

And how blessed were they! For the Lord did bless them in all their doings;

 

“And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness;

 

 

While we might try, only through the Lord can Zion be established. Him alone can bring again. We don’t have the first inkling yet of how Zion is going to come about, or what it will require. Many of us might have the wrong picture in their head. However, I know it works because everyone has love for one another.

 

So in the meantime We can show forth love for one another. Here is an opportunity.

   

I have read other blog posts when an opportunity to help a family in need, miracles have happened. I am mindful of funds that were raised in order for a car to be purchased, or a passing of a providing father to help sustain his family. It has come to my attention that a family who have experienced much tragedy and loss recently have been prompted to sell what little they have and travel from the other side of the world to come to the Rocky Mountains. With No job, no family support, no financial means, they come with faith and with the shirts on their backs. Hearing that this family will be coming to the United States, another humble family has offered to convert some available space into a home for them to live in. In order to make this work, resources are needed. (framing, sheet rock, flooring, insulation, electrical, plumbing, water heater, paint, cabinets, finish Hardware, flooring, Washer and Dryer, Stove and refrigerator)

 

   

As well as furnishings for two-bedroom apartment: beds with sheets, bedding, pillows, kitchen table and chairs for a family of six, Couches and chairs, Towels, rugs, shower curtain, Cleaning supplies: vacuum, broom, mop, buckets, Dishes, pots and pans, silverware, etc.

 

 If any of you feel that you help in donating items or contributing financially:
 

please email at:  circlingwagons@gmail.com

and more information will be sent on how to donate. (Look for a few other blogs that more will probably share more information about this opportunity to help this family in need.)

 

  

Sidenote: Over the course of the next several weeks, the need has come for my family and I to “circle our own personal wagons”. A need for some time to reconnect with each other and deconnect from the world. A time to fortify our marriage and  create bonds with my children. So more than likely I will be taking some time off from posting.

 

 

187: MARTYRDOM OF TWO BROTHERS: HYRUM and JOSEPH

Those who seek the truth are few and unloved in this world.
One who receives adulation or popularity is not a seeker of truth.
Christ was not popular. Joseph Smith was not popular.

 

.....

Today is the 169th year anniversary of the martyrdom of Joseph Smith and his older brother, Hyrum. Ironically, I found out today that a friend of mine, a truthseeker, who was only a few years older than me, passed away. He has a strong testimony of the Prophet Joseph. I can only imagine the reunion.

"On June 27, 1844, at about 5 o'clock in the afternoon, Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were assassinated by enemies of the Church in the county jail at Carthage, Illinois. John Taylor, severely wounded at the same time, later called the Smith brothers " martyrs of religion" and declared that the Restoration of the gospel had "cost the best blood of the nineteenth century." These faithful souls personified the Savior's teaching: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. "God is my friend," wrote Joseph Smith to his wife in 1832. "In him I shall find comfort. I have given my life into his hands. I am prepared to go at his call. I desire to be with Christ. I count not my life dear to me, only to do his will." Days before his death in 1844, the Prophet reiterated: "I am ready to be offered a sacrifice for this people." Leaving Nauvoo for Carthage, Joseph said, "I have a conscience void of offense towards God, and towards all men." The Prophet humbly acknowledged, "I am a lover of the cause of Christ." .... from the Life of the Prophet

I received an email from a friend yesterday. I asked him if I could post it, since I think others could benefit from it. I post it with his permission. He entitled the email: The Subversive Prophets: Why We All Just Can’t Get Along

Here is the entire email:

Do you think Jesus had career goals? Apprentice carpenter by age 16, Rabbi by 30? To think the Lord maintained earthly aspirations of any type beyond strict obedience to whatever Father asked of Him seems silly:

 “I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.” (John 5:30)

And yet, if Jesus truly is our exemplar; “be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect,” why do we insist on plotting our own course with the vigor and self determination that rivals that of the proudest gentiles? (3 Nephi 1:48)

Who do you think runs this world? The great quest for stuff, glory, pleasure, and power are the shiny lures Satan employs to divert our minds from heavenly gifts by reminding us of the best his world has to offer. But let’s be clear; his ability to reward is real. His game would have collapsed long ago it he weren’t able to compensate his followers. As the god of this world, Satan has been given dominion over some specific things:

