Last night I was going to bed and walked past Heather's old Macbook Pro that was being torn apart. I knew Heather wanted the hard drive out of it to put into a case and plug into her new Macbook. I looked at all the intricate things in it and was fascinated really by the simplicity. I sat down next to it and saw that one of the metal boxes inside was the DVD drive. I looked at another, wondering if it was the HDD. I didn't have my glasses and couldn't read the fine print very well, but I could make out the number 250 and assumed it was a 250 GB hard drive. I also saw how it was "isolated" to protect it from shock by rubber feet that held it to the chassis. I saw that there was a bar with two screws that, if lifted, would allow the unit to come out. I thought that the screws had the "star" type, and knew I didn't have a tiny "star" wrench, but I did just pull a couple of hex wrench sets out of my car last week. They were in the kitchen so I went in and got them. I pulled out the littlest, but it didn't seem to fit. I tried the next and it was too big. I looked at the metric set and saw that the little one was bigger than the first, but there was a littler one. I pulled it out and it was too small. I tried the size larger and pushed it in. I didn't have my glasses so I couldn't see to be sure, but it fit and the screws came out easily! The bar came off and the entire HDD was free!
I wanted to see if it would fit into the external HDD case that Heather had bought to be able to plug it, her old disk drive, in to her new computer. It almost fit in, but there were the feet that needed to be removed. In order to remove them I couldn't see what type of screw it was so I tried the hex wrenches, and the smallest one fit!
With the feet removed, the HDD fit right into the case. I saw that this time I needed a Phillips screwdriver. I had searched the house last week for a screwdriver and couldn't find one, but my mom had just cleaned out the front of my car and brought in a bag and left it on the kitchen floor. While we were talking earlier that night I went through the bag, found a screwdriver, and put it into the drawer in the kitchen. Otherwise I wouldn't have known about it. I went and got the screwdriver and it fit the tiny screws. I put it all together and wondered if it would work as an external drive. I plugged it in, and it worked!
Heather was so excited! She told me that she had prayed that she would be able to get her hard drive to work that night. She thought that Chas would have the right tools, and he said he did so she drove to his house -- but he didn't. She came back and left the carcass of her old computer on the dining room table where I saw it as I was going to bed. I had no intention of fixing anything. I didn't have a goal to get her HDD working. I didn't even know about the problems she was having. If I had thought about the end result I would have thought it was too complicated, I was tired, and on my way to bed.
I am amazed at how much preparation went into answering a simple prayer by a child of God.
1. Almost a week ago, I needed the time to clean out my car and find those hex wrenches and put them in the drawer where they were easily accessible. This is something I haven't done in over a year! One of the sets would not do, I needed both -- one wrench from each.
2. Several days ago, my mom had to clean out my front seat and take everything into the house where I would find the screwdriver I didn't even know I had, and put it into the drawer.
3. I had to walk by and be interested in the computer innards that I had never even seen before.
4. I was directed to take each step without knowing there would even be another step because I was tired and going to bed. What I thought were "star" screws turned-out to be hex screws, I just couldn't see them. I would not have tried the hex wrenches if I had not been prompted. If the tools were not immediately accessible I would not have searched for them, I would have just gone to bed. I didn't have my glasses and couldn't see very well, but each step was easy, and it flowed, as if I was being directed on what to do. I had no intention of putting it all together that night.
If any one of these was not in place at that time, the work would not have been done. The amount of preparation required to get Heather's prayer answered is staggering! All of the people and things involved are enormous! There are no co-incidences. I know the Lord knows His children; He loves them and answers their prayers -- even before they ask. Who knows, if Heather hadn't asked, I may have gone to bed my usual way through the family room instead of the dining room, and wouldn't have passed by her old torn-apart computer... and all that preparation would have been for naught! Maybe that's why we need to pray.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Friday, October 18, 2013
Heavenly Parent
The scriptures are about God's dealings with His children. There are many senses of "children" in the writings of the prophets. One is the spirit children of God, or all those who are the sons and daughters of Adam and Eve, which includes everyone. Another refers to those who have made a covenant with the Lord, Jesus Christ. The "covenant people" are the "Children of Christ" as noted by King Benjamin:
And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you;
(Mosiah 5:7)
I think that spiritually it is similar. When we make a covenant with Christ and are "born again" we start a new life as an infant. Growth is slow.
Since Christ is our Father, He nurtures. He protects us and provides for us, as all fathers do for their children. He also gives us instruction. Part of this instruction is to correct and chasten us. He tells us the right way, and if we don't listen, He gets out the "hearing aid!" My friend's father had a paddle he had made with holes in it, and called it "the hearing aid." He spanks us when we're disobedient. He is a good Father -- using the "natural consequences" parenting style.
For behold, the Lord hath said: I will not succor my people in the day of their transgression; but I will hedge up their ways that they prosper not; and their doings shall be as a stumbling block before them.
And again, he saith: If my people shall sow filthiness they shall reap the chaff thereof in the whirlwind; and the effect thereof is poison.
And again he saith: If my people shall sow filthiness they shall reap the east wind, which bringeth immediate destruction.
(Mosiah 7:29-31)
Christ takes care of His own. He doesn't go into the house of another and start imposing His (albeit righteous) will on them. Those who are not in His family are not chastened, but rather those who are in His family -- His people.
