Choose You This Day; Bondage or Freedom

With so many out of work, more and more former bread-winners are looking to government assistance for their livelihood.  On the surface, government assistance seems well-meaning and compassionate, but lurking under the glistening layer of supposed benevolence, lies a sinister evil whose names are dependency and bondage.  The Lord has made it quite clear throughout the scriptures that only a free people can enjoy the blessings of the Lord.

When we follow the Israelites from Egypt, we can liken their experience to contemporary day.  If we were to dissolve the shackles of government repression, we would have those who would ask, “From where shall we find meat?”  And the Lord sent down bread[1] and quail[2] to fill their stomachs.  When the Israelites pitched their tents in the wilderness at Rephidim, there was no water for the people to drink, and they chided Moses and said, “Give us water that we may drink.”  But after much murmuring, the Lord provided as Moses smote the rock in Horeb, and water gushed out[3].

When we attempt, as Americans, to restore our freedom by removing the shackles of government dependency, we must turn our faith back to Lord, as did the Hebrews of old.  We must trust in the holy arm of the Lord and trust not in the arm of flesh which will drag you down to the depths of hell.

For the arm of the Lord shall redeem this people and bring us unto salvation.  

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[1] Exodus 16:4

[2] Exodus 16:13

[3] Exodus 17:2-6

See Others as God Sees Them

Our family had a great day at church yesterday; the theme of the day was, “See Others as They May Become.”  As we travel through this mortal experience, we become shackled by peer pressure, public opinion, political correctness and worst of all, self inflicted prejudices.   Throughout each day, we sub-conscientiously profile, label and categorize others for various reasons.  For instance, law enforcement personnel instinctively measure each situation and size-up each subject for reasons of safety and self-preservation.  Law officials don’t have the luxury, the time, or the inclination to see suspected perpetrators through any eyes other than those of which they have been professionally trained.  Whatever your profession, you undoubtedly execute some level of profiling in order to expedite success. 

But what if, in our social circles, we were able to shut down our professional tendencies and see others, not as we see them, but how God sees them?  Coming from my generation, I admittedly struggle with those who appear unkempt, tattooed, and pierced as though they had flopped face-first in an open tackle box and emerged with various applications of ornate fishing lures.  Oh, how I long to dismiss my stereotypical rhetoric and simply see them and love them as a child of God.  My labors in this regard consume me minute-by-minute, hour-by-hour and day-by-day with a promise to God that I’m better at it tomorrow than I am today.  When we can truly see others as God sees them and we can imagine in them unlimited potential, then perhaps none of us will find comfort in the grasp of mediocrity.  As we lift each other, we not only glorify God, but we embrace true happiness and everlasting joy in serving our fellow man which is service to God.

Additional Income

Too often, families rely on the principle incomes of both heads-of-households, or in households with single parents, they may rely on child support to augment their meager income.  Either way, it never seems enough, does it?  Many entertain the thought of a second or even a third part-time endeavor just to make ends meet.  However, there is a better way; many turn their hobbies into money making enterprises, others find network marketing programs for additional streams of income, while others still, search for internet opportunities.  All of these have their pros and cons, but beware of those who prey on the desperate.  Before signing a contract (and do nothing without a contract), investigate their validity.  On May 1^st, 2013, the USSDI in conjunction with the National Family Home Management Network will be offering opportunities for independent business ownership.  This opportunity may not be your "cup-of-tea," but for those who are committed to helping family, friends and neighbors survive in today’s society and economy, this will be right up your alley.  More information will be forthcoming in www.ussdi.org.  

The Path to Prosperity

Family finances are one of the main causes of conflict between husband and wife, even the reason for a great number of divorces.  There are many excuses left in the wake of failed financial formulation, but the truth is easily identifiable; lack of knowledge which leads to lack of a financial plan.  There are literally thousands of programs that teach fiscal responsibility; most at great expense.  There are FREE programs available, but they are accompanied by endless pages of complicated information that only the already informed understand. 

The National Family Home Management Network (NFHMN) has formulated an easy to understand, simple to follow and effective Path to Prosperity Program.  This program is FREE and even comes with a trained Client Services Representative to assist you through the process if desired.  This program is sponsored by the USSDI and will be available to our clients on May 1^st, 2013.  Check then at www.ussdi.org. 

