One day there was a group of battle ships out in the ocean on manuvers
On one of the Battle ships there was an announcement made
Steady Captain!!!!!!!
Which means that they are on a dangerous collision course
The Captain said send a message and tell them to change their course by 20 degrees
the message was sent
a few moments later the message was returned
We suggest you change your course by 20 degrees
Send the message back and tell them I am a captain
You change your course by 20 degrees!!!!!
The message came back I am a seaman 2nd class
You change your course by 20 degrees!!!
As you could imagine by this time the captain was irate
So he said you send a message and tell them that I am a battleship
You change your course by 20 degrees
Well a reply came back I am a light house
You change your course by 20 degrees
Needless to say we know who changed their course by 20 degrees
No matter what our position in life
we need to never loose sight of the need to seek
guidance.
Often times if we will just change our course by 20 degrees
we can overcome the issues tomorrow that seem insurmountable today.
Friday, February 27, 2009
The Dead Duck
A wealthy plantation owner took Sam, his hired hand hunting ducks one Saturday morning
As they walked along, the boss said, Sam, you believe in God don't you?
And Sam replied, "Yes"
The boss said I don't.
He then said why is it , Sam that I who don't believe in God and I have so much,
and You who believe in God have so little?
I have everything a man could want, but you have almost nothing.
Sam had never thought of that before so he said,
boss i really don't have an answer to that question give me a little while to think this matter over.
So the boss agreed
Sam began to offer a silent prayer in an effort to find an answer to this question.
Just then they came onto a lake and up flew a flock of ducks.
the boss shot and dropped 2 ducks
One was dead and the other was wounded.
Just as Sam went out to get the ducks,
Sam's boss yelled and said get the wounded one first
Or he will get away
He smirked and laughed as he said, (The dead one isn't going anywhere.)
Just then Sam started to smile, his prayer had been answered
As Sam was walking back to his boss he had a smile from ear to ear.
It was such a big smile the boss had to laugh.
Sam said, Boss you have just answered your own question.
His boss replied what do you mean.
Sam said Boss you are the dead duck.
Satan knows I believe in God and he is doing all in his power to make me change my belief.
He knows when he gets through with me
You will always be there.
Doctrine and Covenants 58:4
For after much tribulation come the blessing
Wherefore the day cometh that
Ye shall be crowned with much glory;
the hour is not yet but it is nigh at hand.
Ether 12:27
And if men come unto me I will show
unto them their weakness
I give unto men weakness that they may be humble
And my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves
before me, for if they humble themselves before me and have faith in me then
will I make weak things become strong unto them.
As they walked along, the boss said, Sam, you believe in God don't you?
And Sam replied, "Yes"
The boss said I don't.
He then said why is it , Sam that I who don't believe in God and I have so much,
and You who believe in God have so little?
I have everything a man could want, but you have almost nothing.
Sam had never thought of that before so he said,
boss i really don't have an answer to that question give me a little while to think this matter over.
So the boss agreed
Sam began to offer a silent prayer in an effort to find an answer to this question.
Just then they came onto a lake and up flew a flock of ducks.
the boss shot and dropped 2 ducks
One was dead and the other was wounded.
Just as Sam went out to get the ducks,
Sam's boss yelled and said get the wounded one first
Or he will get away
He smirked and laughed as he said, (The dead one isn't going anywhere.)
Just then Sam started to smile, his prayer had been answered
As Sam was walking back to his boss he had a smile from ear to ear.
It was such a big smile the boss had to laugh.
Sam said, Boss you have just answered your own question.
His boss replied what do you mean.
Sam said Boss you are the dead duck.
Satan knows I believe in God and he is doing all in his power to make me change my belief.
He knows when he gets through with me
You will always be there.
Doctrine and Covenants 58:4
For after much tribulation come the blessing
Wherefore the day cometh that
Ye shall be crowned with much glory;
the hour is not yet but it is nigh at hand.
Ether 12:27
And if men come unto me I will show
unto them their weakness
I give unto men weakness that they may be humble
And my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves
before me, for if they humble themselves before me and have faith in me then
will I make weak things become strong unto them.
What is the price of happiness?
Happiness is an elusive thing
It is like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow
If we go out deliberately to find it we may have difficulty in catching it.
But if we follow directions closely
Charting our course properly
We will not need to pursue it
It will overtake us and remain with us
What is the price of happiness you ask
One might be surprised at the simplicity of the answer
The treasure House of Happiness is unlocked to those who live the
Gospel of Jesus Christ in it's Purity and Simplicity.
Like a mariner without Stars
Like a traveler without a compass
It is the pre-assurance of supreme happiness
The certainty of a successful life here and of exaltation and eternal life hereafter
come to those who plan to life their lives in complete harmony with the gospel of Jesus Christ and then consistently follow the course they have set.
For I the Lord am bound when Ye do what I say
But when Ye do not what I say Ye have no promise.
To learn about how to find happiness through the gospel of Jesus Christ click on the link below
http://mormon.org/mormonorg/eng
It is like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow
If we go out deliberately to find it we may have difficulty in catching it.
But if we follow directions closely
Charting our course properly
We will not need to pursue it
It will overtake us and remain with us
What is the price of happiness you ask
One might be surprised at the simplicity of the answer
The treasure House of Happiness is unlocked to those who live the
Gospel of Jesus Christ in it's Purity and Simplicity.