In like manner, Christ just takes care of those who are spiritual infants. He nurtures and coddles them, not expecting anything of them. He cleans up their messes. They are only loved. However, as they grow, they can tolerate a little more instruction and correction. They will get "time-out's" and be allowed to suffer the consequences of their actions.
He doesn't use force, but does allow us to suffer the consequences of our disobedience. As noted above, "the Lord hath said: I will not succor my people in the day of their transgression..." His children only suffer the natural consequences of their actions so they can learn. He doesn't leave them. He asks, and then answers:
Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.
(Isaiah 49:15)
He is not an "absentee Father," but rather very hands-on, constantly leading, guiding, and instructing -- every step of the way. He does not let go or leave, but is there all the time. Even when I tell Him to "leave me alone, I want to do it myself," He stands by and waits for me to ask for help. And then He immediately intervenes on my behalf. He would never allow me to fall and get hurt -- if I ask for help. If I am hurt, it is because I don't look to Him.
Because of this, I am so grateful for His instruction. I stand all amazed at his love, His loving kindness, His individual instruction for me. I know I am nothing, compared to Him, and yet He takes the time to be with me, and help me to learn and grow. I know He loves me more than I can even understand. He is truly a Heavenly Parent!
And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you;
(Mosiah 5:7)
Babies
If we think about the word "begotten" in a physical sense, we automatically think of a fetus in the mother's womb, and then a baby is born, and then the child grows up slowly and methodically, learning little-by-little, his parents guiding him until he becomes a man -- independent, full of wisdom and knowledge, adept, able to care for himself and others so he can have a family and start the process again.I think that spiritually it is similar. When we make a covenant with Christ and are "born again" we start a new life as an infant. Growth is slow.
Since Christ is our Father, He nurtures. He protects us and provides for us, as all fathers do for their children. He also gives us instruction. Part of this instruction is to correct and chasten us. He tells us the right way, and if we don't listen, He gets out the "hearing aid!" My friend's father had a paddle he had made with holes in it, and called it "the hearing aid." He spanks us when we're disobedient. He is a good Father -- using the "natural consequences" parenting style.
His own children
People don't go into a neighbor's house and start trying to discipline their children. Parents discipline their own children. The Lord is no different.For behold, the Lord hath said: I will not succor my people in the day of their transgression; but I will hedge up their ways that they prosper not; and their doings shall be as a stumbling block before them.
And again, he saith: If my people shall sow filthiness they shall reap the chaff thereof in the whirlwind; and the effect thereof is poison.
And again he saith: If my people shall sow filthiness they shall reap the east wind, which bringeth immediate destruction.
(Mosiah 7:29-31)
Christ takes care of His own. He doesn't go into the house of another and start imposing His (albeit righteous) will on them. Those who are not in His family are not chastened, but rather those who are in His family -- His people.
His parenting style
He disciplines according to the need. A little baby is never spanked for making mistakes. Instead he is simply cared-for, cleaned-up, fed, and clothed by the parents. Babies are just loved, cuddled, and nurtured. As they grow, children can understand, tolerate, and even need more instruction. This may include some suffering, skinned knees, and so forthIn like manner, Christ just takes care of those who are spiritual infants. He nurtures and coddles them, not expecting anything of them. He cleans up their messes. They are only loved. However, as they grow, they can tolerate a little more instruction and correction. They will get "time-out's" and be allowed to suffer the consequences of their actions.
He doesn't use force, but does allow us to suffer the consequences of our disobedience. As noted above, "the Lord hath said: I will not succor my people in the day of their transgression..." His children only suffer the natural consequences of their actions so they can learn. He doesn't leave them. He asks, and then answers:
Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.
(Isaiah 49:15)
He is not an "absentee Father," but rather very hands-on, constantly leading, guiding, and instructing -- every step of the way. He does not let go or leave, but is there all the time. Even when I tell Him to "leave me alone, I want to do it myself," He stands by and waits for me to ask for help. And then He immediately intervenes on my behalf. He would never allow me to fall and get hurt -- if I ask for help. If I am hurt, it is because I don't look to Him.
The desire to grow up
I want to grow. I want to grow up to be just like my Father, and His Father, our Father in Heaven. I don't want to remain an infant, coddled, protected, and nurtured through all Eternity. I want to grow up and have my own family, teaching them the same way my Father taught me. I want to be like Him.Because of this, I am so grateful for His instruction. I stand all amazed at his love, His loving kindness, His individual instruction for me. I know I am nothing, compared to Him, and yet He takes the time to be with me, and help me to learn and grow. I know He loves me more than I can even understand. He is truly a Heavenly Parent!
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
For Thy Sake
As children we were told that we got spankings for our benefit. "I want you to know that this is going to hurt me a lot more than it will hurt you..." goes the saying as the father takes out a paddle. I never believed it -- however, now I have a different perspective.
God told Adam, after he ate the fruit, "cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee... In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat..." (Genesis 3:17-19)
Adam would get a spanking for his disobedience. He would go hungry. He would not always get a harvest. He would work hard to prepare the ground and plant, but the rains would sometimes hold back and only weeds would grow.
I believe the term, "for thy sake," means "for your benefit." There was something about the fall of Adam that required him to have sorrow, grow thorns and thistles, and to sweat. He needed that in order to return to God. God cursed the ground to help him.
