Many years ago I developed the habit of purchasing the recordings of General Conference and listening to them over and over again in my car. It reached the point that I no longer listened to anything other than conference (or Mo Tab) while driving. Most of the time, since I am thick skulled, it isn’t until the 5th or 6th time that I hear a talk that I begin to hear what the speaker is saying. An example of this was a talk by Elder Richard G. Scott in April of 2009. In this talk Elder Scott mentioned that he had attended the temple every week for 14 years. He mentioned that if he ever misses, he makes it up on another date. After listening to this talk many times, sometime in July of that year the Spirit whispered to me “Scott, you need to attend the temple every week.” I obeyed.
Attending the temple every week has been an amazing experience. I attend the Salt Lake Temple 6:00 am session every Wednesday. This act of obedience has changed my life forever. My experience has taught me that revelation occurs while in the temple. Everything that happens in the temple has multiple meanings, however, most importantly I have learned that the endowment has little to do with Adam and Eve, and is a story about us individually. This week I had an amazing experience regarding the creation as depicted in the endowment. I would like to share a part of what I learned.
An important piece of what I am about to share comes from a wonderful book titled “The Hidden Christ” by James Ferrell, (the author of the very powerful book “The Peacegiver”). I highly recommend that everyone read it. It is available at Deseret and Seagull Books.
While in the temple this week, and after reading the first chapter in Ferrell’s book, I concentrated on the Creation as being not only about the creation of the earth, but about me individually. The Spirit moved upon me in a most wonderful manner. I began to understand something that I have believed for quite some time, that the pre-existence that we learn about in Sunday School is the kindergarten version of what really happened. Our pre-existence was a series of steps… call them probations, that tested our obedience. The earth had 6 creative periods… perhaps we did as well! Each test allowed time for the elements to obey. When they obeyed, another commandment was given. It wasn’t until the 6th creative period that God finally came down himself and created me in His image.
What does it mean to be created in His image? Is it really what we have always been taught? In the world of popular entertainment, stars are created all the time. Let’s use The Back Street Boys as an example. Somewhere along the line, some producer created a concept (image) in his mind that there was room in the industry for a “boy band.” This producer put together a series of tests or auditions to find individuals who were capable of reaching the producer’s vision. Ultimately the right boys were found. The producer didn’t create the boys from nothing- meaning he brought together matter and organized it into boys- he put together a method for boys that already existed to be created in his image. I am beginning to believe this is what is meant by us being created in God’s image.
In the Book of Abraham there is the very familiar story of Abraham seeing the Council in Heaven where he saw many of the “noble and great ones.” However, just prior to this story, Abraham sees another vision we pay little attention to. It is a vision of the heavenly bodies, including Kolob which is a star nearest to God. Ferrell draws an amazing parallel between the vision of the heavenly bodies and the vision of the spirits. He shows how they unfold in nearly identical fashion. I now quote Ferrell.
“Let’s begin by considering the content and structure of Abraham’s vision of the heavenly bodies:
1.If two heavenly bodies exist, one whose reckoning of time is longer than another’s, there shall be another heavenly body whose reckoning is longer still.
2.There are many great ones- stars- that are near the throne of God.
3.These are the “governing ones.”
4.One among them- the “greatest”- is: “nearest unto the throne of God,” or as God says: “nearest onto me.” This great one is called “Kolob” because it is nearest unto God, and its reckoning is after the reckoning of the Lord’s time.
5.Kolob is “set… to govern” the earth and other plants of the same order.
Compare this to the vision of the spirits that follows it:
1.If two spirits exist, one being more intelligent than the other, there shall be another more intelligent than they.
2.There were many noble and great ones who dwelt in the midst of God.
3.These will be made “rulers.”
4.“And there stood one among them that was like unto God.”
5.This one was sent to make an earth to “prove them herewith,” and he rules “in the heavens above, and in the earth beneath, in all wisdom and prudence, over all the intelligences (Abraham’s) eyes have seen from the beginning.”
The parallelism is quite stunning. The stars and the spirits each increase in greatness as they approach God. Given the striking parallel structures of these visions, the vision of the stars gives us a way to visualize the relationship of the spirits with God- that is, our relationship with God. Like Jesus, the star nearest to God is the “first creation” and closest to God. We are told in the explanation of Facsimile No. 2 in the book of Abraham that there is another- a third- standing next to Kolob that holds the “key of power” or right to govern over the other heavenly bodies. So we have three entities at the center that govern all things, perhaps in the similitude of the Father, Son and the Holy Ghost.”
Ferrell continues: “These visions suggest that spirits relate to God in precisely the same way and according to the same laws as heavenly bodies relate to God. What immediately follows the parallelism is an account of the creation of a heavenly body being made fit for the presence of God. This implies that the story of a heavenly body being prepared for God is also the story of man being prepared for God. The first step in such a process is to “take up orbit” around those who have been called to govern on the Lord’s behalf. By obeying in this way, we signal our willingness to obey the Lord.
“We will go down,” the Lord said, “and we will make an earth whereon these (spirits) may dwell.” Why? “In order to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them.” “They who (do) shall have glory added upon their heads for ever and ever” – “glory in the same kingdom” with God himself.
“Let’s consider the creation in broad strokes to see how completely the earth was transformed by the creative process, and how that change mirrors the conversion that is offered to man.
In the beginning, before it had taken up orbit around the source of light, the earth was empty, desolate, and dark. This seems a pretty good description of man’s state so long as he insists living for himself, on his own terms, refusing to hearken to the light of Christ. But the spirit moved upon the darkness and the earth moved into proximity with the light. Under the influence of the light, a “firmament” or atmosphere of life sustaining air was formed above and around the earth. In this application to ourselves, we might consider this to be as representation of the nourishing influence of the Spirit in our lives. Under the influence of this light and within the protective canopy of this air or spirit, the earth began to come to life. Isn’t this what happens to us when we are nourished by the Spirit and bathed by the light? We, too, come to life as it were, and begin to bring forth good fruit.
Interestingly, it is a t this point in the process, after the Lord has sown his seeds and nourished his creation by his own light and spirit, that he then guides that creation into the orbit of those that he has set up to govern- the “lights in the firmament of heaven” the “greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night.”
I have a firm testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. I believe with all my heart that it is God’s work on the earth. I believe that it’s leaders are inspired. I know President Monson personally and know him to be a man of God. I know he is the prophet called to lead the church at this time. I also believe that there are others called to provide light in our lives. We have all been touched by others that have great light, but no particular standing in the church. The light is the light of Christ.
“Isn’t this how we grow as well, As we stay in orbit, as it were, of the light of Christ, and the Spirit, and as we follow that light, do we no bring forth more abundantly? Do we not sustain and nourish all that is around us? Do we not ultimately receive the image of God in our countenances?”
“The parallelism implies that the being who was able to create an earth that was able to come into the presence of God is the same being who can bring us into the presence of God. That being is of course the Savior. The Saviors various names testify of his creative role. On the first day, the “light of the world” introduced light. On the second day. “he that breath unto the people” introduced air. On the third day, the “living water, and the “true vine” introduced water, soil, and vegetation. On the fourth day, the light which is in all things” caused the sun, moon, and stars to shine on the earth. On the fifth day, the “fisher of men” brought forth fishes and fowls. On the sixth day, “the Good Shepherd” and “the Lamb of God” prepared an earth to bring forth the animals and all creeping things. And the Son of Man formed man and woman “in the image of God.”
Just as it was the Savior who transformed the earth, so, too, it is the Savior who transforms man.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Order
I want to begin today by telling you about a real treat that is coming next month. My dear friend Yvonne Bent, who is a fantastic gospel scholar, is holding an event that many of you may want to attend. The title of the event is “About Sacred Geometry” and will be held October 14 and 15th at the Springville Museum of Art. Yvonne’s description reads “See distinct spiritual connections with science and the universe. Decipher the treasures you’ve seen all your life, but haven’t known how to unravel their mysteries. Understand the secrets known by Da Vinci, Euclid, Abraham, and Joseph.” Please go to www.aboutsacredgeometry.com for details.
The following ideas may seem rather dull to many of you but they are something that have been on my mind quite a bit lately. While in the temple a few months ago a friend asked me if I knew anything about the order of prayer. I had to admit that I knew nothing, however, I promised to find out what I could. After several weeks of studying, pondering, and praying, I feel I am beginning to understand a little. It is not my intention to disclose much on that topic in this setting, but I would like to discuss a few of my thoughts as I pondered this topic. Many of my thoughts contemplated what is meant by the word “order.”
It is really quite remarkable how many definitions there are for the word order. The dictionary has more than twenty. Please bear with me as I share a few of them as how they were are used in our daily speech.
1.I arranged them in order.
2.a. I checked to see that the shipping department was in order.
b. The escalator is in good working order.
3. a. The revolution overcame the old order
b. The police finally restored order.
