Standing Out in a Crowd

This week's blog post discusses the last two articles of faith.

12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring and sustaining the law.

13. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul-We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report ,or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints we are encouraged to vote and educate ourselves on political standings and issues. In doing so we can vote for politicians and laws that support our values and do not violate our beliefs.

It is a part of our core beliefs to sustain the law and honor it always. We are a peaceful people and support peace in every measure however we also recognize that sometimes our government may become involved in war and send our troops over seas. Again we sustain our government leaders and laws and strive to live peacefully, and respectfully allow others to do the same.

President Gordon B Hinckley once stated:

"Why are we such a happy people? It is because of our faith, the quiet assurance that abides in our hearts that our Father in Heaven, overseeing all, will look after His sons and daughters who walk before Him with love and appreciation and obedience. We will ever be a happy people if we will so conduct our lives. Sin never was happiness. Transgression never was happiness. Falsehood in word or behavior never was happiness. Happiness lies in obedience to the teachings and commandments of God our Eternal Father and His Beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ."

When I was in Florida a couple of weeks ago I went into a store to purchase some items I needed and immediately the employees approached me asking me where I was from. "You are not from around here." they said. "You seem too happy. People from around here are hardened and seldom smile. you have a radiant smile and you are beaming with happiness - where are you from?"

I told them I was from Utah. Not telling them that my outward happiness was a reflection of my inward testimony of Jesus Christ, my values and beliefs. I have to say I enjoy standing out. I enjoy being different from the crowd. I enjoy smiling at people that seem very unhappy and angry at the world. I like to give them hope that the world is not such a bad place. Life doesn't have to be hard, painful, difficult and lonely. Life is meant to be enjoyed. When we are free of sin and Satan's grip then we become free. Our mind, our body and our spirit are free of burden, illness, pain and sorrow. This freedom allows us to experience joy and happiness each day. When trials and challenges do enter our lives we call on our Father in Heaven to help us bear our burdens. It is then with our faith, that he carries us through our difficult times allowing us to focus on the greater purpose and eternal reward. This knowledge and hope sustains us in our life here and Earth and we can't help but feel joy and gratitude.

I know that God lives as does His son Jesus Christ. They want us to be happy and can help us find happiness when we call on them in prayer and faith. It has been my pleasure to share and discuss our core values and beliefs in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints through the 13 Articles of faith. I pray that they have touched you in one way or another and I testify of their importance and divine influence from above. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Let Them Worship What They May

The 11th Article of Faith reads:

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

I think President Dieter Uchtdorf sums this up very well when he stated;

"When my own family contemplates the phrase “faith of our fathers,” often it is the Lutheran faith that comes to mind. For generations our ancestors belonged to that denomination. In fact, my son recently discovered that one of our family lines connects back to Martin Luther himself.

We honor and respect sincere souls from all religions, no matter where or when they lived, who have loved God, even without having the fullness of the gospel. We lift our voices in gratitude for their selflessness and courage. We embrace them as brothers and sisters, children of our Heavenly Father."

I have so many friends who belong to so many different faiths. I respect and admire them for their dedication to their beliefs and worship. They help make this world a better place and I am grateful for that.

I am grateful that we live in a country where we have freedom of religion and can practice our beliefs openly. I know that this great land of America was consecrated for this very purpose. God desires for us to have these freedoms and to have our free agency. I am grateful for this blessing and this I say in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

The Savior's Return - Are You Ready?

The tenth article of faith reads:

10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.

This is something I think about daily. We can see this is progress in our day which to me is very exciting.

Isa. 11:11-12

“And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.

“And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth”

Just as the Lord had gathered the house of Israel the first time under the leadership of Moses, he promised to gather them a second time after their long dispersion. The Lord told Jeremiah that this second gathering would be a glorious event (Jer. 16: 14-15).

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints we are taught that we are living in the last days and we will witness the signs of the times in our day. We are taught which signs to look for in the scriptures. Though frightening to some, it is exciting to me because the sooner these signs come to pass the sooner the Savior will be here. I look forward to this day very much and I think about it each day. I am doing all I can to prepare me and my loved ones for this great event.