Like a mariner without Stars
Like a traveler without a compass
It is the pre-assurance of supreme happiness
The certainty of a successful life here and of exaltation and eternal life hereafter
come to those who plan to life their lives in complete harmony with the gospel of Jesus Christ and then consistently follow the course they have set.
For I the Lord am bound when Ye do what I say
But when Ye do not what I say Ye have no promise.
To learn about how to find happiness through the gospel of Jesus Christ click on the link below
http://mormon.org/mormonorg/eng
Whats Up With That?
A teenage daughter cam to him one evening and said
Dad, can I use the car tonight
Her father replied
The car is not here
The daughter confused said,
what do you mean where did it go?
I don't know responded her father
I let a man borrow it.
In dismay she said well who is he?
Her father said
I don't know
The daughter was confuse ad feeling her father had lost his mind asked
I dont understand when will he bring it back?
What if he wrecks it or something?
The father said
Mary you seem to be awfully concerned about my car.
She said
DUH Dad its our only car.
The father said
Well you are my only good daughter
She laughed and said
Dad I am you only daughter
He said exactly
You know how you get aggravated when I want to know about your dates.
What you are wearing
who you are going with
what time you will be home
where you are going
If the family car is this important to you
how much more do you think I worry when I do not know where you are
who you are with and what time you will be home
A car can always be replaced
But you my dear are a one of a kind.
Dad, can I use the car tonight
Her father replied
The car is not here
The daughter confused said,
what do you mean where did it go?
I don't know responded her father
I let a man borrow it.
In dismay she said well who is he?
Her father said
I don't know
The daughter was confuse ad feeling her father had lost his mind asked
I dont understand when will he bring it back?
What if he wrecks it or something?
The father said
Mary you seem to be awfully concerned about my car.
She said
DUH Dad its our only car.
The father said
Well you are my only good daughter
She laughed and said
Dad I am you only daughter
He said exactly
You know how you get aggravated when I want to know about your dates.
What you are wearing
who you are going with
what time you will be home
where you are going
If the family car is this important to you
how much more do you think I worry when I do not know where you are
who you are with and what time you will be home
A car can always be replaced
But you my dear are a one of a kind.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Does the Lord really require ME to serve a mission?????
Elder W. Grant Bangerter
President Kimball announced
ALL YOUNG MEN SHOULD SERVE A MISSION.
On certain occasions I have approached young men of missionary age and informed them that they have been called to serve a mission.
Sometimes they explain that they have no desire to go on a mission.
I then tell them that it is immaterial to me whether you serve a mission or not
(OF COURSE IT IS NOT AT ALL IMMATERIAL)
But I say
I am only informing you of the calling the Lord has given you.
They often continue to offer every conceivable excuse to me of why they should not go.
I simply tell them
DON'T TELL ME;
TELL THE LORD
HE IS THE ONE WHO EXTENDED THE CALL
YOU GO AND PRAY AND ASK HIM WHAT HE WANTS YOU TO DO
Almost always they return from that experience saying
well I suppose I had better go on a mission.
For some of them it is then time for me to say
Now we both understand that you are not quite prepared so let us begin to take the steps by which you will be qualified to go.
President Kimball announced
ALL YOUNG MEN SHOULD SERVE A MISSION.
On certain occasions I have approached young men of missionary age and informed them that they have been called to serve a mission.
Sometimes they explain that they have no desire to go on a mission.
I then tell them that it is immaterial to me whether you serve a mission or not
(OF COURSE IT IS NOT AT ALL IMMATERIAL)
But I say
I am only informing you of the calling the Lord has given you.
They often continue to offer every conceivable excuse to me of why they should not go.
I simply tell them
DON'T TELL ME;
TELL THE LORD
HE IS THE ONE WHO EXTENDED THE CALL
YOU GO AND PRAY AND ASK HIM WHAT HE WANTS YOU TO DO
Almost always they return from that experience saying
well I suppose I had better go on a mission.
For some of them it is then time for me to say
Now we both understand that you are not quite prepared so let us begin to take the steps by which you will be qualified to go.
THE TRUE MEASURE OF A MAN
I have often said the true measure of a man is how he conducts himself when he is angry.
It is easy for a man to conduct himself in a noble manner when all is going well.
It is also very easy for a man to fly off the handle and loose his composure, his cool, his religion, when things are not going his way.
May I submit to you the true measure of a man is watching him conduct himself with character and nobility when all is amiss.
In this hour is when the true measure of that man is revealed.
Jesus Christ showed anger when he ejected the money changers from the Temple.
There is Righteous anger.
But far too often men of Nobility (Priesthood Holders) exercise unrighteous dominion because they are not sufficiently prepared spiritually before the battle.
When I was about 13 years old I witnessed a young Member of the bishopric cut his hand wide open. It required over 30 stitches to repair the damage. when it happened all I heard was Oh man I just tore my hand open on this wire.
What an impression that had on my little mind as a Deacon.
Great warriors are not made in the heat of battle.
Great warriors are formed in the non heroic silent silent personal moments as they hone their skills in their years of training and preparation.
When a soldier is trained he is taught to perform in a specific manner without giving it any thought.
His reactions are automatic much like a programed autopilot.
