The Voice of God

How well do we know the voice of our God? Do we have a personal dialogue with Him at least daily? Why should becoming familiar and conversant with God be our ultimate and eternal goal? John the apostle, and brother of Jesus Christ, said this of our relationship with God: “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3). Should we be seeking this intimacy daily or even hourly, if knowing God is truly eternal life?!

How can we be familiar and conversant with God without understanding and knowing His voice, intimately?

I have had many individuals (friends, loved ones and even a newly sustained bishop) divulge that they had  never recognized a “spiritual experience”, never received a direct answer to prayer, and surely had never “heard” the voice of God. However, it wasn’t until just this last week when another individual approached me with the same frustration, that I figuratively bowed myself before my Heavenly Father, sincerely asking how I might explain this dilemma and share my knowledge of recognizing His voice.

As I was in this attitude of prayer, a thought entered my mind, accompanied by a very distinct feeling in my heart. (“Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart.” D&C 8:2). I define my heart, or bosom, as a location from my throat to my belly button, but mainly centered in my chest. This was the thought: “Roy, philosophy calls the heart, the seat of all emotion. I call the heart the seat of revelation, or the seat of my spirit. My voice is a specific emotion in the heart, accompanied by a distinct flash of thought or an impression, or a flood of revelation and truth.” And this was my accompanying emotion: a combination of the sensations of peace, love, joy, reverence, gladness, thankfulness. The emotion began as a small flicker in my heart, but as I focused on the sensation and the thoughts, the emotion began to swell until it filled my bosom like a large warm fire.

Additional thoughts gently washed through my mind as the spirit lead me and I spent 20 minutes pondering, listening and feeling. The last impression as I pulled into the parking lot at my place of work was: “Roy, I want you to document and share this little insight.”

How do you feel positive emotion? Where do you feel it? What does it feel like to you? You might consider pondering this and experimenting as you observe the previous questions.

I also recommend reading “Teachings of the Presidents of the Church” Gordon B. Hinckley, chapter 7. In section 3, the prophet Gordon B. Hinckley says: “How does revelation come to the prophet of the church? … There is a still, small voice. … It comes by the whispering of the spirit. … Such almost invariably has been the word of God as it has come to us, not in trumpets, not from the council halls of the learned, but in the still small voice of revelation.” He continues by quoting the experience of Elijah following his contest with the priests of Baal: “And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice” (1 Kings 19:11–12). Pres. Hinckley continues: “That is the way it is. There is a still, small voice. It comes in response to prayer. It comes by the whispering of the Spirit.”

The voice of God is the same for all individuals and throughout all generations of time.

“Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation; behold, this is the spirit by which Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground.” (D&C 8:3) (see previous verse D&C 8:2)

The prophet Moroni said “… I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.” (Moroni 10:4-5)

“God shall give unto you knowledge by his Holy Spirit, yea, by the unspeakable gift of the Holy Ghost.” (D&C 121:26.)

Listen to the example that Enos the son of Jacob, who was the brother of Nephi, gave: “And my soul hungered; and I kneeled down before my Maker, and I cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul; and all the day long did I cry unto him; yea, and when the night came I did still raise my voice high that it reached the heavens. And there came a voice unto me, saying: Enos, thy sins are forgiven thee, …” (Enos 1:4-5) What kind of a voice was this? Enos describes the voice that had been coming to him: “And while I was thus struggling in the spirit, behold, the voice of the Lord came into my mind again, saying:” Enos 1:10 It was a voice in his mind!

If we have doubts and fears, just pray. Experiment on the word.

When we don’t feel the emotions of the spirit is the perfect time to act in faith and to kneel and pray. When we kneel in sincerity, even only able to hope, is when the contrast of the still small voice to what we are not feeling will become more obvious. Just focus on the emotions that will come to your heart and you will feel it. As Alma teaches in the book of Alma 32:27, 28 “… even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words. Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me.”

God has given every person that cometh into the world the gift of the light, or the spirit of Christ to enlighten our minds. This is His voice. The Father speaks to man through this channel, the spirit of Christ. How wonderful and important then is the promise that as we participate in the covenantal ordinance of the sacrament, we “may always have His spirit to be with us”! (D&C 20:77)

Seeking an Intimate Relationship with Jesus

August 2017

1st Sunday HPG Lesson

Seeking an Intimate Relationship with Jesus

Ether 12:41

In the HC 4:461 Joseph Smith said “I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.”

Within 5 verses in the BofM, 1 Nephi 1:5 introduces an intimate and very personal revelatory experience. What was that experience? Lehi prays and sees a vision.

What does Lehi then do? He starts telling people; his family and his neighbors.

Those people respond in a few ways:

Unbelief or rejection (Sarah, Laman, Lemual you are a visionary man)

Disbelief, mockery, anger and wanting to kill him (v 19, 20);

But, some listen, believe and experience the same and even greater things (1 Ne 2:16).

The book then proceeds to tell one story after the next of personal, revelatory experiences; each story demonstrating and inviting the reader to “seek this Jesus of whom the prophets and apostles have written”, to seek a personal revelatory experience with Him.  Ether (12:41)

In the April 2017 talk entitled Kindness, Charity and Love Pres. Monson said:

… The righteous exercise of the priesthood is dependent upon our living the principles of kindness, charity, and love … And as we do so, we will be in a better position to call down the powers of heaven for ourselves, for our families, and for our fellow travelers in this sometimes difficult journey back to our heavenly home.

In the October 2016 talk entitled Principles and Promises Pres. Monson said:

… During a battle in the Philippines, … John, with a heavy radio strapped to his back, found himself dangling at the end of a 40-foot (12 m) rope, at the side of a ship headed out to the open sea. He began pulling himself up, hand over hand, knowing that if he lost his grip, he would almost certainly perish. After climbing only a third of the way, he felt his arms burning with pain…

With his strength depleted, as he grimly contemplated his fate, John silently cried unto God, … now desperate … John later said that as he finished his prayer, he felt a great surge of strength. He began climbing once again and fairly flew up the rope. … He gave thanks to his Heavenly Father … for the answer to his desperate prayer for help.

Pres. and Sis.Nelson: 2016 Becoming the Person You Were Born to Be: “I pray this year that you will have some anguishing moments of desperation … desperate to be guided by heaven …”

In an April 2016 talk entitled A Sacred Trust Pres. Monson said:

We read in the Doctrine and Covenants, section 121, verse 36, “The rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven.” What a wonderful gift we have been given.  … (ordinances, promises, privilages)

During World War II, a friend of mine was serving in the South Pacific when his plane was shot down over the ocean. … On the third day they spotted what they knew to be a rescue vessel. It passed them by. The next morning it passed them by again. They began to despair as they realized that this was the last day the rescue vessel would be in the area. Then the Holy Spirit spoke to my friend: “You have the priesthood. Command the rescuers to pick you up.”

