Venus Resurrects to Testify of Jesus

In the book of Revelation, this interesting description is offered, “I am the bright and morning star”.

Location: The Island of Patmos

Who was present? John and Jesus

Jesus taught John that even the planets in their motion, testify of Him. Did you know that Venus resurrects?  The Mayans did, and their famous Mayan Calendar is based on the 584 day Venus cycle. 

Right now, during the writing of this post, Venus is appearing after sunset each evening above the western horizon.  After nearly nine months of this behavior, Venus will die (disappear below the horizon) and then resurrect as a morning star in the east.  Venus will begin rising before the sun each morning for the next nine months.  

When will Venus resurrect this year? Approximately August 22, 2023  

During Jesus’s life, he often taught about signs of his pending death and resurrection.  Jesus mentioned the temple being destroyed and raised again after three days.  He also compared Himself to the lesson of Jonah (being buried under the waters, in the belly of the whale for three days).  Jesus taught his followers that His body would be buried in the Earth for three days.  

The lesson that Jesus taught John on the Island of Patmos, involved the planets and their respective movements through space.  Jesus taught John that Venus testifies of Jesus and His mission, by resurrecting every 584 days.

Happy Easter and Glory to God!

  

Events in the Heavens

Around the first of March, Venus and Jupiter will appear to narrowly pass each other in evening sky.  Both planets are lighting up the western sky each night as they journey towards each other.

The earth rolls upon her wings, and the sun giveth his light by day, and the moon giveth her light by night, and the stars also give their light, as they roll upon their wings in their glory, in the midst of the power of God.

Unto what shall I liken these kingdoms, that ye may understand?

Behold, all these are kingdoms, and any man who hath seen any or the least of these hath seen God moving in his majesty and power.

Glory to God!

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the gift of Eternal Life

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all thy ways honor Him (surrender to Him) and He shall make your paths straight.

How does He make our paths straight?   What does it mean to pray continually?

How do we give our hearts to Him?

We check in with Him multiple times during each day.  

What are we asking Him, during these special moments (when we offer a tiny prayer, while remembering Him)?  

We ask Him to lead us.  We ask Him, “how should I proceed?”  

Questions like: “I was thinking about doing the following…  what do You think Lord?”

Why do we ask Him these questions?  

We ask Him these questions, because we wish to learn His will.  We wish to learn how He would handle this specific situation, and then we follow His guidance.

As we continue asking and following Him, we become like Him.  We also begin walking the path with Him, “the way”, “the straight path”, “the narrow gate”.

Enter through the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the path that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  However, small is the gate and narrow the path that leads to life, and only a few find it.

He will lead us all the way there..  if we are wise enough to diligently seek His guidance, and humble enough to follow the path that He is setting before us.  Once we reach our destination, He will offer us the gift of Eternal Life, life with Him.

He is the giver of all good gifts.  Merry Christmas

Glory to Him!

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Removing the Hedge

How to receive guidance and direction from Heaven? 

How to have His spirit flow through you like rivers of living water?

Believe in Him and follow the righteous promptings He sends you. 

Believe in who? Jesus!

Jesus is the Way. We can do nothing without Him and everything with Him.

His Gospel is simple - the Gospel that was delivered by the Savior to His followers (in the scriptures) is simple! His followers are required to follow Him, they must strive to be like Him. In other words, following His examples, living their lives in the same manner that He lived His life (patiently, kindly, with long suffering and grace towards others, even enemies). Yes, His Gospel is simple and His yoke is easy.  

Common mistakes we perpetuate in this day of enlightenment: 

1. Allowing learned men, patriarchy, rules, laws, opinions, and lesson manuals to define Christ’s Gospel.

2. Assuming everything associated with religion, is “the Gospel”.  

During the time that Christ shared His sermons in person (AD 30-33) and again in our time (2022), a false doctrine corrupted the religions of the day. The false doctrine goes like this.. “a man or a group of men are needed for salvation”. Back in AD 30-33, the Jews falsely claimed they possessed the truth and authority to save. John the Baptist was sent to them, to prepare the people for the long awaited arrival of the Messiah, even Jesus Christ (the One who actually has authority to save).

The predominant patriarchal order of that day (the priests) hedged up the way, causing many church going folks to miss the mark and miss their opportunity for salvation. Many people were so focused on priestly authority, temple worship, and religious tradition, that they missed their chance to adore their Savior, to believe in and receive Jesus.

In our day, we also have groups of men claiming authority. We have organized religion with popes, priests, presidents and prophets. Once again, a false doctrine has corrupted the religions of the day. The false doctrine goes like this.. “a man or group of men is needed for salvation”. The Truth is this, Jesus is the Way! There is no president or pope that can save. There is only Jesus, He is the Savior. He Saves!

Don’t miss your chance to receive and believe in Jesus, just because a group of men want to hedge up the way, and put themselves Between you and your Lord - Between you and your Savior. The scriptures are clear on this, we are instructed to follow Jesus, and only Jesus. We are to follow Jesus, as He follows His Father in Heaven.  

In this life, there are many paths and many choices, however, there is only one Way, Jesus. If we want to arrive where He is (where Jesus dwells), there is only one path to follow, His path (His will for us). How do I learn of His will for me? Ask Him!  

Matthew 7: Enter through the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it, but small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life and only a few find it.

From John 7:38.. In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink! He that believes on me as the scripture has said: Out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water - but this spoke he of the spirit which they that believe on him should receive.

From John 15.. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

From Jeremiah.. For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.

From John.. Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water."

From John 14.. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

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The Chosen

Have you seen the new series about Jesus, “The Chosen”?

The show is all about Jesus and follows the New Testament very closely.  I truly enjoyed experiencing each episode from the first two seasons. 

This wonderful show is available for free via:

https://watch.angelstudios.com/thechosen

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Upcoming Venus Phases to watch for..

Venus is currently located in the morning sky (Northeast) rising just before the sun.  Venus has been a morning star for the past eight months.

Upcoming phases:  Venus will become absent from view around Oct 5, 2022.

Venus will be born in the evening sky in the Northwest around Nov 24, 2022.

Prime, the phase when Venus shines the brightest, begins around July
10, 2023.