May we choose to train our minds and spirit to become our autopilot.
It is through our Personal time alone with our scriptures and the Holy Spirit when we hone our spirit to meet the battle of every day life.
I use this word Hone with purpose.
A honing tool takes out the rough edges and creates a precision cylinder in an engine. An engine from the factory is fully honed new but as it goes through life little abrasives (sin) wear away at the cylinder and rings leading to engine failure. (spiritual death) I use spiritual death because someone can become spiritually dead with or without the gospel. Everyone has a conscience,(the light of Christ). But the sins of life can damage our precision spirit.
If an engine cylinder is not honed or looses its honing damage results to the engine and the car will not run well. As a visible byproduct is the smoke it leaves behind.
Once this happens the engine must be torn down to have the cylinders honed and have the rings replaced.
The engine block represents our spirit
Our spirit may be damaged but rarely does the Lord Disregard our Spirit
It can always be rebuilt if we are willing to take the time and expense to go through the process.
The only spirits that are disregarded are the Souls whom know beyond any doubt there is a God and actively set out to deny him and destroy his kingdom.
(sons of Perdition)
—2 Thessalonians 2:3-10
Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. ”
In our life if we do not hone our spirit by abiding by the Lords principals we find ourselves leaving alot of smoke in our wake.
If we continue on this road it eventually leads to a catastrophic engine failure (our spirit) to which there may be no recovery.
In Elbert Hubbard's Scrap book we find some interesting thoughts
The place to take the true measure of a man is nto in the darkest place.
or in the amen corner
nor in a corn field
But by his own fire place
There he lays aside his mask and you may learn whether he is an imp or an angel
a cur or a Kind
A hero or a Humbug
I care not what the world says about him
Whether it crowns him as boss
or pelts him with eggs
I care not a copper what his reputation or religion may be.
If his babies dread his home coming
and his better half swallows her heart every time she ask for a five dollar bill
HE IS A FRAUD OF THE FIRST WATER
Even though he prays at night and in the morning until he is blue in the face
but if his children rush to the door to meet him
and love's sunshine illuminates the face of his wife everytime she hears his foot fall
You can take it for granted that he is pure
For his home is a heaven
I can forgive much in that fellow mortal who would rather have the hate of the whole world
Than the contempt of his wife
A man who would rather call anger to the eyes of a King
Than to see fear in the face of a child.
WE HAVE THUS BEEN TAUGHT IN
THE CHURCH OF
JESUS CHRIST
OF LATTER DAY SAINTS
NO OTHER SUCCESS CAN COMPENSATE FOR FAILURE IN THE HOME
It is my prayer that we can learn to be wise and faithful so we may become a Truly Honed Precision instrument in the Lords hand.
It is easy for a man to conduct himself in a noble manner when all is going well.
It is also very easy for a man to fly off the handle and loose his composure, his cool, his religion, when things are not going his way.
May I submit to you the true measure of a man is watching him conduct himself with character and nobility when all is amiss.
In this hour is when the true measure of that man is revealed.
Jesus Christ showed anger when he ejected the money changers from the Temple.
There is Righteous anger.
But far too often men of Nobility (Priesthood Holders) exercise unrighteous dominion because they are not sufficiently prepared spiritually before the battle.
When I was about 13 years old I witnessed a young Member of the bishopric cut his hand wide open. It required over 30 stitches to repair the damage. when it happened all I heard was Oh man I just tore my hand open on this wire.
What an impression that had on my little mind as a Deacon.
Great warriors are not made in the heat of battle.
Great warriors are formed in the non heroic silent silent personal moments as they hone their skills in their years of training and preparation.
When a soldier is trained he is taught to perform in a specific manner without giving it any thought.
His reactions are automatic much like a programed autopilot.
May we choose to train our minds and spirit to become our autopilot.
It is through our Personal time alone with our scriptures and the Holy Spirit when we hone our spirit to meet the battle of every day life.
I use this word Hone with purpose.
A honing tool takes out the rough edges and creates a precision cylinder in an engine. An engine from the factory is fully honed new but as it goes through life little abrasives (sin) wear away at the cylinder and rings leading to engine failure. (spiritual death) I use spiritual death because someone can become spiritually dead with or without the gospel. Everyone has a conscience,(the light of Christ). But the sins of life can damage our precision spirit.
If an engine cylinder is not honed or looses its honing damage results to the engine and the car will not run well. As a visible byproduct is the smoke it leaves behind.
Once this happens the engine must be torn down to have the cylinders honed and have the rings replaced.
The engine block represents our spirit
Our spirit may be damaged but rarely does the Lord Disregard our Spirit
It can always be rebuilt if we are willing to take the time and expense to go through the process.
The only spirits that are disregarded are the Souls whom know beyond any doubt there is a God and actively set out to deny him and destroy his kingdom.
(sons of Perdition)
—2 Thessalonians 2:3-10
Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. ”
In our life if we do not hone our spirit by abiding by the Lords principals we find ourselves leaving alot of smoke in our wake.
If we continue on this road it eventually leads to a catastrophic engine failure (our spirit) to which there may be no recovery.