Emphasizing Preparation

Jesus relates in the book of Matthew, the story of ten young women who went to a wedding.  As they waited for the bridegroom to let them in, they were uncertain as to the time he would arrive.  Each of them had oil-burning lamps.  Five of the women had extra oil; they were prepared. The other five young women were considered foolish because they brought just the oil that was in their lamps.  Consequently, it was quite a while before the bridegroom arrived and the unprepared women ran out of oil, while the wise women had more oil to trim their lamps.  As the foolish women went to purchase more oil for their lamps, the bridegroom arrived to let them in.  When the foolish, unprepared women returned, the door was closed and was not let in.  Their preparation was too late. 

What may seem like foolish preparation today, will seem prudent tomorrow?  You have agency as to which level of preparation you wish to engage; will you choose to be wise or choose to be foolish?     

Prepare Every Needful Thing

Most people associate prepping with ‘doomsday’.  Although prepping for cataclysmic events is wise, it is more likely that a family’s prepping supplies will be used for domestic mishaps.  There is a story of a certain man who was the family’s sole bread winner.  When he was suddenly laid-off he was devastated with little or no prospect of adequate employment in his area.  Believing in self-reliance accompanied by a severe distaste for government assistance, his family turned to their six-month food storage for meals.  And, having saved money to pay six-months worth of bills, which included their mortgage, they were able to stay current on their mortgage, as well as all other household bills.  The family was debt free, other than their mortgage; this turned out to be a huge benefit.  The man was out of work for 11 weeks before the company that laid him off hired him back.  Lay-offs happen every day at an alarming rate due to the bad economy.  And the ill prepared head in throngs to unemployment lines around the nation finding that benefits are being reduced due to lack of funds.  Simple math will tell you, when formerly employed people stand in line looking for handouts, the money supplied by the employed will eventually run out; then where will they be?

Prepping is not just for ‘doomsday’, but for every day.  The USSDI has every prepping item necessary to combat government reliance.  Soon, we will have security and self-defense items available on our website; www.shop.ussdi.org

Organize Yourselves

Many households across America live amid constant turmoil and stress; we all know them, they are members of our own families, they’re our neighbors and our friends.  While others seem to live in peace and harmony, these families, no matter how hard they try, havoc monster lurks around every corner. 

What I have come to realize, it’s not an eternal case of bad luck on their part, it’s a lack of organization.  It’s an indisputable fact that disorganization and harmony cannot coexist.  Here are a few helpful hints:

• Appoint a family “Organizer.” It can be the mom or dad, or a child old enough to be responsible with    the task.  Don’t be afraid to appoint someone with no organizational skills; it will help them to grow.
• Run your household like a business with a president and vice president and other cabinet members depending on the size of your family.
• Every evening, the Organizer will collect and record every calendaring event on a centrally located calendar for all to see.  
• The president will then assign every responsibility necessary to complete the day’s occasions.
• Many household chores can be completed daily instead of weekly making the task short and simple rather than long and arduous; children cleaning their rooms are a good example.  Fifteen minutes before bedtime has worked for us.
• Have one evening a week to hold a family council.  Any grievances can be voiced and remedies discussed.  In this council you can also set family goals and plan family vacations.  Don’t be afraid to enlist input from even the youngest of family members.
• During one of your first family councils, involve all family members in establishing a family mission statement.  Print it out and frame it as a constant reminder.
• Institute a family set of laws for all to follow and have the children establish the consequences for breaking the law.   
• Most importantly, a family is a democracy not a dictatorship.

All Things in Order

The Apostle Paul in his correspondence with Timothy taught, “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith...[1]”  Part of God’s law is to provide for our own, and when we have surplus, we provide for the poor and needy.  For the poor and needy that are physically able to labor, this is to be a temporary condition until their self-reliance is once again established.  For the handicapped, sick and affirmed, the responsibility for care rests in the hands of their family first, before extending to others.

God’s house is a house of order, and so should be our houses.  Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of service, a house of sacrifice, a house of love, a house with an eye single to the glory of God, a house of order, a house of God.  A house which embraces these characteristics shall find happiness and joy throughout their days of mortality.  Is there a promise that adversity would never knock upon their door of such a house?  No, trials and tribulation comes to all, but in the homes where God is allowed to reside, and preparation is present, burdens may be lightened and mourning may be narrowed.

May God bless the homes that are currently facing sore trials; may you find respite in the Atonement of Christ, and may joy and peace once again fill the spaces of your heart and in your home.