4. A prescribed form or customary procedure: the order of worship
5. An authoritative indication to be obeyed: The Sargent ordered his men, or the Sargent received his orders.
6. A sales order.
7. A request of a customer at a restaurant.
8. A grade of the Christian ministry: the order of the priesthood.
9. A group living under religious rule: The Order of Saint Benedict
10. An organization of people united by a common fraternal bond or social aim: The United Order
11. A group of people upon whom a government or sovereign has formally conferred honor for unusual service or merit: the Fraternal Order of the Police
12. Degree of quality or importance; rank: poetry of a high order.
13. To give an order or orders; request that something be done or supplied.
Idioms:
in order that
So that.
in order to
For the purpose of.
in short order
With no delay; quickly.
on order
Requested but not yet delivered.
To Order
According to the buyer's specifications.
This list isn’t even complete and I am tired just thinking about it!
What does the Lord mean when using the word order? Consider the following:
2 And those priests were ordained after the order of his Son, in a manner that thereby the people might know in what manner to look forward to his Son for redemption. Alma 13:2
3 Before his day it was called the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God.
4 But out of respect or reverence to the name of the Supreme Being, to avoid the too frequent repetition of his name, they, the church, in ancient days, called that priesthood after Melchizedek, or the Melchizedek Priesthood. D&C 107: 3-4
57 And are priests of the Most High, after the order of Melchizedek, which was after the order of Enoch, which was after the order of the Only Begotten Son. D&C 76:57
4 And thou shalt bring in the table, and set in order the things that are to be set in order upon it; and thou shalt bring in the candlestick, and light the lamps thereof. Exodus 40:4
2 And in order to obtain the highest, a man must enter into this order of the priesthood [meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage]; D&C 131:2
16 Now these ordinances were given after this manner, that thereby the people might look forward on the Son of God, it being a type of his order, or it being his order, and this that they might look forward to him for a remission of their sins, that they might enter into the rest of the Lord. Alma 13:16
7 And the Gods ordered the expanse, so that it divided the waters which were under the expanse from the waters which were above the expanse; and it was so, even as they ordered.
It seems to be clear from these examples that the Lord uses all of the many definitions throughout the scriptures.
It appears that the definition above that best describes the order of prayer is number 4: A prescribed form or customary procedure: the order of worship. I’m not going to pretend that I know, however, that this is the intended definition.
Similarly I ask myself the meaning of the word order when used in the proper name of the Melchizedek Priesthood as found in D&C 107:3 Before his day it was called the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God. Once again, I will not pretend to know the answer, I am simply asking questions that may be significant in our personal gospel study.
My prayers are with each of you as you study the scriptures. I pray that you will find great joy in them as I have. I often feel like running to the room where I study the scriptures in the morning as I anticipate what will be revealed to me that day. I hope you can feel likewise.
God Bless
The following ideas may seem rather dull to many of you but they are something that have been on my mind quite a bit lately. While in the temple a few months ago a friend asked me if I knew anything about the order of prayer. I had to admit that I knew nothing, however, I promised to find out what I could. After several weeks of studying, pondering, and praying, I feel I am beginning to understand a little. It is not my intention to disclose much on that topic in this setting, but I would like to discuss a few of my thoughts as I pondered this topic. Many of my thoughts contemplated what is meant by the word “order.”
It is really quite remarkable how many definitions there are for the word order. The dictionary has more than twenty. Please bear with me as I share a few of them as how they were are used in our daily speech.
1.I arranged them in order.
2.a. I checked to see that the shipping department was in order.
b. The escalator is in good working order.
3. a. The revolution overcame the old order
b. The police finally restored order.
4. A prescribed form or customary procedure: the order of worship
5. An authoritative indication to be obeyed: The Sargent ordered his men, or the Sargent received his orders.
6. A sales order.
7. A request of a customer at a restaurant.
8. A grade of the Christian ministry: the order of the priesthood.
9. A group living under religious rule: The Order of Saint Benedict
10. An organization of people united by a common fraternal bond or social aim: The United Order
11. A group of people upon whom a government or sovereign has formally conferred honor for unusual service or merit: the Fraternal Order of the Police
12. Degree of quality or importance; rank: poetry of a high order.
13. To give an order or orders; request that something be done or supplied.
Idioms:
in order that
So that.
in order to
For the purpose of.
in short order
With no delay; quickly.
on order
Requested but not yet delivered.
To Order
According to the buyer's specifications.
This list isn’t even complete and I am tired just thinking about it!
What does the Lord mean when using the word order? Consider the following:
2 And those priests were ordained after the order of his Son, in a manner that thereby the people might know in what manner to look forward to his Son for redemption. Alma 13:2
3 Before his day it was called the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God.
4 But out of respect or reverence to the name of the Supreme Being, to avoid the too frequent repetition of his name, they, the church, in ancient days, called that priesthood after Melchizedek, or the Melchizedek Priesthood. D&C 107: 3-4
57 And are priests of the Most High, after the order of Melchizedek, which was after the order of Enoch, which was after the order of the Only Begotten Son. D&C 76:57
4 And thou shalt bring in the table, and set in order the things that are to be set in order upon it; and thou shalt bring in the candlestick, and light the lamps thereof. Exodus 40:4
2 And in order to obtain the highest, a man must enter into this order of the priesthood [meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage]; D&C 131:2
16 Now these ordinances were given after this manner, that thereby the people might look forward on the Son of God, it being a type of his order, or it being his order, and this that they might look forward to him for a remission of their sins, that they might enter into the rest of the Lord. Alma 13:16
7 And the Gods ordered the expanse, so that it divided the waters which were under the expanse from the waters which were above the expanse; and it was so, even as they ordered.
It seems to be clear from these examples that the Lord uses all of the many definitions throughout the scriptures.
It appears that the definition above that best describes the order of prayer is number 4: A prescribed form or customary procedure: the order of worship. I’m not going to pretend that I know, however, that this is the intended definition.
Similarly I ask myself the meaning of the word order when used in the proper name of the Melchizedek Priesthood as found in D&C 107:3 Before his day it was called the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God. Once again, I will not pretend to know the answer, I am simply asking questions that may be significant in our personal gospel study.
My prayers are with each of you as you study the scriptures. I pray that you will find great joy in them as I have. I often feel like running to the room where I study the scriptures in the morning as I anticipate what will be revealed to me that day. I hope you can feel likewise.
God Bless
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Unexpected
I am writing this post today from the heart of Kolkata (Calcutta), India. It’s about three in the afternoon and it is hot and rainy. Ann, my two sons Joe and Matt, and I are here working for an organization that educates the children of the slums. It has been a life changing experience for all of us.
The reason I am taking the time to write a post at this time is because I had an incredibly moving experience this morning... one that I didn’t expect. I feel a need to share my experience before it fades in my memory. I want to credit my good friend and travel partner Rand Snyderman for his insights on this topic.
Several days ago we had the opportunity of visiting one of the Seven Wonders of the World... the Taj Mahal. I have to admit it was very spectacular and wonderful. As you well know, it was built as a mausoleum for the third wife of famous king. The king himself is also buried in this monumental setting. Despite the majority of India practicing the Hindu faith, this monument is Muslim and considered a holy site. As I visited this fascinating place, I felt nothing.
In stark contrast, this morning I visited the home of Mother Teresa, Missionaries of Charity. This is the place that Mother Teresa lived during the last 2 or 3 decades of her life, and the place she is now buried. As I entered I immediately felt the Spirit. I knew it was a very different place from others I have been. It wasn’t the same as the temple, but it was indeed a sacred place. As I climbed the humble stairs that led to her meager sleeping quarters, with a small cot, and a small desk, in a 6’ X 8’ room, my heart was touched and I wept.
I walked through a very small museum with a timeline of her life. It quoted many of her famous sayings and shared her thoughts as she dedicated more and more of herself to the Savior by dedicating her life to the poor. I will quote from the text of the timeline.
“It was on the 10th of September in 1946, Mother Teresa was thirty six years old. She was on a train on her way to Darjeeling to make her yearly retreat, where she would spend eight days in silence, praying to God. On that train she experienced Jesus speaking to her. He was asking her to give up everything, even Loreto (the convent where she had been living and serving), and follow Him into the slums, to serve Him in the people who had nothing or no one and who were suffering so much - the poorest of the poor. Jesus was thirsting to love and be loved by them. It was a new vocation, a call within a call. Mother Teresa knew that it was God who was asking this of her and that it was to be his work. Still, she was afraid - she didn’t know how she could do what Jesus wanted but at the same time, she didn’t want to say no to him.”
“For more than six months Mother Teresa kept hearing Jesus speak to her. He told her “My little one - come, come, carry Me into the holes of the poor. Come, be my light, I cannot go alone- they don’t know Me- so they don’t want Me. Once she saw a vision: she saw many very poor people and children calling out to her: “Come, come, save us - bring us to Jesus.”