In Elbert Hubbard's Scrap book we find some interesting thoughts
The place to take the true measure of a man is nto in the darkest place.
or in the amen corner
nor in a corn field
But by his own fire place
There he lays aside his mask and you may learn whether he is an imp or an angel
a cur or a Kind
A hero or a Humbug
I care not what the world says about him
Whether it crowns him as boss
or pelts him with eggs
I care not a copper what his reputation or religion may be.
If his babies dread his home coming
and his better half swallows her heart every time she ask for a five dollar bill
HE IS A FRAUD OF THE FIRST WATER
Even though he prays at night and in the morning until he is blue in the face
but if his children rush to the door to meet him
and love's sunshine illuminates the face of his wife everytime she hears his foot fall
You can take it for granted that he is pure
For his home is a heaven
I can forgive much in that fellow mortal who would rather have the hate of the whole world
Than the contempt of his wife
A man who would rather call anger to the eyes of a King
Than to see fear in the face of a child.
WE HAVE THUS BEEN TAUGHT IN
THE CHURCH OF
JESUS CHRIST
OF LATTER DAY SAINTS
NO OTHER SUCCESS CAN COMPENSATE FOR FAILURE IN THE HOME
It is my prayer that we can learn to be wise and faithful so we may become a Truly Honed Precision instrument in the Lords hand.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
A Prophets Final Words of Wisdom
President GORDON B HINCKLEY
i DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU BUT I LOVE TO HEAR THE WORDS OF WISDOM A PROPHET GIVES BEFORE THEY PASS AWAY
President Gordon B Hinckley in one of his last talks left us with this charge
WE OF THIS GENERATION ARE THE END HARVEST OF ALL THAT HAS GONE BEFORE
IT IS NOT ENOUGH TO BE SIMPLY KNOWN AS A MEMBER OF THE CHURCH
A SOLUM OBLIGATION REST UPON YOU
LET US FACE IT AND WORK AT IT
WE MUST LIVE AS TRUE FOLLOWERS OF THE CHRIST
WITH CHARITY TOWARD ALL
RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL
TEACHING BY EXAMPLE THE WAYS OF THE LORD
AND ACCOMPLISHING THE VAST SERVICE HE HAS OUTLINED FOR US
LET US STAND A LITTLE TALLER
LIFT OUR EYES AND STRETCH OUR MINDS TO A GREATER COMPREHENSION AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE GRAND MELINIAL MISSION OF THIS
THE CHURCH OF JESUS CRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS
SOMEHOW AMONG ALL WHO HAVE WALKED THE EARTH
WE HAVE BEEN BROUGHT FORTH IN THIS UNIQUE AND REMARKABLE SEASON
BE GREATFUL
AND ABOVE ALL BE FAITHFUL
THIS IS MY HUMBLE PRAYER
AS I BEAR WITNESS OF THE TRUTH OF THIS WORK
IN THE SACRED NAME OF JESUS CHRIST AMEN.
i DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU BUT I LOVE TO HEAR THE WORDS OF WISDOM A PROPHET GIVES BEFORE THEY PASS AWAY
President Gordon B Hinckley in one of his last talks left us with this charge
WE OF THIS GENERATION ARE THE END HARVEST OF ALL THAT HAS GONE BEFORE
IT IS NOT ENOUGH TO BE SIMPLY KNOWN AS A MEMBER OF THE CHURCH
A SOLUM OBLIGATION REST UPON YOU
LET US FACE IT AND WORK AT IT
WE MUST LIVE AS TRUE FOLLOWERS OF THE CHRIST
WITH CHARITY TOWARD ALL
RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL
TEACHING BY EXAMPLE THE WAYS OF THE LORD
AND ACCOMPLISHING THE VAST SERVICE HE HAS OUTLINED FOR US
LET US STAND A LITTLE TALLER
LIFT OUR EYES AND STRETCH OUR MINDS TO A GREATER COMPREHENSION AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE GRAND MELINIAL MISSION OF THIS
THE CHURCH OF JESUS CRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS
SOMEHOW AMONG ALL WHO HAVE WALKED THE EARTH
WE HAVE BEEN BROUGHT FORTH IN THIS UNIQUE AND REMARKABLE SEASON
BE GREATFUL
AND ABOVE ALL BE FAITHFUL
THIS IS MY HUMBLE PRAYER
AS I BEAR WITNESS OF THE TRUTH OF THIS WORK
IN THE SACRED NAME OF JESUS CHRIST AMEN.
WHATS IN A KISS?
The more the dollar is printed,
The less each one is worth.
And so it is with kisses,
You've given since your birth.
The value of your kisses,
A sample cannot measure.
Nor is your kiss more worthy,
If it's said to give one pleasure.
The more and more you give away,
The better your kiss is known.
And to all the world your kiss is
cheap, and your affection shown.
But if you save your kisses,
No matter what the cost.
You'll find as time moves forward,
A chance you've saved, not lost.
And when you find the one you love,
With whom you'll live life through.
Think of the worth of a perfect kiss,
If saved "for only you."
-Alvin W. Jones-
The less each one is worth.
And so it is with kisses,
You've given since your birth.
The value of your kisses,
A sample cannot measure.
Nor is your kiss more worthy,
If it's said to give one pleasure.
The more and more you give away,
The better your kiss is known.
And to all the world your kiss is
cheap, and your affection shown.
But if you save your kisses,
No matter what the cost.
You'll find as time moves forward,
A chance you've saved, not lost.