Death, the phase when Venus plunges into the underworld, leaving the
evening western sky, begins around August 13, 2023.

Venus will remind us of Jesus and His important mission (of overcoming
death) on August 22, 2023.  Resurrection is the phase when Venus lives
again!

After eight days in the underworld, Venus resurrects, bright and
brilliant in the morning sky, in the Southeast, on August 22, 2023.

Glory to God!

www.earnestmormon.com

Jesus Calling

Each morning, I've been reading messages from Jesus in this wonderful book, and revisiting the meaning throughout the day, and again before bed.

The title of the book is: "Jesus Calling"

The author has written insightful messages for each day of the year.  Each message is supported with scripture.  I love the delivery, as each important lesson is received with power, as the reader receives instruction directly from Heaven.

Each message helps center and ground the reader in Jesus, to focus on Him, instead of the world.   An excellent spiritual resource by Author Sarah Young.

Here is a portion of the lesson from June 24th:

“Hold My hand and trust Me.  So long as you are conscious of My Presence with you, all is well.  It is virtually impossible to stumble while walking in the Light with Me.  You find the deepest fulfillment of your heart in Me alone.  Depend upon me.  In the world, dependency is seen as immaturity.  But in My kingdom, dependence on Me is a prime measure of maturity.”  

Available via Amazon: Jesus Calling: Large Deluxe Edition https://a.co/d/aSRI2U7

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Misplaced Trust in the arm of flesh

Within organized religion, worship and reverence meant for God, is often misplaced as leaders (presidents and priests) receive endless praise and adoration from each other, and their flock. Praise and worship are sacred.

Psalm 146:  Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, oh my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them, the Lord, who remains faithful forever. He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked. The Lord reigns forever, your God, oh Zion, for all generations. Praise the Lord. 

 

The scriptures are clear about praise and glory, both are meant for God!  Men are not supposed to lift themselves up, but are instructed to raise up God.  Men setting themselves up, or men promoting another man (a leader), as necessary, or required for salvation, is false doctrine!  Jesus is the way.  Jesus is the only One able to offer salvation! 

Man is expected to humble himself and to elevate God.  Many men elevate themselves, instead of God.  Those who exalt themselves, will be brought low.  Those who humble themselves and elevate God, shall be exalted. Worship is to be directed toward the heavens, towards God.  Worship is not for showering upon men or a man.  

Isaiah explains the rest... 

Soon the tribulations will begin and some people will find themselves turning to God as nations, not a few, are destroyed.  This final world war will be the war of all wars.  Many of the wicked will be destroyed by the king of Assyria as he conquers nation after nation and covers the earth like a flood.  Survivors will begin turning to God.  Eventually this wicked ruler will have taken the whole world by force, except for Zion, and the few survivors heading for Zion.

Zion is the place where God dwells on earth.  Zion is a sacred city, that is safe from the wickedness of the king of Assyria.  At that time, which is not far distant, the survivors will be heading for Zion, and trying to gain entrance into the city for safety.  These survivors will be known as “believers in God”.  There will only be two groups of people remaining, those who trust in God to save, and those who believe a man will save (the king of Assyria).  We already know which group will win the final battle, the people who trust in God, and wait for His return in Glory.

Putin’s war against Ukraine may be laying the groundwork for the king of Assyria to begin making his false treaties and taking over countries.  The world will learn the king of Assyria’s identity, once he begins consolidating his power among the wicked nations of the North, while destroying nations, not a few.  

 

www.earnestmormon.com

Happy Easter Glory to God!

 He Is Risen

Text: Cecil Frances Alexander, 1818 -1895
Music: Joachim Neander, 1650 -1680

But behold, the angels said unto them, why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, for He lives again!

1. He is risen! He is risen!
Tell it out with joyful voice.
He has burst his three days’ prison;
Let the whole wide earth rejoice.
Death is conquered; man is free.
Christ has won the victory.

2. Come with high and holy hymning;
Chant our Lord’s triumphant lay.
Not one darksome cloud is dimming
Yonder glorious morning ray,
Breaking o’er the purple east,
Symbol of our Easter feast.

3. He is risen! He is risen!
He hath opened heaven’s gate. 
We are free from sin’s dark prison,
Risen to a holier state.
And a brighter Easter beam
On our longing eyes shall stream.

4. Come with high and holy hymning;
God, our Father lives today.
If we hope to dwell in glory,
Just one path, He is the way.
Honoring His holy will,
Tis, truly how we bear His seal.

5. He is risen! He is risen!
He hath shown us how to live.
Turning to Him and believing,
Are the steps that we must give.
Holy, Holy, Holy Son,
Jesus the anointed One.

4th and 5th verses by a very close friend 2021

earnestmormon.com

His Name is Jehovah

What does Jesus mean when He says, “Follow Thou Me?”

Jesus is asking us to follow the many living examples that He provided during His mortal life. He was humble and kind. He was patient. Jesus fasted and prayed for guidance from his Father in Heaven. Jesus healed others. He helped the poor. He helped the widows and the fatherless. Jesus followed the will of His Father in Heaven. Jesus asked John for baptism, and was washed clean in the river Jordan. 

Jesus taught each living soul the importance of baptism, by entering the water with John and receiving of the ordinance for Himself. John baptized Jesus, meaning John buried Jesus under the water, laying His body down, and then brought Jesus back out of the water. 

The actions John and Jesus performed within the water were symbolic of what would occur three years later. Jesus would lay down his life, the Father of this Heaven and Earth, would sacrifice Himself, and die for all. 

After Jesus died and was buried within the Earth, Jesus triumphed over death and was resurrected back to life. Jesus appeared to many and explained that “He is the way”. In order to be saved, we must each follow Jesus and His will for us.  

If we desire to walk with Him, along His path, we must follow Him and His examples. We must live our lives, like Jesus lived His life. For how knowest thou the master whom thou hast not served?

He asks: follow me and honor my will.

He teaches: I am the way, the truth, and the life. I am the First and the Last.  My name is Endless and Eternal.

His name is Jehovah. Glory to God!

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Isaiah Explained

 "And now behold, I say unto you that ye had ought to search these things. Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently, for great are the words of Isaiah. For surely he spake as touching all things concerning my people which are of the house of Israel. Therefore, it must needs be that he must speak also to the gentiles (you and me). And all things that he spake hath been and shall be, even according to the words which he spake".