He did as prompted: “In the name of Jesus Christ and by the power of the priesthood, turn about and pick us up.”

Within a few minutes the vessel was beside them, helping them on deck. A faithful and worthy bearer of the priesthood, in his extremity, had exercised that priesthood, blessing his life and the lives of others. …

I have noticed a shift in what the Brethren are teaching. They are teaching of things that have not been taught openly since the restoration. They are doing it in a way that is somewhat veiled. In April 2016 the talk was given by President Nelson on “Power in the Priesthood.” Prior to that Elder Bednar gave the talk on Pickles entitled “Ye Must Be Born Again”. In summary of his talk, critical steps are; preparing and cleaning, emersing and saturating, and finally sealing. Elder Uchtdorf spoke of Eva and Great Aunt Rose.

This last Priesthood Session, President Eyring gave a talk entitled, “Walk With Me”. Let’s review Pres. Eyring address.

He began; “Our ordination to the priesthood is an invitation from the Lord to walk with Him”

” … I pray that I may be able to convey the Lord’s loving approval for what you have already done, while also offering an encouraging glimpse of what you may, with His help, yet achieve as a holder of His holy priesthood.

“There are very few people in the world who have that understanding. Even those who can recite a reasonable definition may not truly understand it. There are some scriptures that, through the power of the Spirit they carry, can deepen our sense of awe regarding the holy priesthood. Here are some of those scriptures:

“The power and authority of the … Melchizedek Priesthood, is to hold the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church —

“To have the privilege of receiving the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, to have the heavens opened unto them, to commune with the general assembly and church of the Firstborn, and to enjoy the communion and presence of God the Father, and Jesus the mediator of the new covenant.

“The power and authority of the … Aaronic Priesthood, is to hold the keys of the ministering of angels” (D&C 107:18–20). (Keys open doors)

“In the ordinances [of the priesthood], the power of godliness is manifest. …
“For without this no man can see the face of God, even the Father, and live” (D&C 84:20, 22).

“This high priesthood [is] after the order of [God’s] Son, which order was from the foundation of the world; …” (Alma 13:7).

Let’s turn to JST Genesis 14:25-40. (it’s right after your Bible dictionary)

President Eyring quoted these scriptures. In it is direct reference to what we are promised in the temple.  In the temple endowment we obtain promises from God that give access to specific blessings.  In the initiatory we are promised through allagory that we can receive two ordinations or ordinances under the hands of God and then be sealed up to God, prior to entering His presence to be clothed with power in the priesthood and Gods glory.   (HG teaches, washes and with Christ seals., Christ teaches, annointing and with the Father seals, The Father teaches and cloths in glory and exaltation.)           

Now let’s read, JST Genesis 14:starting at verse 25.

25 And Melchizedek lifted up his voice and blessed Abram.

26 Now Melchizedek was a man of faith, who wrought righteousness; and when a child he feared God, and stopped the mouths of lions, and quenched the violence of fire.

27 And thus, having been approved of God, …

(That is the key. That phrase describes the doctrine of learning your standing with God.)

27… he was ordained … (That phrase describes the doctrine of receiving an assurance of your standing with God. Think again of the temple initiatory ordinance. Twice hands are laid upon your head? Twice the holy spirit of promise visits you. After baptism and after your annointing.)

27… ordained an high priest after the order of the covenant which God made with Enoch, (what was the order of the covenant with Enoch? Patriarchal Priesthood?)

28 It (the covenant that God made with Enoch) being after the order of the Son of God; which order came, not by man, nor the will of man; neither by father nor mother; …neither by beginning of days nor end of years; but of God;

29 And it (the sealing and covenant) was delivered unto men by the calling of his own voice (through the veil), according to his own will, unto as many as believed on his name.

(That’s your standing with God made sure.)  2 Ne 9:41,42 keeper of the gate

Pres. Eyring said: “One way to respond to such awe-inspiring descriptions of the power of the priesthood is to assume that they do not apply to us. Another way to respond is with soul-searching questions, asked in our own hearts, such as these: Have I ever felt that the heavens have been opened to me? … even if only figuratively, …?

“… Listen to the words the Lord used to encourage Enoch. They are also His words to you who are called to minister to others as a priesthood holder: …

“Behold my Spirit is upon you, wherefore all thy words will I justify; and the mountains shall flee before you, and the rivers shall turn from their course; and thou shalt abide in me, and I in you; therefore walk with me” (Moses 6:32, 34).
(rights)

“Brethren, our ordination to the priesthood is an invitation from the Lord to walk with Him.  (rights)

“And what does it mean to walk with the Lord? It means to do what He does, to serve the way He serves. He sacrificed His own comforts to bless those in need, so that’s what we try to do. He seemed to take particular notice of people who were overlooked and even shunned by society, so we should try to do that too. He testified boldly yet lovingly of the true doctrine He received from His Father, even if it was unpopular, and so must we. He said to all, “Come unto me” (Matthew 11:28), and we say to all, “Come unto Him.” … We act not for ourselves but for Him. We speak not our words but His …

“The Lord’s work is not just to solve problems; it is to build people. … If you listen, He will teach you His ways. … This is, after all, why He gives His priesthood authority to flawed mortals like you and me and invites us to participate in His work. Our progress is His work!

“My dear brethren of the priesthood, in many ways, we are like the two disciples who walked the road to Emmaus on that first Easter Sunday. … they were “slow of heart to believe” … As they walked along and tried to reason it out together, “Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.” (See Luke 24:13–32.)

” …  if we pay close attention to those moments when our hearts “burn within us” (Luke 24:32), our eyes can be opened and we will see His hand in our lives and in our service…  Jesus Christ is our Master. This is His Church. It is His priesthood which we hold. May we each choose to walk with Him and to recognize how He walks with us.”

My brothers, I fear that all too many men did not catch Pres. Eyring’s message.

That we can walk with God and have an intimate personal experience with Him.

D&C 84:54-57 unbelief, Mormon 9:20-27 dwindle

Now in closing, Let’s refer back again to President Nelson’s talk in April 2016 “The Price of Priesthood Power”.  He said: “Are we willing to pray, fast, study, seek, worship, and serve as men of God so we can have priesthood power?

And if you truly want more priesthood power, you will cherish and care for your wife, embracing both her and her counsel.”

Brethren,

I testify of these things.

I know they are true.

I know they are happening today.

I know they can happen even to the least of us if we will believe and ernestly seek them.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Our Continuing Battle with Darkness

In 1958 I came into the world, without any recollection of my previous life and existance. Church doctrine teaches that whatever advantage we gain in this life goes with us into the next. This is true of the pre-earth life as well. I could not remember who I had been, but satan with whom I had become a mortal enemy had not forgotten and he, along with his host of darkness was determined to finish the conflict before my eyes could be opened and I regain my previous strength with which I had fought him, along with my valiant siblings. He was not yet vanquished but had been cast down to the earth ahead of us where he thought to gain the advantage and frustrate our parents eternal plan for us, their valiant children.