The curse has helped me to see that it isn't really through my efforts that I have anything. I know for sure that I don't effect the changes in my status, either financially or otherwise. I can surely testify with Ammon, "I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things." (Alma 26:12)
The Apostle Paul expressed the same sentiment, "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Philippians 4:11-13) He knew how to take the bad with the good. He would be content with little, or much. He knew where his strength came from -- and it wasn't his own arm.
I now understand in my heart the reality that Job expressed, "Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." (Job 1:21)
It is the Lord that gives, and He takes away. Neither come through our own efforts. Blessedness is knowing that we are dependent on God. King Mosiah summarized the way to happiness in his speech to his people:
I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it. (Mosiah 2:41)
It is interesting to note that those who are not inclined to seek the Lord remain oblivious to their dependence on Him. They assume they have made all they have, and that they should enjoy the fruits of their labors. The ground is not cursed, it brings forth abundantly.
However, when one decides to follow the Lord, they get blessed with curses. This concept is so eloquently taught by the Lord to Moroni, "And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness." (Ether 12:27) It is only when people desire to know the Lord that they will become aware of their weakness.
It is the Lord that gives weakness, and He has a purpose in doing so: "I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." (Ether 12:27)
I know that I am nothing. I know that my own efforts are a drop in the bucket of God's blessings. I know that I am weak. I see my weakness. I know I was born naked, and I will leave just as naked. In between, I will be content with whatever the Lord gives to me, whether I live in want or plenty. I am so grateful that He "cursed my ground" and planted me in a poor spot of His garden. I am thankful for the "thorns and thistles." I have truly been blessed by His curse! I know He did it for my sake.
God told Adam, after he ate the fruit, "cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee... In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat..." (Genesis 3:17-19)
Adam would get a spanking for his disobedience. He would go hungry. He would not always get a harvest. He would work hard to prepare the ground and plant, but the rains would sometimes hold back and only weeds would grow.
I believe the term, "for thy sake," means "for your benefit." There was something about the fall of Adam that required him to have sorrow, grow thorns and thistles, and to sweat. He needed that in order to return to God. God cursed the ground to help him.
Cursed
I have been in a long time of planting and not seeing much growth. I try and try. I know the Lord has led me here, but my ground won't produce abundantly, in spite of all my efforts. I have gotten lots of "thorns and thistles" for all my sweat.The curse has helped me to see that it isn't really through my efforts that I have anything. I know for sure that I don't effect the changes in my status, either financially or otherwise. I can surely testify with Ammon, "I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things." (Alma 26:12)
The Apostle Paul expressed the same sentiment, "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Philippians 4:11-13) He knew how to take the bad with the good. He would be content with little, or much. He knew where his strength came from -- and it wasn't his own arm.
Blessed
However, through it all I have had sufficient for my needs. I have been able to do many other things such as travel, be with my children, build a really nice home, and so forth. The Lord has blessed my efforts, and has filled my needs.I now understand in my heart the reality that Job expressed, "Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." (Job 1:21)
It is the Lord that gives, and He takes away. Neither come through our own efforts. Blessedness is knowing that we are dependent on God. King Mosiah summarized the way to happiness in his speech to his people:
I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it. (Mosiah 2:41)
The curse is the blessing
The Lord cursed the ground of the Earth where Adam would dwell so that he could learn about his dependence on God. Without the contrast of the presence of God to understand our own nothingness, Adam and his children would assume that by our own power we obtain the things of the world -- and Heaven.It is interesting to note that those who are not inclined to seek the Lord remain oblivious to their dependence on Him. They assume they have made all they have, and that they should enjoy the fruits of their labors. The ground is not cursed, it brings forth abundantly.
However, when one decides to follow the Lord, they get blessed with curses. This concept is so eloquently taught by the Lord to Moroni, "And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness." (Ether 12:27) It is only when people desire to know the Lord that they will become aware of their weakness.
It is the Lord that gives weakness, and He has a purpose in doing so: "I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." (Ether 12:27)
I know that I am nothing. I know that my own efforts are a drop in the bucket of God's blessings. I know that I am weak. I see my weakness. I know I was born naked, and I will leave just as naked. In between, I will be content with whatever the Lord gives to me, whether I live in want or plenty. I am so grateful that He "cursed my ground" and planted me in a poor spot of His garden. I am thankful for the "thorns and thistles." I have truly been blessed by His curse! I know He did it for my sake.
Friday, October 11, 2013
Peace, be still!
Jesus Christ suffered for my sins. He paid the price. I woke up today knowing this in my heart. I saw it. I felt it. I know it. I feel so grateful for Him, that He would pay for me. I feel that I would do anything for Him. I love Him. I trust in Him. He is my Rock, and my salvation.
My heart is changing. I trust less in money and the things of the world. Instead, I put my trust in God to give me all I need. He has the power. He gives good gifts. He gives us times of plenty, and times of lean. I needed to learn this. I needed to put my trust in Him, to take Him as my Savior, to accept His offer of salvation, and bring it into my heart. I love Him. I am so thankful for His mercy and grace, that He would care enough for me to descend below all things and suffer for my sins. He loves me. I love Him because He loved me first. (1 John 4:19) He is the Rock. He is my salvation.