Up until now, very few have been able to understand the words of Isaiah and honor the commandment above, received from Jesus.  Avraham Gileadi, has devoted his life to studying and explaining Isaiah.  I have really enjoyed spending time studying and learning from Avraham's website.  The written text comes to life, coupled with insights from Avraham, as he shares the warnings and messages contained within.  

Isaiah highlighted events from long ago, to explain future events.  The time has finally arrived and the events are no longer future, but current events, beginning to take place, all around us.    

http://www.isaiahexplained.com/

All 66 chapters of Isaiah are listed, each containing extensive explanations and detailed historical background. There is so much information here, Be sure to check this out! 

There are four tabs in the menu, located above the 66 chapters of Isaiah. By clicking on the "Apocalyptic Commentary" tab, a wealth of information is available in analytical commentary format (each verse is broken down and explained in written text).  A voice recording is also available with insightful additional cultural and period background information, by clicking on the play button. 

We are rapidly approaching the glorious end times, and return of Jesus Christ as outlined within the scriptures!  There is wisdom in learning from the words of Isaiah, as we attempt to prepare ourselves and our families for the coming challenges and triumphs.   

www.earnestmormon.com

Venus Lives Again!

Venus has been hidden in the underworld for the past few weeks.  In December the planet Venus was shining brightly each evening, after the sun had set in the western horizon (an evening star).  

Near the end of December, Venus died and plunged into the underworld.

January 12, 2022 Venus was resurrected back to life! Venus now shines brightly in the east, each morning, before the sun rises (a morning star).

I find it truly wonderful that Jesus described Himself as the “Bright and Morning Star” and Venus follows an endless track through space, forever testifying of Jesus and His important mission.

A full Venus cycle as viewed from Earth takes 584 days to complete.  Said another way, every 584 days, Venus will return to the same place in its orbit as seen from Earth.  Some of the phases that Venus will travel through during the long journey include Birth, Death, and Resurrection.  To view Venus each morning, look towards the eastern horizon, Venus will appear to travel from the southeast to northeast for about 9 months, while rising before the sun.  

Eventually, Venus will shift and become an evening star.  Venus will become visible above the western horizon just after sunset.  The planet will appear to travel from the northwest to the southwest for about nine months, while setting each night after the sun.

Currently, Orion and Sirius are easy to locate each evening, rising from the east and the planet Jupiter is setting each evening in the west.  One of my favorite verses found in Job: Can you bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loosen the bands of Orion?

I like this one too from the D&C: The earth rolls upon her wings, and the sun gives his light by day, and the moon gives her light by night, and the stars also give their light as they roll upon their wings, in their glory, in the midst of the power of God.

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New Star in the Heavens

The planet Venus is shouting out Merry Christmas each evening with brilliant, sparkling light.  Located in the southwest skies, Venus chases the sun into the horizon fairly quickly each night, so be sure to watch for Venus right after sunset.  

Venus is brightest during the phase known as “Prime”, which is underway right now!  Many star gazers will be reminded of the new star that appeared and testified of Jesus Christ and His birth, two thousand years ago.  

Merry Christmas!  Wise men and wise women still seek Him today.

www.earnestmormon.com

Heavenly Offences

Jesus condescended (left His throne of Glory above and lived in flesh upon our fallen Earth).  During His time here, Jesus provided a lifetime of examples for each of us to follow.

Throughout the scriptures, Jesus outlined His instruction manual on how to become a saved man or saved woman.  As we study about His life and also develop personal relationships with Jesus, we draw closer to Him, and get to know Him better.  We learn from His examples in the written word, and more importantly, we receive of His guidance and instruction, which is available all day long, each and every day.  

Jesus is consistent and patient.  His message remains the same, He asks us to follow Him.  While living in the flesh, Jesus constantly sought for and followed His Father’s will!  Jesus set aside His glory, to save our fallen Earth, while also attaining to His resurrection by following closely the direction from His Father in Glory.  

Jesus becomes our Father in Glory, once we decide to follow Him, once we decide to follow His will for us.  Jesus saves!  He is the only way to salvation! 

Of the many living examples Jesus provided for us, I’ll mention a few..

While living here, in the flesh, Jesus made sure to always promote His Father in Heaven.  Jesus never made Himself the focus.  It’s hard to imagine Jesus creating a social media account for Himself.  Instead, Jesus taught others with His example of directing the praise and accolades towards Heaven, while remaining humble.

Jesus, held power over death.  His miracles were many, including healing a man born blind.  Jesus literally, walked on water.  He commanded the winds and waves.  He was patient, kind, long suffering and generous, while finding time to serve and teach all of humanity.

Jesus reminds each of us that self promotion didn’t work back then, and doesn’t work today.  He remains ever humble, patient and kind.  As we explore the individual direction that we receive from Him, we learn just how involved and concerned Jesus is with the details of our lives.  Glory to God!  Glory to Him!

A popular woe generating mindset from the time of Jesus, is prevalent again today, found in the practice of worshiping idols.  There is so much wealth and material available today, finding oneself entrenched in worshipping the wrong things (anything but Him) is an easy mistake to make and perpetuate.  

It was common back then (and now) for priests to elevate themselves, however, Jesus taught and teaches us, that all people are precious to God and to remember the importance of being meek, humble and teachable.

While photographs and selfies were not available two thousand years ago, the worship of idols was popular via different methods (statues and dolls).  

Today, the availability of potential idols for us to worship is staggering, while wealth and prosperity have become the norm.  Within the realm of social media, participants have an endless supply of photos and written text designed for the promotion and elevation of self.  

Even worse and more offensive than worshiping ourselves..  pictures adorn the walls of homes and churches, offering worship to leaders of religious organizations (the pope, the first presidency).

The following spiritual offense regularly happens..  a large gathering of believers are assembled together, awaiting instruction.  Parish members are sitting comfortably, waiting for the meeting to begin.  All of the sudden, their religious leaders begin to enter the room and everyone stands up, in an act of reverent adoration.  This awful scene is accepted and practiced within the culture of organized religion.