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[1] 1 Timothy 5:8

The Creed of the USSDI

As the National Director of the United States Security Defense Initiative, it is my privilege to declare the USSDI Creed-

We believe in being self-reliant, and that it is not the role of government to provide me with quality of life or prosperity, but to maintain the freedoms which allow me to prosper by the sweat of my brow

We believe in being debt-free, thrifty, industrious, and prepared for any calamity, hardship or misfortune that may come our way.

We Believe that the United States of America is a blessed nation and that its freedom documents, namely: the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights are divinely inspired by the very God who endowed us with life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

We believe that these human rights and freedoms are sacred and shall be preserved, protected and defended by all Americans through truthful and virtuous means.

We believe that prosperity is earned by honest, hard-working, industrious Americans who, by their own virtue and charitable spirit, provide for those who are temporarily in need and down-trodden.  Indeed, we may say that we believe in the admonition of the Chinese proverb which states – Give a man a fish, and he will eat for a day; teach a man to fish, and he will eat for a lifetime.

We believe in God’s Law and Nature’s Law which is sacred and unchangeable rather than Man’s Law which is inconsistent and contrary to God and Nature. 

We believe in the traditional moral values upon which this country was founded and that they are as contemporary today and are the cornerstone to this country’s success and prosperity.

We believe that this, the United States of America, has been consecrated, by God, to be a free land, including religious freedom and that upon these righteous principles, God can and will build up His kingdom on earth.

We believe in a day when there are no longer racial distinctions or differences among Americans, a day when all ancestral hyphenations are eliminated and we are all united as one people and referred to simply as Americans.    

We believe that we, the American people, have been charged with the stewardship of protecting and defending this land from all enemies foreign and domestic, and that our borders must maintain their integrity from unlawful entry, while encouraging legislators to create a simplified, expeditious and affordable process to legal entry; understanding that lawful immigration to those who seek the American Dream is the backbone to America’s free enterprise system, and the entrepreneurial spirit which make this nation exceptional. 

We believe in serving our fellow man; that sacrifice for others, with a willing and gladsome heart, is the balm to heal the wounds of this nation.

We believe that all Americans have the right and privilege to worship God without persecution, ridicule or prejudice.  We also believe that all Americans shall enjoy the same privilege, to worship however or wherever they may, but accepting and acknowledging the Judeo-Christian principles in which the United States of America was founded and that this country is and shall remain forever, “One Nation under God.”

A Virtuous People

If we learn nothing more from Old Testament history than the clear message that God’s law of freedom will only work in conditions where a committed, disciplined and virtuous people with faith in God reside.  Does today’s America fit this description?  If not, we have our work cut out for us.  I believe God has established America to be the nation to lead the world in establishing certain freedoms whereby man is able to worship God according to the dictates of their own conscience.  If this is true, then are we doing everything possible to preserve, protect and defend these Rights and Liberties?  The Book of Revelations denotes there will be a great cleansing of which only the righteous will survive.  Where will you stand in that day? No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other, Ye cannot serve God and mammon[1].   As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.  To join in the battle for freedom and righteousness, join us at www.ussdi.org and commit to the cause.    

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[1] Matthew 6:24

Service and Sacrifice

If you’re as old as I am, you might remember the typing practice phrase of, “Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country.”  President John F. Kennedy is famous for saying, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.”  Both of these sentiments provoke a sense of service and sacrifice.  But the best of all comments relative to service comes from our Lord and Savior,” Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was hungry and you gave me meat: I was thirsty and you gave me drink: I was a stranger and you took me in: naked and you clothed me: I was sick and you visited me: I was in prison and you came to me.”  Then the righteous asked the Lord, “When did we see you hungry and fed you, or thirsty and gave you drink, a stranger and took you in, naked and clothed you, or when did we see you sick, or in prison and came to you?  The Lord answered them saying, “Verily, I say to you, inasmuch as you have done unto the least of my brethren, you have done it unto me[1].”

As Christians, we are to lose ourselves in the service of others.  Perhaps the reason congregation numbers are dwindling across the nation is that we are not doing our part in providing service to our neighbors, loving them, and then inviting them to attend Sabbath services with us.  Each of us should take inventory of our level of commitment in service to our Lord by serving our fellow man.     

Jesus Christ spent his entire life in the service of others, he did this for a least two reasons.  One, He is our example of how we are to treat others; and two, serving others adds to our own joy and happiness.  A true disciple of Jesus Christ will always be ready to bear the burdens of others.  Wherefore, be faithful; stand in the office of a disciple of Christ: build up those that are weak, lift up the hands of which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees of all those you come in contact.  And if you should do this all the days of your life, you shall be crowned in immortality and eternal life in our Father’s mansion.