I know He did this individually for each of His children, because He loves them. "There shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent." (Mosiah 3:17) Money doesn't save. The love of man doesn't save. Things don't save. Friends don't save. Business doesn't save. Only He saves. He saves all who come to Him and seek Him and put their trust in Him. His greatest desire for all of the children of God is that they come to Him and be saved. Everyone can, if they will.
The tempest rages around me. My world falls apart, like Job. The foundations crumble. Whereas I was adept and self-sufficient, having everything I wanted, I am now weak. I have nothing. I am nothing. I can do nothing. All my efforts are useless. My friends and family have no power to help. Nobody I hire can help. My wife leaves and says I'm being irresponsible because I don't provide for my family. My children leave. I have no money. I have no home. My best friend died. My business is in a coma for years, and all my efforts are in vain to wake it. I go deeper in debt, and have no power to get out. I'm bankrupt in every way I can think of. I struggle with staff and patients, but mostly I struggle with just the sheer hopelessness of it all. Everything I have used as a foundation is gone, and I'm left with nothing but a storm raging around me and no shelter.
The Lord is with me, asleep. I wake Him. "Carest thou not that we perish?" He takes me into His house and says, "Peace, be still." And all the wind and hail stop. They just stop instantly. I can feel the storm no more. My situation hasn't changed, but I now have a different outlook. I have no worries. I have no cares. I can trust in Him and His grace and tender mercies. I no longer need money or a successful business, or a house, or friends, or a wife and children, or anything. I only need Him. He gives me peace in my heart.
The storm rages, but as He pulls me under His roof I see the crumbled foundations of my old, ruined house, built on the sand. He restores all things. This house is not of the world; it has a foundation in Eternity. He built and paid for it. It is a gift. I know in my heart that He already paid the price so I wouldn't have to. I only need Him because life is only in Him. Mercy. Grace. Love. Faith. Charity. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27) I can now witness for myself that His words are true! Peace through the Lord, Jesus Christ, is real!
My heart is changing. I trust less in money and the things of the world. Instead, I put my trust in God to give me all I need. He has the power. He gives good gifts. He gives us times of plenty, and times of lean. I needed to learn this. I needed to put my trust in Him, to take Him as my Savior, to accept His offer of salvation, and bring it into my heart. I love Him. I am so thankful for His mercy and grace, that He would care enough for me to descend below all things and suffer for my sins. He loves me. I love Him because He loved me first. (1 John 4:19) He is the Rock. He is my salvation.
I know He did this individually for each of His children, because He loves them. "There shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent." (Mosiah 3:17) Money doesn't save. The love of man doesn't save. Things don't save. Friends don't save. Business doesn't save. Only He saves. He saves all who come to Him and seek Him and put their trust in Him. His greatest desire for all of the children of God is that they come to Him and be saved. Everyone can, if they will.
The tempest rages around me. My world falls apart, like Job. The foundations crumble. Whereas I was adept and self-sufficient, having everything I wanted, I am now weak. I have nothing. I am nothing. I can do nothing. All my efforts are useless. My friends and family have no power to help. Nobody I hire can help. My wife leaves and says I'm being irresponsible because I don't provide for my family. My children leave. I have no money. I have no home. My best friend died. My business is in a coma for years, and all my efforts are in vain to wake it. I go deeper in debt, and have no power to get out. I'm bankrupt in every way I can think of. I struggle with staff and patients, but mostly I struggle with just the sheer hopelessness of it all. Everything I have used as a foundation is gone, and I'm left with nothing but a storm raging around me and no shelter.
The Lord is with me, asleep. I wake Him. "Carest thou not that we perish?" He takes me into His house and says, "Peace, be still." And all the wind and hail stop. They just stop instantly. I can feel the storm no more. My situation hasn't changed, but I now have a different outlook. I have no worries. I have no cares. I can trust in Him and His grace and tender mercies. I no longer need money or a successful business, or a house, or friends, or a wife and children, or anything. I only need Him. He gives me peace in my heart.
The storm rages, but as He pulls me under His roof I see the crumbled foundations of my old, ruined house, built on the sand. He restores all things. This house is not of the world; it has a foundation in Eternity. He built and paid for it. It is a gift. I know in my heart that He already paid the price so I wouldn't have to. I only need Him because life is only in Him. Mercy. Grace. Love. Faith. Charity. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27) I can now witness for myself that His words are true! Peace through the Lord, Jesus Christ, is real!
Friday, October 4, 2013
The call of a prophet
Isaiah talks about his calling thus:
In the year that king Uzziah died
I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple...
Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.
Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar:
And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.
Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.
And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.
(Isaiah 6:1-9)
I see a pattern in this:
The king dies
Isaiah sees the Lord and His majesty, and repents
Jesus Christ cleanses him with fire and the Holy Ghost
He volunteer for service
He is given a commission
As a metaphor, the king represents whatever part of the world we need for protection. This is commonly money, which is why Jesus spoke so often about money, comparing and contrasting the wealth of the world with the Kingdom of Heaven.
Money gives us a foundation for obtaining everything we need for life. Everything is for sale so money provides us with not just the necessities, but the luxuries as well. Having enough money makes life good, it gives us ease and comfort.