From a young age my battles with the adversary were sore. I desired to be a good boy, I was taught right from wrong, but as badly as my little heart wanted to be good, even so good was I at being bad, I thought. Or so the adversary stealthily spoke in my mind. I was very conflicted in my young mind by the evil one, that I truely was bad and as much as I wanted to be good it was pointless. Nevertheless, a greater light persevered and I was encouraged to keep trying. I didn’t learn until later, but that light was the light of Christ which is an influence for good given to each of us at birth, and could, by choice, later be combined with the Holy Ghost and the ministering of angels, to assist us in the continuing conflict that would rage on around use, both hidden by the veil of forgetfulness and even blatantly visible as acted out by some in this life under the influence and control of the great deceiver, seeking to destroy God’s children.

It wasn’t until I was much older, and had been valiant in at least preserving to do good, that I discovered a great mystery. All that God wants is our heart. For all else, He provided a Savior.

A good friend shared, “Mysteries of God are simply devine truths that are only revealed to the hearts of individuals by the spirit of revelation.” So in this world after all truth was forgotten from the last existance, we would be given the opportunity to regain the lost knowledge of those devine truths, and taught to wield them in our defense and the defence of others as we finish the conflict that began in a previous realm so long ago.

Before I continue with my story let me share some evidence that this battle has been raging in this world before our arrival and that even the best have wrestled with those things we wrestle with. We can take courage in their example of persisting in their efforts until they overcome through Christ and His mighty power and infinite atonement.

Paul the apostle said in Romans 7:21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

Jacob the brother of Nephi taught in Jacob 4:7 Nevertheless, the Lord God showeth us our weakness that we may know that it is by his grace, and his great condescensions unto the children of men, that we have power to do these things.

A prophet of an ancient people from before the flood taught in Ether 3:2 Now behold, O Lord, and do not be angry with thy servant because of his weakness before thee; for we know that thou art holy and dwellest in the heavens, and that we are unworthy before thee; because of the fall our natures have become evil continually; …

And the prophet Nephi said of himself in 2 Ne 4:17 Nevertheless, notwithstanding the great goodness of the Lord, in showing me his great and marvelous works, my heart exclaimeth: O wretched man that I am! Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities. 27 … why should I yield to sin, because of my flesh? Yea, why should I give way to temptations, that the evil one have place in my heart to destroy my peace and afflict my soul? 28 Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul.

The plan of God has been and will be relatively the same, but uniquely individualized, for each of God’s children, even for His prophets. Take heart, don’t despair, don’t give up. If we persist, with faith in Christ, in striving for rightousness we will prevail.

God fills our lives with opportunities to hear His voice and either act on the prompting or ignore it. If we respond to His voice, we grow to recognize, understand, and to slowly come to know Him. No need for perfection. All we need is a desire, hope, and to act. Remember, all He wants is our heart, and an effort. Act and you will feel His accepting embrace.

Another mystery of God is explained in this way: succor in the scriptures means ‘to run to embrace with open arms’. The scriptures say: Alma 7:11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. 12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

Imagine as you stand in pain, afflicted and tempted, that your loving father sees you in your pain, head hanging down, tears in your eyes, having fallen down one more time, bruised and bloody. He runs to you with arms open wide, to scoop you up, wipe the tears from your eyes, wash and dress your cuts and bruises, brush you off and then say “keep trying Roy, I know you can do it, don’t give up!” as he sets you down to toddle off and face your dragons one more time.

The scripture continues in Alma 7:13 Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.

If we act in faith on His voice, then He runs to not only embrace us, but to rescue and save us, with open arms! It is true!

In 1978, approximately 20 years after my eyes were opened and I began to see who I had been in the previous life, and after a loving older brother had prepared and deemed me ready for the next phase of the conflict, I had a new and unique experience. I had my first face to face encounter with satan. With God’s help I prevailed in this contest through mighty prayer. I shared that experience in my previous history under the title “It Changed My Life” so I will not repeat it here. (See my Facebook page or go to roylbarrus.wordpress.com)

Again in 1996, after approximately 20 more years of training by a patient and loving older brother, I had another face to face contest with satan. For the second time I prevailed through power in the priesthood.  I shared that experience in my history under the title “Prove Me Now Herewith” so I will not repeat it here. (See my Facebook page or go to roylbarrus.wordpress.com)

On February 5 and 6th of 2017, after approximately 20 more years I have had a 3rd and more extended and strenuous personal conflict with satan.

It was Sunday evening and Jodi was out of town visiting Lynsey and her children while Matt was out of town. I had just had a difficult experience as a temporary instructor in gospel doctrine, teaching of Moses’ effort to bring the children of Israel up to have a group revelatory face to face experience with the Lord. I sought to testify that we as individuals can have this personal revelatory experience if we seek it with all our heart, might, mind and strength, but I was resisted and chastened by some of the senior brethren in the ward. As a leader in my high priest group I had spent the last few years trying to lead my peers down a similar path, bearing testimony and sharing the teachings of ancient and Latter-day prophets, but had been resisted, chastened and put in my place, so to speak, by the members of my quorum and even by eclesiastcal leaders. I had experienced sacred revelatory experiences personally and been instructed to share and to teach the truth of this doctrine. I had been specifically led by the Lord what to teach, but the message was frustrated and rejected at every discussion over the previous three years. Coming home from church, rejected and rebuffed, as I reflected on these experiences I began to feel an oppressive force of discouragement and depression come over me. I argued with the Lord that I could not continue to do this. It was too painful! If it was alright, this was the last time and I would not do it again, thank you. I told him how unproductive and painful it had been. In fact, I was behaving a bit like Jonah of old.

I had a 6:00 AM flight the next morning to go to a training class for the week in Minneapolis Minnesota but I couldn’t think straight to get everything ready. I said my prayer but to little relief and fell into a fitful depressed sleep.

My alarm went off at 3:30 AM. At 4:30 AM I had thrown everything in the car. It was raining cats and dogs and I was so depressed that I still could not think clearly. As I drove I continued to battle in my mind. The spirit of contention and the oppression of the adversary was so heavy upon me.

As I arrived at the airport my fogged mind could not remember the departure routine. The rain was still relentless, I was in a state of extreme mental confusion and I inadvertently entered the short term parking garage. In a panic I thought “I don’t have time to circle the airport again or I will miss my flight” so as I exited the garage, not reasoning clearly I drove in the exit of the long term parking. I ran to the bus stop in drenching rain and finally arrived at the check-in. Lines were long, the check-in had changed since I had flow last and I struggled with the entire ordeal, still in an incredible mental fog. The remainder of the flight was just as difficult. I fretted over my bungled parking and check-in. I finally arrived at my hotel destination after an entire day in hell. In retrospect it truely was hell! Surrounded and assailed by devils, afflicted in mind and thought, I stumbled through this protracted day long ordeal, but which would ultimately turn to be an incredible blessing to me though I could not see it yet.

