Wednesday, February 1, 2012
The true nature of the Father
I choose to adress in my blog at this point, a truely sacred subject, that needs to be adressed. In the world today, we seem to have forgotten what it truely means to have a Loving Heavenly Father. In the New testament, we learn what our true relationship with God is, in Romans 8:15 we learn that we are truely the Children of God. Now the word abba, in this scripture, does not convey the true meaning in english, as it does in hebrew. In hebrew, this word tranlates to "Daddy", it is so significant to me that we have a "Perfect Father in heaven, so infinitely loving, and kind, that he gave us bodies, that we might enjoy everything he does. He gave us the ability to speak to him whenever we so choose, through prayer, and throught he scriptures. He taught us how to be happy in this life, and he gave us a world, beautiful and vast, that we might spend our days, that we might not be bored, but that we would be able to enjoy ourselves! Our Father in Heaven, is filled with a perfect love, perfect Joy, and peace. He loves us, and he wants us to come home! He loves you, and wishes to hear from you. You will know by the pattern shown in Glatians 5:22-23. You will feel these feelings as you get down on your knee's and plead with the Father that he tell's you what his plan is for your life, how he feels about you, and if he's really there! I testify as a servant and representive of his son, that he lives, that he has a body of flesh and bones that is perfect and glorified, and that he loves you each personally! He is perfect, and even if you don't have a good relationship with your Earthly Father, just remember, that your Heavenly Father is not like your Earthly Father, he is infinitely better. He will never leave you, and he always wants that relationship with you. He'll be there, I know this to be true! I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ amen.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Judge not, that ye be not Judged!
Sometimes in our lives, we become too focused on what other people are doing. Now if we can help another out, in a kind loving, and ultimately caring way thats one thing. But its entirely different to get in someones face and tell them what they're doing wrong, and what they need to do to fix it. You know, I reflect a lot on our first impressions of people, how the first one is always the hardest one to shake. It can be really tough, but the problem is, when we intentionally move forward matthew 7:1-2, from this scripture we learn that we are not to judge one another, and determine what their state and standing is before God. Well why not? Won't it help us determine which church is the right one? The answer is no! Our job is to focus on our own personal salvation, and not worry about what others may think or do! When we worry about what others are doing, and look here and there to determine how everybody else is standing with god, we are infact, ignoring our own personal salvation. We then fall short of our own potential, because we are busy recognizing the wickedness in the lives of others, and not our own lives. To help others is good, but only when you are in the path of righteousness as christ latter states in the next few verses " 3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye". When we focus on the bad, we will also find that we have a tendency to fall into the bad. As christ said "The light of the body is the eye, therefore if our eye be single, then our whole body shall be full of light". He also conversely said "But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If, therefore, the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness". We will only grow to be in the next life, what we allow ourselves to become in this life. Thefore if we are too busy focusing on what other people are doing, and judging them, rather then focusing on following all the doctirines of Christ, it can lead you astray. You may not follow christ, or go to his church, only because you focus too much on what other peole do, instead of what his church really should, and does teach! Let us not judge one another, but try to walk uprightly before God! I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye". When we focus on the bad, we will also find that we have a tendency to fall into the bad. As christ said "The light of the body is the eye, therefore if our eye be single, then our whole body shall be full of light". He also conversely said "But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If, therefore, the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness". We will only grow to be in the next life, what we allow ourselves to become in this life. Thefore if we are too busy focusing on what other people are doing, and judging them, rather then focusing on following all the doctirines of Christ, it can lead you astray. You may not follow christ, or go to his church, only because you focus too much on what other peole do, instead of what his church really should, and does teach! Let us not judge one another, but try to walk uprightly before God! I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
He's always there.
Today I wish to write about our Lord and Savior Jesus christ, and what he has done for us. There is a special spirit that accompanies this subject, and I pray that I will be able to do it justice.