The act of worshipping a man or men is offensive in the sight of God!  This grave mistake involves misplacing one’s trust and worship, away from God, and directing it towards a man of flesh.  There are warnings located within the scriptures, in very clear language, concerning this offensive behavior. 

It would be dreadful if the folks who found themselves standing up, in adoration of a church leader, also find themselves forgetting to kneel in respect and reverence for the Lord of Hosts, the Father in Glory, during their personal prayers.   

Oh, what the heavens must be mourning about our culture.

www.earnestmormon.com

        

Lost Sheep Remnant on This Land

In September of 2017, specific instruction was given to folks interested in becoming His people (children of Christ)

“..Seek to recover the lost sheep remnant of this land and of Israel and no longer forsake them. Bring them unto me and teach them of my ways, to walk in them.”       T&C 158:11

May I ask..  what is being done to recover these two important groups?

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Venus @ Prime

Tonight, while gazing at Jupiter, Saturn and Venus, I witnessed the biggest shooting star of my life!  It was beautiful, bright and wonderful, Glory to God! The meteorite streaked across the night sky, in the same area occupied by all three planets.

Right now, and for the rest of 2021, Venus, Saturn and Jupiter will be easy to spot in the evening sky, shortly after sunset.  Venus is easy to locate in the southwestern sky, because its so bright!  Jupiter and Saturn are close by, while looking to the south. 

A post earlier this year (August) describes some of the phases of Venus.  

During December, Venus will continue growing in brightness and will remind many people of the new star that appeared and testified of Jesus and His birth just over two thousand years ago.  

Prime is the phase of Venus, when the planet is brightest.  At the age of thirty, Jesus was baptized by John, and spent the rest of His mortal life teaching people how to live.  For three years Jesus would grow in popularity as He shared His Father’s message, while performing many miracles and healings. And then, the unthinkable occurred, as Jesus, the One with power over death, surrendered Himself, a sinless offering, to satisfy the demands of justice.  Jesus died, and on the third day attained to the resurrection, and conquered death for all.

Venus, after reaching its brightest, and most brilliant phase, known as “Prime” will die and disappear from the night sky (in January of 2022).  Venus will hide in the underworld for 8 days, and will resurrect, as a morning star.  How interesting it is, that Jesus described Himself as the Bright and Morning Star, and Venus follows an orbit that testifies of Jesus and His mission here on Earth.

In January after becoming a morning star, Venus will continue rising each morning before the sun, while moving further north each day, for about 9 months.  Venus is a special planet, that will be forever linked with Jesus!

www.earnestmormon.com

 

 

 

 

Mother and Father in Heaven

Within the first few chapters of the Book of Mormon, father Lehi, shares his experience of “seeing” into the spiritual realm. Lehi’s vision of "the Tree of Life” is well known among the many splintered versions of the Church of Christ. A church that was restored and organized by Joseph Smith, in the year 1830.

Nephi, pondered and prayed concerning the “tree which his father had seen” as Nephi was interested in learning the meaning contained within his father’s vision. While praying, Nephi is taken into the spiritual realm, where he sees and learns much. Nephi records some of his experience with the spirit and expounds upon his father’s vision in great detail. 

Some helpful examples are shared as Nephi asked in faithful prayer “to see” what his father, Lehi, “had seen”. Fortunately for readers of the Book of Mormon, Nephi asked for and received the same wonderful vision as his father. Glory to God!  During our personal discussions with Jesus, if we are asking similar questions, in faith, we may expect to receive similar results. 

* Lehi and Nephi should be considered true “Seers” as they were able to witness events including the birth of Christ, (that would take place, 600 years later).

Nephi explains… And it came to pass that the spirit said unto me, Look. And I looked and beheld a tree, and it was like unto the tree which my father had seen; and the beauty thereof was far beyond, yea, exceeding of all beauty, and the whiteness thereof did exceed the whiteness of the driven snow. And it came to pass after I had seen the tree, I said unto the spirit, I behold thou hast shewn unto me the tree which is most precious above all. And he said unto me, What desireth thou? And I said unto him, To know the interpretation thereof.  

And it came to pass that he said unto me, Look. And I looked as if to look upon him and I saw him not, for he had gone from before my presence. And it came to pass that I looked and beheld the great city Jerusalem, and also other cities. And I beheld the city of Nazareth, and in the city of Nazareth I beheld a virgin, and she was exceeding fair and white. And it came to pass that I saw the Heavens open, and an angel came down and stood before me; and he said unto me, Nephi, what beholdest thou? And I said unto him, A virgin most beautiful and fair above all other virgins.

And he said unto me, “knowest thou the condescension of God”? 

In other words, the spirit was asking, “Nephi, do you understand this? The Father of this Heaven and Earth is going to condescend His glorious position above. Jesus is going to come down from the Seventh Heaven and save this fallen creation, by sacrificing himself, a perfect, sinless offering, to satisfy the demands of justice. Jesus will attain to the resurrection and lift this fallen creation, including everyone who will follow Him, out of the darkness and into eternal life.”

Nephi did not yet understand that Jesus, the Father of this Heaven and Earth, the Great Jehovah, would be laying aside His Glory, and descending into our fallen creation, His mission to save our fallen Earth.  

Nephi responded with…  I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things. And he said unto me, Behold, the virgin whom thou seest is the Mother of the Son of God, after the manner of the flesh. 

And I looked and beheld the virgin again bearing a child in her arms. And the angel said unto me, Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father. 

Knowest thou the meaning of the tree which thy father saw? And I answered him, saying, Yea, it is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore, it is the most desirable above all things. And he spake unto me, saying, Yea, and the most joyous to the soul.

And after he had said these words, he said unto me, Look. And I looked, and I beheld the Son of God a going forth among the children of men; and I saw many fall down at His feet and worship Him. And it came to pass that I beheld that the rod of iron which my father had seen was the word of God, which led to the fountain of living waters, or to the tree of life, which waters are a representation of the love of God. And I also beheld that the tree of life was a representation of the love of God

* Important to notice - Nephi saw the “Tree of Life” standing above the “Fountain of Living Waters” and both of them representing the love of God. How does a beautiful tree and fountain of water represent the love of God? 