A small plaque rests on top of her grave that reads “Love one another as I have loved you.” John 15:12
Mother Teresa suffered many hardships throughout her life. She suffered from many illnesses that were prevalent among the poor with whom she was serving. However, not until her death were her innermost thoughts shared through her personal journal. I quote once again fro the museum.
“There was something , however, that the sisters and the people never knew about Mother Teresa. They knew about the pain in her body but they never knew about the pain terrible pain she had in her soul. She loved God with her whole heart, soul, mind, and strength, and she used to feel God’s great love for her. Then everything changed for her. As soon as she began to work among the poor, she didn’t feel that God was close to her anymore, even though she continued to love God as much as before. For many years she felt that God had abandoned her, that He didn’t want her, even that He didn’t love her at all. But He of course did. God was hiding His presence from her. He was letting her share how He felt when He was dying on the cross and how many of the poor people feel- lonely, unwanted and unloved. She understood the poor so well because she experienced the same rejection and loneliness as they did. Mother Teresa did not act on her feelings but kept on praying, loving, and serving God. Her smile smile kept anyone from guessing what she was feeling inside.”
For the past several days we have been working among these same poor. It has been life changing. However, we have done it from the relative comfort of a school. Although hot and poorly ventilated, it has been relatively clean. Each night we have gone home to a hot meal and hot shower. Never have we worked in the squalor of the slums. My heart has been touched by Mother Teresa.
At times when we feel abandoned by the Lord, or feel that he is not responding to our pleas, do we consider that He is teaching us an important lesson? Can we learn to love others as Mother Teresa did, and keep a smile throughout our trials?
On a personal note, I have recently been prompted by the Lord to do something that I consider very difficult. I have wondered how I could possibly do what he is asking me to do. After learning more about Mother Teresa today and feeling of her goodness and devotion, I feel encouraged that I too can do difficult things.
The reason I am taking the time to write a post at this time is because I had an incredibly moving experience this morning... one that I didn’t expect. I feel a need to share my experience before it fades in my memory. I want to credit my good friend and travel partner Rand Snyderman for his insights on this topic.
Several days ago we had the opportunity of visiting one of the Seven Wonders of the World... the Taj Mahal. I have to admit it was very spectacular and wonderful. As you well know, it was built as a mausoleum for the third wife of famous king. The king himself is also buried in this monumental setting. Despite the majority of India practicing the Hindu faith, this monument is Muslim and considered a holy site. As I visited this fascinating place, I felt nothing.
In stark contrast, this morning I visited the home of Mother Teresa, Missionaries of Charity. This is the place that Mother Teresa lived during the last 2 or 3 decades of her life, and the place she is now buried. As I entered I immediately felt the Spirit. I knew it was a very different place from others I have been. It wasn’t the same as the temple, but it was indeed a sacred place. As I climbed the humble stairs that led to her meager sleeping quarters, with a small cot, and a small desk, in a 6’ X 8’ room, my heart was touched and I wept.
I walked through a very small museum with a timeline of her life. It quoted many of her famous sayings and shared her thoughts as she dedicated more and more of herself to the Savior by dedicating her life to the poor. I will quote from the text of the timeline.
“It was on the 10th of September in 1946, Mother Teresa was thirty six years old. She was on a train on her way to Darjeeling to make her yearly retreat, where she would spend eight days in silence, praying to God. On that train she experienced Jesus speaking to her. He was asking her to give up everything, even Loreto (the convent where she had been living and serving), and follow Him into the slums, to serve Him in the people who had nothing or no one and who were suffering so much - the poorest of the poor. Jesus was thirsting to love and be loved by them. It was a new vocation, a call within a call. Mother Teresa knew that it was God who was asking this of her and that it was to be his work. Still, she was afraid - she didn’t know how she could do what Jesus wanted but at the same time, she didn’t want to say no to him.”
“For more than six months Mother Teresa kept hearing Jesus speak to her. He told her “My little one - come, come, carry Me into the holes of the poor. Come, be my light, I cannot go alone- they don’t know Me- so they don’t want Me. Once she saw a vision: she saw many very poor people and children calling out to her: “Come, come, save us - bring us to Jesus.”
A small plaque rests on top of her grave that reads “Love one another as I have loved you.” John 15:12
Mother Teresa suffered many hardships throughout her life. She suffered from many illnesses that were prevalent among the poor with whom she was serving. However, not until her death were her innermost thoughts shared through her personal journal. I quote once again fro the museum.
“There was something , however, that the sisters and the people never knew about Mother Teresa. They knew about the pain in her body but they never knew about the pain terrible pain she had in her soul. She loved God with her whole heart, soul, mind, and strength, and she used to feel God’s great love for her. Then everything changed for her. As soon as she began to work among the poor, she didn’t feel that God was close to her anymore, even though she continued to love God as much as before. For many years she felt that God had abandoned her, that He didn’t want her, even that He didn’t love her at all. But He of course did. God was hiding His presence from her. He was letting her share how He felt when He was dying on the cross and how many of the poor people feel- lonely, unwanted and unloved. She understood the poor so well because she experienced the same rejection and loneliness as they did. Mother Teresa did not act on her feelings but kept on praying, loving, and serving God. Her smile smile kept anyone from guessing what she was feeling inside.”
For the past several days we have been working among these same poor. It has been life changing. However, we have done it from the relative comfort of a school. Although hot and poorly ventilated, it has been relatively clean. Each night we have gone home to a hot meal and hot shower. Never have we worked in the squalor of the slums. My heart has been touched by Mother Teresa.
At times when we feel abandoned by the Lord, or feel that he is not responding to our pleas, do we consider that He is teaching us an important lesson? Can we learn to love others as Mother Teresa did, and keep a smile throughout our trials?
On a personal note, I have recently been prompted by the Lord to do something that I consider very difficult. I have wondered how I could possibly do what he is asking me to do. After learning more about Mother Teresa today and feeling of her goodness and devotion, I feel encouraged that I too can do difficult things.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
God's Mercy
Elder Gene R. Cook once wrote that one of the most misunderstood scriptures in the Book of Mormon was found in Moroni’s promise in Moroni 10:3
“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 until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.”
The misunderstanding seems to come from the word “it”; the fourth word from the end. What exactly is “it” that we are to ponder in our hearts?
The common belief by most of us is that when we read “these things, if it be wisdom in God that we should read them,” that we should ponder “them” in our hearts. But this isn’t what Moroni says… he says ponder “it.” The only “it” he could be referring to in this sentence is “how merciful the Lord has been unto the children of men.” This changes our focus quite dramatically.
We have been taught by many gospel scholars over the years of the ancient literary writing style known as chiasmus. A chiasm, as I understand it, is literary writing structure that places concepts in symmetrical order. For example, suppose that the first topic in a text is labeled by A, the second topic is labeled by B and the third topic is labeled by C. If the topics in the text appear in the order ABC…CBA so that the first concept that comes up is also the last, the second is the second to last.
A simple example of a chiasm in the New Testament is found in John 1:1-2
In the beginning was the Word, (A)
and the Word was with God, (B)
and the Word was God. (B')
The same was in the beginning with God. (A')
I find it interesting that the Book of Mormon starts and ends in a similar manner. In 1 Nephi 1:20 we read: ““But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen.”
Then in Moroni 10:3 we are asked to ponder “how merciful the Lord has been.”
It is of this mercy that I wish to write today.
I have often felt throughout my life that the Lord blesses me well beyond what I deserve. I hesitate to use the word deserve because I know that I don’t really deserve anything. I guess what I mean to say is that I have feel more blessed than what my imperfect mind and heart feel I should- knowing all of my sins and imperfections. For this I am deeply grateful to my Heavenly Father.
Although I have honestly strived throughout my life to do the things the Lord asks of me, I have lived a life filled with rebellion, envy, pride, lust, and sin. Despite this behavior, the Lord has shown His tender mercies toward me and given me every opportunity to repent and to succeed. I have been given opportunity after opportunity to serve in His Kingdom. My prayers have always been answered and I have always felt the power of the Holy Ghost in my life.
Roughly seven years ago, I was living the life of a mediocre Latter Day Saint. I went to church, I read my scriptures, I said my prayers most of the time, and I attended the temple every month or two. I had a testimony… I felt it was a strong testimony. I had experienced many wonderful things that really strengthened my faith. I had repented of many things. I was busy raising my family and I was busy in my career. I felt I was doing what was required of me for the most part. Then one day, out of the blue, I was called as a member of the Stake High Council. This was the beginning of a “mighty change” in my life.
I will never forget how I felt as I first began attending High Council meetings. I felt so out of place and so unworthy to be there. I was suddenly in the midst of the greatest group of men I had ever known. I made a vow to really strive to be better… to be more repentant: To be more Christ like.