However, we must be careful: Jesus told the parable that included Abraham telling a man who was very wealthy in life, but suffering after death: "Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented." (Luke 16:25)
The foundation of money must be removed entirely in order to build on the Rock. This process is often grueling, requiring the loss of all things, like Job. Job lost his money, flocks, and even his children. Then, to add insult to injury his own wife tells him to "curse God, and die." (Job 2:9) Yet, he did not murmur or complain. All of his trust in wealth was removed.
This experience of Isaiah is not unusual. Once we are able to understand the greatness of God, we will understand our own nothingness as Moses stated after seeing the Lord and His creations: "Now, for this cause I know that man is nothing, which thing I never had supposed." (Moses 1:10)
After "they had viewed themselves in their own carnal state, even less than the dust of the earth," (Mosiah 4:2) King Benjamin also told his people what had caused them to see it: "...the knowledge of the goodness of God at this time has awakened you to a sense of your nothingness, and your worthless and fallen state..." (Mosiah 4:5)
Until we perceive the contrast, we are not truly humble, we can only have false humility. True humility is a full understanding of who we are in relation to God.
There is nothing we do to be clean, except humble ourselves and submit to the will of God. However, it's not what we do that brings salvation; it is Christ that cleanses us through the Holy Ghost. John the Baptist explained this concept, "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." (Matthew 3:11)
So, the coal from the altar represents the reception of the Holy Ghost from the presence of the Lord. Jesus explained to his disciples in the New World, "that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day." (3 Nephi 27:20)
The Lord called, and Isaiah answered. God's realm is a kingdom; not a democracy. We do what the King tells us, not seeking our own desires. President J. Reuben Clark Jr. said: "In the service of the Lord, it is not where you serve but how. In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, one takes the place to which one is duly called, which place one neither seeks nor declines" (in Conference Report, Apr. 1951, 154). We must be sure we are worthy, or ready, to accept a call when it comes, with the same words, "Here am I, send me."
Each prophet receives a specific commission from God. The Great Jehovah used the same words as Isaiah, as did Satan, "And the Lord said: Whom shall I send? And one answered like unto the Son of Man: Here am I, send me. And another answered and said: Here am I, send me. And the Lord said: I will send the first." (Abraham 3:27) Jesus was chosen, and received the commission to be the Savior of the World. And, because he wasn't chosen, Satan became the father of lies.
As the prophets are servants of the Lord, so is the calling of all servants. All who desire to serve God must go through the same steps to receive a commission and begin their mission. Missing any one will disqualify them. However, those who go through these steps are sent forth with power and authority, and are able to represent the Lord in their callings, like Isaiah.
In the year that king Uzziah died
I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple...
Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.
Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar:
And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.
Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.
And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.
(Isaiah 6:1-9)
I see a pattern in this:
The king dies
Isaiah sees the Lord and His majesty, and repents
Jesus Christ cleanses him with fire and the Holy Ghost
He volunteer for service
He is given a commission
Death of the king
Kings traditionally have two major rolls: 1. To order society and bring justice to the affairs of men, and 2. To protect the people. "Nephi, unto whom ye look as a king or a protector, and on whom ye depend for safety..." (2 Nephi 6:2) In an Earthly sense, the king is the savior of the people. Today, we look for different types of protection. We feel that money will protect us, for example.As a metaphor, the king represents whatever part of the world we need for protection. This is commonly money, which is why Jesus spoke so often about money, comparing and contrasting the wealth of the world with the Kingdom of Heaven.
Money gives us a foundation for obtaining everything we need for life. Everything is for sale so money provides us with not just the necessities, but the luxuries as well. Having enough money makes life good, it gives us ease and comfort.
However, we must be careful: Jesus told the parable that included Abraham telling a man who was very wealthy in life, but suffering after death: "Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented." (Luke 16:25)
The foundation of money must be removed entirely in order to build on the Rock. This process is often grueling, requiring the loss of all things, like Job. Job lost his money, flocks, and even his children. Then, to add insult to injury his own wife tells him to "curse God, and die." (Job 2:9) Yet, he did not murmur or complain. All of his trust in wealth was removed.
See the Lord
To "see" is to perceive or understand. We go through life mostly oblivious to the works of the Lord in our lives. We think we accomplish things, but really it is all about Him and His guiding hand. Suddenly, we are brought to see who He is, and how great, majestic, and wonderful He is. Before, we understood that God exists, but now we perceive Him as He is -- greater than all the Earth!This experience of Isaiah is not unusual. Once we are able to understand the greatness of God, we will understand our own nothingness as Moses stated after seeing the Lord and His creations: "Now, for this cause I know that man is nothing, which thing I never had supposed." (Moses 1:10)
After "they had viewed themselves in their own carnal state, even less than the dust of the earth," (Mosiah 4:2) King Benjamin also told his people what had caused them to see it: "...the knowledge of the goodness of God at this time has awakened you to a sense of your nothingness, and your worthless and fallen state..." (Mosiah 4:5)
Until we perceive the contrast, we are not truly humble, we can only have false humility. True humility is a full understanding of who we are in relation to God.