Jesus and Miryam rule and reign together, They are known as Elohim, God, The Great Spirit, (Mother and Father in Heaven).  Jesus is Jehovah, Father, Peace, Alpha and Omega, The Great I Am, The Messiah. *Jesus describes Himself in scripture as “the Fountain of Living Waters”.  

Mary from Magdalene was known by Jesus as “Miryam”.  She was called “Miryam the Migdalah, the Beloved Companion”.  She is “the Tree of Life” and is described by Jesus, as “Tower of Strength” in the Gospel of Miryam (Gospel of The Beloved Companion).  Some meanings behind the symbol of the “Tree of Life”:  Mother, Wisdom, Love, Peace, Strength, Purity, Desirable Fruit, Eternal Life, Worlds Without Number. 

Together, Jesus and Miryam are Father and Mother of our Heaven and Earth. They reign in the High Heavens. They receive and answer the prayers that we offer, when we communicate with the Heavens. 

After Nephi’s wonderful experience, he returns home and explains the important symbolism contained within the vision to his family.

Miryam, also known as Mother in Heaven, is the wife of Jesus. She is mentioned in earlier posts (January of 2021 and December of 2020).  The Fall of our Heaven and Earth is mentioned in July of 2020.

* From Jeremiah: For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.

From John:  … Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water."

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Endurance in following Jesus

There is a difference between "waiting around" and "enduring to the end".  

Getting older and retiring should also include continued learning and personal growth.  Simply enjoying ourselves during retirement, while waiting around to die, is not enduring to the end!    

"Enduring to the end" is constantly working to overcome the natural man or natural women, within each one of us.  Learning to elevate the natural or carnal side of our humanity is the challenge.  How are we to obtain mastery over self?  Follow the Master!

In Nephi's farewell address, he teaches about the Doctrine of Christ (the straight path, narrow gate, and only way to eternal life).  There are three requirements for entrance into the gate or way of eternal life:

1 Repentance (turning towards God)
2 Baptism
3 Following Jesus

Nephi defines "enduring to the end" as constantly following the behavior of Jesus".  What are some of the examples that Jesus shared with humanity, by the way He lived His life? Patience, kindness and longsuffering.  Jesus also taught us how to follow the will of our Father in heaven.  These are the personal behaviors we should be attempting to exemplify. 

Let us find ourselves truly "enduring to the end", while drawing nearer and nearer to Jesus Christ.  He is the only way.  He is the One who is mighty to save.    

And now my beloved brethren, I know by this that unless a man shall endure to the end in following the example of the Son of the living God, he cannot be saved.  Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, this cause have they been shewn unto me: that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter.

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Jehovah the Redeemer of both deaths

 In the second book of Nephi, Jacob, the brother of Nephi, shares important truths concerning two deaths.  As we were born into this physical, fallen world, we understand that all things here are temporary.  All things in this physical existence decay and die, thus the first death.  Spirits are eternal, and existed before this physical heaven and Earth.  Spiritual death is death number two.  

Jacob explains that God will raise each of our physical bodies from physical death by the power of His resurrection.  This wonderful event will take place prior to the final judgement of this heaven and Earth.  We will stand before God to be judged of our works, and we will be standing in our physical bodies. 

Jesus completed His mission and attained to the power of the resurrection.  He has power over death and is able to save each one of us.  The resurrection of our physical bodies is possible because of Him.  Glory to God!

Our spiritual bodies are in much greater peril than our physical bodies as we now understand that our physical bodies will be perfected.  Our physical bodies will be repaired and perfected by Him, even Jesus Christ.

The spiritual body that lives within each of us, and enables our physical bodies to exist in this fallen physical experience, are eternal.  Our spiritual bodies will enjoy eternal happiness or eternal misery, long after this heaven and Earth pass away.

We (our bodies and our spirits) are part of this fallen heaven and Earth, because we are sons and daughters of Adam and Eve.  This fallen Earth is not like the other creations of God, which is why this one Earth has been termed a Telestial world by Joseph Smith.  The other worlds all fall into two categories, either Celestial or Terrestrial and both types of worlds have glory.

Our Earth has fallen, this knowledge is shared throughout our scriptures.  Glory here in our fallen world does not exist, except when Jesus, or one of His messengers visits our Earth and brings His glory with them.    

More about our fallen world available in a post from July 25, 2020.

Understanding the extent of our dire circumstances within this fallen state, Paul taught "we stand in jeopardy every hour".  Jacob explains that because we are here in this fallen existence, our spirits are located within everlasting death.  We are stuck in this fallen world and the only way to escape the fall is Jesus.  This is why Jesus taught this very simple and important truth: He is the way, the only way to life eternal.  

Jacob explains in very clear language, it is through the power of the atonement that Christ is able to save us from spiritual death, also known as everlasting death.  How do we access the atonement of Christ?  We turn ourselves towards Him, also known as repentance.  We ask for His mercy and forgiveness.  We follow Him into the waters of baptism.  We emerge from the waters clean and reborn.  We continue following His voice while trying to live as He lives - patient, kind and longsuffering.       

And remember after ye are reconciled unto God that it is only in and through the grace of God that ye are saved. Wherefore, may God raise you from death by the power of the resurrection, and also from everlasting death by the power of the atonement, that ye may be received into the eternal kingdom of God, that ye may praise him through grace divine. Amen.

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Proverbs Three Five through Six

The focus has been far too long on priestly authority!  Men and Women are equal before God.  The scriptures often quoted today, were translated within patriarchal societies, way back then.  Good grief, many are stuck within patriarchal religious societies even now!

Take Proverbs Three for example, this lovely lesson in scripture, should include both our Father and Mother in Heaven.  I read this proverb as:

Trust in Father and Mother in Heaven with all your heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding.

In all thy ways honor and acknowledge Them, and They shall direct thy paths and make them straight.

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To whom does Jesus offer the promise of Zion in America?

Are the gentiles (you and me) given the promise of reaching Zion, in the scriptures?