This went on for about two years. I was striving to change and to be better. The Holy Spirit was guiding me and helping me to make some changes that I needed to but in hindsight now, I can see that I wasn’t close to comprehending how much the Lord was asking me to change. He wanted me to be vastly different; He wanted me to make major changes; not just these superficial ones that I was slowly making.
In the fall of 2005 I was suddenly hit with a trial that changed every part of my life. It isn’t important to mention what the trial was, but it affected me so deeply that I didn’t know how to go on with my life. I was alone with no one to turn to but the Lord. Once again in hindsight, I feel that the Lord grabbed my attention in the only way I would listen, and proceeded to make me the person He wanted me to be. I needed to change, and the change was more drastic than I had ever imagined. Once again, His tender mercy plucked me from a life of mediocrity in the church, to one of total immersion and commitment.
Here I sit, nearly six years later, contemplating the blessings that have become mine due to a loving Heavenly Father that chose to select me for chastisement. I have learned what it means in Doctrine and Covenants 121:45 to have my “confidence was strong in the presence of God.” I know what it means to “hunger and thirst after righteousness.” I have learned why the Holy Ghost is known as the Comforter.
In the past 6 years I have had many trials. I’ve learned that when we begin to get a handle on withstanding one type of temptation, Satan is right behind with another. The closer we grow to the Lord, the more personal becomes the temptation. I have learned that Satan will do all in his power to destroy marriages and families. I’ve learned that there are countless ways for our hearts to be broken. I’ve learned that President Benson was right when he stated that the Lord will have a humble people… they can either choose to be humble, or can be compelled.
Although there have been many trials, there have been many blessings. I wouldn’t trade anything I have been through (although I wouldn’t want to relive any of it). I know that our trials are evidence of God's mercy. I have gained an unshakable testimony of the Savior. I have become immovable in my conviction of the restoration. I have learned that the Lord’s house is the source of great instruction. I have begun to see glimpses of Eternity and our part in it. I have learned that the Lord will reveal the “mysteries” of heaven to those who ask. I have come to know that D&C 93:1is indeed true:
“Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am”.
I know God lives and loves me.
“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 until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.”
The misunderstanding seems to come from the word “it”; the fourth word from the end. What exactly is “it” that we are to ponder in our hearts?
The common belief by most of us is that when we read “these things, if it be wisdom in God that we should read them,” that we should ponder “them” in our hearts. But this isn’t what Moroni says… he says ponder “it.” The only “it” he could be referring to in this sentence is “how merciful the Lord has been unto the children of men.” This changes our focus quite dramatically.
We have been taught by many gospel scholars over the years of the ancient literary writing style known as chiasmus. A chiasm, as I understand it, is literary writing structure that places concepts in symmetrical order. For example, suppose that the first topic in a text is labeled by A, the second topic is labeled by B and the third topic is labeled by C. If the topics in the text appear in the order ABC…CBA so that the first concept that comes up is also the last, the second is the second to last.
A simple example of a chiasm in the New Testament is found in John 1:1-2
In the beginning was the Word, (A)
and the Word was with God, (B)
and the Word was God. (B')
The same was in the beginning with God. (A')
I find it interesting that the Book of Mormon starts and ends in a similar manner. In 1 Nephi 1:20 we read: ““But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen.”
Then in Moroni 10:3 we are asked to ponder “how merciful the Lord has been.”
It is of this mercy that I wish to write today.
I have often felt throughout my life that the Lord blesses me well beyond what I deserve. I hesitate to use the word deserve because I know that I don’t really deserve anything. I guess what I mean to say is that I have feel more blessed than what my imperfect mind and heart feel I should- knowing all of my sins and imperfections. For this I am deeply grateful to my Heavenly Father.
Although I have honestly strived throughout my life to do the things the Lord asks of me, I have lived a life filled with rebellion, envy, pride, lust, and sin. Despite this behavior, the Lord has shown His tender mercies toward me and given me every opportunity to repent and to succeed. I have been given opportunity after opportunity to serve in His Kingdom. My prayers have always been answered and I have always felt the power of the Holy Ghost in my life.
Roughly seven years ago, I was living the life of a mediocre Latter Day Saint. I went to church, I read my scriptures, I said my prayers most of the time, and I attended the temple every month or two. I had a testimony… I felt it was a strong testimony. I had experienced many wonderful things that really strengthened my faith. I had repented of many things. I was busy raising my family and I was busy in my career. I felt I was doing what was required of me for the most part. Then one day, out of the blue, I was called as a member of the Stake High Council. This was the beginning of a “mighty change” in my life.
I will never forget how I felt as I first began attending High Council meetings. I felt so out of place and so unworthy to be there. I was suddenly in the midst of the greatest group of men I had ever known. I made a vow to really strive to be better… to be more repentant: To be more Christ like.
This went on for about two years. I was striving to change and to be better. The Holy Spirit was guiding me and helping me to make some changes that I needed to but in hindsight now, I can see that I wasn’t close to comprehending how much the Lord was asking me to change. He wanted me to be vastly different; He wanted me to make major changes; not just these superficial ones that I was slowly making.
In the fall of 2005 I was suddenly hit with a trial that changed every part of my life. It isn’t important to mention what the trial was, but it affected me so deeply that I didn’t know how to go on with my life. I was alone with no one to turn to but the Lord. Once again in hindsight, I feel that the Lord grabbed my attention in the only way I would listen, and proceeded to make me the person He wanted me to be. I needed to change, and the change was more drastic than I had ever imagined. Once again, His tender mercy plucked me from a life of mediocrity in the church, to one of total immersion and commitment.
Here I sit, nearly six years later, contemplating the blessings that have become mine due to a loving Heavenly Father that chose to select me for chastisement. I have learned what it means in Doctrine and Covenants 121:45 to have my “confidence was strong in the presence of God.” I know what it means to “hunger and thirst after righteousness.” I have learned why the Holy Ghost is known as the Comforter.
In the past 6 years I have had many trials. I’ve learned that when we begin to get a handle on withstanding one type of temptation, Satan is right behind with another. The closer we grow to the Lord, the more personal becomes the temptation. I have learned that Satan will do all in his power to destroy marriages and families. I’ve learned that there are countless ways for our hearts to be broken. I’ve learned that President Benson was right when he stated that the Lord will have a humble people… they can either choose to be humble, or can be compelled.
Although there have been many trials, there have been many blessings. I wouldn’t trade anything I have been through (although I wouldn’t want to relive any of it). I know that our trials are evidence of God's mercy. I have gained an unshakable testimony of the Savior. I have become immovable in my conviction of the restoration. I have learned that the Lord’s house is the source of great instruction. I have begun to see glimpses of Eternity and our part in it. I have learned that the Lord will reveal the “mysteries” of heaven to those who ask. I have come to know that D&C 93:1is indeed true:
“Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am”.
I know God lives and loves me.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Wheat and Tares
I was really struck by a simple phrase that I read this morning. I haven’t been able to get it out of my mind. The sentence is this: “When the wheat is fully ripe, the Lord will return.”(The Second Comforter, Denver Snuffer). I’m not quite sure why this phrase had such impact on me, but it has. I hope to be able to share my thoughts on this topic.
In Matthew 13 we read the parable of the wheat and the tares. It reads as follows:
“24¶Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
25But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
26But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.
27So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
28He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?
29But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.
30Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.”
I have obviously read this parable many times in my life. I feel like I have even understood what it says, but I guess I never really understood my role as being the wheat.
I have always known that we live in the last days, and that Christ will soon come. Somehow, however, I have confused the events that would actually lead to the second coming. When we read about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, it came because of the wickedness of these two cities. The Book of Mormon is full of stories where the wicked were destroyed. I have always believed that Christ would come when the world was so wicked that He would destroy it. I think that perhaps I have misunderstood this until now.
The parable tells us wait until the harvest, gather the tares and burn them, then gather the wheat. Obviously the wheat must be ripe before it is gathered. So what do we need to do, as the wheat, in order to become ripe?
We often hear the term “the Stakes of Zion” and that Zion is “ the pure in heart”. Section 97 of the Doctrine and Covenants says the following:
18And, now, behold, if Zion do these things she shall prosper, and spread herself and become very glorious, very great, and very terrible.
19And the nations of the earth shall honor her, and shall say: Surely Zion is the city of our God, and surely Zion cannot fall, neither be moved out of her place, for God is there, and the hand of the Lord is there;
20And he hath sworn by the power of his might to be her salvation and her high tower.
21Therefore, verily, thus saith the Lord, let Zion rejoice, for this is Zion—THE PURE IN HEART; therefore, let Zion rejoice, while all the wicked shall mourn.
22For behold, and lo, vengeance cometh speedily upon the ungodly as the whirlwind; and who shall escape it?
23The Lord’s scourge shall pass over by night and by day, and the report thereof shall vex all people; yea, it shall not be stayed until the Lord come;
24For the indignation of the Lord is kindled against their abominations and all their wicked works.