Now finally settling in to my room with the same continuing feelings of mental and spiritual oppression, it began to be clear in my mind and in my heart that I had battled all day with the adversary and I would continue to be under his oppressive influence if I did not do something. I dropped to my knees at my bedside and began to repent before my Maker. I prayed for forgiveness and pleaded for His spirit and for power over the adversary. I recommitted to do all that He asked me to do. I then raised my arm to the square and commanded satan and his host to depart and dedicated my room for the week. As I stood to prepare for bed my phone announced an incoming text from a close friend and a fellow member of the Church of the First born. I relaxed into bed with the adversary gone for the first time in 24 hours and with the spirit of Christ finally beginning to fill my heart. I opened the text from my friend and he invited me to listen to a podcast. For the next hour I was uplifted and edified by a man who taught the same principles I had been striving for 3 years to teach my ward and high priest group.  The podcast was one of a series of lessons he had been begged to continue to share with members from 3 previous missions he and his wife has served. The only way to share with all of them was by podcast. So, I was introduced, for what I thought was the first time, to a retired seminary teacher from Arizona by the name of Mike Stroud and to his wonderful companion Margie. For the next 5 days we studied together the principles I had been striving to teach my ward family. The spirit taught and I was edified. The week of studying and reinforcing my undersanding was as spiritually intense as was the pain I had endured prior. It was sweet and most desirable. It was worth every moment of any discomfort I may have felt in the past years. The adversary never did return during that trip, which now became a piece of heaven on earth.

Before each experience with the adversary I had been striving with great effort for that greater light and knowledge promised by the Father. Each conflict increased in duration and intensity from the previous. During each conflict I was blessed with greater knowledge, and power in the priesthood to crush satan’s head and following each experience I was flooded by new personal revelation with increased knowledge of the mysteries of God.

Lehi taught in 2 Ne 2:11 For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things.

I have learned that as we seek this greater light, and to understand the mysteries, we should expect an equal and opposite onslaught from the adversary. The greater the spiritual blessing we desire, the greater adversarial opposition we will first experience. At the veil of the temple we are symbolically tested before each succeeding blessing. First the light of Christ, then the baptism of fire, then a first sign of Christ, then the sure sign of Christ and finally an invitation to enter His presence through an intimate visionary experience.  It is an eternal and repeating principle. Trial before blessing. Test before endowment. However, the Lord prepares us and strengthens us and guides us so that we are equipped to conquer and grow in the experience. We need not fear if we are sincere in our quest and in our rightous desires to the Lord. Think of the initiatory sequence. First the light of Christ leads us to the Holy Ghost, who washes us in preparation for the Son, who leads the way to the Father who ultimately invites us through the veil and cloths us in eternal glory!

What exceeding great and precious promises!

The (Fullness of the) Gospel According to:

The (Fullness of the) Gospel According to:

What is the “fullness” of the gospel of Jesus Christ? To understand the mind of God for His children, we should be able to identify a pattern throughout the scriptures that teaches and demonstrates the true doctrine of the fullness, and the way set out for us to achieve it. I believe God has shown us repeatedly through all the books of scripture and in the ordinances of the gospel, the exactness and pattern of the way. Some of the patterns that I have discovered are outlined below. In the Old Testament Jacob recounts a dream of a ladder to heaven. I, like Jacob, know that the way and pattern is a series of step like the rungs of a ladder that must be climbed one at a time. As we climb the ladder or staircase to heaven we can achieve salvation and exaltation back into God’s presence. But, during the journey, and it is an intentional and sometimes rigorous journey, he does not leave us comfortless but provides an ever expanding resource of comfort, peace and knowledge as we progress along the way.

The endowment repeatedly reminds that “We invite all to receive it!” But, you “… must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.” D&C 9:8. Perfection is not required, only a humble heart and a willing mind. D&C 64:34 “Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days.”

Take what I have discovered and have experienced to be true, and expand on it in your own personal discovery. The journey is not without significant desire, effort and even tears on our part. It can only be traveled and experienced individually, but those who have gone before can point out the way in hopes of making the path more discernible. This is my loving intent. If you have questions and if you desire, come talk to me and we can discuss these things to whatever detail you desire. However, I am still learning and expanding in my understanding as fast as I am able to absorb the greater light and knowledge Father continues to pour out upon His diligently searching children.

Study the patterns broken down below. Seek to understand, ask, pray and discern by the spirit, as Father tests your knowledge “through the veil.” (The pattern starts at the bottom left and progresses to the top right, in a stair step fashion, in each of the following instances.)

The (Fullness of the) Gospel According to: (<— please click to expand)

2 Ne 9:10 “O how great the goodness of our God, who prepareth a way…” Psalms 92:5 “O Lord, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep.” 2 Ne 4:30 “Rejoice, O my heart, and cry unto the Lord, and say: O Lord, I will praise thee forever; yea, my soul will rejoice in thee, my God, and the rock of my salvation.” This is my testimony. It is my invitation to you. All are invited, all are capable. It simply requires taking the first step …, and then another …, and then another …, until we find our calling and election among the assembly and Church of the First Born “made sure” by His word and embrace “through the veil”, and we continue to be directed in all things that we should do to assist in bringing about Jehovah’s “… work and His glory, to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” (and woman!), until at the end of our journey the veil is parted, our Savior reaches forth, and we hear the words “Let him/her enter” and we are received into the presence of the Lord.

“And now, my beloved brethren, and also Jew, and all ye ends of the earth, hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men that they should do good.  And if they are not the words of Christ, judge ye—for Christ will show unto you, with power and great glory, that they are his words, at the last day; and you and I shall stand face to face before his bar; and ye shall know that I have been commanded of him to write these things, notwithstanding my weakness.  And I pray the Father in the name of Christ that many of us, if not all, may be saved in his kingdom at that great and last day.” (2Ne33:10-12)

In the name of Jesus Christ, the very Eternal Father,

Amen.

The Things You Need to Know about Isaiah

Avraham Gileadi’s

Isaiah Explained

The Things You Need to Know about Isaiah

(All of the following has been derived with the help of Avraham Gileadi’s website at www.isaiahexplained.com. Greater understanding of the revelation of Isaiah can be achieved by studying the words of Isaiah along with the resources and commentary provided on this website. The guidance of the spirit along with this website and the inspired efforts of Avraham Gileadi have helped open the sealed book of Isaiah, and by the power of the Holy Ghost given me “eyes to see and ears to hear”. I have never corresponded with, but desire to give credit and gratitude to Brother Gileadi for his tutelage in the history of the Jews and the writing style of the ancient Hebrew prophets. I give all credit, honor and glory to the Father who is the sole source of inspiration and the author of His amazing plan of happiness and salvation as revealed through Isaiah and all of His other holy prophets.)