So turning to the scriptures, we find in the Book of Mormon 1 Nephi 8:20 In this scripture we find Lehi a prophet of God, who in vision see's the tree of life, which is a representation of Jesus christ, and ofcourse eternal life. Lehi tell's his son's what he saw, and in a later scripture, Nephi, the writter of this account and the son of Lehi, prays to know about the vision that his father recieved. In exchange he is given a glorious manifestation, an angel, speaks to him face to face and explains the vision. In 1 Nephi 11:25 we learn that the iron rod is the word of God; which is a representation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. But what do we learn that the word of God is in the Book of John? John 1:1-5 through this scripture we learn, that the word of god is the very son of God, Jesus Christ. The iron rod, is a representation of Jesus Christ. In Lehi's vision we learn that Jesus Christ literally died for our sins, that we may partake in eternal life. But also, we learn that the key to gaining this, is to hold fast to the iron rod, or the word of God. We are to Hold fast to Jesus Christ. Jesus christ is so anxious to bless you that he is willing, and ready to guide you down the path of righteousness, to guide you through these peverbial "mists of darkness", which is anything that could distract us from this course. He is our great guide, our savior Jesus Christ, he wants to guide you. He's so excited to bless you with his atonement, that he's willing to guide you right to the fruits that he bore, his atonement, the perfection he provides us! He's there every step of the way, as we learn in Moroni 7:48 Christ's intentions are to purify us, that we may become like him. That we may stand with him, in the presence of the Father, having eternal life and Joy before us, and life with our families, with our Father in heaven, with the whole family of God forever. The Tree of life also represents this life, the fruit that Christ bore. He wants to guide you, through his words he is able to guide us, and through it we are able to get to know him on a personal level, to gain that relationship with him, that we may live with him eternally. Let us pray to our Father in heaven, and read his words! Let our redeemers cleansing love wash away our sins, and present us spotless before the Father. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
So turning to the scriptures, we find in the Book of Mormon 1 Nephi 8:20 In this scripture we find Lehi a prophet of God, who in vision see's the tree of life, which is a representation of Jesus christ, and ofcourse eternal life. Lehi tell's his son's what he saw, and in a later scripture, Nephi, the writter of this account and the son of Lehi, prays to know about the vision that his father recieved. In exchange he is given a glorious manifestation, an angel, speaks to him face to face and explains the vision. In 1 Nephi 11:25 we learn that the iron rod is the word of God; which is a representation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. But what do we learn that the word of God is in the Book of John? John 1:1-5 through this scripture we learn, that the word of god is the very son of God, Jesus Christ. The iron rod, is a representation of Jesus Christ. In Lehi's vision we learn that Jesus Christ literally died for our sins, that we may partake in eternal life. But also, we learn that the key to gaining this, is to hold fast to the iron rod, or the word of God. We are to Hold fast to Jesus Christ. Jesus christ is so anxious to bless you that he is willing, and ready to guide you down the path of righteousness, to guide you through these peverbial "mists of darkness", which is anything that could distract us from this course. He is our great guide, our savior Jesus Christ, he wants to guide you. He's so excited to bless you with his atonement, that he's willing to guide you right to the fruits that he bore, his atonement, the perfection he provides us! He's there every step of the way, as we learn in Moroni 7:48 Christ's intentions are to purify us, that we may become like him. That we may stand with him, in the presence of the Father, having eternal life and Joy before us, and life with our families, with our Father in heaven, with the whole family of God forever. The Tree of life also represents this life, the fruit that Christ bore. He wants to guide you, through his words he is able to guide us, and through it we are able to get to know him on a personal level, to gain that relationship with him, that we may live with him eternally. Let us pray to our Father in heaven, and read his words! Let our redeemers cleansing love wash away our sins, and present us spotless before the Father. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Relying upon the wisdom of God
Sometimes as human beings, we have a tendency to think; I am wise, I've got the power to do this on my own. I know i've been guilty of that in my life. One such lesson we learn in the book of Nephi 9:28 "28 O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish" Sometimes, I think too often we use our own wisdom to figure out the things of God. James 1:5 As we can see from this scripture, that God will give liberally, or "Freely" he won't hold anything back from you, and he will not upbraid you or "Scold" you. He is the most powerful being in the universe, and yet he's willing to condescend to you and give you answers to your prayers. Its the most wonderful testament to his love, that he is willing to help us, beings who frankly, are unworthy of such assistance. If you don't know anything, like "Is the book of Mormon true"? Do not rely on your own wisdom, or your own supposed wisdom. Trust in god, and trust that he "has all wisdom" as king benjamin in the book of Mormon taught his people. I testify, that if we are willing to do this, then we are able to know the truth of all things. And I say these things in the name of Jesus christ amen.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Christmas
Well, its christmas time again. Its a time for cheering and laughing with friends, its a time to get together with family and eat a large dinner you can't possibly eat all in one day, and some how do; then get so stuffed that you have to take a nap afterwards!