25Nevertheless, Zion shall escape if she observe to do all things whatsoever I have commanded her.
26But if she observe not to do whatsoever I have commanded her, I will visit her according to all her works, with sore affliction, with pestilence, with plague, with sword, with vengeance, with devouring fire.
If Zion is indeed defined as “the pure in heart” then it seems quite clear what we must do to establish Zion in our own lives: We must become pure in heart! A statement undoubtedly easier said than done. In John Pontius’s book “The Triumph of Zion”, one of the most influential books I have read, he states that Zion is an “individual matter” and can be achieved long before the actual city of Zion is established. Related to this, President Spencer W. Kimball said “When Satan is bound in a single home – when Satan is bound in a single life – the Millennium has already begun in that home, in that life.” Zion must be established before the Second Coming.
The pure in heart (D&C 97:21). Zion also means a place where the pure in heart live. The city built by Enoch and his people that was eventually taken to heaven because of righteousness was named Zion (D&C 38:4; Moses 7:18–21, 69). In the latter-days a city named Zion will be built near Jackson County, Missouri (United States of America), to which the tribes of Israel will gather (D&C 103:11–22; 133:18). The Saints are counseled to build up Zion wherever they are living in the world. A few scriptures on the topic:
• The city of David was called Zion, 1 Kgs. 8:1
• Out of Zion shall go forth the law, Isa. 2:2–3 (Micah 4:2; 2 Ne. 12:2–3).
• The Redeemer shall come to Zion, Isa. 59:20
• I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you
to Zion, Jer. 3:14
• In mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, Joel 2:32 (Obad. 1:17).
• Blessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my Zion, 1 Ne. 13:37
• The daughters of Zion are haughty, 2 Ne. 13:16 (Isa. 3:16).
• Wo be unto him that is at ease in Zion!, 2 Ne. 28:19–25
• Seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion, D&C 6:6 (D&C 11:6).
• Him have I inspired to move the cause of Zion in mighty power for good,
D&C 21:7
• The New Jerusalem shall be called Zion, D&C 45:66–67
• Independence, Missouri, is the place for the city of Zion, D&C 57:1–3
• A scourge remaineth upon the children of Zion until they repent, D&C 84:58
• The Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and
one mind, Moses 7:18–19
• Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent,
A of F 1:10
Denver Snuffer also makes the following comments: “The Millennium will happen as people prepare themselves for it.It would do little good to have the Lord return if there were not people prepared for His presence awaiting Him. If that were to occur before people are prepared, the whole earth would be wasted at His coming.”
In my own life, as I have earnestly tried to change my life, and to allow the Spirit to bring about “the mighty change” spoken of in the scriptures, I have been drawn to people with similar interests. From my perspective I see Zion being established in the hearts of people everywhere. I see an increase in spirituality and in people striving to do what is right. At the same time I see the ways of the world going in the opposite direction. I am offended by things I see on television and on the internet.
A dear friend told me he had lunch with a former Bishop and recently released Stake President. The Stake President told him that out of 22 missionaries that went out in recent months, 8 are home prematurely because they lied about their worthiness. This same president said that affairs and immorality were increasing in his stake. I am sure they are in mine and others as well, but righteousness and goodness are as well. It appears the Wheat and the Tares are growing together, even in the church. God’s promises are sure, Zion will prevail. It is our duty to choose which side we will take. “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15) May we all strive to establish Zion in our own lives!
In Matthew 13 we read the parable of the wheat and the tares. It reads as follows:
“24¶Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
25But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
26But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.
27So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
28He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?
29But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.
30Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.”
I have obviously read this parable many times in my life. I feel like I have even understood what it says, but I guess I never really understood my role as being the wheat.
I have always known that we live in the last days, and that Christ will soon come. Somehow, however, I have confused the events that would actually lead to the second coming. When we read about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, it came because of the wickedness of these two cities. The Book of Mormon is full of stories where the wicked were destroyed. I have always believed that Christ would come when the world was so wicked that He would destroy it. I think that perhaps I have misunderstood this until now.
The parable tells us wait until the harvest, gather the tares and burn them, then gather the wheat. Obviously the wheat must be ripe before it is gathered. So what do we need to do, as the wheat, in order to become ripe?
We often hear the term “the Stakes of Zion” and that Zion is “ the pure in heart”. Section 97 of the Doctrine and Covenants says the following:
18And, now, behold, if Zion do these things she shall prosper, and spread herself and become very glorious, very great, and very terrible.
19And the nations of the earth shall honor her, and shall say: Surely Zion is the city of our God, and surely Zion cannot fall, neither be moved out of her place, for God is there, and the hand of the Lord is there;
20And he hath sworn by the power of his might to be her salvation and her high tower.
21Therefore, verily, thus saith the Lord, let Zion rejoice, for this is Zion—THE PURE IN HEART; therefore, let Zion rejoice, while all the wicked shall mourn.
22For behold, and lo, vengeance cometh speedily upon the ungodly as the whirlwind; and who shall escape it?
23The Lord’s scourge shall pass over by night and by day, and the report thereof shall vex all people; yea, it shall not be stayed until the Lord come;
24For the indignation of the Lord is kindled against their abominations and all their wicked works.
25Nevertheless, Zion shall escape if she observe to do all things whatsoever I have commanded her.
26But if she observe not to do whatsoever I have commanded her, I will visit her according to all her works, with sore affliction, with pestilence, with plague, with sword, with vengeance, with devouring fire.
If Zion is indeed defined as “the pure in heart” then it seems quite clear what we must do to establish Zion in our own lives: We must become pure in heart! A statement undoubtedly easier said than done. In John Pontius’s book “The Triumph of Zion”, one of the most influential books I have read, he states that Zion is an “individual matter” and can be achieved long before the actual city of Zion is established. Related to this, President Spencer W. Kimball said “When Satan is bound in a single home – when Satan is bound in a single life – the Millennium has already begun in that home, in that life.” Zion must be established before the Second Coming.
The pure in heart (D&C 97:21). Zion also means a place where the pure in heart live. The city built by Enoch and his people that was eventually taken to heaven because of righteousness was named Zion (D&C 38:4; Moses 7:18–21, 69). In the latter-days a city named Zion will be built near Jackson County, Missouri (United States of America), to which the tribes of Israel will gather (D&C 103:11–22; 133:18). The Saints are counseled to build up Zion wherever they are living in the world. A few scriptures on the topic:
• The city of David was called Zion, 1 Kgs. 8:1
• Out of Zion shall go forth the law, Isa. 2:2–3 (Micah 4:2; 2 Ne. 12:2–3).
• The Redeemer shall come to Zion, Isa. 59:20
• I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you
to Zion, Jer. 3:14
• In mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, Joel 2:32 (Obad. 1:17).
• Blessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my Zion, 1 Ne. 13:37
• The daughters of Zion are haughty, 2 Ne. 13:16 (Isa. 3:16).
• Wo be unto him that is at ease in Zion!, 2 Ne. 28:19–25
• Seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion, D&C 6:6 (D&C 11:6).
• Him have I inspired to move the cause of Zion in mighty power for good,
D&C 21:7
• The New Jerusalem shall be called Zion, D&C 45:66–67
• Independence, Missouri, is the place for the city of Zion, D&C 57:1–3
• A scourge remaineth upon the children of Zion until they repent, D&C 84:58
• The Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and
one mind, Moses 7:18–19
• Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent,
A of F 1:10
Denver Snuffer also makes the following comments: “The Millennium will happen as people prepare themselves for it.It would do little good to have the Lord return if there were not people prepared for His presence awaiting Him. If that were to occur before people are prepared, the whole earth would be wasted at His coming.”
In my own life, as I have earnestly tried to change my life, and to allow the Spirit to bring about “the mighty change” spoken of in the scriptures, I have been drawn to people with similar interests. From my perspective I see Zion being established in the hearts of people everywhere. I see an increase in spirituality and in people striving to do what is right. At the same time I see the ways of the world going in the opposite direction. I am offended by things I see on television and on the internet.
A dear friend told me he had lunch with a former Bishop and recently released Stake President. The Stake President told him that out of 22 missionaries that went out in recent months, 8 are home prematurely because they lied about their worthiness. This same president said that affairs and immorality were increasing in his stake. I am sure they are in mine and others as well, but righteousness and goodness are as well. It appears the Wheat and the Tares are growing together, even in the church. God’s promises are sure, Zion will prevail. It is our duty to choose which side we will take. “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15) May we all strive to establish Zion in our own lives!
Friday, May 13, 2011
The Second Comforter
Roughly 14 years ago, while living in Maryland, I had the wonderful experience of being an ordinance worker in the Washington D.C. Temple. For roughly two years I spent Thursdays from 2 pm till closing (10pm) in the temple. This was an experience I will always treasure. It was here that I really began to love the House of the Lord. Spending many hours in the temple at a time increases the rate of personal revelation. I felt great power there and was given strength to choose the right. It is on the topic of personal revelation that I would like to write tonight.