In 1977 Bruce R McConkie stated:

“I shall speak of the gathering of Israel and of the building up of Zion in the last days. As we all know, the Lord scattered Israel among all the nations of the earth because they forsook him and broke his commandments. As we also know, he is now gathering in the lost sheep of Israel and laying upon them the obligation to build up his latter-day Zion.

This gathering of Israel and this budding of Zion in the last days occurs in stages. The early part of the work, which involved gathering to the United States and building stakes of Zion in North America, has already been accomplished. We are now engaged in gathering Israel within the various nations of the earth and of establishing stakes of Zion at the remote parts of the earth.

Zion shall be built up—she shall obtain that perfection and glory which is hers—when the Lord appears in his glory. She shall then become as she once was. This will be during the Millennium when the restoration of all things is completed. Zion shall be perfected after the second coming of Christ.

But in the meantime, and as of now, the Lord has laid upon us the responsibility to lay the foundation for that which is to be. We have been commissioned to prepare a people for the second coming of the Son of Man. We have been called to preach the gospel to every nation and kindred and tongue and people. We have been commanded to lay the foundations of Zion and to get all things ready for the return of Him who shall again crown the Holy City with his presence and glory. Our call to all men everywhere is, “Come to Zion, come to Zion, and within her walls rejoice.

This is a work of great magnitude and importance. There is no work like it in all the world. The gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is the greatest thing in heaven or in earth. We rejoice in the glorious truths of heaven we have received. We praise the Lord for his goodness and grace. And we know within ourselves of the truth and divinity of these things.

By the revelations of the Holy Spirit to my soul, I know this work in which we are engaged is true. I know the Lord’s hand is in it. I know that we will be successful in our labors. The day will come when the knowledge of God covers the earth as the waters cover the sea. …This is the Lord’s work. It is true, and I so testify in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.”

This is a topic that I talk about often with my family and I could talk about if hours. From what I have been told in my Patriarchal blessing I will participate in this great work. I know that we are closer to this event than most of us realize and that some of the signs that must come to pass may occur after the Savior has returned, which is why it is important to realize that it could happen very soon. Many of us think that all the signs must occur before Christ returns but if that were the case then we would all be ready because we have been counting down these signs. We might say, “Oh there is still plenty of time. Certain sign have not come to pass yet.” It’s important to know that Christ will return in an hour when we least expect and many of us who were watching for the signs will be caught off guard.

So know this; “If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear”. Follow the counsel of the prophets. Be prepared in all areas of your life. Have a 1-2 year supply of food storage and emergency essentials. Become pure in heart and humble. Be ready to heed the call of instruction from prophets, leaders and the Lord. Pay close attention to the Spirit and he will guide you through this. Most importantly do not fear. Be of good cheer and look for the good in all things. Be a beacon of light for those around you as the dark times that lie ahead spring upon us. Have faith in the Lord and He will take you by the hand.

What a magnificent day it will be when the Lord returns and there is peace on Earth again. I look forward to this day each and every day of my life. Be prepared, be prepared. This I say in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

God Reveals in Our Day

The 9^th article of faith reads:

9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

The scriptures contain many past revelations from God through the words of the prophets and from God Himself. Though many of these revelations were for the people of ancient times we also believe that many of them were given for our day.

Today God sends revelation though our modern day prophet Thomas S. Monson. Through General Conference and the Ensign magazine we receive revelation each month from God for our day. Believing and following this revelation will help us through hard times to come and help us through challenges we may have today. It also gives us hope and helps us live our lives in accordance to the Lord.

We know that God continues to send revelation down from heaven and that He will continue to reveal important things to us that will help us in our day and time.

I remember when I was a newly wed about 9 years ago and the prophet at the time gave us new revelation that women in the church should only wear one pair of earrings. I remember at the time I had seven piercings in my ears because I had previously worked in a jewelry store and piercing ears was part of my job. It was in style at the time and I loved all my little silver hoops and diamonds. It was difficult for me to understand at the time and I was hesitant to follow this counsel.