Not only that tho, its also a time to remember the savior and what wonderful things he has done for you! He loves you, and that is why he came into the world. He came to redeem the world. As it says int he scriptures it says in Luke 2:8-14 "8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." The hosts of heaven literally sang out in Joy of their king. Our savior and Redeemer! Because of him we are redeemed from the fall, and the way is paved that we may return to our heavenly Father, if it so be that we no longer deny him, but call on his holy name!
This season, we celebrate what was over 4,000 years in the making, When we were in the pre-earth life, we were over joyed to know that our redeemer would come to redeem us all! As it says in Job 38:7 " 7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?" How Joyful an occasion that must have been, when we as spirits, and children of our Heavenly Father, knew that we could progress beyond our spiritual state, and learn to be like our heavenly Father, learn to have a fullness of Joy as he does. Let us all remember this christmas season, that its not what you get; and sometimes its not really about the gift you give; but that its the spirit by which the gift is given! Remember Christ in all things this christmas season, after all, as the prophet Isaiah said speaking in the voice of the savior "I have engraven thee on the palms of my hands"! He remembers you, and all of us! He loves us, and he will never forget us! Please remember him, I love you all, and I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ amen.
-Elder White
Not only that tho, its also a time to remember the savior and what wonderful things he has done for you! He loves you, and that is why he came into the world. He came to redeem the world. As it says int he scriptures it says in Luke 2:8-14 "8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." The hosts of heaven literally sang out in Joy of their king. Our savior and Redeemer! Because of him we are redeemed from the fall, and the way is paved that we may return to our heavenly Father, if it so be that we no longer deny him, but call on his holy name!
This season, we celebrate what was over 4,000 years in the making, When we were in the pre-earth life, we were over joyed to know that our redeemer would come to redeem us all! As it says in Job 38:7 " 7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?" How Joyful an occasion that must have been, when we as spirits, and children of our Heavenly Father, knew that we could progress beyond our spiritual state, and learn to be like our heavenly Father, learn to have a fullness of Joy as he does. Let us all remember this christmas season, that its not what you get; and sometimes its not really about the gift you give; but that its the spirit by which the gift is given! Remember Christ in all things this christmas season, after all, as the prophet Isaiah said speaking in the voice of the savior "I have engraven thee on the palms of my hands"! He remembers you, and all of us! He loves us, and he will never forget us! Please remember him, I love you all, and I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ amen.
-Elder White
calling back the lost
Jesus christ, our lord and savior said; "I am sent to call the sinners, not the righteous to repentance, the whole need no physician". As I ponder this christmas season, I can't help but think that I haven't been the best example that I could be too my family! True, i've fought with them; I've yelled at them, I have good times, and bad times with them. But as I reflect back on these times, I realize, What have I done for those I love, whom have strayed from the gospel plan?