As I fulfilled various responsibilities in the temple, great moments of inspiration would come over me. I would ponder things I see and hear and the “eyes of my understanding” would be open to wonderful things. On afternoon while pondering some of the temple clothing, a light went on in my mind and I suddenly understood the ( one of the)meaning(s) of this particular piece of clothing. It was so clear to me that I felt a desire and excitement to share it with others. When given an opportunity to talk to another brother that I really respected, I told him of my revelation. He responded in a way that through me for a loop. He said “that’s hogwash, it doesn’t mean that at all. It only means exactly what it says it means.” I was really taken back. How could anyone question something I received from personal revelation? I really struggled with this question for a couple of weeks. Then while once again in the temple, and asking the Lord why such an important thing could be so minimized by someone I truly respected, the voice of the Lord into my mind and said “I told this to you, don’t you think I could tell him also?” I was taught an important lesson that minute. The Lord tells us certain things that are simply for us. It is not our job to discuss it to anyone else.
For nearly two years now I have been holding something like this very close to my vest. The Lord told me it was not my place to discuss it with others. Recently, however, this has changed. I have been prompted to write on a topic that is very sacred and very dear to my heart.
I have mentioned in multiple blog posts over the past couple of years that I read a book that changed my life forever. It is called “The Second Comforter: Conversing with the Lord through the Veil” by Denver Snuffer. This wonderful book is the story of Denver Snuffer, his conversion to the church as a young man, and ultimately his declaration that he has received the Second Comforter, or in other words he has had a personal audience with Jesus Christ. I know this sounds perhaps a bit fantastic to some, but I know that it is true. Let me explain my experience of coming to this knowledge.
In January of 2009 I was packing for a business trip to Florida and was looking for something to read while I was gone. I noticed a book on a cabinet in our entryway that I had never seen before. It was “the Second Comforter.” It had about 100 colored tabs attached to the pages by the previous reader. I called out to Ann to ask her where the book had come from. When she told me Yvonne Bent had given it to me I literally rolled my eyes and said to myself “Oh Brother.” I made a quick judgment in my mind. I asked myself “who does she think she is reading a book like this (Yvonne and I have since laughed about this), and who does this Denver Snuffer think he is to write on a topic like this?” I was of the opinion that only “The Brethren” were capable of writing about the gospel and especially on a topic like this. Despite these thoughts, I took the book anyway thinking I would get a good laugh out of it.
Several years ago the church magazine the Ensign had a section titled “I have a question.” Members of the church were allowed or encouraged to write in and ask questions about the gospel and usually a General Authority would write the response. I remember reading a particular question about 15 years ago that formed my opinion on this topic. The question was written by a bishop and went something like this; “In my first interview with a recently returned missionary I asked him about his goals for the future. He told me he had a goal of having his calling and election made sure by the time he was 30. How should I respond to this young man?” The person responding to the question went on to give an answer that made me believe that “Calling and Election made sure” simply doesn’t happen; or if it does, very rarely: Maybe the Prophet and maybe the Apostles. For the next 13 years or so I believed this.
As I began to read “The Second Comforter” I became enthralled. I couldn’t put it down. I read the entire flight. I also read every spare minute on my busy trip. I finished it on the return flight. I couldn’t believe what I was reading. Actually I could believe it… but how could it be? Christ does appear to just regular people today. How could I get this blessing in my own life?
I read “The Second Comforter” four times that year. I read as many other books on the topic that I could find as well. Come to find out there are multiple books on the topic. Another great one is “Following the Light of Christ into His Presence” by John Pontius. The greatest books on the topic however (besides the scriptures) are the Messiah series by Elder Bruce R. McConkie. Without a doubt I learned more from these books than I can express in words. He makes it very clear that seeking a personal audience with the Savior is something we can all strive for.
So what does it mean to me and how has it affected my life?
The past two years have been a whirlwind and my life has been turned upside down… in a remarkably good way. I have learned so much by the whisperings of the Spirit. I feel like every part of my world has changed. I have been prompted not only to forgive others, but to pray for my enemies. Although not really having any enemies I have had amazing experiences by praying for those I don’t particularly care for. I posted a blog on one of these experiences a couple of years ago.
I have had many experiences that have taught me about humility. I’ve learned what kind of husband and father the Lord wants me to be. I’ve learned these from very difficult experiences. I’ve learned much about charity and kindness. I’ve learned that material things mean nothing. I’ve learned about the Law of Consecration and I’ve learned volumes about the House of the Lord.
Very importantly I have learned that I am nobody. In the beginning this was very difficult for me to accept. For most of my life I felt I had an important mission to accomplish. My pride made me believe that this mission would put me in the spotlight. I have learned over time that this simply just is not meant to be. I justified my actions in many ways by doing the right thing, but making sure that others knew I did the right thing. I have learned how convoluted this thinking is. I am learning that the Lord wants me to draw no attention to myself. This should have been a no-brainer but is something I had to be taught through experience.
I now know that I do indeed have a mission: This mission is to build faith in Christ in others. I have learned to do this without any thought for recognition. I simply want others to feel the love of the Savior that I feel. One way of filling this mission is by sharing this blog, and by sharing this important topic with others.
I’ve not yet received the Second Comforter in my life but I know I will one day. Conversing with the Lord through the veil is the thought that guides nearly every decision in my life. It should have been obvious all along that conversing with the Lord through the veil is the very purpose of the temple. When I read the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon, I recognize that the only message is to lead us to Christ. Lehi saw Him, Nephi saw Him, Jacob saw Him, Enos, Alma, the sons of Mosiah, The Brother of Jared, Mormon, Moroni and others all saw Him. They all testify of Him. I am striving to add my name to this amazing list.
I want to end this post by quoting the prophet Joseph Smith "The other Comforter spoken of is a subject of great interest, and perhaps understood by few of this generation. After a person has faith in Christ, repents of his sins, and is baptized for the remission of his sins and receives the Holy Ghost, (by the laying on of hands), which is the first Comforter, then let him continue to humble himself before God, hungering and thirsting after righteousness, and living by every word of God, and the Lord will soon say unto him, Son, thou shalt be exalted. When the Lord has thoroughly proved him, and finds that the man is determined to serve Him at all hazards, then the man will find his calling and his election made sure, then it will be his privilege to receive the other Comforter, which the Lord hath promised the saints. . . .
"Now what is this other Comforter? It is no more nor less than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself; and this is the sum and substance of the whole matter; that when any man obtains this last Comforter, he will have the personage of Jesus Christ to attend him, or appear unto him from time to time, and even he will manifest the Father unto him, and they will take up their abode with him, and the visions of the heavens will be opened unto him, and the Lord will teach him face to face, and he may have a perfect knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of God; and this is the state and place the ancient saints arrived at when they had such glorious visions—Isaiah, Ezekiel, John upon the Isle of Patmos, St. Paul in the three heavens, and all the saints who held communion with the general assembly and Church of the Firstborn." (TPJS 149-151)
Since first reading Denver Snuffer’s book “The Second Comforter” I have given away roughly 30 copies. Everyone who has read it has been moved by its message; some of them profoundly. One dear friend put it this way “I am now on a path that I didn’t know existed. I have stepped through a door by which there is no turning back.” Another friend said “It has become the handbook of my life.” I encourage all who are reading this, and are ready to truly follow the Savior, read this wonderful book. I know it is available on Amazon but it is also available at Benchmark books in Salt Lake City. Or, if you feel inspired, call me and I will get you a copy myself.... this is one way I can lead others to Christ.
As I fulfilled various responsibilities in the temple, great moments of inspiration would come over me. I would ponder things I see and hear and the “eyes of my understanding” would be open to wonderful things. On afternoon while pondering some of the temple clothing, a light went on in my mind and I suddenly understood the ( one of the)meaning(s) of this particular piece of clothing. It was so clear to me that I felt a desire and excitement to share it with others. When given an opportunity to talk to another brother that I really respected, I told him of my revelation. He responded in a way that through me for a loop. He said “that’s hogwash, it doesn’t mean that at all. It only means exactly what it says it means.” I was really taken back. How could anyone question something I received from personal revelation? I really struggled with this question for a couple of weeks. Then while once again in the temple, and asking the Lord why such an important thing could be so minimized by someone I truly respected, the voice of the Lord into my mind and said “I told this to you, don’t you think I could tell him also?” I was taught an important lesson that minute. The Lord tells us certain things that are simply for us. It is not our job to discuss it to anyone else.
For nearly two years now I have been holding something like this very close to my vest. The Lord told me it was not my place to discuss it with others. Recently, however, this has changed. I have been prompted to write on a topic that is very sacred and very dear to my heart.