“And the Spirit taketh him up into a high mountain, and he beheld all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.” (Luke 4:5-8, see JST 4:5)

Jesus never questioned or refuted Satan’s assertion that the power to distribute power and glory in this world had been specifically delegated to him. Jesus clearly identified the confines of his dominion to Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18:36)

If the natural man’s heart is automatically attuned to the frequency of Satan’s revelation, it would be easy to influence his followers to reward those he chooses with praise, popularity, power, and the other things that gold and silver can buy. What’s interesting is that in both Satan’s plan, “If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine,” and in the Lord’s plan, “therefore all that my Father hath shall be given unto him,” the reward structures are the same. (Luke 4:7 and D&C 84:38) Both the God of Heaven and the god of this world promise all they control as gifts to their faithful followers. While their approaches are similar, their rewards are not. One offers the riches of heaven, one offers the power and glory of this world. The god we worship is a function of the rewards we desire. When we pray desiring wealth or fame, who is likely to respond?

 A strange thing in the land; wild men among us.

 At this point we ought to consider the unruly band of miscreants otherwise known as the prophets. Why is it that these faithful souls who, having partaken of the tree of life and paid no attention to those from Satan’s “strange building” pointing the finger of scorn in their general direction (ever consider which finger that might be?), and having received the testimony of Jesus and the accompanying gift of prophecy seem to be in constant contention with everybody around them? (see 1 Nephi 8:33 and Revelation 19:10) Consider, for example, Lehi, Nephi, Abinadi, Captain Moroni, Nephi (Helaman’s grandson), Enoch, Moses, Joseph Smith, John the Baptist, and Jesus Himself. They simply don’t play by the rules. The world’s rules, that is. See, it turns out that the well dressed folks over at Camp Satan are tolerant of pretty much any message except repentance. And that’s why sparks always fly—because that’s the one message true prophets always bring. The world’s method of operation is to induce compliance through social pressure. Team Great and Spacious will do whatever they can to shame everybody else into accepting and following their rules. Righteous saints have a very distinct reaction to this campaign of shame; they despise it. The word “despise” comes to us from the Latin despicere “look down on, scorn.”

“But, behold, the righteous, the saints of the Holy One of Israel, they who have believed in the Holy One of Israel, they who have endured the crosses of the world, and despised the shame of it, they shall inherit the kingdom of God, which was prepared for them from the foundation of the world, and their joy shall be full forever.” (2 Nephi 9:18)

It may seem strange that in our quest for meekness we should need to despise anything. But the spirit of this world and the Spirit of Heaven are intrinsically opposed, and once we truly desire the latter, the former becomes distasteful and even loathsome. You can’t hold to the one without despising the other. (see Matthew 6:24)
The saints don’t like the world, and the world can’t stand the saints. It’s not often you’ll find instances of the Lord Himself despising people, but in this case, He sides with the saints:

“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.” (2 Nephi 9:42)

Is this the enmity placed by the Lord between us and Satan’s followers to protect us from their desire to take possession of our bodies? Does true love of the Kingdom of Heaven bring with it a true distaste for the things Satan has to offer us here in this telestial kingdom? If what I truly want is pleasure, power, praise, or popularity, then I want what this world has to offer, and when I pray for (or desire) those things, there is a god ready and willing to answer my plea. If what I truly want is peace, to be enveloped in the loving arms of my God in Heaven, then when I pray for (or desire) to be in His presence, there is a God ready and willing to answer my plea. What matters most is what I want. Not what I think I’m supposed to want or what other people tell me I should want, but what I honestly, at the core of my heart where nobody else knows but me, really, truly long for. What we want is what we worship.

186: EROSION: THE BEGINNING OF THE GREAT DIVIDE

 

One word came to me today. The word was erosion. Erosion is the gradual wearing away, the process of undermining, of deterioration, of weakening to a state of final destruction of. What is interesting is that erosion usually divides. A gulf is formed where there are two sides. You can no longer stand on middle ground or if you are, as shown in the photo above, you would be standing in mud.

Today is a historic day. The Supreme Court ruled that part of the Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional on June 26. In a pair of landmark rulings, the Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act, giving married gay couples access to federal benefits — and declined to rule on Prop 8, paving the way for same-sex couples to wed again in California.