Cleansed with fire
Once we are truly humble, we can repent of all our sins, meaning we turn our hearts over to God. We no longer seek our own desires, but rather seek His desire for us in all things. Repentance is a process that ends in cleansing with fire and the Holy Ghost.There is nothing we do to be clean, except humble ourselves and submit to the will of God. However, it's not what we do that brings salvation; it is Christ that cleanses us through the Holy Ghost. John the Baptist explained this concept, "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." (Matthew 3:11)
So, the coal from the altar represents the reception of the Holy Ghost from the presence of the Lord. Jesus explained to his disciples in the New World, "that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day." (3 Nephi 27:20)
Volunteer
We must receive the Holy Ghost in order to have the Word of God in us. This is how we come to know what to do. "Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do." (2 Nephi 32:3)The Lord called, and Isaiah answered. God's realm is a kingdom; not a democracy. We do what the King tells us, not seeking our own desires. President J. Reuben Clark Jr. said: "In the service of the Lord, it is not where you serve but how. In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, one takes the place to which one is duly called, which place one neither seeks nor declines" (in Conference Report, Apr. 1951, 154). We must be sure we are worthy, or ready, to accept a call when it comes, with the same words, "Here am I, send me."
Receive a commission
When he volunteered, Isaiah was given a specific mission to preach things that would be hard for the people to understand because they had rejected the simple things. They were looking for "mysteries" without understanding and applying the basics. They didn't even understand the Doctrine of Christ! He told them all the words the Lord gave to him.Each prophet receives a specific commission from God. The Great Jehovah used the same words as Isaiah, as did Satan, "And the Lord said: Whom shall I send? And one answered like unto the Son of Man: Here am I, send me. And another answered and said: Here am I, send me. And the Lord said: I will send the first." (Abraham 3:27) Jesus was chosen, and received the commission to be the Savior of the World. And, because he wasn't chosen, Satan became the father of lies.
A Pattern of calling
Other servants of God have had similar experiences. Joseph Smith went through the same steps, seeing God, being humbled, being cleansed by the Holy Spirit, and then receiving a call to restore all things for the last days. Paul did as well. After seeing the Lord, Saul was blind and went to the house of Ananias for healing. The Lord told Ananias of Saul's commission even while he was still blind, "But the Lord said unto [Ananias], Go thy way: for [Saul] is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake." (Acts 9:15-16) The calling of a prophet seems to follow a similar pattern.As the prophets are servants of the Lord, so is the calling of all servants. All who desire to serve God must go through the same steps to receive a commission and begin their mission. Missing any one will disqualify them. However, those who go through these steps are sent forth with power and authority, and are able to represent the Lord in their callings, like Isaiah.
Servants
Servants are necessary to the work of God. He is in one place; He's the Rock -- He doesn't move. "He descended below all things" (D&C 88:6) in order to bring all of the children of God back into His presence. Then He "ascended into heaven, to sit down on the right hand of the Father." (D&C 20:24) He invites all to come to Him and be with Him. However, the actual work of bringing us to Him is done by servants.
The Lord is on a path, and He doesn't deviate from it. "For God doth not walk in crooked paths, neither doth he turn to the right hand nor to the left, neither doth he vary from that which he hath said, therefore his paths are straight, and his course is one eternal round." (D&C 3:2) He does not go off His course, literally or figuratively, because one of His children does. "God is no respecter of persons." (Acts 10:34)
Thus, instead of Him coming to us, we must come to Him. "Whoso repenteth and cometh unto me as a little child, him will I receive, for of such is the kingdom of God. Behold, for such I have laid down my life, and have taken it up again; therefore repent, and come unto me ye ends of the earth, and be saved." (3 Nephi 9:22)
The rich man burning in hell asked Abraham to send Lazarus, the beggar who died at his gates, to his family so they wouldn't suffer the same fate:
Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:
For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
(Luke 16:27-31)
The servants "Go... into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15) Those who desire to be in the fold of God will recognize His voice in His servants and follow.
For this reason, servants are essential to the work of God. His servants are sent out into the darkness, into the mists, into the great and spacious building, into all the darkest areas of the world and hell to bring the sheep back to Him. He doesn't go personally, He sends them. They are all, each one of them, a type of Him whom they serve. They follow Him, literally, and figuratively, by descending below to bring the lost ones home.
The hymn says it perfectly!
Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd, Hymn 221
Dear to the heart of the shepherd, Dear are the sheep of his fold;
Dear is the love that he gives them, Dearer than silver or gold.
Dear to the heart of the Shepherd, Dear are his 'other" lost sheep;
Over the mountains he follows, Over the waters so deep.
Out in the desert they wander, Hungry and helpless and cold;
Off to the rescue he hastens, Bringing them back to the fold.
Dear to the heart of the Shepherd, Dear are the lambs of his fold;
Some from the pastures are straying, Hungry and helpless and cold.
See, the Good Shepherd is seeking, Seeking the lambs that are lost,
Bringing them in with rejoicing, Saved at such infinite cost.
Out in the desert they wander, Hungry and helpless and cold;
Off to the rescue he hastens, Bringing them back to the fold.
Dear to the heart of the Shepherd, Dear are the "Ninety and nine";
Dear are the sheep that have wandered Out in the desert to pine.
Hark! he is earnestly calling, Tenderly pleading today:
"Will you not seek for my lost ones, Off from my shelter astray?"
Out in the desert they wander, Hungry and helpless and cold;
Off to the rescue he hastens, Bringing them back to the fold.
Green are the pastures inviting; Sweet are the waters and still.