I have mentioned in multiple blog posts over the past couple of years that I read a book that changed my life forever. It is called “The Second Comforter: Conversing with the Lord through the Veil” by Denver Snuffer. This wonderful book is the story of Denver Snuffer, his conversion to the church as a young man, and ultimately his declaration that he has received the Second Comforter, or in other words he has had a personal audience with Jesus Christ. I know this sounds perhaps a bit fantastic to some, but I know that it is true. Let me explain my experience of coming to this knowledge.
In January of 2009 I was packing for a business trip to Florida and was looking for something to read while I was gone. I noticed a book on a cabinet in our entryway that I had never seen before. It was “the Second Comforter.” It had about 100 colored tabs attached to the pages by the previous reader. I called out to Ann to ask her where the book had come from. When she told me Yvonne Bent had given it to me I literally rolled my eyes and said to myself “Oh Brother.” I made a quick judgment in my mind. I asked myself “who does she think she is reading a book like this (Yvonne and I have since laughed about this), and who does this Denver Snuffer think he is to write on a topic like this?” I was of the opinion that only “The Brethren” were capable of writing about the gospel and especially on a topic like this. Despite these thoughts, I took the book anyway thinking I would get a good laugh out of it.
Several years ago the church magazine the Ensign had a section titled “I have a question.” Members of the church were allowed or encouraged to write in and ask questions about the gospel and usually a General Authority would write the response. I remember reading a particular question about 15 years ago that formed my opinion on this topic. The question was written by a bishop and went something like this; “In my first interview with a recently returned missionary I asked him about his goals for the future. He told me he had a goal of having his calling and election made sure by the time he was 30. How should I respond to this young man?” The person responding to the question went on to give an answer that made me believe that “Calling and Election made sure” simply doesn’t happen; or if it does, very rarely: Maybe the Prophet and maybe the Apostles. For the next 13 years or so I believed this.
As I began to read “The Second Comforter” I became enthralled. I couldn’t put it down. I read the entire flight. I also read every spare minute on my busy trip. I finished it on the return flight. I couldn’t believe what I was reading. Actually I could believe it… but how could it be? Christ does appear to just regular people today. How could I get this blessing in my own life?
I read “The Second Comforter” four times that year. I read as many other books on the topic that I could find as well. Come to find out there are multiple books on the topic. Another great one is “Following the Light of Christ into His Presence” by John Pontius. The greatest books on the topic however (besides the scriptures) are the Messiah series by Elder Bruce R. McConkie. Without a doubt I learned more from these books than I can express in words. He makes it very clear that seeking a personal audience with the Savior is something we can all strive for.
So what does it mean to me and how has it affected my life?
The past two years have been a whirlwind and my life has been turned upside down… in a remarkably good way. I have learned so much by the whisperings of the Spirit. I feel like every part of my world has changed. I have been prompted not only to forgive others, but to pray for my enemies. Although not really having any enemies I have had amazing experiences by praying for those I don’t particularly care for. I posted a blog on one of these experiences a couple of years ago.
I have had many experiences that have taught me about humility. I’ve learned what kind of husband and father the Lord wants me to be. I’ve learned these from very difficult experiences. I’ve learned much about charity and kindness. I’ve learned that material things mean nothing. I’ve learned about the Law of Consecration and I’ve learned volumes about the House of the Lord.
Very importantly I have learned that I am nobody. In the beginning this was very difficult for me to accept. For most of my life I felt I had an important mission to accomplish. My pride made me believe that this mission would put me in the spotlight. I have learned over time that this simply just is not meant to be. I justified my actions in many ways by doing the right thing, but making sure that others knew I did the right thing. I have learned how convoluted this thinking is. I am learning that the Lord wants me to draw no attention to myself. This should have been a no-brainer but is something I had to be taught through experience.
I now know that I do indeed have a mission: This mission is to build faith in Christ in others. I have learned to do this without any thought for recognition. I simply want others to feel the love of the Savior that I feel. One way of filling this mission is by sharing this blog, and by sharing this important topic with others.
I’ve not yet received the Second Comforter in my life but I know I will one day. Conversing with the Lord through the veil is the thought that guides nearly every decision in my life. It should have been obvious all along that conversing with the Lord through the veil is the very purpose of the temple. When I read the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon, I recognize that the only message is to lead us to Christ. Lehi saw Him, Nephi saw Him, Jacob saw Him, Enos, Alma, the sons of Mosiah, The Brother of Jared, Mormon, Moroni and others all saw Him. They all testify of Him. I am striving to add my name to this amazing list.
I want to end this post by quoting the prophet Joseph Smith "The other Comforter spoken of is a subject of great interest, and perhaps understood by few of this generation. After a person has faith in Christ, repents of his sins, and is baptized for the remission of his sins and receives the Holy Ghost, (by the laying on of hands), which is the first Comforter, then let him continue to humble himself before God, hungering and thirsting after righteousness, and living by every word of God, and the Lord will soon say unto him, Son, thou shalt be exalted. When the Lord has thoroughly proved him, and finds that the man is determined to serve Him at all hazards, then the man will find his calling and his election made sure, then it will be his privilege to receive the other Comforter, which the Lord hath promised the saints. . . .
"Now what is this other Comforter? It is no more nor less than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself; and this is the sum and substance of the whole matter; that when any man obtains this last Comforter, he will have the personage of Jesus Christ to attend him, or appear unto him from time to time, and even he will manifest the Father unto him, and they will take up their abode with him, and the visions of the heavens will be opened unto him, and the Lord will teach him face to face, and he may have a perfect knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of God; and this is the state and place the ancient saints arrived at when they had such glorious visions—Isaiah, Ezekiel, John upon the Isle of Patmos, St. Paul in the three heavens, and all the saints who held communion with the general assembly and Church of the Firstborn." (TPJS 149-151)
Since first reading Denver Snuffer’s book “The Second Comforter” I have given away roughly 30 copies. Everyone who has read it has been moved by its message; some of them profoundly. One dear friend put it this way “I am now on a path that I didn’t know existed. I have stepped through a door by which there is no turning back.” Another friend said “It has become the handbook of my life.” I encourage all who are reading this, and are ready to truly follow the Savior, read this wonderful book. I know it is available on Amazon but it is also available at Benchmark books in Salt Lake City. Or, if you feel inspired, call me and I will get you a copy myself.... this is one way I can lead others to Christ.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
God Wants a Powerful People
I realize how long it has been since my last post and I apologize. I don’t really have an explanation other than my heart just hasn’t been it for some reason. I hope to be able to get back to at least weekly posts.
This blog started out merely as sort of an online book review. I was reading many books and then highlighting the things that I had learned from each. Perhaps it evolved into something different than that and that is what made it difficult for me to maintain. Perhaps going back to the original format will bring me back to more frequent posts.
A couple of weeks ago I was lying in bed and was running through my head the books that I have read so far this year. I came to the conclusion that it has been 11 so far. I guess that makes me a true book geek. The books I have read so far this year include:
“Jesus the Christ” and “The Articles of Faith” by James E. Talmage, “Ten Parables” by Denver Snuffer, “Divine Signatures” by Gerald Lund, “The Continuous Atonement” by Brad Wilcox, “House of Learning” by Richard and Kathleen Walker, “God Want a Powerful People” by Sherri Dew,” The People Code” by Dr. Taylor Hartman, “The Narcotics Anonymous Handbook” (I will explain later), “The Anatomy of Peace” by The Arbinger Institute, and “To the Rescue, The Biography of Thomas S. Monson” by Heidi Swinton. Of course none of these include my regular scripture study where I am working on both the Old and New Testaments right now.
My reason in pointing this out I guess is to show that I have plenty of material to choose from. My only excuse for not writing is perhaps laziness. I have hope that I can do much better.
I have found the Old Testament to be simply wonderful. Late last year I felt a need to read the book of Isaiah. After really enjoying it I decided simply to keep going so I read Jeremiah, Lamentations, etc. until I was through Malachi. In about January of this year I was ready to begin in Genesis and simply keep going. I am currently in Ruth.
I have only read the Old Testament one time previously and that was shortly after returning from my mission in Belgium. I quite honestly don’t remember anything from that reading. This time has been very different. I have read with red pencil in hand and have thoroughly enjoyed the things I have read. The stories are amazing, and the amount of revelation that is pertinent to my life currently has been enlightening. I regret having taken so long between readings.
One of the books on my list above that I thoroughly enjoyed was the one by Sherri Dew “God Want a Powerful People.” I bought this book pretty much by dumb luck. I was in Seagull book purchasing “The “Continuous Atonement.” At the checkout counter the cashier informed me of a special they were having that let me buy Sister Dew’s book for $6.00 with the purchase of any other book. I thought to myself “maybe Ann will like this book.” I brought it home.