It then occurred to me that we are not ever asked to “understand” God’s commandments, counsel and revelations, just to follow them. If I wasn’t able to follow something as simple as wearing one pair of earrings then what would happen down the road when something greater was asked of me. I knew that the Lord often tests our loyalty to Him through small ways. If we can handle the small things then we will be prepared for the bigger things to come. I knew what I needed to do.

Now that I am a mother I look back at all the counsel I had been asked to follow in the past that did not make sense at the time and I can see God’s wisdom now. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints we need stand out among the world and not blend in with the world. Blending in with the world clouds our light and it is difficult for others to recognize our values and where we stand.

I remember in high school many people were surprised when they learned that I was LDS. I didn’t understand why. I went to church, to seminary, and was active in my callings – why did I blend in with the world? It is clear to me now that the way I dressed back then, the people I hung out with, the music I listened to and the guys I dated are a clear reason why people made this assumption. I blended in. I was attracting the wrong kind of guys which was drawing me away from real happiness. Had I listened to the words of the Lord and the prophets I would have stood out more – my light would have shown brighter.

I know that the Lord knows us individually and he knows our struggles, our challenges and our weaknesses. He gives us revelation to help us in a dark and dreary world. If we believe it and follow it we will be led back to him. He has not forgotten us and he continues to speak to us through revelation. We just need to listen and follow. I say these words in the name of Jesus Christ – Amen.

Ancient Instructions for the Past and Future

The eighth article of faith says:

8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly, we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.

I remember watching the History Channel recently and I became fascinated by a story that aired about the history of the Bible. Scholars and historians alike have pointed out that over the centuries, books, pages and scripts have been lost, translations have been lost and the Bible known to the world today is very different from the original scripts centuries ago as it was in it’s purest from at that time. Also, they have noted over the centuries that the books within the Bible (scrolls) fell out of order and it is unclear to this day which order the books were intended be in.

Robert J. Matthews has stated “..error has occurred not only in the translation from one language to another, but also in the transcription of the text from manuscript to manuscript, even in the same language. The Bible has apparently suffered mostly from omissions…many important items are missing, and this in turn leaves some parts unclear.”

The prophet Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon straight from its pure ancient characters into the English language. This book truly was written for our day and preserved for our day. We read from a translated form of the King James Version Bible and we believe this to be true as far as it has been translated correctly. Through revelation from God, the prophet Joseph was given proper translation corrections for specific sections in the King James Bible that had been lost or translated incorrectly from language to language over the years.

I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to read and study both the Bible and the Book of Mormon. They have blessed my life immensely and I have been guided through my life by the words from those ancient prophets. Did they know that their words would have such an impact on person such as me? Did they know that their sacrifices would bless nations?

I hope you take the time to read these books and feel the power that they will have in your life if you read them with your whole heart and mind. The blind will see them as “boring” and pass up great blessings. Those who see with their “spiritual eyes” will have a life changing experience and witness the powers of heaven working strongly in their life each day. These sacred books are full of answers that the Lord gave to ancient prophets centuries ago for our day. These words were intended for us. Just the very act of reading the scriptures will naturally bring you closer to the Lord. You will feel His love for you and He will reveal answers and instruction to you, that will help you immensely in your life. I Say this in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

Spiritual Gifts From God

The 7^th Article of Faith reads:

7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues and so forth.

Gift of Tongues

The gift of tongues is the ability to speak that others might understand, and the ability to interpret spiritual truths by the power of the Holy Ghost. Its purpose is to teach the gospel to others and is bestowed upon those who desire to serve God, through the power of the Holy Ghost. When one is given the gift of tongues, it will always be given so that there is understanding between the speaker and the listener. The gift of tongues is not present in speech that cannot be interpreted

The prophet Joseph Smith cautioned the saints when he said, “Speak not in the gift of tongues without understanding it, or without interpretation. The devil can speak in tongues; the adversary will come with his work; he can tempt all classes; can speak in English or Dutch. Let no one speak in tongues unless he interpret, except by the consent of the one who is placed to preside; then he may discern or interpret, or another may.”