Everything You Need to Know About Isaiah (please click to expand the document.)

Jesus Christ commands us to understand the words of Isaiah in 3 Nephi 23:1-3 “And now, behold, I say unto you, that ye ought to search these things. Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah. For surely he spake as touching all things concerning my people which are of the house of Israel; therefore it must needs be that he must speak also to the Gentiles. And all things that he spake have been and shall be, even according to the words which he spake.”

No One Left Behind

No not school or common core! I’m not thinking what you think I’m thinking!

I’m thinking Jeremiah 3:14-15 ‘…I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:…”. I don’t want any of my family left behind when the prophet calls. I believe that like the parable of the 10 virgins many will not take the invitation seriously and will be left behind, not ready in the hour required. I want my loved ones to be found watching so like the parable of “the lord of the house” says, “And it is like unto a man who is an householder, who, if he watcheth not his goods, the thief cometh in an hour of which he is not aware,… And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, be ye therefore ready also; for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.” Luke 12:45, 47

Recently I have been impressed to share some things with my family. I have been guided in my studies to both the scriptures and the writings and experiences of others. Isaiah had a vision of Judeah and Jerusalem in our day. Joseph Smith sent the elders out to gather in Judeah and Jerusalem to this the American continent. Isaiah stated that we could know the “end” (our day) from (by the history of) the beginning (Isaiah 46:10). So Isaiah ordered his prophecies and writings from his times, according to his visions and recorded them for our times. They are for us and are to be taken literally. He has taught us that the destruction of the wicked would overtake those whose eyes would not see and who’s ears would not hear (Isaiah 6:9). We need to never discount the meetings and words of His ordained leaders, when in is due time we will be invited in to the feast while those who don’t listen will be left when the door is locked.

I have also been led to consider Moses 2:14 “… Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven, to divide the day from the night, and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and for years;” and Joel 2:30,31 “And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the Lord come.” This is happening now; we are witnessing the fulfillment of scripture in the unique occurrences of lunar and solar eclipses which have fallen directly on the holy days of the Lord, Passover and Tabernacles. Are we desirous to have the destructions of the wicked pass over our families and to tabernacle with the Savior through the millennium?

I have considered the precision of the fulfillment of the Savior’s sacrifice and atonement on the exact divinely appointed seasons (days and hours) established by Himself, Jehovah, during the time of Moses. Bound to the cross at the exact time the sacrificial lambs were bound to the temple alters, Dying on the cross at the same time the lambs were sacrificed, Buried without sin while the feast of unleavened bread was observed, Rising as the first fruits of the resurrection while the feast of the first fruits was initiated. Then 50 days later on the feast of Pentecost the Holy Ghost was poured out upon many of the disciples.

I have contemplated the occurrence of the plural “Sabbaths” in the scriptures and have wondered about the Sabbath of the creation, the Sabbath of days, the Sabbath of years (called Shemitah in the Hebrew) and the Sabbath of Shemitahs (called Jubilees in the Hebrew). Do we remember and consider all of these? The Sabbath is a blessing to the obedient but a cursing to the disobedient. The two greatest and last financial warnings of God have fallen on these years. The attack on the trade center combined with the crash of Wall Street in 2001, and the crash of Wall Street in 2008. 2015 is a Shemitah year and beginning late September 2015 is a Jubilee year.

We also witnessed the “star” Jupiter, as it was struck by another “star” 21 times (on a Sabbath of years). Are these Harbingers and reminders to those who have ears to hear and eyes to see?

I have most recently been introduced, in an inspired turn of event, to one Julie Rowe. (On a fun side note the introduction was through one of my distant cousins named Kelly Kunz. his grandfather was Mom’s cousin and bishop and his great grandfather was Clara Kunz’ brother.) Julie had a near death experience in her 30’s and was shown the beginning through the end. She has seen our day and the pending horrific destructions of the wicked, and the miraculous salvation of the righteous (or those that have ears to hear and eyes to see) as they are called out by the brethren at the last hour. She writes of her experience in 2 books titled “A Greater Tomorrow, My Journey Beyond the Veil” and “The Time is Now”. These can be purchased at a discounted through Seagull Book. However, Julie also has a web page “julieroweprepare.com” where she has 9 recorded interviews that cover most of what is in the books. Her message is prepare, wake up and be ready physically and spiritually to respond to our first presidency when they extend the invitation to come out from the world. I invite you to read and listen with an ear tuned to the whisperings of the spirit. If it resonated with you then heed the promptings. But also importantly, give equal time to the scriptures and the gospel.

Like Julie, I believe the time is now. We must be prepared to hear and understand the voice of God. We must be anxiously engaged in seeking the greater light and truth promised to us if we are diligent. We must be attending all of our meetings all of the time and focusing on what the spirit is telling us as individuals. And equally as important, we must be found watching and waiting on the Lord as he gives us direction through personal revelation and his ordained leaders and prophets so that we are ready and willing to heed the call with expediency and faith.

Let us not be left behind spiritually or physically is my prayer, in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.

Unto What Were We Called High Priests

Unto What Were We Called High Priests

1/31/15 HP Group Lesson – Roy Barrus

First Ourselves, Then Our Brethren (Families)

• Alma 13:12,13 prepare ourselves to enter into His rest
• Alma 13:6 teach others that they also might enter into His rest
• 4:9 teach thy sons and thy son’s sons
• Moses 6:58,59 teach children of God’s plan and atonement
• 2 Ne 25:26 that our children may know to look for a remission of their sins

What Shall We Teach? HOPE!

• 2 Ne 9:7-10 infinite atonement
• Alma 33:4-11 mercy because of thy son
• Mosiah 28:4 infinite mercy
• Moroni 10:32-33 the grace of God
• 2 Ne 4:15-45 oh wretched man that I am

To Whom Does it Avail?

• D&C 46:8,9 him that seeketh so to do
• 2 Ne 2:4, 6-9 a broken heart and contrite spirit

How will we know?

• 3 Ne 27:20 sanctified by reception of the HG

The correct understanding of God’s true nature, purposes and doctrines; lead to hope, faith and salvation. However, we cannot obtain (by grace) a sure knowledge without personal sacrifice.

How Shall We Gain This?

1. 2 Ne 32:9 pray always
2. James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom
3. 2 Ne 32:3 HG will show all thing to do
4. D&C 36:2 … my spirit, the HG, the comforter, shall teach you the peaceable things of the kingdom

What Can We Know?

1. D&C 42:61 revelation, knowledge, mysteries, peace, joy, eternal life
2. D&C 76:5-10 mysteries, wonders, secrets, understanding, wisdom, enlightenment
3. D&C 84:46-48 the spirit giveth light and the Father teacheth the covenant

What Will Be the Result?