The book seems to be a little gem filled with many wonderful stories and insights. I already knew that Sister Dew was a wonderful woman but I guess I underestimated her power. Although there are many parts of this book I could write about, I will write about one section that stands out in my mind. It comes from a chapter called “How God Shares His Power.”
This chapter starts out by talking about the adversary and his power. It quickly reminds us that agency is critical to the Fathers plan and that we need to be able to choose for ourselves. She then goes on to explain how Heavenly Father trusts us to come forth in this time of great sin on the earth; but he hasn’t left us without help. He has given us portions of His Power. She then makes a list of where this power is found.
1. There is Power in the Word of God. Sister Dew goes on to talk about how the scriptures, words of living prophets, and personal revelation give us power. President Boyd K. Packer taught that “true doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will change behavior faster than the study of behavior will improve behavior.” President Henry B. Eyring said “Words of doctrine have great power. They can open the minds of people to see things not visible to the natural eye. And they can open the heart to feelings of the love of God and a love for truth.”
I have experienced these truths in my own life. I have learned over the past few years, as I have tried to study the gospel more diligently, that studying the gospel has improved my behavior. However, more importantly, my eyes have been opened to many wonderful parts of the gospel that come only by personal revelation.
2. There is power in the gift of the Holy Ghost. I have learned from my own experience that tremendous power comes with the gift of the Holy Ghost. I believe that the Holy Ghost speaks in a unique way to each of us and that learning how the Holy Ghost speaks to us is one of the most important things we can learn in our lives. I have learned that when promptings come, and we respond to them, we are blessed with more. As we receive a prompting, and don’t respond, they soon become less frequent.
3. There is power in the priesthood. Sister Dew explains “There is power in ordinances. Those who are endowed with power in the House of the Lord need never face the adversary alone. Couples worthy to be sealed at the altar in the holy house are gifted with power. The power of the priesthood heals, protects, and inoculates every righteous man and woman against the power of darkness.”
4. There is power in the House of the Lord. This statement is the solitary reason I am writing this post today. As I read this book… and read this statement… the spirit bore witness to me that this is true. Two years ago this April conference, Elder Richard G. Scott gave a talk where he mentioned that he has attended the temple every week for 14 years. Since it is my habit to listen to conference over and over again as I drive in my car, I have learned that it often takes until the 4th or 5th listening that I finally understand what the message for me is. As I was listening to this talk for the 5th or so time, suddenly I became aware that attending the temple weekly is what I needed to do. Since that time I have done just that. I can testify that there is power in the temple.
5. There is power in purity. “It is possible that there is no key to accessing the power of God that is more important, more crucial than purity” writes Sister Dew. Again this is something I have a personal testimony of. From Elder Bednar’s conference address, Clean Hands and a Pure Heart, I learned that it is very possible to have clean hands and not a pure heart. As I have pondered and applied this to my own life I have come to know of its truthfulness. I have learned for myself what is meant by the scripture “let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God;” D&C 121:45.
6. There is power in the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Most of my life my experience taught me that the Atonement was for me and for the forgiveness of my sins. It wasn’t until a person tragedy, and the subsequent reading of “The Peacegiver” that I learned that the Atonement is for others as well and that I can forgive others because of the Atonement. The Atonement is the greatest power indeed.
There are many more great lessons to be taught by this wonderful little book of Sister Dew’s. I encourage all to read it and ponder its great teachings.
This blog started out merely as sort of an online book review. I was reading many books and then highlighting the things that I had learned from each. Perhaps it evolved into something different than that and that is what made it difficult for me to maintain. Perhaps going back to the original format will bring me back to more frequent posts.
A couple of weeks ago I was lying in bed and was running through my head the books that I have read so far this year. I came to the conclusion that it has been 11 so far. I guess that makes me a true book geek. The books I have read so far this year include:
“Jesus the Christ” and “The Articles of Faith” by James E. Talmage, “Ten Parables” by Denver Snuffer, “Divine Signatures” by Gerald Lund, “The Continuous Atonement” by Brad Wilcox, “House of Learning” by Richard and Kathleen Walker, “God Want a Powerful People” by Sherri Dew,” The People Code” by Dr. Taylor Hartman, “The Narcotics Anonymous Handbook” (I will explain later), “The Anatomy of Peace” by The Arbinger Institute, and “To the Rescue, The Biography of Thomas S. Monson” by Heidi Swinton. Of course none of these include my regular scripture study where I am working on both the Old and New Testaments right now.
My reason in pointing this out I guess is to show that I have plenty of material to choose from. My only excuse for not writing is perhaps laziness. I have hope that I can do much better.
I have found the Old Testament to be simply wonderful. Late last year I felt a need to read the book of Isaiah. After really enjoying it I decided simply to keep going so I read Jeremiah, Lamentations, etc. until I was through Malachi. In about January of this year I was ready to begin in Genesis and simply keep going. I am currently in Ruth.
I have only read the Old Testament one time previously and that was shortly after returning from my mission in Belgium. I quite honestly don’t remember anything from that reading. This time has been very different. I have read with red pencil in hand and have thoroughly enjoyed the things I have read. The stories are amazing, and the amount of revelation that is pertinent to my life currently has been enlightening. I regret having taken so long between readings.
One of the books on my list above that I thoroughly enjoyed was the one by Sherri Dew “God Want a Powerful People.” I bought this book pretty much by dumb luck. I was in Seagull book purchasing “The “Continuous Atonement.” At the checkout counter the cashier informed me of a special they were having that let me buy Sister Dew’s book for $6.00 with the purchase of any other book. I thought to myself “maybe Ann will like this book.” I brought it home.
The book seems to be a little gem filled with many wonderful stories and insights. I already knew that Sister Dew was a wonderful woman but I guess I underestimated her power. Although there are many parts of this book I could write about, I will write about one section that stands out in my mind. It comes from a chapter called “How God Shares His Power.”
This chapter starts out by talking about the adversary and his power. It quickly reminds us that agency is critical to the Fathers plan and that we need to be able to choose for ourselves. She then goes on to explain how Heavenly Father trusts us to come forth in this time of great sin on the earth; but he hasn’t left us without help. He has given us portions of His Power. She then makes a list of where this power is found.
1. There is Power in the Word of God. Sister Dew goes on to talk about how the scriptures, words of living prophets, and personal revelation give us power. President Boyd K. Packer taught that “true doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will change behavior faster than the study of behavior will improve behavior.” President Henry B. Eyring said “Words of doctrine have great power. They can open the minds of people to see things not visible to the natural eye. And they can open the heart to feelings of the love of God and a love for truth.”
I have experienced these truths in my own life. I have learned over the past few years, as I have tried to study the gospel more diligently, that studying the gospel has improved my behavior. However, more importantly, my eyes have been opened to many wonderful parts of the gospel that come only by personal revelation.
2. There is power in the gift of the Holy Ghost. I have learned from my own experience that tremendous power comes with the gift of the Holy Ghost. I believe that the Holy Ghost speaks in a unique way to each of us and that learning how the Holy Ghost speaks to us is one of the most important things we can learn in our lives. I have learned that when promptings come, and we respond to them, we are blessed with more. As we receive a prompting, and don’t respond, they soon become less frequent.
3. There is power in the priesthood. Sister Dew explains “There is power in ordinances. Those who are endowed with power in the House of the Lord need never face the adversary alone. Couples worthy to be sealed at the altar in the holy house are gifted with power. The power of the priesthood heals, protects, and inoculates every righteous man and woman against the power of darkness.”
4. There is power in the House of the Lord. This statement is the solitary reason I am writing this post today. As I read this book… and read this statement… the spirit bore witness to me that this is true. Two years ago this April conference, Elder Richard G. Scott gave a talk where he mentioned that he has attended the temple every week for 14 years. Since it is my habit to listen to conference over and over again as I drive in my car, I have learned that it often takes until the 4th or 5th listening that I finally understand what the message for me is. As I was listening to this talk for the 5th or so time, suddenly I became aware that attending the temple weekly is what I needed to do. Since that time I have done just that. I can testify that there is power in the temple.
5. There is power in purity. “It is possible that there is no key to accessing the power of God that is more important, more crucial than purity” writes Sister Dew. Again this is something I have a personal testimony of. From Elder Bednar’s conference address, Clean Hands and a Pure Heart, I learned that it is very possible to have clean hands and not a pure heart. As I have pondered and applied this to my own life I have come to know of its truthfulness. I have learned for myself what is meant by the scripture “let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God;” D&C 121:45.
6. There is power in the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Most of my life my experience taught me that the Atonement was for me and for the forgiveness of my sins. It wasn’t until a person tragedy, and the subsequent reading of “The Peacegiver” that I learned that the Atonement is for others as well and that I can forgive others because of the Atonement. The Atonement is the greatest power indeed.
There are many more great lessons to be taught by this wonderful little book of Sister Dew’s. I encourage all to read it and ponder its great teachings.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)