The Book of Mormon, in very clear language promises protection in the land of America to those who worship the God of this land, even Jesus Christ.  In Second Nephi, Jacob, the brother of Nephi, teaches us about Zion and how to participate in the pending holy city of Zion, while living in the flesh.  There are a few interesting requirements outlined by Jacob, regarding Zion:

2. But behold, thus saith the Lord God: When the day cometh that they

 (they being the descendants of the children of Lehi, who left Jerusalem, who were of the House of Israel and journeyed to America, also known as ancestors of the American Indians) shall believe in me, that I am Christ, then have I covenanted with their fathers that they shall be restored in the flesh upon the earth unto the lands of their inheritance. And it shall come to pass that they shall be gathered in from their long dispersion, from the isles of the sea, and from the four parts of the earth... 

...But behold, this land, saith God, shall be a land of thine inheritance (children of Lehi = American Indians) and the gentiles shall be blessed upon the land. And this land shall be a land of liberty unto the gentiles...     ...and I will fortify this land against all other nations. And he that fighteth against Zion shall perish, saith God, for he that raiseth up a king against me shall perish. For I the Lord, the King of Heaven, will be their king, and I will be a light unto them forever that hear my words.    

4. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, thus saith our God: I will afflict thy seed (children of Lehi in America = American Indians) by the hand of the gentiles; nevertheless, I will soften the hearts of the gentiles, that they shall be like a father to them. Wherefore, the gentiles shall be blessed and numbered among the house of Israel.  

Did you catch that?  In order to be blessed and numbered among the house of Israel, the gentiles would need to soften their hearts and be like a father unto the children of Lehi in America (American Indians).

Wherefore, I will consecrate this land unto thy seed (children of Lehi = American Indians) and they who shall be numbered among thy seed, (gentiles if they meet the requirements for being numbered among the children of Lehi and the House of Israel) forever, for the land of their inheritance; for it is a choice land, saith God unto me, above all other lands. Wherefore, I will have all men that dwell thereon that they shall worship me, saith God. 

Near the end of the Book of Mormon similar instruction is given in 3rd Nephi, 

But if they (the gentiles) will repent, and hearken unto my words, and harden not their hearts, they shall come in unto the covenant and be numbered among this the remnant of Jacob, unto whom I have given this land for their inheritance.

It appears in our present time, the children of Lehi have been entirely forgotten.  The majority of Christian religions have never learned of the prophecies contained within the Book of Mormon.  Surprisingly, the several surviving Mormon faiths (the folks who read the Book of Mormon), seem to have lost all interest in assisting the descendants of the children of Lehi.  In the year 2021, I'm having a hard time finding proof of any significant effort or support directed towards this special group of people.  

Are the children of Lehi and these Zion prophecies even part of the current doctrine and lesson material?  We are forgetting the steps of becoming numbered among the House of Israel, while assuming that numbering has already taken place.  We incorrectly believe that we are the Lords chosen people!   

A warning is given in the previous chapter of 2nd Nephi: And woe unto the deaf that will not hear, for they shall perish. Woe unto the blind that will not see, for they shall perish also.  These Zion prophecies and requirements are written plainly in the Book of Mormon.  We have had this information since the year 1830.  Talk about not seeing and not hearing!    

And behold we are forgetting the most important detail, to whom this land of America and the holy city of Zion has already been given (our Lord has already covenanted to give this land to the children of Lehi, also known as the American Indians).  In regards to Zion, our job is one of humble assistance.  We are not the main event!    

https://scriptures.info/scriptures/bofm/2nephi/7


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Do I need a Savior?

A wise father shared with his son the importance of finding Jesus Christ. The father had experienced much joy and sorrow and knew that his time here in this fallen world would soon be coming to an end. The father explained.. 

All men and women are created with a light inside of themselves. This light is a way for each person to know whether something is good or evil. Men and women are able to know with each choice they make, if the choice will bring them closer to the light, and to heaven, or closer to the darkness of hell. To ignore this built in light, and make choices without the guidance of heaven is spiritual suicide. Father in Heaven, who knows all things, past, present, and future, has the direction we seek. He is awaiting our invitation and desires to discuss our future. Oh, that we may remember to ask for His insight and remember to listen for His response.   

The law from Heaven has been given, and continues to be delivered throughout each situation and interaction each person experiences. If heeded, the light mentioned above continues guiding each person back into the Father's presence.

Each of us will make a choice that turns our progress away from God. Remember to turn again towards God and continue following His voice and guidance.

Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah, for He is full of grace and truth. Behold, Jesus offereth himself as a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered. 

Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah (Jesus Christ), who layeth down his life according to the flesh and taketh it again by the power of the spirit, that He may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise. Wherefore, Jesus is the firstfruits unto God, inasmuch as He shall make intercession for all the children of men, and they that believe in Him shall be saved. 

And because of the intercession for all, all men come unto God. Wherefore, they stand in the presence of Him, to be judged of Him according to the truth and holiness which is in Him.  All will rise after this life, to stand before Jesus and be judged of Him, whether their works have brought them closer to Him, or closer to the darkness.

So, yes, I desperately need a Savior. We all do. Glory to God!

Praises be thine Father Jehovah! 

His Gospel is simple, believe in Him, forsake your sins by turning to Him, be baptized in His name. Try to be like Him, and keep making choices that bring you closer to Him.

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I am the Bright and Morning Star

Jesus Christ is known by many descriptive and wonderful titles including Ego Eimi, The Great I Am, The First and the Last, Son of a Carpenter, Alpha and Omega, Bread of Life, The Way, the Truth and the Life, YHWH, The Fountain of Living Waters, Immanuel, which means “God is with us”, Jehovah, Father, Messiah, Galilean from Nazareth and many more.

In the Book of Ether, verse 19 Jesus describes himself as the Creator of our Heaven and Earth:

I am the Father. I am the light, and the life, and the truth of the world. Come unto me, O ye gentiles, and I will shew unto you the greater things, the knowledge which is hid up because of unbelief.

https://scriptures.info/scriptures/bofm/ether/1

A less known description for our Father in Heaven was given to John on the Island of Patmos, Revelation 22:16. In the last book of the New Testament, Jesus testifies of Himself in a most interesting way “I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star”.

Why would the Savior of our fallen world, compare himself to a lonely planet known as Venus?

I was surprised to learn that Jesus was teaching John about the organization of our Solar System. It makes sense that Jesus would share knowledge of His creations with John, in the same way He taught Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Nephi, Joseph Smith and others.