Lord, we will answer thee gladly, "Yes, blessed Master, we will!
Make us thy true under-shepherds; Give us a love that is deep.
Send us out into the desert, Seeking thy wandering sheep."
Out in the desert they wander, Hungry and helpless and cold;
Off to the rescue he hastens, Bringing them back to the fold.
The Pattern
When Joseph F. Smith was pondering on the words of Peter, who spoke of the Lord visiting those who had died during the three days His body was in the tomb, he understood that "the Lord went not in person among the wicked and the disobedient who had rejected the truth, to teach them; But behold, from among the righteous, he organized his forces and appointed messengers, clothed with power and authority, and commissioned them to go forth and carry the light of the gospel to them that were in darkness, even to all the spirits of men; and thus was the gospel preached to the dead." (D&C 138:29-30) This is a pattern.The Lord is on a path, and He doesn't deviate from it. "For God doth not walk in crooked paths, neither doth he turn to the right hand nor to the left, neither doth he vary from that which he hath said, therefore his paths are straight, and his course is one eternal round." (D&C 3:2) He does not go off His course, literally or figuratively, because one of His children does. "God is no respecter of persons." (Acts 10:34)
Thus, instead of Him coming to us, we must come to Him. "Whoso repenteth and cometh unto me as a little child, him will I receive, for of such is the kingdom of God. Behold, for such I have laid down my life, and have taken it up again; therefore repent, and come unto me ye ends of the earth, and be saved." (3 Nephi 9:22)
The Lord's voice is through His servants
The way we do this is by listening to His servants. We may think that we would be more inclined to listen if an angel, or God Himself were speaking to us. However, what we don't understand is that there is no difference. If we don't recognize the word of God by His servants or the Holy Ghost, we will not accept it any other way. "Whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same." (D&C 1:38)The rich man burning in hell asked Abraham to send Lazarus, the beggar who died at his gates, to his family so they wouldn't suffer the same fate:
Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:
For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
(Luke 16:27-31)
The sheep listen
The Lord's sheep hear His voice as He said, "My sheep hear my voice..." (John 10:27) and will follow His servants to Him. It is the servants who speak His words, using His voice, "Whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same." (D&C 1:38)The servants "Go... into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15) Those who desire to be in the fold of God will recognize His voice in His servants and follow.
For this reason, servants are essential to the work of God. His servants are sent out into the darkness, into the mists, into the great and spacious building, into all the darkest areas of the world and hell to bring the sheep back to Him. He doesn't go personally, He sends them. They are all, each one of them, a type of Him whom they serve. They follow Him, literally, and figuratively, by descending below to bring the lost ones home.
The hymn says it perfectly!
Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd, Hymn 221
Dear to the heart of the shepherd, Dear are the sheep of his fold;
Dear is the love that he gives them, Dearer than silver or gold.
Dear to the heart of the Shepherd, Dear are his 'other" lost sheep;
Over the mountains he follows, Over the waters so deep.
Out in the desert they wander, Hungry and helpless and cold;
Off to the rescue he hastens, Bringing them back to the fold.
Dear to the heart of the Shepherd, Dear are the lambs of his fold;
Some from the pastures are straying, Hungry and helpless and cold.
See, the Good Shepherd is seeking, Seeking the lambs that are lost,
Bringing them in with rejoicing, Saved at such infinite cost.
Out in the desert they wander, Hungry and helpless and cold;
Off to the rescue he hastens, Bringing them back to the fold.
Dear to the heart of the Shepherd, Dear are the "Ninety and nine";
Dear are the sheep that have wandered Out in the desert to pine.
Hark! he is earnestly calling, Tenderly pleading today:
"Will you not seek for my lost ones, Off from my shelter astray?"
Out in the desert they wander, Hungry and helpless and cold;
Off to the rescue he hastens, Bringing them back to the fold.
Green are the pastures inviting; Sweet are the waters and still.
Lord, we will answer thee gladly, "Yes, blessed Master, we will!
Make us thy true under-shepherds; Give us a love that is deep.
Send us out into the desert, Seeking thy wandering sheep."
Out in the desert they wander, Hungry and helpless and cold;
Off to the rescue he hastens, Bringing them back to the fold.
Thursday, October 3, 2013
An Instrument in His Hands
I have often considered how to do good. It's so hard to define what is good. Paul says faith is required for goodness. "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." (Hebrews 11:6) Doing good comes through faith as we seek God.
Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men. (D&C 11:21)
Obtaining the word is specific to each moment, each day, each situation. What does the Lord want for this person? What does He want me to do in this situation? What is His vision? What does He want me to do NOW? As soon as we receive the word of God, the next step is to DO IT! We know we can do it because the Lord has commanded it.
"...the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." (1 Nephi 3:7)
Looking back I realize that I was completely blind to good and evil, right and wrong, righteousness and wickedness. I made decisions based on what I thought was right. I chose what I wanted to do based on my own understanding. Sometimes I chose right, and sometimes I picked the wrong way. I think if we know the options, and which is the best alternative, or the will of the Lord, we can always "choose the right." If, on the other hand, we are not aware of either what the options are, or which is good and bad, we are in a position to make mistakes.