 

Here is a photo taken this morning in front of the Supreme Court. What caught my eye was the scaffolding around the building. The U.S. Supreme Court Building's West Front Façade is undergoing construction to address deterioration and erosion due to age, weather and nature. Years ago, a modillion (a support projecting from a wall) from the pediment cornice failed and fell to the ground. Emergency repair work has been performed on the West Portico over several years during summer recess of the Court, but now full restoration work is underway. I find that symbolic.

LINK

 

 

 

Here is a photo of some LDS supporters of the decision for Marriage Equality.

 

Edith Windsor, the 84-year-old woman who brought the case against DOMA, said that the ruling ensured that the federal government could no longer discriminate against the marriages of gays and lesbians. “Children born today will grow up in a world without DOMA, and those same children who happen to be gay will be free to love and get married,” she said.

A few weeks ago on the front page of MSN.com, there was an article on how new parents keep their relationship strong. See the photo of these two men. The photo suggests that these two men are the parents of this baby.  Our world is becoming ever more confused. My heart is saddened to think that children will be raised without ever having a female mother... or for that matter, a male father.

 

 

Bottomline: From the beginning of time, Satan's main purpose was to separate the man from the woman which started in the Garden. And if Satan could divide, he could conquer and defeat them. There is power in the couple of man and woman. It is creative power. It is the same power of God which is to bring forth new life. The divine couple of male and female when "fused" together is limitless... any other  type "fusing" is an abomination of desolation.
...

185: MARKETING, PERSONAS, and SOCIAL MEDIA

To begin this post I wanted to share this quote by Hugh Nibley:

"An extremely important lesson [is] driven home repeatedly in the Book of Mormon,  that righteousness does not consist of being identified with this or that nation, party, church, or group.  When you find a particularly wicked society in the story, look back a few pages and you will probably find that not many years before those same people were counted righteous. Or, when you find a particular godless and ferocious lot of Lamanites, if you look a few pages ahead you may find them among the most blessed and favored of God's people." Hugh Nibley, The Prophetic Book of Mormon (1989), 337

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Marketing is the process of communicating the value of a product or service to customers, for the purpose of selling the product or service. It is a critical business function for attracting customers. To better understand the "customers", surveys and focus testing are conducted as well as market segmentation analysis are performed. Personas are created, and vast amount of money is spent on advertising.

In the NEW YORK TIMES, it was reported that the Church hired two big-name advertising agencies Ogilvy & Mather and Hall & Partners, to find out what Americans think of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints using focus groups and surveys.

 The Church has been spending a vast amount of time, money, and resources around the world to "market" The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.. or affectionately called, the Mormons, including the creation of "personas". One of the goals of this particular marketing campaigns is to portray the members of the Church as normal, everyday people who are happy, successful and all have beautiful smiles.

Here is a news report of this marketing campaign happening in London, England. LINK TO VIDEO

The main purposes of marketing is to influence someone's decision. The best way to do this is through their emotions. My wife coined the term POPE.... (Playing On People's Emotions). Beautiful ads and videos are created which affect our thoughts and hopefully our actions.

Most are aware of billboards, television commercials, radios ads, and print advertising to influence others, but most are not aware that  "personas"  that are also used in marketing. Personas are fictional characters created with the purpose to generate positive comments and start a buzz about the product. These comments will give the real people impressions that this is something of value. However, it is an artificial means to create hype. It appears real, and a way to influence the public. It creates buzz as if it were spontaneous. Even though it makes the product look hot, hip... it is fake and phony. It dismisses bona fide real people. It manipulates by influencing the impressions/comments written by real people

The Church can use personas to generate reactions to new stories and other things to influence real people by the contrived comments/"reactions" of the personas.  For example, if you put up an announcement that for instance about the dedication of City Creek mall in the Deseret news, or for the continuing support of the Boy Scouts, and you have personas generating comments who made sure that the first comments are positive.. (those are the personas).. These comments by "personas" help influence others to what would otherwise be a negative responses.

Another way of marketing is using social media like Facebook, blogs, Twitter and other forms of online digital media.

I have always been somewhat leery of Facebook. I prefer that my children do not have a Facebook Account. Now that President Monson, as well as the other apostles have Facebook's accounts, it will be hard to discourage them from having an account.. I can just heard it now, "But Dad, our prophet has a Facebook account"

click on news article LINK

"First Presidency members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently launched their own Google+ pages. President Thomas S Monson, President Henry B. Eyring and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf will soon have their own Facebook accounts."