And when you find the one you love,
With whom you'll live life through.
Think of the worth of a perfect kiss,
If saved "for only you."
-Alvin W. Jones-
WHY IS REPENTANCE SO HARD THE SECOND TIME I FALL?
Have you ever done something wrong in your life?
I know I have.
Have you realized it and repented only to find yourself falling back into the same habit and find yourself fighting to over come that same habit.
Did you notice each time return back to a habit and try to stop, it is much harder the 2nd go around?
Why is that?
in St Luke 11:23-26 and Matthew 12: 43-45
the answer is written
23 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.
24 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man,
(when someone repents)
he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none,
(It seems like the craving for the sin is overwhelming)
he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out.
(I will return back to the sin)
25 And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished.
(when you go back to a sin you are no longer trying to overcome it so every thing seem great at the time)
26 Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. (This last verse is the reason it is so hard for us to overcome sin the 2nd go around. when we realize we have done something wrong have repented and return to the sin we literally take upon us 7 or more spirits more wicked that ourselves and our final state is worse than the first.)
Wow that sounds almost unbelieveable
Is it really true??????????
Let us look in the Bible for the answer.
Mark 5:1-16
1 And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gad'arenes.
2 And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,
( this was a crazy man)
3 who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:
4 because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him.
(chains and Fetters are chains and leg irons.)
(have you noticed someone on drugs seem to have super human powers.)
(this man was so powerful and crazy he broke the leg irons and chains to the point the people gave up trying to bind him)
5 And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.
(this is interesting it says that he was always crying and cutting himself with stones, Lucifer and his followers want us to destroy our bodies,(our temple of God))
6 But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him,
(The man knew who Jesus was)
7 and cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.
8 For he (Jesus) said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.
9 And he (Jesus) asked him, What is thy name?
And he (the man) answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.
10 And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country.
11 Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding.
12 And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them.
13 And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine; and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand,) and were choked in the sea.
(Now if there were enough spirits in this man to possess 2 thousand swine how many were in this man)
(This goes to show us if these spirits desire a body so bad they will beg to be sent into swine, who are we to think they do not want to be in our temple of god,our body.)
14 And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done.
15 And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind; and they were afraid.
16 And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine.
Often times in life we have pet sins that we want to hold onto.
They are our favorite sins.
We will clean the whole house but there is that small obscure closet in the back bedroom that we hide our junk.
How much better would we feel if we cleaned that closet.
I will show you why it is imperative that we clean that closet too.
If we looked at our life as a latter we would see that most people spend their whole life on 3 or 4 steps.
As we climb the latter of life when we get to the 4th step we are feeling so good because we have overcome that we tend to get lax on the things that caused us to climb that latter and that is when Old Scratch the Devil him self comes in.
I once heard a Preacher on the radio say
Don't let that Devil ride with you
Because the next thing you know he will be wanting to DRIVE.
The devil knows all of our pet sins and when we please God we displease the devil.
This is when he temps us with our pet sins.
If we fall then we go back down the 3 steps we just climbed and have to start all over rebuilding our life then we go up 3 steps and back down never realizing what we are missing if we could just overcome and go to the TOP of the Latter.
I have shared alot of opinion now I would like to demonstrate it in Scripture.
In life especially as teenagers we decide to sow our wild oats and pray for a crop failure.
Do you realize before we came to this earth there was a great war in heaven.
This great battle pitted God the Father, Jesus Christ, YOU and Everyone on earth against the Devil and every one who chose to follow him.
Everyone on earth chose to follow Jesus Christ, We know this because they are here.
This battle was caused because God had 2 Nobel sons
Jesus and Lucifer
Jesus as we know wanted to give us the opportunity to make choices and be free to choose our destiny.
As we know Lucifer had another plan he wanted wanted to force everyone to be righteous and not a soul would be lost.
When this Great War in Heaven ended 1/3 of the Host of Heaven was cast out and will never have the opportunity to gain a Physical body.
Now as a consequence of this these Spirits whom followed Lucifer are angry and jealous of the body each person on earth possesses.
Revelations 9:21
Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.
I am sure we understand what Fornication and Theft are but do we understand the word sorceries??
Sorceries has been translated from Greek to mean pharmakeion/pharmakeia
is pharmakon, which literally refers to "drugs."
The Greek word pharmakeia, literally refers to the 'use of drugs', or to 'poisoning', or to 'druggery (drug dealing).
My Dear Brothers and Sisters who read this post.
I hope you understand a drug from your doctor if abused can be just as spiritually physically detrimental as any drug from the street.
The use of Illegal drugs or abuse of prescription drugs control your mind.
The mind controls the body
The body houses the Spirit and Thus
Lucifer has captured one Beautiful Child of God Intact to use at his disposal.
Be wise and recognize that the fruits of the spirit are
Love
Joy
Gentleness
Kindness
Meekness
Patience
Peace
None of these fruits can be found when we are in the act of abusing our body mind or spirit.
I pray that now that we can see the root cause we may be better able to recognize why we have the consequences we face after we return back to our favorite sins.
This life is a time to prepare to meet God Let us recognize the traps of Satan and avoid them as if our life depended on it.
In truth it does
It affects our ETERNAL LIFE.
I know I have.
Have you realized it and repented only to find yourself falling back into the same habit and find yourself fighting to over come that same habit.