Please, don't misunderstand what I am saying; this has nothing to do with you being a bad person. After all, I firmly believe that there are plenty of good things about you, with out tools like; the book of Mormon, the plan of Salvation! But I would speak to you, on this wonderful book that is called "The Book Of Mormon". Its a wonderful book, full of wisdom of an ancient people whose descendants we are! I am half cherokee, and appachee, which; if you do a little digging, they are one and the same with the navajoo, so therefore I am half cherokee and navajoo! We are half lamanite! We share this proud heritage,but have we fully accepted the promises, and privliges extended to us? We have been promised to become a great people, to be a new Jerusalem! If only, we will accept the gospel of Jesus Christ in its fulness. The book of mormon does that for us! It gives us the doctirines of Jesus Christ, it gives us examples of what happens when you fail to follow these principles, or if you hold out faithful. It promises us blessings, and truth to light our path should we choose to follow its guides. Allow me to cite the scripture found in Moroni 10:3-5 which states" Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down untill the time that ye shall recieve these things, and ponder it in your hearts. And when ye shall recieve these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things". I beg you, as did moroni of old, look not upon me in my weakness and scoff, but come unto christ. Get on your knee's, asking God the Father, through your humble prayer, to enlighten your mind, and teach you of all things concerning his doctirine. Ask him to tell you of the Book of mormon, and weather it is true or not. Thank him for blessings shown, and all things you have, that are dear to your life. Then end in the name of Jesus Christ. Recieve a testimony of these things for yourself, by not relying on the wisdom and powers of preception of man, but relying wholly on the powers of God, who will show you all things what you should do! The way is given that all man maybe saved, its made conditional upon our asking, and truely wanting to know. God respects our ability to choose, and will not force an answer on us that we do not desire, even if it be right! Please, call upon god, and ask for his help. He has all power to perform his words! I know its true, and I love you all! In the name of Jesus Christ amen.
-Elder White
Please, don't misunderstand what I am saying; this has nothing to do with you being a bad person. After all, I firmly believe that there are plenty of good things about you, with out tools like; the book of Mormon, the plan of Salvation! But I would speak to you, on this wonderful book that is called "The Book Of Mormon". Its a wonderful book, full of wisdom of an ancient people whose descendants we are! I am half cherokee, and appachee, which; if you do a little digging, they are one and the same with the navajoo, so therefore I am half cherokee and navajoo! We are half lamanite! We share this proud heritage,but have we fully accepted the promises, and privliges extended to us? We have been promised to become a great people, to be a new Jerusalem! If only, we will accept the gospel of Jesus Christ in its fulness. The book of mormon does that for us! It gives us the doctirines of Jesus Christ, it gives us examples of what happens when you fail to follow these principles, or if you hold out faithful. It promises us blessings, and truth to light our path should we choose to follow its guides. Allow me to cite the scripture found in Moroni 10:3-5 which states" Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down untill the time that ye shall recieve these things, and ponder it in your hearts. And when ye shall recieve these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things". I beg you, as did moroni of old, look not upon me in my weakness and scoff, but come unto christ. Get on your knee's, asking God the Father, through your humble prayer, to enlighten your mind, and teach you of all things concerning his doctirine. Ask him to tell you of the Book of mormon, and weather it is true or not. Thank him for blessings shown, and all things you have, that are dear to your life. Then end in the name of Jesus Christ. Recieve a testimony of these things for yourself, by not relying on the wisdom and powers of preception of man, but relying wholly on the powers of God, who will show you all things what you should do! The way is given that all man maybe saved, its made conditional upon our asking, and truely wanting to know. God respects our ability to choose, and will not force an answer on us that we do not desire, even if it be right! Please, call upon god, and ask for his help. He has all power to perform his words! I know its true, and I love you all! In the name of Jesus Christ amen.
-Elder White
Friday, December 9, 2011
Keep moving forward
I draw my blog topic from two sources today; The first is from the movie meet the robinsons, and the other is from my own personal experience! I'll start off with meet the robinsons, and then i'll move on to my own personal experience.
In the movie meet the robinsons, a young man named Lewis, a brilliant young inventor; who is unwittingly met by his son from the future, who has taken the time machine in order to look for the stolen time machine, that he was the cause of being stolen. He accidentally left the garage door open. So in order to make up for his mistake he goes back in time, only to discover that the time machine he is looking for is in the time frame that his dad was a child in. Upon this discovery he tries to use his dad, with out his knowlege, so that he can hopefully get the time machine back which his father invented. (Confused yet, hopefully not because we've got a ways to go. Ok not really, but metaphorically speaking.) So, Lewis, and his son from the future, end up in the future, now upon reaching the future, he learns of this amazing slogagn, which ofcourse in the future, he'll be the creator of. The slogan is, "Keep moving forward".
So I wanted to talk a little bit on what might keep us from moving forward. What might keep us from moving forward? Fighting with our siblings, failing to be obedient to the commandments, things like that. Our sins, the appostle paul taught "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of god". So, how do we move forward? How do we get beyond these little ruts in our lives that keep us pinned to one spot in our life? Through the atonement of Jesus christ; only in and through his atoneing life blood may we move forward, with the assurance that we are clean from our sins, made only conditional on us asking for this.