In the World Wide Training Meeting held on Sunday, it looks like all the missionaries will now be able to have Facebook accounts as well.

 “As missionaries enter this new age where they will use computers in the work of the Lord, we invite the young and the old, the adults, the young adults, the youth, and the children everywhere to join with us in this exciting new work by becoming Facebook friends with the missionaries in your area on your own computers and sharing their gospel messages online and by becoming involved in missionary work yourselves,” Elder Perry said.

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184: A DESCRIPTION OF THE LORD

We are approaching the Summer Solstice in a few days, as mentioned in the previous post.  It is a good today to draw closer to Heaven.  It is a good day to ascend. The word ASCEND derives  from ad- "to" + scandere "to climb". Ascend literally means “to climb”. It also means “to rise, to proceed from an inferior to a superior degree; to move upwards; to mount; to go up; 

The legacy that Joseph Smith left is a drive for knowledge, to ascend. He taught the importance of seeking after knowledge…seeking after the mysteries of God…seeking after the things of heaven. Joseph Smith taught the importance of the ascent through the heavens back to the presence of the Father. This is a spiral ascend upward. It is a belief that man can become a God. “As man is now, God once was. And as God is now, man may become.” Eternal progression is what it is all about, which is man's destiny is to become like God. It is the process of ASCENDING.

 

Below are some thoughts that were shared with me.

There are two statements that are repeated in scripture that describe the Lord. (Three times in the Book of Mormon and also in the Doctrine and Covenants,) This two part description says that "His paths are straight and His course is One Eternal Round." 

"For God doth not walk in crooked paths,

neither doth he turn to the right hand nor to the left,

neither doth he vary from that which he hath said,

therefore his paths are straight,

and his course is one eternal round."

Doctrine and Covenants 3:2

Two different things are being described,  His path and His course. It is not the same thing. The path is Him. The path is what He is. The path is straight. If He were not to fulfill everything that He says, then he would deviate from his path. Whatever He takes into his heart to do or to say, that is what he does, that is why his words are endless, and His path is straight, that is why he can not deviate from it.

 

His course is the One Eternal Round. His course is what we are on. In other words, his curriculum, his manner of teaching.. is one Eternal Round. That is why He can be straight, but the course that we take is one eternal round. And the reason why it is one eternal round is because … if you are going to ascend the mountain,.. not by walking straight up.. but go back and forth and back and forth.. in order to reach up. And that process requires cycles of upward movement in incrementally stage by stage. We move by degrees and increments. We are invited to walk in the path, but the way that we get to his path for us , is by following or taking the course that He offers. The course does narrow the higher you get.

 

 

 

Furthermore, we read another description of the Lord. Neither does the Lord  have a shadow…of turning to the right or the left.

"neither doth he vary from that which he hath said;

neither hath he a shadow of turning from the right to the left,

or from that which is right to that which is wrong;

therefore, his course is one eternal round."

Alma 7:20

Imagine yourself perpendicular to the sun, on the longest day of the year, standing at the equator. With the Sun directly overhead, there is no shadow except beneath your feet. There is none. Likewise, the Lord and His path is so reliable that he doesn’t even cast a shadow by leaning to the right or to the left.  There is no shadow between him and being true to the path itself.  He doesn’t cast a shadow,.. neither hath he a shadow of turning from the right to the left, or from that which is right to that which is wrong; therefore, because that is who He is… his course is one eternal round. And that is what we do… And we are expected to improve, and increase and grow incrementally… but like what Joseph said,… it will a great while after we have departed from this world before we will have learned all you need to learn in order to know enough to be saved and know enough ultimately to be exalted.. because that course it just continues.

 

 

183: SUMMER SOLSTICE

SEVEN days from now, it will be the Summer Solstice. In the Northern Hemisphere, the Sun is higher in the sky throughout this day, and its rays strike Earth at a more direct angle, creating more sunlight on this day then any other. In North America, summer solstice begins on June 21, 2013 at 1:04 A.M. EDT

 As a major celestial event, the Summer Solstice results in the longest day and the shortest night of the year. Sol + stice derives from a combination of Latin words meaning sol = "sun" and stice =  "to stand still." It is said that  the sun rises higher and higher until it seems to stand still in the sky.