God doesn't want us to randomly make choices, hoping we choose the right. He has given the way whereby we may make good decisions every time. I have lived my life assuming I know the will of God by choosing what felt right to me in the moment. I have always thought I should only ask God for things I cannot do myself, limiting myself to my severely rudimentary vision. I thought I was to be independent, doing everything on my own, asking God for help with what I couldn't do. I would try and do my best, however, now I know this is not His way.
There's the right and the wrong to ev'ry question; Be safe thru inspiration's pow'r." (Hymn 239:2)
The gift of the Holy Ghost is what gives us constant guidance to know what is right and what is wrong. Inspiration is the Holy Ghost telling us what God wants us to do in every situation. Good is the will of God. If we want to choose the right we must know the will of God. This is not the same as the witness of the Holy Spirit, or the light of Christ. The Spirit of God will bear witness of truth to one who is open to it. However, the Gift of the Holy Ghost is so much more -- it is the constant companionship of the Holy Spirit of God to tell us His will in ALL things!
"...If ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do." (2 Nephi 32:5) All means all and all is all all means.
We can become an instrument in His hands only when we are doing as He says, not just on Sunday, or occasionally, but every moment of every day. There is no division of time, space, energy, or effort. Our work is to do the will of God. We plow the fields according to His will. We watch the sheep according to His will. We buy according to His will. We build our houses according to His will. We work according to His will. We sleep according to His will. We vacation according to His will. We give according to His will. There is nothing we do that is outside of His jurisdiction.
The way we do this is to "check in" with Him constantly. Or, as Paul says, "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit." (Ephesians 6:18) There is no time when prayer is not appropriate! "Yea, and when you do not cry unto the Lord, let your hearts be full, drawn out in prayer unto him continually for your welfare, and also for the welfare of those who are around you." (Alma 34:27) If we "receive the Holy Ghost," and seek His will in all things, we will know what is right. At that point we can exercise faith by choosing to do it! This is what makes us an instrument in His hands.
Develop Faith
It is common to misconstrue faith to be synonymous with belief. However, faith is a belief in the word of the Lord. We can only really exercise faith if what we know what is His will. After we know, then we can seek what God wants, with a willingness to do whatever He asks.Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men. (D&C 11:21)
Obtaining the word is specific to each moment, each day, each situation. What does the Lord want for this person? What does He want me to do in this situation? What is His vision? What does He want me to do NOW? As soon as we receive the word of God, the next step is to DO IT! We know we can do it because the Lord has commanded it.
"...the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." (1 Nephi 3:7)
Choose the Right
Looking back I realize that I was completely blind to good and evil, right and wrong, righteousness and wickedness. I made decisions based on what I thought was right. I chose what I wanted to do based on my own understanding. Sometimes I chose right, and sometimes I picked the wrong way. I think if we know the options, and which is the best alternative, or the will of the Lord, we can always "choose the right." If, on the other hand, we are not aware of either what the options are, or which is good and bad, we are in a position to make mistakes.
God doesn't want us to randomly make choices, hoping we choose the right. He has given the way whereby we may make good decisions every time. I have lived my life assuming I know the will of God by choosing what felt right to me in the moment. I have always thought I should only ask God for things I cannot do myself, limiting myself to my severely rudimentary vision. I thought I was to be independent, doing everything on my own, asking God for help with what I couldn't do. I would try and do my best, however, now I know this is not His way.
The Gift of the Holy Ghost
"Choose the right! Let no spirit of digression Overcome you in the evil hour.There's the right and the wrong to ev'ry question; Be safe thru inspiration's pow'r." (Hymn 239:2)
The gift of the Holy Ghost is what gives us constant guidance to know what is right and what is wrong. Inspiration is the Holy Ghost telling us what God wants us to do in every situation. Good is the will of God. If we want to choose the right we must know the will of God. This is not the same as the witness of the Holy Spirit, or the light of Christ. The Spirit of God will bear witness of truth to one who is open to it. However, the Gift of the Holy Ghost is so much more -- it is the constant companionship of the Holy Spirit of God to tell us His will in ALL things!
"...If ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do." (2 Nephi 32:5) All means all and all is all all means.
Thy word is my command
Every word of God is a commandment to us, as Jesus taught, "man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God." (Luke 4:4) To receive the commandments of God is to do what He says in every situation, every moment, every thought, word, and deed! It isn't keeping "the ten commandments" or doing as Jesus did, except as He said: "For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me." (John 6:38) To do the will of God we must know the will of God in all things. This comes from the supernal Gift of the Holy Ghost.We can become an instrument in His hands only when we are doing as He says, not just on Sunday, or occasionally, but every moment of every day. There is no division of time, space, energy, or effort. Our work is to do the will of God. We plow the fields according to His will. We watch the sheep according to His will. We buy according to His will. We build our houses according to His will. We work according to His will. We sleep according to His will. We vacation according to His will. We give according to His will. There is nothing we do that is outside of His jurisdiction.
The way we do this is to "check in" with Him constantly. Or, as Paul says, "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit." (Ephesians 6:18) There is no time when prayer is not appropriate! "Yea, and when you do not cry unto the Lord, let your hearts be full, drawn out in prayer unto him continually for your welfare, and also for the welfare of those who are around you." (Alma 34:27) If we "receive the Holy Ghost," and seek His will in all things, we will know what is right. At that point we can exercise faith by choosing to do it! This is what makes us an instrument in His hands.
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