I'm a martial artist, I've been a black belt for about 2 years or so, and so every morning as a missionary I have the chance to exercise; well what do you suppose I do with my excercise time? Well I go straight outside and I practice martial arts. Well, our here in New York, for those of you who live out here, you know it can get cold around this time of the year. So as I was out their practicing martial arts one morning, I began to think to myself; 'What the heck am I doing out here'? But then this line went through my head from meat the robinsons, 'Keep moving forward'. As I thought of this, my arms, my legs, and my fingers are cold and frozen, I realized that by just moving forward, and continueing on the same path, I was actually getting warmer. That pretty soon, the cold didn't bother me, because I was moving. Then I thought, how many people can't feel the warmth, and love of Jesus christ, or our heavenly Father, because they don't understand this simple statement. "Keep, moving, forward" Just do it, promise you, that when you trust in your heavenly Father, and rely on the atonement of your elder Brother Jesus christ, that you will be cleansed, you don't need to fall back, or be down on yourself. He loves you and wants you to come unto him, and be healed! Just as Lewis, from meet the robinsons discovered that he had decided in the future, that he would "KEEP MOVING FORWARD"! so can you keep moving forward. By reading your scriptures, and praying daily for guidance from our heavenly Father! its true, I know these things for myself, because I do them! I've tested my heavenly Father time and again, and he never fails me! And I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ amen.
-Elder White
In the movie meet the robinsons, a young man named Lewis, a brilliant young inventor; who is unwittingly met by his son from the future, who has taken the time machine in order to look for the stolen time machine, that he was the cause of being stolen. He accidentally left the garage door open. So in order to make up for his mistake he goes back in time, only to discover that the time machine he is looking for is in the time frame that his dad was a child in. Upon this discovery he tries to use his dad, with out his knowlege, so that he can hopefully get the time machine back which his father invented. (Confused yet, hopefully not because we've got a ways to go. Ok not really, but metaphorically speaking.) So, Lewis, and his son from the future, end up in the future, now upon reaching the future, he learns of this amazing slogagn, which ofcourse in the future, he'll be the creator of. The slogan is, "Keep moving forward".
So I wanted to talk a little bit on what might keep us from moving forward. What might keep us from moving forward? Fighting with our siblings, failing to be obedient to the commandments, things like that. Our sins, the appostle paul taught "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of god". So, how do we move forward? How do we get beyond these little ruts in our lives that keep us pinned to one spot in our life? Through the atonement of Jesus christ; only in and through his atoneing life blood may we move forward, with the assurance that we are clean from our sins, made only conditional on us asking for this.
I'm a martial artist, I've been a black belt for about 2 years or so, and so every morning as a missionary I have the chance to exercise; well what do you suppose I do with my excercise time? Well I go straight outside and I practice martial arts. Well, our here in New York, for those of you who live out here, you know it can get cold around this time of the year. So as I was out their practicing martial arts one morning, I began to think to myself; 'What the heck am I doing out here'? But then this line went through my head from meat the robinsons, 'Keep moving forward'. As I thought of this, my arms, my legs, and my fingers are cold and frozen, I realized that by just moving forward, and continueing on the same path, I was actually getting warmer. That pretty soon, the cold didn't bother me, because I was moving. Then I thought, how many people can't feel the warmth, and love of Jesus christ, or our heavenly Father, because they don't understand this simple statement. "Keep, moving, forward" Just do it, promise you, that when you trust in your heavenly Father, and rely on the atonement of your elder Brother Jesus christ, that you will be cleansed, you don't need to fall back, or be down on yourself. He loves you and wants you to come unto him, and be healed! Just as Lewis, from meet the robinsons discovered that he had decided in the future, that he would "KEEP MOVING FORWARD"! so can you keep moving forward. By reading your scriptures, and praying daily for guidance from our heavenly Father! its true, I know these things for myself, because I do them! I've tested my heavenly Father time and again, and he never fails me! And I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ amen.
-Elder White
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