Did you notice each time return back to a habit and try to stop, it is much harder the 2nd go around?
Why is that?
in St Luke 11:23-26 and Matthew 12: 43-45
the answer is written
23 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.
24 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man,
(when someone repents)
he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none,
(It seems like the craving for the sin is overwhelming)
he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out.
(I will return back to the sin)
25 And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished.
(when you go back to a sin you are no longer trying to overcome it so every thing seem great at the time)
26 Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. (This last verse is the reason it is so hard for us to overcome sin the 2nd go around. when we realize we have done something wrong have repented and return to the sin we literally take upon us 7 or more spirits more wicked that ourselves and our final state is worse than the first.)
Wow that sounds almost unbelieveable
Is it really true??????????
Let us look in the Bible for the answer.
Mark 5:1-16
1 And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gad'arenes.
2 And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,
( this was a crazy man)
3 who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:
4 because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him.
(chains and Fetters are chains and leg irons.)
(have you noticed someone on drugs seem to have super human powers.)
(this man was so powerful and crazy he broke the leg irons and chains to the point the people gave up trying to bind him)
5 And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.
(this is interesting it says that he was always crying and cutting himself with stones, Lucifer and his followers want us to destroy our bodies,(our temple of God))
6 But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him,
(The man knew who Jesus was)
7 and cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.
8 For he (Jesus) said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.
9 And he (Jesus) asked him, What is thy name?
And he (the man) answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.
10 And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country.
11 Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding.
12 And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them.
13 And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine; and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand,) and were choked in the sea.
(Now if there were enough spirits in this man to possess 2 thousand swine how many were in this man)
(This goes to show us if these spirits desire a body so bad they will beg to be sent into swine, who are we to think they do not want to be in our temple of god,our body.)
14 And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done.
15 And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind; and they were afraid.
16 And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine.
Often times in life we have pet sins that we want to hold onto.
They are our favorite sins.
We will clean the whole house but there is that small obscure closet in the back bedroom that we hide our junk.
How much better would we feel if we cleaned that closet.
I will show you why it is imperative that we clean that closet too.
If we looked at our life as a latter we would see that most people spend their whole life on 3 or 4 steps.
As we climb the latter of life when we get to the 4th step we are feeling so good because we have overcome that we tend to get lax on the things that caused us to climb that latter and that is when Old Scratch the Devil him self comes in.
I once heard a Preacher on the radio say
Don't let that Devil ride with you
Because the next thing you know he will be wanting to DRIVE.
The devil knows all of our pet sins and when we please God we displease the devil.
This is when he temps us with our pet sins.
If we fall then we go back down the 3 steps we just climbed and have to start all over rebuilding our life then we go up 3 steps and back down never realizing what we are missing if we could just overcome and go to the TOP of the Latter.
I have shared alot of opinion now I would like to demonstrate it in Scripture.
In life especially as teenagers we decide to sow our wild oats and pray for a crop failure.
Do you realize before we came to this earth there was a great war in heaven.
This great battle pitted God the Father, Jesus Christ, YOU and Everyone on earth against the Devil and every one who chose to follow him.
Everyone on earth chose to follow Jesus Christ, We know this because they are here.
This battle was caused because God had 2 Nobel sons
Jesus and Lucifer
Jesus as we know wanted to give us the opportunity to make choices and be free to choose our destiny.
As we know Lucifer had another plan he wanted wanted to force everyone to be righteous and not a soul would be lost.
When this Great War in Heaven ended 1/3 of the Host of Heaven was cast out and will never have the opportunity to gain a Physical body.
Now as a consequence of this these Spirits whom followed Lucifer are angry and jealous of the body each person on earth possesses.
Revelations 9:21
Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.
I am sure we understand what Fornication and Theft are but do we understand the word sorceries??
Sorceries has been translated from Greek to mean pharmakeion/pharmakeia
is pharmakon, which literally refers to "drugs."
The Greek word pharmakeia, literally refers to the 'use of drugs', or to 'poisoning', or to 'druggery (drug dealing).
My Dear Brothers and Sisters who read this post.
I hope you understand a drug from your doctor if abused can be just as spiritually physically detrimental as any drug from the street.
The use of Illegal drugs or abuse of prescription drugs control your mind.
The mind controls the body
The body houses the Spirit and Thus
Lucifer has captured one Beautiful Child of God Intact to use at his disposal.
Be wise and recognize that the fruits of the spirit are
Love
Joy
Gentleness
Kindness
Meekness
Patience
Peace
None of these fruits can be found when we are in the act of abusing our body mind or spirit.
I pray that now that we can see the root cause we may be better able to recognize why we have the consequences we face after we return back to our favorite sins.
This life is a time to prepare to meet God Let us recognize the traps of Satan and avoid them as if our life depended on it.
In truth it does
It affects our ETERNAL LIFE.
When You Choose to Follow Christ You Choose To Be Changed
There are many times in this life Our Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ bless Us and we do not even realize it.
I will share with you a popular poem that illustrates my point.
Try inserting your name as you read.
(Foot Prints)
One night a man had a dream. He dreamed
he was walking along the beach with the LORD.