Jesus was teaching John that Venus, while following an endless track through space, an eternal round of orbiting the Sun, a pattern of movement that was ordered by Jesus in the beginning, is continually testifying of Christ’s Birth, Life, Death, and Resurrection.

Can this be true? Have astronomers (scientists) actually named the different phases of Venus after monumental moments within the life of Jesus from Galilee?

It’s true! The following picture was received with permission from a friend named John Pratt (an astronomer).



Venus is the brightest object in our night sky after the moon. Venus is called “the morning star” because the planet rises in the East just before the morning Sun. Venus is called an “evening star” because Venus also follows the setting Sun into the western horizon. Either way, in the morning or in the evening, the planet is only visible for a few hours because the rising Sun hides Venus in the morning. In the evening, Venus is hidden by the horizon while chasing the setting Sun.

Venus spends 263 days as a morning star, or viewable before the sun rises. Venus also blesses our skies for 263 days as an evening star, or viewable after the sun sets. There are about 58 days when Venus is hidden from view. The complete cycle of Venus takes place over 584 days, 263 + 58 + 263 = 584. Official term: the synodic period is the time Venus takes to be seen again from the Earth in the same position with respect to the Sun, this period takes 584 days.

Is there a difference in brightness between Venus as a morning star, and Venus as an evening star? The brightness changes as Venus slowly travels through the cycle.

This special planet is born in the western sky just after sunset. Sunset is also the beginning of the Sabbath day. The first phase of Venus is known as “Birth” and the planet appears dimly in the evening sky in the cardinal direction of west. Venus is dim at first and grows in brilliance over the next 263 days. The birth of Jesus took place in the town of Bethlehem, with very little fanfare. Jesus and His earthly parents were known well in the Heavens, and hardly noticed by the majority of those living on the Earth. After the birth of Jesus, Joseph and Mary took their special baby south and west to Egypt. The Birth phase of Venus is easy to miss as the planet appears in a northern location of the western sky, just after sunset and travels further south each night.

Right now, (August 6, 2021) Venus is easy to locate in the western sky each evening. Venus was “born” earlier this year (late April) and is slowly traveling a little further south each night, while increasing in brightness. Currently, Venus is representing the time is His life while Jesus was growing up as a tender plant. Eventually the brightness of Venus will reach “Prime”, which is representative of the Savior’s ministry. Our Savior spent three years preaching His Gospel message, starting with His baptism from John (son of Elizabeth and Zacharias). During this time, He continued growing in popularity as the truth of His beautiful message was shared and accepted, including His ability to perform healings and miracles.

After “Prime” Venus quickly descends and is hidden in the underworld, at “Death”. When Jesus died the Earth was covered in darkness and He shared His message with those who had died and were in darkness without Him.

We endure about 8 days of darkness without Venus. Suddenly, bright, and brilliant in the East, Venus appears in a southern location of the eastern sky as a morning star. The “Resurrection” of Venus takes place in the East, in the morning and is very symbolic of the Savior, His victory over death and His return in glory, which is close at hand.

Following Venus and the ordered movements that testify of Christ may prove to be a meaningful way to remember our wonderful Lord, who described Himself as the Bright and Morning Star.


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Do you bring heaven with you?

According to Emmanuel Swedenborg in his book concerning heaven and hell, Emmanuel explains that Jesus, the Father of this heaven and earth, is responsible for creating heaven.  As light and purity emanates from Jesus, heaven is created in the space surrounding our savior.  All the angels receive a portion of heaven directly from Jesus.  If Jesus visits a new place, He brings heaven with Him, wherever He goes.   

When Jesus returns to this earth and dwells among the righteous followers, heaven will be created here on earth.  That place will be called Zion.  All the earth will be consumed in death, chaos, war and commotion.  People will find themselves fleeing towards safety and the only place of refuge remaining will be known as Zion.  The survivors of that day will flock to the holy city, where Jesus will be.  What are the requirements for entrance into His city?  We must be like Him: patient, kind, and longsuffering.  

Do you take heaven with you, where you go?  Does you home feel like heaven when you are there?

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spiritual requirements

I've been enjoying the study of the full Joseph Smith History, which is available online at the following link:    

https://scriptures.info/scriptures/tc/jshistory

in part thirteen of the history, Oliver receives his own second comforter experience as he hears the voice of Jesus, "Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.  Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet."

in the same revelation, Oliver is instructed to "ask" that he may know the mysteries of God.  

In part fourteen, Joseph Knight and Hyrum Smith receive kind instruction directly from Jesus Christ, concerning how seekers of Zion should behave:

..Behold, I speak unto you and also to all those who have desires to bring forth and establish this work, and no one can assist in this work except he shall be humble, full of love, having faith, hope and charity, being temperate in all things whatsoever shall be entrusted to his care.

..And now verily, verily I say unto you, put your trust in that spirit which leads to do good, yea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously; and this is my spirit.  Verily, verily I say unto you, I will impart unto you of my spirit which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy, and then shall you know, or by this shall you know, all things whatsoever you desire of me which is pertaining unto things of righteousness, in faith, believing in me that you shall receive.

https://scriptures.info/scriptures/tc/jshistory/14

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Let us be like Christ

I recently encountered an internet troll.  A more accurate description would be "someone acting like Saul before his conversion".

Prior to his vision of Jesus and spiritual conversion, Saul was found persecuting the humble believers of Christ.  Once converted, Paul became an awesome force for Jesus.  Do not be like Saul, (controlling, devilish, mean spirited).  Instead, be like the Master whom we hope to serve, be like Jesus Christ (patient, kind and humble).

https://scriptures.info/scriptures/nt/acts/12

And it came to pass that as I made my journey, and had come near unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from Heaven a great light round about me. And I fell unto the ground and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? And I answered, Who are you, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you persecute. And they that were with me saw indeed the light and were afraid, but they heard not the voice of him that spoke to me. And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise and go into Damascus, and there it shall be told you of all things which are appointed for you to do. And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.