Above is a photo of Mount Timpanogos. It is the second highest mountain in Utah's Wasatch Range and the 47th most prominent mountain in the United States. The name translates as "rock" (tumpi) and "water mouth" or "canyon" (panogos). It would make for the perfect hike to ascend on the Summer Solstice.

A wise friend of mine said:

"Observing the Vernal, Autumnal and Solstices was something done from ancient times, in ceremony and in ritual. Whole cities were built aligned to the cardinal directions of the compass and the lights of heaven. The lights of heaven were given to us first as “signs” and secondly as “seasons.” Don’t let them pass by unnoticed. Otherwise you note less than even the plants and the animals whose life cycles and behavior acknowledge the passing of such events.

"Nature testifies endlessly of the Lord. It also invites us endlessly to turn back to Him. This continuing patience and enduring invitiation shown in nature is a reminder of how loving and patient, how persistent and committed the Lord is to our salvation. Salvation is predicated upon the same, universal standard for all who would return to Him. In that respect it is as exact and unchanging as the cycles of nature. Despite its exacting requirements, it is endlessly inviting and continually encouraging us to accept that standard and to live it. Not just to say, but to do."

"In this world, we are always in motion. Always either growing or receding in light."

"So also with the sun. From solstice to equinox, to solstice to equinox, it grows, then dims. Never static. It is impossible to freeze the light. It will grow or it will fade, It is not possible for an individual, nor a collection of individuals, to remain static. They are either involved with restoring truth or in apostasy from it; never merely "preserving". All great truths are simple, and they are testified of in nature as well as in scripture."

 It would be good to plan accordingly if you intend to do something, then, to show Him that you want to return to the Light. The Summer Solstice is a symbolic day to be in more direct alignment and a day of "most light".


Sidenote:

Summer Solstice is believed by many to be the day that the Savior was conceived. In an article by John Pratt (see link HERE) he has pinpointed the conjunction of the constellations Jupiter and Venus - the two constellations representing Father and Mother coming together as a sign,and that the Son of the most light, was conceived on the day of the most light.

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182: HE AGAIN FORBADE ME TO JOIN WITH ANY OF THEM

Does it matter which Church we belong to?

  Joseph Smith had the same question. So, he prayed and asked the Lord. He received an answer. We can read the answer in Joseph Smith History 1: 18-20.

"My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might know which to join. No sooner, therefore, did I get possession of myself, so as to be able to speak, than I asked the Personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right (for at this time it had never entered into my heart that all were wrong)—and which I should join.

I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong; and the Personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; that those professors were all corrupt; that: “they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof.”

He again forbade me to join with any of them; and many other things did he say unto me, which I cannot write as this time."

Multiple times the Lord forbade Joseph to join with any of the other church.

So, the reason for this post is that I am a little surprised that the Restored Church that Joseph Smith put into motion, namely, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, is the same church that is creating a new campaign with the message: "Come to church, Whatever church you choose, Just Come".

Here is the link on the LDS Casting website posted Monday June 3, 2013, under the Project entitled: "Faith, Families, and Freedom".

http://ldsavdcasting.blogspot.com/

______________________________________________________________________

MESSAGE:  “Come to church: Whatever church you choose.  Just come!”

SEEKING:   Young Adults, age 17-25, who are actively practicing adherents of any religion.  Specifically, we would like to interview those who are not of the LDS faith.

 

Dear Talent,

 Please see listed below the main emphasis of our casting efforts this week.  All these roles require some very high-level acting talent.  These are not throw-away roles.  The director will linger on faces and take the time to gather and express the emotion of the moments captured herein. 

 This project is a prototype under the umbrella of a much larger “Faith, Families and Freedom,” project.  While it is being created by the LDS Church, the project is designed to air as national commercial spots for a unified group of many faiths; not just LDS.  As such, all of these pieces have requested ETHNIC MINORITY DIVERSITY.  If a specific ethnicity isn’t listed, “White/Caucasian” is acceptable, although preference will most likely be given to those of color.  (Just sayin’.)

 _________________________________________________________________________

  Joseph Smith restored a completely different religion that any other church on the earth. The underlying theology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to ascend, and to become like the Father in order for us to dwell with Him. The teachings of the Restored Church should center around us getting back to the Father. The teachings of the Restored Church are meant to save us.

So, yes, it does matter which Church we choose. I am puzzled that we would be sending out a message to the world opposite to this.. and tell people to just choose any church.. Just go to Church.