1. Numbers 11:29 Would to God that all the Lord’s people were prophets
2. Jeremiah 31:34 all shall know the Lord

Consider what we must be doing to make this a reality in our families.

May the HG teach us all things that we should do, until we enter into God’s rest.  Then, may we lead our families, that they might also enter into His rest, is my faith and prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Pre-Christmas Sacrament Meeting Talk – 12/16/14

When Bishop Noble presented the topic of Isaiah chapter 9 verse 6 for my talk, and asked if I would be willing to speak today, I happily accepted because the topic is one of my favorite to contemplate. However as I began to prepare my thoughts I realized that we could spend much more time discussing this amazing topic than I had been given. Approaching Heavenly Father, I asked what He would have me discuss and felt impressed with the following. I pray that I can share the peaceful spirit of the message, and evoke in you the feelings of hope and wonder that it brings to me.

The anticipation of Christmas morning conjures up emotions of excitement from our childhood! We imagine the gifts of treats, toys and clothing that our parents and loved ones have prepared for our enjoyment! This tradition of giving and receiving of gifts, originated to remind us of the ultimate gift from our Heavenly parents.

In Isaiah chapter 9 verse 6 we read: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

“Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given …”

Unto “us”! Unto YOU! A gift to you and to me individually, intended to be very personal to each of us! When someone gives a gift they are giving a part of themselves. It represents their time, their effort, their thought, their interest in you. In this case the gift is a “child”! What more precious could be given than your own “child”?! Possibly only a life! That Son’s life.

“… and the government shall be upon his shoulder: …”

Heavenly Father’s Son has been given all power and authority to govern God’s plan of salvation. In Doctrine & Covenants 50:27 it says “Wherefore, he is possessor of all things; for all things are subject unto him, both in heaven and on the earth, the life and the light, the Spirit and the power, sent forth by the will of the Father through Jesus Christ, his Son.”

This use of the term government, may not mean what you may think it means! In this telestial world that we currently live in, the word government may hold a negative connotation. We are taught in the gospel, that in the pre-mortal realm, satan angrily committed, to; “… reign with blood and horror on this earth.” And he does through the actions of many men.

However, in the Book of Mormon, in Zenos’ allegory of the olive tree, we are taught by the prophet Jacob; “… I will liken thee, O house of Israel, like unto a tame olive tree, which a man took and nourished in his vineyard; … And the Lord of the vineyard caused that it should be digged about, and pruned, and nourished, … And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard and the servant of the Lord of the vineyard did nourish all the fruit of the vineyard.” (Jacob 5)

This “Son” that God has given all power and authority to govern; desires to minister, cultivate, nourish and nurture! His intent is to save, not to destroy!

His yoke is easy and His burden is light!, if we will accept it. (Matt 11:28-30)

He proclaimed, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” We must not only believe that His words are true, but that they apply specifically to you!

“… and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

“… Wonderful …”

I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me, Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me.

I tremble to know that for me he was crucified, That for me, a sinner, he suffered, he bled and died.

I marvel that he would descend from his throne divine, To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine,

That he should extend his great love unto such as I, Sufficient to own, to redeem, and to justify.

I think of his hands pierced and bleeding to pay the debt! Such mercy, such love and devotion can I forget?

No, no, I will praise and adore at the mercy seat, Until at the glorified throne I kneel at his feet.

Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me, Enough to die for me!

Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!

These words do pertain to each one of us! This truth has been confirmed to me over, and over again. Even in opposition to the arguments and dissuasion of the adversary that, it may be true for others, but you are not worthy.

“…Counsellor, The mighty God …”

Please forgive and indulge me if I share a very personal story to try and illustrate these titles?

I was an imperfect and insecure 12 year old boy.

Not many weeks before, I had received for my birthday a beautiful pocket knife.

It was my most treasured possession, and I carried it in my front pocket everywhere I went.

In my young insecure desires to escape a difficult world, it was my habit to run the 1 the mile home from church and school. I would cross the highway, jump the ditch, and disapear, safe into the hay fields and ditch banks that led me home.

As I was running home one warm Sunday afternoon, jumping head gates, I came to the realization that my knife was no longer in my pocket, panic struck my heart.

Where in the past 1 mile of over grown ditch bank ,high with grass, could my knife have come out of my pocket and be lost. I didn’t know what to do and I was heartbroken.

In that instant, a Sunday lesson on prayer forced itself in my mind.

I wanted to believe and in faith jumped into the dry ditch. I knelt and began to pour out my broken heart for my lost treasure.

As I spoke, a picture appeared in my mind and I could see my knife in a bare patch of ground.

I marveled, and was filled with hoped! I scrambled out of the ditch and ran back in anticipation. When I had run about a half mile I could see the clear patch of ground ahead of me, I thought I saw it! Disbelief, wonder, awe, joy!!!

I approached and picked up the lost treasure.

Instantly my mind was focused on what had just occurred. I began to recognize. I marveled. As the reality of the experience sunk in I was overcome with gratitude! I scrambled back down into the dry ditch and resumed my yet unfinished prayer. As I gave recognition, my heart was filled with the confirmation of the HG. Amazing, wonderful, marvelous!

At that moment, for the first time in my young life, I knew! There was no doubt; He was My councilor, My Mighty God, My Everlasting Father, My Prince of Peace.

Life was still hard, I remained an imperfect and inattentive boy, I am still an imperfect man, I have sometimes doubted myself, but I know Him.

“… The Everlasting Father…”

Jesus Christ said in 3 Ne 1:14 “Behold, I come unto my own, to fulfill all things which I have made known unto the children of men from the foundation of the world, and to do the will, both of the Father and of the Son—of the Father because of me, and of the Son because of my flesh. And behold, the time is at hand, and this night shall the sign be given.”

My Everlasting Father is one of love, mercy, forgiveness and, has provided a way to receive protection, guidance, peace, joy, and even to know Him in this life.

“… The Prince of Peace …”

There is no equivalent peace and happiness like that which comes from the embrace of the Prince of Peace! Have you experienced it? Are you experiencing it frequently? Have you experienced it today? Jesus Christ himself said, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” Rev 3:20

We have to invite Him into our lives; daily, hourly, in our time of need, for comfort, peace, council and power, believing with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, having hope and faith in His word. Do we have faith in His power to redeem us even in our fallen condition? The words of the sacramental hymn say “That He should extend His great love unto such as I, Sufficient to own, to redeem, and to justify.”

Did we listen closely to the words spoken today, “O God, … we ask thee … to bless and sanctify … to the souls of all those who partake … that they may witness … that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and … remember him … ; that they may have his Spirit to be with them.”

That we may have His spirit, His peace, His comfort.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

Since that fateful day in my youth, 44 years ago, I have had many other personal experiences with my Savior. I testify that He is quick to forgive, mighty to save, and He loves each of us with a love we cannot fathom.