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene he noticed two sets of
footprints in the sand: one belonging
to him, and the other to the LORD.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him,
he looked back at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times along the path of
his life there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened at the very
lowest and saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him and he
questioned the LORD about it:
"LORD, you said that once I decided to follow
you, you'd walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that during the most
troublesome times in my life,
there is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why when
I needed you most you would leave me."
The LORD replied:
"My son, my precious child,
I love you and I would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you."
When You are down and out and trials are upon you
ask yourself a question.
Is this happening because bad things happen to good people??????
Or
Is the Lord trying to tell me something.
Then get on your knees, search, Fast and pray, repent and I promise you will
find your answer.
I do not believe there has ever been a Person who walked into their Pastors/Bishops office and said
I am paying my tithing, attending my meetings, serving in church, reading my scriptures, attending the temple, doing all that I can do to draw near to the Lord and my life is falling apart.
If you CHOOSE TO DRAW NEAR TO THE LORD HE WILL DRAW NEAR UNTO YOU.
When we stray away from the principals we have covenanted to and the values we know are right we become vulnerable because the Lords hands are tied he is bound by the laws of the Universe and God to withdraw his spirit and blessings from you for a season.
But on the other hand
If you are doing all that you can do, YOU WILL STILL FALL SHORT but
That is the reason Christ died on the Cross for You and I to pick up where you fall short.
If you are doing all that you can do
GOD the Father and His son JESUS CHRIST are bound by the laws of the Universe to bless you.
I will share with you a popular poem that illustrates my point.
Try inserting your name as you read.
(Foot Prints)
One night a man had a dream. He dreamed
he was walking along the beach with the LORD.
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene he noticed two sets of
footprints in the sand: one belonging
to him, and the other to the LORD.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him,
he looked back at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times along the path of
his life there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened at the very
lowest and saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him and he
questioned the LORD about it:
"LORD, you said that once I decided to follow
you, you'd walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that during the most
troublesome times in my life,
there is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why when
I needed you most you would leave me."
The LORD replied:
"My son, my precious child,
I love you and I would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you."
When You are down and out and trials are upon you
ask yourself a question.
Is this happening because bad things happen to good people??????
Or
Is the Lord trying to tell me something.
Then get on your knees, search, Fast and pray, repent and I promise you will
find your answer.
I do not believe there has ever been a Person who walked into their Pastors/Bishops office and said
I am paying my tithing, attending my meetings, serving in church, reading my scriptures, attending the temple, doing all that I can do to draw near to the Lord and my life is falling apart.
If you CHOOSE TO DRAW NEAR TO THE LORD HE WILL DRAW NEAR UNTO YOU.
When we stray away from the principals we have covenanted to and the values we know are right we become vulnerable because the Lords hands are tied he is bound by the laws of the Universe and God to withdraw his spirit and blessings from you for a season.
But on the other hand
If you are doing all that you can do, YOU WILL STILL FALL SHORT but
That is the reason Christ died on the Cross for You and I to pick up where you fall short.
If you are doing all that you can do
GOD the Father and His son JESUS CHRIST are bound by the laws of the Universe to bless you.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
How to put on the Whole Armor of God
HOW TO PUT ON THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD
President N. Eldon Tanner Stated
“those who are clothed in such armor, which means keeping all the commandments of God, are able to withstand the adversary.”
Daily Spiritual Renewal
Lucile Johnson of Orem Utah now in her 80s, learned early in life to don her spiritual “armor” at the beginning of each day.
She remembers “arising early in the morning, before my husband and children were up.
I found that kneeling in the stillness of my living room, I could begin pleading with our Father for my needs for that day.
This brought me great peace,
I learned that He was my helper and protector.
Then I would open my scriptures and partake of their inspiration and guidance.
1. SCHEDULE
Schedule a time to search the scriptures daily.
Our spirits should never be deprived of the much-needed spiritual nourishment which comes from scripture study.
Without this spiritual food our spirits become starved and weakened to temptation.
President Kimball taught the principle that “no father, no son, no mother, no daughter should get so busy that he or she does not have time to study the scriptures and the words of modern prophets.” (Ensign, May 1976, p. 47.)
2. PRAY
We should begin and end each study session with prayer. We must invite the Spirit to teach us.
Nephi taught that: “the mysteries of God shall be unfolded … by the power of the Holy Ghost.”
(1 Ne. 10:19.)
3. SEARCH
To search is to seek,
to explore,
to examine carefully.
As we study we should do so with purpose,
searching for specifics
We must search for principles, doctrines, for answers to questions, and solutions to problems.
4.PONDER
To ponder is to meditate,
to think,
to feast,
to treasure.
It is a mental method,
it is a spiritual striving to obtain and to understand truth.
We should follow the process taught by the Savior to the Nephites
He then instructed them to “Go ye unto your homes, and ponder upon the things which I have said,
and ask of the Father, in my name, that ye may understand, and prepare your minds for the morrow.” (3 Ne. 17:3.)
We should ponder the meanings of the things we learn from our search of the scriptures.
The Apostle Paul instructed the Philippian Saints to “think on these things.” (Philip. 4:8.)
To think involves forming mental images in the mind and focusing intently upon that which has been discovered.
Nephi counseled to “feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.” (2 Ne. 32:3.)
To feast is to consume,
to digest,
to absorb.
As we ponder, we should follow the counsel of the Savior when he said,
“Treasure up in your minds continually the words of life.” (D&C 84:85).
This implies that we should repeat in our minds the principles we have learned and draw upon them in each of our decisions.
5. RELATE
Nephi has counseled to
“liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning.” (1 Ne. 19:23.)
We must read as if the Lord were speaking directly to us in a personal manner.
6.APPLY
President Marion G. Romney counseled:
“Learning the gospel from the written word …
is not enough.
It must also be lived. …
One cannot fully learn the gospel without living it.” (Ensign, Sept. 1980, p. 4.)
As we learn a principle, we must make a real effort to apply and to live it in our life.
President N. Eldon Tanner Stated
“those who are clothed in such armor, which means keeping all the commandments of God, are able to withstand the adversary.”
Daily Spiritual Renewal
Lucile Johnson of Orem Utah now in her 80s, learned early in life to don her spiritual “armor” at the beginning of each day.
She remembers “arising early in the morning, before my husband and children were up.
I found that kneeling in the stillness of my living room, I could begin pleading with our Father for my needs for that day.
This brought me great peace,
I learned that He was my helper and protector.
Then I would open my scriptures and partake of their inspiration and guidance.
1. SCHEDULE
Schedule a time to search the scriptures daily.
Our spirits should never be deprived of the much-needed spiritual nourishment which comes from scripture study.
Without this spiritual food our spirits become starved and weakened to temptation.
President Kimball taught the principle that “no father, no son, no mother, no daughter should get so busy that he or she does not have time to study the scriptures and the words of modern prophets.” (Ensign, May 1976, p. 47.)
2. PRAY
We should begin and end each study session with prayer. We must invite the Spirit to teach us.
Nephi taught that: “the mysteries of God shall be unfolded … by the power of the Holy Ghost.”
(1 Ne. 10:19.)
3. SEARCH
To search is to seek,
to explore,
to examine carefully.
As we study we should do so with purpose,
searching for specifics
We must search for principles, doctrines, for answers to questions, and solutions to problems.
4.PONDER
To ponder is to meditate,
to think,
to feast,
to treasure.
It is a mental method,
it is a spiritual striving to obtain and to understand truth.
We should follow the process taught by the Savior to the Nephites
He then instructed them to “Go ye unto your homes, and ponder upon the things which I have said,
and ask of the Father, in my name, that ye may understand, and prepare your minds for the morrow.” (3 Ne. 17:3.)
We should ponder the meanings of the things we learn from our search of the scriptures.
The Apostle Paul instructed the Philippian Saints to “think on these things.” (Philip. 4:8.)
To think involves forming mental images in the mind and focusing intently upon that which has been discovered.
Nephi counseled to “feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.” (2 Ne. 32:3.)
To feast is to consume,
to digest,
to absorb.
As we ponder, we should follow the counsel of the Savior when he said,
“Treasure up in your minds continually the words of life.” (D&C 84:85).
This implies that we should repeat in our minds the principles we have learned and draw upon them in each of our decisions.
5. RELATE
Nephi has counseled to
“liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning.” (1 Ne. 19:23.)
We must read as if the Lord were speaking directly to us in a personal manner.
6.APPLY
President Marion G. Romney counseled:
“Learning the gospel from the written word …
is not enough.
It must also be lived. …
One cannot fully learn the gospel without living it.” (Ensign, Sept. 1980, p. 4.)
As we learn a principle, we must make a real effort to apply and to live it in our life.
It is time to give our selves to the Master
( Ensign, Nov. 1999, 94).
Sister Mary Ellen Smoot, Relief Society general presidency said
“It is time to give ourselves to the Master and allow Him to lead us into fruitful fields where we can enrich a world filled with darkness and misery,”
“Each of us, no matter who we are,
no matter where we serve,
We must arise and make the most of each opportunity that comes.
We must follow the counsel given by the Lord and His servants and make our homes houses of prayer and havens of security and safety.
We can and must deepen our faith by increasing our obedience and sacrifice.
Sister Mary Ellen Smoot, Relief Society general presidency said
“It is time to give ourselves to the Master and allow Him to lead us into fruitful fields where we can enrich a world filled with darkness and misery,”
“Each of us, no matter who we are,
no matter where we serve,
We must arise and make the most of each opportunity that comes.
We must follow the counsel given by the Lord and His servants and make our homes houses of prayer and havens of security and safety.
We can and must deepen our faith by increasing our obedience and sacrifice.
Bear Your Testimony to Your Children
Elder Joseph M. Tanner, Conference Report, April 1905, p.82
"Bear your testimony to your children,
let them know what you know,
let them feel what you feel,
let them enjoy the assurances that you have
let them know that this work is the work of God,
that we have a special calling
that we are to do a particular work,
that whatever else we may be doing the Lord has something for us to do;
that is distinctly our mission
and when our young people can feel that they are thus called,
that they are the salt of the earth,
then they will realize more than ever the importance of their religion."—
"Bear your testimony to your children,
let them know what you know,
let them feel what you feel,
let them enjoy the assurances that you have
let them know that this work is the work of God,
that we have a special calling
that we are to do a particular work,
that whatever else we may be doing the Lord has something for us to do;
that is distinctly our mission
and when our young people can feel that they are thus called,
that they are the salt of the earth,
then they will realize more than ever the importance of their religion."—
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