And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews who dwelled there, came unto me, and stood and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive your sight. And the same hour, I looked up upon him. And he said, The God of our fathers has chosen you, that you should know his will and see that Just One, and should hear the voice of his mouth; for you shall be his witness unto all men of what you have seen and heard. And now why do you delay? Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

And it came to pass that when I had come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance and saw him, saying unto me, Make haste and get yourself quickly out of Jerusalem, for they will not receive your testimony concerning me. And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue those that believed on you. And when the blood of your martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him. And he said unto me, Depart, for I will send you far from here unto the gentiles.

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A Beautiful Moonrise at Sunset

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Last night while hiking, I witnessed true beauty.  The full moon was slowly rising above mountains in the eastern sky while the sun was slowly setting above mountains in the western sky.

I was heading north across a ridge near twilight.  As I looked to the west, the sun was nearly setting.  The moon and the sun each occupied the same amount of space in the sky.  Each sphere also located the same distance above the horizon, one rising and the other setting.  The full moon was located to my right and the full sun was located to my left.  I stood in awe, between these two heavenly bodies, which represent our Mother and Father in Heaven.

https://scriptures.info/scriptures/tc/section/86

The earth rolls upon her wings, and the sun gives his light by day, and the moon gives her light by night, and the stars also give their light as they roll upon their wings, in their glory, in the midst of the power of God.

Unto what shall I liken these kingdoms that you may understand? Behold all these are kingdoms, and any man who has seen any or the least of these has seen God moving in his majesty and power. I say unto you he has seen him. Nevertheless, he who came unto his own was not comprehended. The light shines in darkness, and the darkness comprehends it not. Nevertheless, the day shall come when you shall comprehend even God, being quickened in him and by him. Then shall you know that you have seen me, that I am, and that I am the true light that is in you, and that you are in me; otherwise, you could not abound.

from the Book of Enoch: "Those who sleep not bless Thee, they stand before Thy glory and bless, praise, and extol, saying, Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of Spirits.  Blessed be Thou and blessed be the name of the Lord forever and ever!"

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The Light Between Us

Along with many, I believe that our spirits/souls continue learning and progressing long after the death of our physical bodies.  There is reason and purpose, established long before the creation of our heaven and Earth.  There are lessons for each of us to learn, and loyalty for each to prove.  

In this life, we are constantly making choices.  In order to walk with Him, we need to be like Him.  We need to make choices that bring us closer to Him, instead of choices that move us away from Him and into the darkness.  We have a perfect example to follow in Jesus Christ.  He has asked each of us "to hold up His light".  How do we do this?  

His many examples of love, kindness and patience are precisely His message and exactly what constitutes "His light".  Jesus is the "light" and life of our heaven and Earth.  What does Jesus ask people to do?  

To follow Him!  He is asking each of us to be like Him, to act like Him (using love, kindness and patience) and follow His guidance, which is constantly available to each of us.  In order for us to become like Him, we need to be found listening for His instruction and emulating Him, while making our decisions each day.  

Our spirits existed for eons, before this physical world was created and our spirits will continue living for eternity.  Our time dwelling on this fallen, temporal (temporary) physical world is exceptionally short, when compared with the vast amount of time we spent, getting ready to come here and prove ourselves.

This physical test is tough, refining the willing participants into spiritual children. Many of us have trouble finding the correct path, as the gate is straight and the way is narrow that leads to eternal life.  In order to receive our spiritual Father, each must choose to abandon the natural men and women tendencies that are so inherent with the fleshy bodies we each have received.  Our flesh is the yoke that holds us here in this telestial (fallen) world.  Our flesh also veils the glory of our spirits. 

Even though we may understand these concepts, diligence and effort is required every hour, according to Paul, (because our souls are in peril) as death and decay are constantly attacking life and growth.  The dark side continues their rebellion, in opposition to our Father's will.  The wicked choose darkness, instead of light.  Satan desires to sift each one of us as wheat, yet take courage, Jesus prays for us and supports each one of us.  Jesus explained to me that "All flesh is in His hands".  

Physical death is only a temporary separation between us, "here", and the ones we cherish, "located on the other side of the veil".  While we are here in this condensed physical experience, the grief and loss associated with losing someone close to us, is very real.  After losing a loved one to physical death, the grief experienced seems almost too much to bear.  The pain and suffering is real.  At some point we will see our loved ones again, however the struggle without them, can be daunting.  Finding the courage and strength required for living each new day (without them here in our physical world) is easier when looking to Jesus, our Messiah.  He is the way.  He is the Great Spirit, the Creator.  He conquered death.  He is the only one offering salvation and He allows us to be reunited with our loved ones once this temporary, physical experience ends.  Glory to God!  I am so looking forward to seeing my loved ones again!

I recently read a great book called: "The Light Between Us".  I found help and healing within the book, in addition to light and love.

The Light Between Us: Stories from Heaven. Lessons for the Living. Book by Laura Lynne Jackson


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Holding on to Christ

How are we to lay hold upon every good thing?

According to Mormon, all of the good available in this fallen world, comes from Jesus Christ.  Therefore, In order to lay hold upon every good thing, we must put our faith in Jesus Christ.  Mormon explains that our faith in Jesus, allows us to become His sons and daughters.  We must lay hold upon every good thing, by holding on to Christ.

https://scriptures.info/scriptures/bofm/moroni/7

According to Mormon's son, Moroni, Faith, together with Hope, and Charity, become the fountain of all righteousness.  "And I will shew unto them (the Gentiles) that faith, hope, and charity bringeth unto me, the fountain of all righteousness."

https://scriptures.info/scriptures/bofm/ether/5

Moroni also shares an epistle from his father, Mormon and reviews the importance of the fountain of all righteousness in the Book of Moroni:

Our Faith is to be centered in Jesus Christ.  We are to Hope in the Eternal Life, offered by Him.  We must have Charity, if we desire to be purified by Him.  In other words, we must become like Him.  Charity is the pure love of Christ and the greatest of all:

https://scriptures.info/scriptures/bofm/moroni/7

And if a man be meek and lowly in heart, and confesses by the power of the holy ghost that Jesus is the Christ, he must needs have charity. For if he have not charity, he is nothing; wherefore, he must needs have charity. 

And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all. For all things must fail, but charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth for ever. And whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with them. 

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified, even as he is pure.  Amen.

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