What a wonderful season to remember this wonderful gift. May we chose to believe in God’s intense personal love for each of us, may we chose to believe in Christ’s individual atonement for us, and may we seek this relationship with broken heart and contrite spirit that it will have affect in our daily lives.

I pray this in His name, Jesus Christ,

Amen

Can a Child Be a Savior?

This morning I awoke 20 minutes before my alarm and lay in bed unable to return to sleep, feeling an anticipation of something I needed to do. I finally arose with my alarm, reflexively said prayers with my wife and prepared for the day. As I drove to work I began to speak with the Lord, giving gratitude for the atonement, asking His forgiveness and the companionship of His spirit, praying for protection from the adversary and importuning His influence upon those in the world that had authority over my work, and my family in any way. I prayed for each one of my family individually and then turned my thought to what I had been feeling so strongly about since I awoke.

For the past week I had been intensively studying the early days of the restoration of the church and the key players who were called to assist Joseph. I was excited to continue studying this topic because new knowledge and a new paradigm were rapidly unfolding before my eyes. However, as I turned my thoughts toward this topic something else was abruptly interjected into my thoughts.

The day before, we had been informed that my oldest daughter’s not yet 4 month old baby girl, born premature, was not improving in the function of her lungs. A month prior she had been put on oxygen because her lungs were not moving enough oxygen and it was over working her little heart, but more troubling was that baby Claire was now struggling with apnea when not on oxygen.

The thought that was forced upon my mind was a dream and the interpretation that I had received a few years prior.

In the dream my youngest daughter had come to me begging my help with a mission she had been given and accepted from the Lord. The Father had asked her if she would freely sacrifice her life to atone for a variety of sins committed by her immediate and extended family. Without her sacrifice all would be lost. She was directed to ask me to perform the sacrifice.

I was horrified! My mind raced. What could I do to alleviate her death? I was filled with unspeakable pain and terror. Why couldn’t I take her place. In time I was convinced. She was calm and willing to do this for her family, her sister and her family, and her extended family. I knew it must be and so I was resolved despite my immense pain. She submitted bravely without struggle and I did as directed.

I awoke in the black of night racked with inconsolable pain. I knew it was only a dream but it had been so real and intense. I lay crying and grieving, unable to shake the extreme emotions I was feeling. In despair I turned to Heavenly Father in prayer pleading for Him to take away my pain and comfort my aching heart. As I lay crying and pleading for relief I began to realize many things. God was showing me a small glimpse of what He and His Son had gone through for the salvation of His entire family. He had wanted to see how I would respond and if I would submit to His will even in a dream.

As I lay awake His peace did come and I was wrapped in His  comfort. I was even filled with joy for the experience, the realization that my daughter still lived, and for the incomparable atonement that was wrought by Jesus Christ. Rest came, days pasted and the dream was only recorded in my memories, until now.

Now in conjunction with the memories of my dream the thought of baby Claire came into my mind. It was impressed upon me that one of the rolls that baby Claire had accepted was to come into her family with these health problems to act as a savior to draw her parents and grandparents in remembrance of their covenants and back to their eternal family. In effect, to offer redemption to her own family by turning them by their own agency whether softly or harshly back to a more strict adherence to Father’s plan.

Whether our lack of remembrance and re-commitment has been hindering baby Claire’s healing, or the softening of our hearts and will to Father would restore her health I was not promised. Though I was impressed that our response could be submissive and the result would be soft and easy to us, or our response could be resistant and the response could be more harsh.

In submission to what I have been asked to do I share this experience with my family. My prayer is that we turn to Father and seek a soft response from Him in behalf of our precious Claire.

I love my family. I want every one of us all for eternity. I want our little Claire to be healed. This is my humble prayer and my petition to our loving Father.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

My Calling and Election Made Sure (renamed from Our Continuing Journey)

Flash Back

Through the previously recorded selection of sacred stories I have begun to share the essence of my journey coming to know God. It is so simple yet in our Heavenly Parent’s brilliant plan it weeds out those who are not sincere. All blessings and gifts of God require obedience, and sacrificing our will to heaven’s.

I have learned by experience how God speaks to me. I know His voice as well as I know my mother’s (Alma 32:26-43). My relationship with God and with my Savior has become sweet and desirable above all other fruit (1 Ne 8:12, 15, 1 Ne 15:36 and Alma 32:42). However, His ways are not always our ways and don’t always make sense to us until after the trial of our faith.

The Setup

Even last week I thought I understood where my path was finally taking me. I had learned the doctrine of Christ, come to understand the meaning of the temple ordinances and had climbed Jacob’s ladder to what I thought was the next to last rung or step. I had learned to, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5), “O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm.” (2 Ne 4:34). I petitioned Him for confirmation in everything I learned and did and I was prepared to do whatever He asked.

In the Introduction to the Book of Mormon Joseph Smith said, “… the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone to our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.” Why? Because it was compiled by God, handpicked by prophets from 1000 years of history; specific stories teaching of Christ, Christ’s doctrine, and Christ’s prophecies. The Book of Mormon prophesies of many things about the gentile church in our day. I felt that many were now begin to be fulfilled.

Why was the story of Abinadi, King Noah and Alma included in the book? Would the Lord ever call a faithful saint from outside of the ecclesiastical organization of the church to warn the church leaders? Are church leaders, because of some ecclesiastical superiority, powerless to lead the saints astray? Would the Lord ever wrest the authority away from the ecclesiastical leaders if they rejected truth and righteousness? If so could the authority fall to another, and could the church remain on the earth without a falling away or apostasy? It had happened in the Book of Mormon.

I posed these questions to God with fear and trembling. Desiring to know the truth, but fearful of being deceived and becoming one of the elect in the last days who would be led away by the lies of satan (Matt 24:24, JSH 1:22). But what side of the coin was correct? I received an answer in the affirmative to the above questions and about the human nature of all men, but again and again out of fear I pled for a stronger witness of the truth. Again and again a patient, long suffering Father, who intended to qualify and teach a lesson, answered my prayers the same each time.

In retrospect I had jumped to conclusions. I hadn’t asked all the questions to clarify my concerns, but I’m getting ahead of this story.

What would Jodi Do?

A year ago I had a nightmare. In the dream my wife (and the center of my life) of 34 years chose another path without me. I awoke from this most horrifying dream in a panic and could not find peace for hours as I lay awake, tossing in mental anguish. Finally I turned to the Lord in prayer, asking for peace and for sleep to overtake me and rid me of the pain I was feeling. Christ did bring peace and I was able to return to my slumber, but in future days, despite my efforts to push this thought deep into the seat cushions of my mind it occasionally surfaced.