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[1] Matthew 25:34-40

Boston...

First, I wish to send my condolences and prayers to those that have lost loved ones and to those who severely maimed or otherwise injured.  These atrocities to mankind cannot continue unfettered or without recourse.  They must be extinguished as we would a kitchen fire.  I watched in horror as the events unfolded.  The graphic account of detached body parts whizzing by spectators sickened me, but alerted my sense of compassion toward those affected; a sense of wanting to be there....to help...any way I could. However, as the day progressed, I felt the compassion and helplessness turn to anger, perhaps even hate toward those responsible for such an evil that I am unable to comprehend.  As a Christian, is harboring such disdain for another human being or beings a violation of Christian creed?  Our Savior admonished, “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you, and persecute you. That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust[1].  This, to me, is a dilemma of outrageous proportion.  How does one extend the olive branch of peace to a foe that possesses such a magnitude of pure evil, knowing they will refuse such an offering? 

As I supplicated the Lord this morning for understanding as to what measure do I dispatch mine enemy, I felt a warm calm envelope me that I attribute to the accomplishment of the Holy Spirit: The peaceful realization that one has when they are reminded that God has never left us nor will he ever; it is us who leaves his presence from time-to-time, not the other way around.  God is immovable, unchangeable and steadfast.  He is love, he is peace and he is in control.  For us, it is expedient that we enjoy peace within our souls, and leave the cursing, the justice and the judgment of our enemies to God our Father. It is not our burden to judge those who perpetuate evil: It is our's to bear each other’s burdens, to be willing to mourn with those that mourn, to comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as a witness of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that we may be in, even until death, that we may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with the righteous who will stand at the last day and usher in the coming of our Lord.

May God bless those families that suffer in anguish at the hands of evil design, and may God execute his will and his judgment upon those who perpetrate it.    

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[1] Matthew 5:44-45

I am a Disciple of Jesus Christ

Last week I challenged my readers to become disciples of Jesus Christ- What is a disciple, how are they identified and what do they do?  This is the best definition of which I’m aware.  Author Unknown

I am a part of the fellowship of the unashamed.
The die has been cast, I've stepped over the line; the decision has been made;
I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.
I will not look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still.
My past is redeemed; my present makes sense; my future is secure.
I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits or popularity.
I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded.
I now live by faith, love by patience, live by prayer, and labor by power.
My pace is set; my gait is fast; my goal is Eternal Life. My road is narrow;
My way is rough; my companions few; my Guide reliable; my mission clear!
I cannot be bought, compromised, deterred, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed.
I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity;
I will not negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, nor meander in the maze of mediocrity.
I will not give up, back up, let up, or shut up until I have prayed up, preached up, stored up, and stayed up the cause of Jesus Christ!
I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.
I must go until He returns; give until I drop;
preach until all know; and work until He comes.
And when He comes to get His own, He will have no trouble recognizing me;
My colors are flying high, and they are clear for all to see.

Baptism by Water, and of Fire

Today, I have been invited to participate in the baptism of a man, and share my thoughts regarding the mission of the Holy Ghost and the importance of his constant companionship.  The man being baptized is a man with whom I've had just a brief exchange.  But in those few moments, I recognized in him, a soul that was edified by the spirit of hope.  This man’s countenance was bright, his heart was filled with joy and his face displayed a smile that the Devil himself could not dispatch.  What was different about him?  What event could change a man or woman’s life to such a degree?  Well, previous to his baptism and prior to the moment we met, he received a personal witness of our Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ.  Mankind is unable to conjure up any vise or virtue to equal the impact of a soul who receives a testimony that God lives and Jesus is the Christ.  As I was researching the scriptures for my address, I was touch by John the Baptist and his testimony of the Savior and their impending ministries.          

When John the Baptist was preaching in the wilderness of Judæa, he plead  “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”  This was a fulfillment of prophesy declared by the Prophet Esaias that proclaimed there would be one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”  The scriptures indicate that all Jerusalem, and all Judæa, and the region round about Jordan came to John and were baptized of him confessing their sins.  But when John saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to be baptized of John, he asked them who it was that warned them to flee from their wrath and to come?  Before they could respond, John then admonished them to bring forth meet for repentance.  Meaning, have they properly prepared themselves for baptism with humbled hearts and contrite spirits.  John then warned them not to justify their desire to be baptized just because they were the descendants of Abraham.  He said that God is able to raise up children of Abraham from stones.  Then John gave them a very stern warning likening it to an axe that is laid to the root saying, “Therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.”  Adding, “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire[1].”      