Prophecy

Though many believe that the gift of prophecy is no longer on the Earth and died with the ancient prophets and apostles, as Latter Day Saints we know it is the contrary. God loves all of his children just the same and continues to lead them through a modern day prophet. He has never left us and the heavens are open. We receive direction from President S. Monson and his Apostles monthly in The Ensign Magazine, General Conference talks, letters, and through various other sources.

From Moses we learn the gift of prophecy is not restricted to Church leaders only. “Would God,” he cried, “that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!”(Num 11:29) According to John, “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Rev 19:10). Through this wonderful gift we can know that the Savior lives and that he loves us.

Revelation

Anyone in the church who is called to serve in any capacity small or large, is set apart by the laying on of hands and through the holy priesthood that they may receive revelation from God pertaining to their responsibilities in that calling. Whether they be a nursery leader of three-year-old children or bishop of a ward.

Revelation is also the gift by which we can know the choices we are making are the right ones. Those who receive the gift of the Holy Ghost can receive revelation “within the sphere of responsibility and authority given to [them]” (Lee, Stand Ye in Holy Places, 155). Parents can receive inspiration in guiding their children. A visiting teacher can be prompted to help a sister she teaches. We may all be inspired in our daily lives.

I have received revelation many times in my life. Some of the things that were revealed to me were as clear as day as to what I should do and how I should do it. These revelations prevented me from experiencing much tragedy and trials and blessed me and my family with greater happiness.

Visions

God often reveals answers to our prayers or important direction for us through visions. Visions can occur in the form of dreams or while we are awake. Some of my pioneer ancestors recorded their personal experiences with visions. My great, great grandmother wrote of an experience in which she was a young girl in her native land of Switzerland. She had been introduced to the gospel by Mormon missionaries and was very interested. Her only obstacle was that she had never been taught to pray over food. She had a hard time understanding the teaching of “blessing food” before eating it. As she struggled over this in her mind a vision appeared before her like a video playing right before her eyes of the Savior blessing and breaking bread with his disciples. This experience felt so real to her that she knew it was an answer from the Lord and she was then baptized and made the long trek to Utah.

Healing

We know that the power of healing comes from God and is dependant upon our faith. By faith, prayer, and the power of the holy Melchizedek priesthood God heals. If we pray, believe and our faith is strong we can experience the gift of healing when we do not have the priesthood present.

In addition to physical healing there is also spiritual healing. This can be a gift bestowed upon many to help others heal from spiritual wounds and come to know their Savior.

Interpretation of Tongues

As many are able to speak in tongues very easily and understand, there is also the gift of interpretation. The ability to understand a foreign language even when you are not able to speak it is a marvelous gift. This gift is sometimes given to us when we do not understand a language and we need to receive an important message from God.

Conclusion

It is important to remember that Satan can also mimic these same gifts to deceive us. There are many in the world who heal, see visions, speak in strange tongues and so forth. Yes, this power is real and very convincing but it does not come from God. So how do we know so we are not deceived?

Those who have been blessed with the gift of discernment will know good from evil and where the source comes from. I have been blessed with this gift in my life and it has been revealed to me that this is a gift that will be blessing to me as long as I live close to the Lord. The Lord can help us discern good from evil through the power of the Holy Ghost. Those who do not have a close relationship with the Lord or a testimony of Him will be easily deceived. The Lord has a purpose to carry out and so does Satan. Satan is very intelligent and knows how to best deceive us. He tries to mimic the “gifts” of God to destroy God’s plan for us and lead people away.

By establishing a close relationship with God and praying for any of these gifts the Lord can bless you with what you desire. He wants to bless you with the things you will need to return to Him after this life. He wants you to be happy and to use your gifts to bless others. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ amen.