My Test

Now as I contemplated what my answers to my recent prayer meant, and the assumptions I had drawn, I changed my questioning. I approached the Lord filled with the resurfacing dread of the dream and with concern for how my wife that I loved would respond to my concerns. I pled with Father, “Show me how I can explain all this to Jodi! Fill Jodi with Thy spirit and an understanding and accepting heart! Send an extra measure of personal revelation that we may know and accept Thy will”. He answered, and said in effect, “Write this all down, your blogging effort has been to this end, to convince My children that these things can and do happen. This is not the first and this will not be the last. Put your trust in Me and don’t fear the arm of flesh. I will sustain you no matter the outcome.” My decision was made. My mind was firm. There were many things I did not understand but I assumed and was allowed to believe, for a short period of time, that the doctrine, precepts, teaching and intent of the church were still true, but the leadership were making decisions that might necessitate lead my family in another direction. I knew what this decision would mean. I could loose my wife, we could estrange ourselves from family, friends and church. In effect all that we had counted precious could be forfeited. This was a painful sacrifice that I was willing to make if it was asked of me.

Sunday was the Ogden temple re-dedication and I desired to go. I needed to feel after the spirit seeking revelation, communication with my God, to finalize my decision. I had confirmed that I was willing to place everything I had or would ever have on God’s alter if this was what Father wanted me to do.

Regaining My Balance

Jodi and I attended the dedication together. Initially I was uncomfortable because I assumed Father would tell to me that the brethren were stumbling. However, as we sat in the meeting a wonderful spirit began to distill in my heart. I listened to every word of the proceeding without forcing any emotion, feeling after every nuance of the spirit as it settled in my heart. The spirit bore testimony that the brethren and each participant were sincere in their efforts and it was pleasing to the Lord. He also spoke to me that all men including the 1^st presidency and quorum of the 12 were men as was I, subject to mortal miscues and mistakes, doing the best they could despite the influences of the world and of the flesh. When president Monson finally stood and proceeded to pronounce the dedicatory prayer I felt the spirit say clearly, “This is my imperfect servant, but he is the man holding the keys and authority to administer the affairs of the church.” As President Monson was seated and we prepared to join in the hosanna shout I felt a surge of emotion and an excitement to participate in worshipping Jesus Christ and demonstrating my witness to sustain His church on the earth. I had received my answer. It was entirely opposite to my expectation, but it was powerful and easily discernible.

As we arose to return home I was conflicted. Why had I received such a strong assurance to my preceding prayers concerning what I thought was a confirmation of the mistakes of the leadership in certain things and why had I received such a sure testimony now of God’s sustaining approval of President Monson and the council of the twelve?

My Spiritual Eyes Were Opened

I needed time and space to pray and ponder, so when Jodi laid down for a nap I took Nel out for a long walk. Before we rounded the first corner I was deep in thought and mighty prayer. To the best of my recollection I asked why I had felt what I had felt and why I had received such a strong answer from Him over the past week filled with turmoil, tears and trials.

The first answer that I was led to understand was that we worship and adore Jesus Christ and we sustain our church leaders, after personal spiritual confirmation. We need to make a distinction between listening to their council but following only the Lord. Always seeking our leader’s council but confirming all our decisions based on personal revelation.

A moment later the next response came to my mind followed by an incredibly powerful and emotional witness. “You needed to be tried, even as Abraham, who was commanded to offer up all that he had, even his only son. I needed to tug at your heart strings for you to confirm to yourself your of commitment. All of my faithful servants who have sought the blessings that you seek have been required to offer up to Me a sacrifice that would try them and prove their commitment to Me. For this it was counted as righteousness unto them.”

As I continued to walk, peace and joy began to flood my heart. This had been my test, a qualification of sorts. It was counted as righteousness to me. The Lord already knew, but wanted me to know that I would respond when asked to lay every precious thing I had in life: my wife, my children, my family, my community, on the alter for Him. The realization began to sweep over me that this had all been a test of my commitment and faithfulness to the Lord. I began walking with more of a spring in my step. Silently I exclaiming praises, shouting in my mind of my love of the Lord! My mind was opened to the entirety of the situation; I recalled my early baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, I had served as faithfully as I could in every capacity requested, I had been embraced through the veil by the Lord Himself, been given promises and asked to do certain things, and now after a week of struggling and pleading, then accepting and acting, I had passed my test, willing to have my heart wrenched, and do the spiritually and emotionally hardest thing I had ever been asked to do.

The Promise

I reached the turn at the top of block and while enjoying the peace of the moment it was recalled to my mind the words of Joseph Smith that I had read not long before: “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, as is recorded in the testimony of St. John, in the 14th chapter, from the 12th to the 27th verses….

Now what is this other Comforter? It is no more nor less than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself; …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 First Born” [TPJS, pp. 150-51].

My Assurance

As this thought entered my mind a surge of pure energy went through my body. I was filled with a sweet and euphoric feeling, but also one of gratitude and love for my Savior. Tears came unashamed as I walked. I wanted to embrace Him, now, to fall at His feet and wash them with my tear! I wanted to express my love and gratitude. I wanted to hear Him call my name and confirm that I was accepted of Him. I thrilled at Joseph Smith’s implication that I was in the process of making my calling and election sure and the realization that it might actually be possible to accomplish all my desires to truly embrace and express all that I felt to my Savior and friend, in this life, in the flesh. All my earlier pains of the previous week were washed away and swallowed up in my joy and by the assurance of the only one who could. After another block, slowly the euphoric buzz wore to a peaceful warmth.

The remainder of the walk was nice. There was a spirit of peace but nothing to compare with what I had experience earlier in my walk. I was left to ponder the meaning of what had transpired in the previous 15 minutes. What an amazing plan. Amazing, confusing and inexplicable, wonderful that He should care for me, enough to die and then live again for me, wonderful to me! Now as I walked home I asked, I pleaded, when may I receive Thee? What more must I do to be qualified?

What Next

I have learned that each step comes, one at a time. The next step can’t be rushed. It will come in Christ’s own time and in His way. Until then, I have plenty more to do. For now I need to work on my relationship with Jodi. Father has taught me that I need her. She is essential to my progress. Without my wife as truly my best friend I can never become as God is. I also have plenty to do to strengthen the bonds with my children and their families. I must have them with us or all that we have done to raise them is pointless! I can’t be happy without my parents, siblings and their families. I must share what I have learned with them. And then there are all of my other brothers and sisters who are down here on earth with me, trying to figure this temporal existence out. I have work enough to do.

My Testimony

This is my testimony of what I know. The precepts of The Book of Mormon will put us on the path to know God. Baptism, both of water and of fire are the gate. The temple ordinances are the keys that unlock the spiritual endowment and open the doors to receive our calling and election, and ultimately the assurance of such, and the second comforter.

I want to share this testimony with you, with my family, with the world, in the name of Jesus Christ, my Brother, my Exemplar, my Savior, and my Friend.

Amen

God’s Promise

“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. And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.” (Moroni 10:3-5)

My Invitation by Way of Moroni

“Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God. And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot.” (Moroni 10:32-33)

Amen