This concept will not save anyone, and possible damn those who teach it, as well as those who believe it.

....

 

181: PRIESTHOOD

Is it better for a man to have great faith WITHOUT priesthood, than a man to have priesthood WITHOUT faith?

It probably is better to have great faith.

Faith is the foundation of all righteousness. Faith and only faith is the moving cause of all action. Faith is not only the principle  of action, but of power also, in all intelligent beings, whether  in heaven or on earth. It is the principle by which God works, and through which he exercises power over all temporal as well as eternal things. (Lectures on Faith)

It is even better to have a man with faith and with priesthood. Having both, that man has the ability to get the attention of Heaven and perform mighty miracles.

How does the priesthood work?  It works “only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned and  by kindness, and pure knowledge, D&C 121: 41-42

The Priesthood has only one main purpose… IT IS TO BLESS.   The priesthood should never be used to curse, nor is it required . We are better off in enduring, suffering ..rather than curse. The safest way to proceed under this fallen world with man in it.. is to refuse to curse anyone at anytime, and endure all things and bless when you can.

All too often when men suppose they have the Priesthood, if not narrowly circumscribe.. men will forfeit their priesthood.   Men have a tendency to aspire to the honors of men, set their hearts upon the things of this world, cover their sins, gratify their pride, have vain ambition, exercise control or dominion or compulsion. Because of this, the heavens withdraw themselves.

Once a man gets even a little authority, he will IMMEDIATELY begin to exercise unrighteous dominion. This is the case in almost ALL men, and because of this, the Spirit of the Lord is grieved, and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man.

180: FEEDING SHEEP?.. OR AMUSING GOATS?

An essay was written in the 1800's by a man named Charles Haddon Spurgeon from England. While it is referring to the Church of England,  I think is very interesting and has parallels to our own Church today. The title of the article: Is the Church feeding sheep or amusing goats?  Feeding and amusing are polar opposites, as well as sheep and goats. Feeding sustains life, while amusing gradually leads to damnation.  Feeding would include preaching repentance, amusing might include telling feel good stories or maybe even wiggling your ears. To amuse means to divert the attention, beguile, delude. The primary meaning of amuse is to deceive or cheat.  Here is the article:

IS THE CHURCH FEEDING SHEEP?.. OR AMUSING GOATS?

"An evil is in the professed camp of the Lord, so gross in its impudence, that the most shortsighted can hardly fail to notice it during the past few years. It has developed at an abnormal rate, even for evil. It has worked like leaven until the whole lump ferments. The devil has seldom done a cleverer thing than hinting to the church that part of their mission is to provide entertainment for the people, with a view to winning them. From speaking out as the Puritans did, the church has gradually toned down her testimony, then winked at and excused the frivolities of the day. Then she tolerated them in her borders. Now she has adopted them under the plea of reaching the masses.

My first contention is that providing amusement for the people is nowhere spoken of in the Scriptures as a function of the church. If it is a Christian work, why did not Christ speak of it? "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). That is clear enough So it would have been if He had added, "and provide amusement for those who do not relish the gospel." No such words, however, are to be found. It did not seem to occur to him.

Then again, "He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some evangelists; and some pastors and teachers .., for the work of the ministry" (Eph. 4:11-12). Where do entertainers come in? The Holy Spirit is silent concerning them. Were the prophets persecuted because they amused the people or because they refused? The concert has no martyr roll.

Again, providing amusement is in direct antagonism to the teaching and life of Christ and all his apostles. What was the attitude of the church to the world? Ye are the salt" (Matt. 5:13), not the sugar candy---something the world will spit out not swallow. Short and sharp was the utterance, "Let the dead bury their dead" (Matt. 8:22) He was in awful earnestness.

Had Christ introduced more of the bright and pleasant elements into his mission, he would have been more popular when they went back, because of the searching nature of His teaching. I do not hear him say, "Run after these people Peter and tell them we will have a different style of service tomorrow, something short and attractive with little preaching. We different style of service tomorrow, something short and attractive with little preaching. We will have a pleasant evening for the people. Tell them they will be sure to enjoy it. Be quick Peter, we must get the people somehow." Jesus pitied sinners, sighed and wept over them, but never sought to amuse them.