So what are we to glean from this exchange with John the Baptist on one side and the Pharisees and Sadducees on the other? 

1.      John was the only one with the proper authority to baptize, an authority that even the Pharisees and the Sadducees recognized.

2.      One must be qualified for baptism; they must be penitent, humbled before God and posses a contrite spirit and then proceed with good works for the benefit of mankind. 

3.      Once baptized, the person receiving the ordinance becomes members of the body of Christ (church), which is the kingdom of God.  They must remain true to the promises and covenants made at baptism or Christ, who holds the axe of judgment, will cut out each root that fails to bring forth good fruit and cast them into the fire.

4.      There are two levels of authority, one possessed by John the Baptist perhaps a lesser authority, and another higher authority held by Jesus Christ[2].      

Faith in God is an amazing quality of which the worldly cannot comprehend.  We can’t see God, touch God, smell God, hear God nor can we taste him, yet we continue in our faith in God.  Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen[3], and at the last days it will be well with those who are found possessing it.

The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead; he has a body of spirit that he may dwell within the hearts of men.  The Holy Ghost...shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance.  Remembrance of what?  Of the promises we made to stand as a witness of Jesus Christ and to be his disciples with a charge to build up His kingdom on earth and to establish Zion preparing the way for his Second Coming.  For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! Of this I testify, in His holy name. Amen.    

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[1] Matthew 3:5-11

[2] Hebrews 5:6

[3] Hebrews 11:1

One Nation under God

The argument is out there that the United States of America was not founded on Christian principles; yet, all things denote that it indeed was.  English Christians in the 16^th and 17^th centuries fled Europe seeking religious freedom from the Church of England which also predisposed governmental policy.  Here, they formed colonies with varying local churches.  This is the very essence of and foundation for the First Amendment; Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. 

The Founding Fathers acknowledge the divine hand of providence as they were framing the course of this great country.  Never, in the history of earth had any government ever allow religion to run with such freedom to worship God according to the dictates of their own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, to let them worship how, where, or what they may.    Thomas Jefferson is quoted as saying, “Difference of opinion is advantageous in religion. The several sects perform the office of a Censor - over each other.” 

I am of the opinion that prior to the Second Coming of Christ there had to be a free people, residing in a free land, with freedom to believe, not burden by the constraints of man, but with what the Spirit of God could teach them, liberally and without discrimination or damnation[1].  The United States of America is such a people and such a land that we must protect from the creeping onslaught of religious persecution.  It is the nature of Christians to be passive and meek, I understand that, but there are times and conditions that require righteous indignation.  Even Christ demonstrates this when he cleared the temple of the money changers[2].  Now is the time to allegorically overthrow the tables and chairs of those who condemn us for being believers in God.  The key being; it must be done prayerfully, with love, with peace, and in the name of Jesus Christ.  

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[1] James 1:5

[2] Mark 11:15

Insanity over the Insane

I’m going to depart from the regular House of Order series to address the socialistic foul stench emanating from the cesspool of anti-Constitutionalism.   

As we near the fourteenth anniversary (April 20, 1999) of the Columbine tragedy my heart still aches for the families of those who lost loved ones, and for the families in Newtown that lost their little ones of such a tender age, I am unable to comprehend their anguish.  That is why I am adamant about stemming the tide of superfluous legislation and attacking the crisis at its root.   

The Senate will soon debate a gun-bill that does not only infringe upon our Second Amendment rights, but violates an individual’s basic right of protection of self and property.  This total disregard for the U.S. Constitution is a clear segue to much more far reaching legislation; a foot-in-the door if you will.  The lunacy that surrounds this bill fails to address the real issue facing society.   Perpetrators of heinous crimes involving guns from Columbine down to Newtown are and were devoid of any sense of right-and-wrong.   As a parent, I can’t think of anything worse, than losing a child, but to lose a child at the hands of a madman is immeasurable.  All concerned and well-meaning people wish they could do something, anything, to stop or prevent these travesties from repetition, but all the gun laws in the world will never deter the criminally insane from committing atrocities against society; which illuminates the real issue: immorality and mental illness.

Incomprehensible acts of violence perpetrated by the insane is not a gun issue, it’s a morality issue.  When God and religion is removed from every public discourse, there is no longer moral constraint upon a society which has a natural propensity to commit evil one to another.   Will allowing God back into public dialog make an immediate difference?  No, but if God is reintroduced back into the American home where a nurturing mother and father teach their children about the healing balm of loving, sacrificing for, and  serving your fellow man, we could begin to see the slow transition toward civility which will find its way into our neighborhoods, our communities and eventually into our nation.  Love replaces isolation, faith removes fear, and happiness rejects depression.  So I say to our dear friends on Capitol Hill; God, faith and religion is not a pestilence that must be exterminated, but should be embraced as very essence of our conscience which disposes us to perform good works.  Can people perform good works while not being a believer in God, absolutely, but by what standard do they define good works?  If it be defined as love, respect, compassion, empathy and service for our families, neighbors and friends, then they perform those good works with the Light of Christ which is inherent within each of us as spirit children of God.

Just a final thought...had the headlines read differently and these unconscionable crimes been perpetrated by madmen behind the wheel of a vehicle, there would not be one member of congress entertaining the thought of taking our cars.  Hmm, perhaps there is deeper reasoning behind the confiscation of firearms.  Does the name Hitler rings a bell?

In conclusion, Abraham Lincoln, whom I revere, said this, “With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds.”

God's Plan for You

As one of God’s spirit children, he knows us personally and has an individual plan for each of us.  He knew us before we were born into mortality; he sanctified us and ordained us to our calling[1].  So, how do we find out what he has planned for us?  God has endowed each of us with certain gifts and talents, these gifts and talents are not to be hidden under a bushel, but shared with others.  Many of us long to play a musical instrument while others wish they could sing like the angels; we all wish for talents we don’t have.  It’s alright to pray for more gifts and talents, but first we must learn to develop and magnify the ones we already have.  Through fasting and prayer, we can come to learn the will of God, what He has planned for us, and how we can best use our gifts and talents bestowed upon us by a loving and caring Father.  When I share my gifts with you and yours with me for a sacred purpose, we help each other come closer to our Heavenly Father, and to become more like Him.

Knowing there is an individual plan for each of us, gives purpose and meaning to our mortal existence.  Committing and dedicating our mortal lives to bring to pass the immortality of mankind makes us personal saviors to those individual lives we are privileged to minister.  In the end, all of the gifts and talents, all the committing and dedicating, all the ministering and warning are that we may find joy and happiness, in serving God, and in serving our neighbor; not only in this lifetime, but throughout time and throughout all eternity.

NOTE: When I quote scripture, I refer to the King James Version of the Holy Bible; it’s the version with which I was raised, and the version of which I am most familiar.  Plus, my love for Shakespeare may have something to do with it...thanks to Mama Friberg, my high school English teacher.        

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[1] Jeremiah 1:5

Ye Are of Royal Heritage

In Psalms we read, “Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High[1].”  The Apostle Paul, in his instruction to the Romans stated, “The Spirit [of God] beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if it so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together[2].”  These passages clearly articulate our royal heritage and of our impending inheritance if we but follow the commands of God.

This familial relationship with our Father, not only gives us the right to be His voice on earth, but indeed gives us the charge to testify of Him in the name of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Ghost.  “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church, which he hath purchased with his own blood[3].”  How do we do this?  By first loving God, secondly, by loving and warning your neighbor.

Christ, when asked by a certain lawyer, “Master, which is the great commandment in the law?  Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.  This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself[4].”  Remembering always, that in God’s family, your neighbor is a spiritual brother or sister.  May God bless you in this effort.

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[1] Psalms 82:6

[2] Romans 8:16-17

[3] Acts 20:28

[4] Matthew 22:36-39

Preamble

We live in perilous and wicked times fraught with conflict and confusion.  God has allowed Satan free rein to influence the hearts of man to see whom they will serve.  This current condition of the world is a sign of times preparatory to the Second Coming of our Savior and Redeemer; these are indeed the last days.

The United States, in particular, has evolved onto something unrecognizable to our Founding Fathers.  Slowly and methodically, things formally thought to be evil are now accepted in most social circles.  Yet, woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil...for they despise the word of the Holy One of Israel[1] and will find no place in His kingdom. 

As believers in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and as lights shining brightly in an otherwise dark world, we must be a voice of reason, a voice of warning, a voice of love, even the voice of God.

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[1] Isaiah 5:20,24