In vain will the Epistles be searched to find any trace of this gospel of amusement! Their message is, "Come out, keep out, keep clean out!" Anything approaching fooling is conspicuous by its absence. They had boundless confidence in the gospel and employed no other weapon.

After Peter and John were locked up for preaching, the church had a prayer meeting but they did not pray, "Lord grant unto thy servants that by a wise and discriminating use of innocent recreation we may show these people how happy we are." If they ceased not from preaching Christ, they had not time for arranging entertainments. Scattered by persecution, they went everywhere preaching the gospel. They turned the world upside down (Acts 17:6). That is the only difference! Lord, clear the church of all the rot and rubbish the devil has imposed on her, and bring us back to apostolic methods.

Lastly, the mission of amusement fails to effect the end desired. It works havoc among young converts. Let the careless and scoffers, who thank God because the church met them halfway, speak and testify. Let the heavy laden who found peace through the concert not keep silent! Let the drunkard to whom the dramatic entertainment has been God's link in the chain of the conversion, stand up! There are none to answer. The mission of amusement produces no converts. The need of the hour for today's ministry is believing scholarship joined with earnest spirituality, the one springing from the other as fruit from the root. The need is biblical doctrine, so understood and felt, that it sets men on fire."

179: LETTING GO OF ANGER

I wanted to share a few things. A Native American story about 2 wolves, a symbolic story about 2 eagles.. and a few passages of scripture.

 

TWO WOLVES:

 

An old Grandfather said to his grandson, who came to him with anger at a friend who had done him an injustice, “Let me tell you a story”.

  

“I too, at times, have felt a great hate for those that have taken, so much, with no sorrow for what they do.

  

But hate wears you down, and does not hurt your enemy. It is like taking poison and wishing your enemy would die. I have struggles with these feelings many times.” He continued, “It is as if there are two wolves inside me. One is good and does no harm. He lives in harmony with all around him, and does not take offense when no offense was intended. He will only fight when it is right to do so, and in the right way.

 

But the other wolf, ah! He is full of anger. The littlest thing will set him into a fit of temper. He fights everyone, all the time, for no reason. He cannot think because his anger and hate are so great. It is helpless anger, for his anger will change nothing.

 

Sometimes, is it hard to live with these two wolves inside me, for both of them try to dominate my spirit.”

 

The boy looked intently into his Grandfather’s eyes and asked, “Which one wins, Grandfather?”

 The Grandfather smiles and quietly said, “The one I feed.”

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TWO EAGLES

There was a crash landing Sunday at the Duluth International Airport, but it didn’t involve airplanes. Rather, it was two bald eagles, which were fighting in midair when they locked talons. In a rare spectacle of nature, they were unable to disengage in time before crashing to the runway.

“Apparently, mature eagles will sometimes fight over territories,” Randy Hanzal, a Minnesota conservation officer said. “They will do battle in the air, crashing into each other and grabbing an intruding eagle with their talons. See photo below of two eagles with their talons intertwined.

“Usually, they will let go of each other before hitting the ground, but in this case, they had the talons so deeply imbedded in each other they may have been unable to let go.”

Because neither Eagle would let go.. they both came crashing to the ground which could have killed both.

link to article

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How often do we fight and do not let go. In the last days, it will be the wicked who destroy the wicked. What is our role as disciples of Christ? 

One of my favorite stories in scripture is the conversion of Paul.  He is first referred to as Saul of Tarsus. He was born a Jew, "circumcised on the eight day, of the race of Israel, or the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrew parentage, in observance of the law a Pharisee". He grew up in a strict Pharisee environment. He would have been considered "a righteous man".  Yet, he helped murder and imprison followers of Jesus Christ including the disciple Stephen.

On the Damascus Road, Saul was struck down by a blinding light. The men with Saul heard the sound but did not see the vision of the risen Christ that Saul did. Saul was blinded. For three days Saul was blind and did not eat or drink anything. Meanwhile, Jesus appeared His disciple Ananias and told him to go to Saul. Ananias laid his hands on Saul, and restored his sight. Paul then became one of the greatest teachers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

He is an example of once one has a testimony of Jesus Christ,  anger can be changed to love and the importance of possessing charity.

 

"And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 

 

• Charity suffereth long, and is kind;
• Charity envieth not;
• Charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
• Charity doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked,
• Charity thinketh no evil; 
• Charity rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
• Charity Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 
• Charity never faileth: