When faith is properly understood, it has far reaching effects. Symphony of joy and happiness. Exercise of faith is vital to happiness. Faith in JC is central to salvation. Faith in prophets. Truly, faith is a principle of action and power. Faith is a building block of creation. JC exercised faith under the direction of HF.
Faith in the future is demonstrated by a couple sealed in the temple. When challenges come, they will find ways to overcome them.
We become what we want to be by being what we want to become. We change by doing. Righteous character is the most valuable. It is more important than anything else. How well did we use this priviledge of mortality. Only you can destroy yourself through disobedience.
Transgression erodes character. We must make consistant right choices. When acted upon, our faith will be confirmed.
Faith is based on trust in god... on obedience to his commandments... sensitivity to HG... courageous implementation of promptings of HG... Faith is things hoped for and not seen. You will not get a witness until after a trial of faith. Each time you try your faith, you will receive confirmation of the spirit. You will be lead to solutions. God will not always reward you immediately, but according to his eternal plan. Be thankful that sometimes god lets you struggle for a long time. That causes your faith to increase and your character to grow.
Worthy character will help you recognize and obey the spirit. Making JC central lays a good foundation. Your happiness and salvation requires many correct decisions. Eroding influences of sin and transgression... carefully craft your character.... it is an object of great beauty and priceless worth, but it can be damaged in an instant. It can endure for eternity. Material things do not produce happiness or lead us to exaltation. Inner strength gives life direction. Inner power can be permenantly resistant to sin and transgression. Obedience strengthens your character; a measure of your progression.... you get what you pay for... it's true for spiritual matters as well.
Testimony is not emotion; it is the essence of character made out of correct decisions. A strong testimony gives peace and comfort. Obedience.... testimony grows from understanding truth... nurtured by living those truths with faith... secure confidence that promised results will be obtained.
Satan causes havoc. The devil will not triumph. He can't take anything away from us. He cannot quench faith or take away testimony. He has no power in and of himself to destroy us.
God causes faith to mold character... strong character is consistent correct choices. The more your character is fortified, the more you have the power of faith.
Four principles for peace and happiness:
Faith in lord JC
Repentance
Obedience
Selfless Service
Don't become discouraged. Hold tightly to the rod. May the HG prompt you to make good decisions.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Neil Andersen
Faith and courage in your lives. It's a remarkable but challenging time. We have dangers ahead. Take heed. Beware, lest ye be deceived. No one is immune from the influences of the world. Disciples who followed the savior would not accept that he was the son of god. Will ye also go away?? Absolutely not, not me, I will never leave him.
The question makes us think about our own vulnerability. Life is no spiritual picnic. We get baptised with joy and anticipation... we take his name upon us. We don't want it to be brief. The road of discipleship is not for the faint of heart. Whosoever will come after me, take up his cross and follow me. There are challenges as we follow the savior. These refining experiences bring a deeper devotion.
Some we love and admire slip from the straight and narrow. How do we stray? How do we develop strength? Become as a little child. Believing heart.... submissive... meek, humble, patient. This is the mighty change of heart.
Two words signal danger ahead: offended and ashamed. Doth this offend you? Offense comes in many costumes. When we are disappointed or unanticipated difficulties or we make mistakes and feel unworthy. We learn of something spoken 150 years ago and it bothers us. We are ignored or underappreciated. Each very real to us at the time (OMG, are we minimizing doctrinal issues???).
When Parley Pratt in 1835, he was judged unfairly. JS counselled that he walk it under his feet. In 1830, Fredrick Williams was baptised. He gave and became a leader. In 1837, he made serious mistakes. In consequence, his former standing was taken away from him. Whatever his personal weaknessess, he renewed his loyalty to the lord. In 1840, he asked forgiveness. He was forgiven.
Offended has a corrosive companion called ashamed. The tree of life vision speaks of noble souls who get to the tree of life, then are ashamed at the mocking of the people in the great and spacious building. Finger of SCORN. The mocking represents the pride and wisdom of the world. Nephi heeded them not, but other's courage faltered. They were ashamed and were lost. As disciples of christ, we stand apart from the world. We may feel uncomfortable. Monson warns that our testimony must be firm otherwise we can't withstand challenges. Heed them not. God hath not given us the spirit of fear. We never leave the lord.
In Ukraine, being public with faith took courage. It could mean difficulty, including losing his job. Go forward with faith, unashamed of the gospel.
Do I have to be so different? Can't I love Christ without keeping the law of Chastity?? DO I have to go to church on Sunday? If you love me, keep my commandments.
As members, given so many blessings, we cannot compare what we are to those who are given less.
The lord said, thou mayest chose for thyself. As you chose not to be offended, you will feel his approval. Will we understand everything?? No, put it on the shelf.
I'll never forsake! Perfection does not come in this life, but exercise faith and keep your covenants. Testimony will keep you safe. Feast daily on the word of Christ. Pray and listen to HG. Whatever challenges arise, we never leave JC.
Will ye also go away? To whom shall we go? We believe and are sure that thou art that Christ.
The question makes us think about our own vulnerability. Life is no spiritual picnic. We get baptised with joy and anticipation... we take his name upon us. We don't want it to be brief. The road of discipleship is not for the faint of heart. Whosoever will come after me, take up his cross and follow me. There are challenges as we follow the savior. These refining experiences bring a deeper devotion.
Some we love and admire slip from the straight and narrow. How do we stray? How do we develop strength? Become as a little child. Believing heart.... submissive... meek, humble, patient. This is the mighty change of heart.
Two words signal danger ahead: offended and ashamed. Doth this offend you? Offense comes in many costumes. When we are disappointed or unanticipated difficulties or we make mistakes and feel unworthy. We learn of something spoken 150 years ago and it bothers us. We are ignored or underappreciated. Each very real to us at the time (OMG, are we minimizing doctrinal issues???).
When Parley Pratt in 1835, he was judged unfairly. JS counselled that he walk it under his feet. In 1830, Fredrick Williams was baptised. He gave and became a leader. In 1837, he made serious mistakes. In consequence, his former standing was taken away from him. Whatever his personal weaknessess, he renewed his loyalty to the lord. In 1840, he asked forgiveness. He was forgiven.
Offended has a corrosive companion called ashamed. The tree of life vision speaks of noble souls who get to the tree of life, then are ashamed at the mocking of the people in the great and spacious building. Finger of SCORN. The mocking represents the pride and wisdom of the world. Nephi heeded them not, but other's courage faltered. They were ashamed and were lost. As disciples of christ, we stand apart from the world. We may feel uncomfortable. Monson warns that our testimony must be firm otherwise we can't withstand challenges. Heed them not. God hath not given us the spirit of fear. We never leave the lord.
In Ukraine, being public with faith took courage. It could mean difficulty, including losing his job. Go forward with faith, unashamed of the gospel.
Do I have to be so different? Can't I love Christ without keeping the law of Chastity?? DO I have to go to church on Sunday? If you love me, keep my commandments.
As members, given so many blessings, we cannot compare what we are to those who are given less.
The lord said, thou mayest chose for thyself. As you chose not to be offended, you will feel his approval. Will we understand everything?? No, put it on the shelf.
I'll never forsake! Perfection does not come in this life, but exercise faith and keep your covenants. Testimony will keep you safe. Feast daily on the word of Christ. Pray and listen to HG. Whatever challenges arise, we never leave JC.
Will ye also go away? To whom shall we go? We believe and are sure that thou art that Christ.
Gerrit Gong
Missionary son at MTC... mother gave her son home made bread. Thank you notes about the bread.
We love our missionaries. We are eternally gratful to the first missionary. Temple covenants brings blessing to each generation.
His mother was converted my missionaries in Hawaii. Faithful church members helped the new convert. Each convert needs to become a fellow saint. Blackberries when red are green.
Primary children sing: I love to see the temple. Youth pledge to receive ordinances of the temple. Each human being has divine nature and destiny. The temple allows families to unite and us to go back to HF. We can give children roots and wings.
Succession of generations and family relationships. Stories about his ancestors back to first dragon Gong.... In temple mirrors of eternity, we are children to our parents and parents to our children. Mortality's great lessons....
Savior is father and the son... Savior knows how to succor us. Descended below all things... can carry our sorrows. With his stripes, we are healed. Savior sought only to do his father's will. World pursues enlightened self interest, but we cannot save ourselves. Only atonement can swallow up death and anger and loneliness and heartbreak. Things go wrong even when we do our very best. When we always remember him, he can stand with us. His faithfulness is stronger than death. Savior draws us to him and to HF. We can trust HF in mercy and harmony.
We can change. As we reach out to each brother and sister, we bless generations. There is faith and no fear. I am persuaded that neither death nor life can separate us from the love of god. God lives and will wipe away all tears. Hosanna....
We love our missionaries. We are eternally gratful to the first missionary. Temple covenants brings blessing to each generation.
His mother was converted my missionaries in Hawaii. Faithful church members helped the new convert. Each convert needs to become a fellow saint. Blackberries when red are green.
Primary children sing: I love to see the temple. Youth pledge to receive ordinances of the temple. Each human being has divine nature and destiny. The temple allows families to unite and us to go back to HF. We can give children roots and wings.
Succession of generations and family relationships. Stories about his ancestors back to first dragon Gong.... In temple mirrors of eternity, we are children to our parents and parents to our children. Mortality's great lessons....
Savior is father and the son... Savior knows how to succor us. Descended below all things... can carry our sorrows. With his stripes, we are healed. Savior sought only to do his father's will. World pursues enlightened self interest, but we cannot save ourselves. Only atonement can swallow up death and anger and loneliness and heartbreak. Things go wrong even when we do our very best. When we always remember him, he can stand with us. His faithfulness is stronger than death. Savior draws us to him and to HF. We can trust HF in mercy and harmony.
We can change. As we reach out to each brother and sister, we bless generations. There is faith and no fear. I am persuaded that neither death nor life can separate us from the love of god. God lives and will wipe away all tears. Hosanna....
Kevin Duncan
Summer of 1847, BY declared that this is the place. Early members of the church has tremendous adversity, hardships, and now they were at the right place. Winter of 1848 was harsh... frozen feet. Spirit of uneasiness. Saints didn't want to build homes because they thought they would go somewhere better. They didn't want to waste their seeds in the desert. People wanted to go to California for riches and a better climate. BY said, "this is the valley that god appointed for the people." Here we are. Here we will stay. Remarkable promises about kings and the temple.
History has shown that every prophecy BY DECLARED HAS COME TO PASS (REALLY??? come on, my NOM brothers. Find me something BY said that didn't come to pass).
Blessing of being lead by living prophets. Prophet and president receives god's word for members and the world. We sustain the leaders. It took faith to follow the prophet in the 19th century, just like today. The world is full of theories about every subject. It is easy to get caught in looking to the arm of flesh. As members, we have access to the source of truth: god. We have access to the words of the prophets on any subject. What has god taught us about education and happiness through the prophets. Teaches might seem outdated or unpopular, but god always reveals his will unto the prophets.
The word of god or the prophets is the same. Our salvation hinges on following the prophet. 14 fundamentals of following the prophet.
The prophet is the only man who speaks for the lord
Living prophet is more important than standard works
The prophet doesn't require earthy credentials
The prophet tells us what we need to know
Can receive revelation on any matter
Can be involved in any civil matters
Educated have a hard time listening to the prophet
Follow the prophet and be blessed; reject them and suffer
May we have the wisdom to follow the counsel of the prophet. They are called of god. There is no safer way to approach life and protect our salvation.
History has shown that every prophecy BY DECLARED HAS COME TO PASS (REALLY??? come on, my NOM brothers. Find me something BY said that didn't come to pass).
Blessing of being lead by living prophets. Prophet and president receives god's word for members and the world. We sustain the leaders. It took faith to follow the prophet in the 19th century, just like today. The world is full of theories about every subject. It is easy to get caught in looking to the arm of flesh. As members, we have access to the source of truth: god. We have access to the words of the prophets on any subject. What has god taught us about education and happiness through the prophets. Teaches might seem outdated or unpopular, but god always reveals his will unto the prophets.
The word of god or the prophets is the same. Our salvation hinges on following the prophet. 14 fundamentals of following the prophet.
The prophet is the only man who speaks for the lord
Living prophet is more important than standard works
The prophet doesn't require earthy credentials
The prophet tells us what we need to know
Can receive revelation on any matter
Can be involved in any civil matters
Educated have a hard time listening to the prophet
Follow the prophet and be blessed; reject them and suffer
May we have the wisdom to follow the counsel of the prophet. They are called of god. There is no safer way to approach life and protect our salvation.
Richard Edgley
We live in a great time, but Satan is active. Moroni warned JS, and the fulfillment is evident. The attacks continue today. The reality of the savior is challenged and dismissed as weak and uneducated. The restoration is challenged. This may cause confusion and doubt. Our faith in god and our hope in the future... we can chose our reaction...
When our doctorines are challenged, we can chose how we react. I suggest a choice of peace and protection. That choice is faith. Be aware that faith is not a free gift. It doesn't come as dew from heaven. Come unto me... action verbs. They are choices. Chose faith over doubt over fear.
Alma 32 about a series of choices to preserve faith. Choose... action. Awake and arouse and experiment and exercise and desire and work and plant. Don't cast the seed out by unbelief. Only then will faith swell in your breast. We are responsible for our own faith and also our lack of faith.
I don't know details about atonement or creation. Details are unimportant. They are mysteries to be revealed in heaven. I know the important things are the plain and simple truths. (OMG>>> SERIOUSLY!?!?! THis is a DIRECT ATTACK against detractors or people who want details. You say the BOM is a actual history then PROVE IT!! OMG.)
Let us chose faith. If you have doubt, then just pray. If your testimony is insecure, exercise a particle of faith. If you do god's will, you can know the truth. Just obey. When intellect comes into conflict with doctrine, still believe. We won't receive a witness until after a trial of our faith. Just read the scripture and pray and everything will be fine.
TALKS LIKE THESE ARE WHY THE MORMONS BELIEVE THAT APOSTATES JUST NEED TO PRAY AND WE ARE LAZY AND WEAK AND EVIL!!!
Faith solves all problems, and Edgley has personally seen it. Faith allows peace and working through struggles. Because of faith, doubt can become assurances.
It is the best of times. When we chose faith, then we use I know. I have planted the seed and nurture that to a perfect knowledge. Testimony the JC is the redeemer, and JS was a prophet of god to restore complete and true gospel. Monson is the lord's prophet today. The choice of faith is yours and mine.
When our doctorines are challenged, we can chose how we react. I suggest a choice of peace and protection. That choice is faith. Be aware that faith is not a free gift. It doesn't come as dew from heaven. Come unto me... action verbs. They are choices. Chose faith over doubt over fear.
Alma 32 about a series of choices to preserve faith. Choose... action. Awake and arouse and experiment and exercise and desire and work and plant. Don't cast the seed out by unbelief. Only then will faith swell in your breast. We are responsible for our own faith and also our lack of faith.
I don't know details about atonement or creation. Details are unimportant. They are mysteries to be revealed in heaven. I know the important things are the plain and simple truths. (OMG>>> SERIOUSLY!?!?! THis is a DIRECT ATTACK against detractors or people who want details. You say the BOM is a actual history then PROVE IT!! OMG.)
Let us chose faith. If you have doubt, then just pray. If your testimony is insecure, exercise a particle of faith. If you do god's will, you can know the truth. Just obey. When intellect comes into conflict with doctrine, still believe. We won't receive a witness until after a trial of our faith. Just read the scripture and pray and everything will be fine.
TALKS LIKE THESE ARE WHY THE MORMONS BELIEVE THAT APOSTATES JUST NEED TO PRAY AND WE ARE LAZY AND WEAK AND EVIL!!!
Faith solves all problems, and Edgley has personally seen it. Faith allows peace and working through struggles. Because of faith, doubt can become assurances.
It is the best of times. When we chose faith, then we use I know. I have planted the seed and nurture that to a perfect knowledge. Testimony the JC is the redeemer, and JS was a prophet of god to restore complete and true gospel. Monson is the lord's prophet today. The choice of faith is yours and mine.
Quentin Cook
CD made for his birthday with songs of hope from WWII. Bombing of London started the day before Cook was born, so he was named after the radio announcer. When the lights go on again all over the world: title of the song. The lamps are going out all over Europe... bombing raids so black outs were instituted. Song reflected the hope that light would be restored.
Those that understand the light of Christ, the connection is clear. The light of JC allows all mankind to know good from evil. Satan tries to destroy agency. As LDS, we need to preserve light and protect our families from assult on MORALITY and RELIGIOUS FREEDOM. We need to seek light and truth, and blackout pornography. It's a weapon of MASS MORAL DESTRUCTION. Decadence... black out evil from our lives. Otherwise we will have devestating moral explosions. In the world but not of the world. FHE and scripture study are essential.
Make our homes holy places and we will be protected from evil. We should be a source of light in protecting our communities. Let your light so shine... a time of plenty and an age of doubt. Spiraling desent into EVIL. How could ye have rejected that Jesus???
Cook is optimistic. Light and truth will be preserved. Some observes believe in a global revival of faith. There is a common moral foundation that transcends differences. People are still respectful of moral values.
Opinion leaders reject an objective moral order. But the majority of people aspire to be good. Light of Christ informs their conscience. Packer taught that Light of Christ is a source of inspiriation that EVERYONE has. This is why people support morality. It's a minority that wants evil... judgement of god comes when the majority wants evil. Religious arguements must have an equal space in the public square. It benefits society because people feel accountable to god.
Honesty is a principle founded in a religious belief. (ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? THAT IS A BASIC TENENT OF JUSTICE... one of the first things that CHILDREN are able to recognize. Lying or NOT lying has nothing to do with religion. WOW. So... only people who believe in god are honest. Mother Fuckers.) ONLY RELIGION TEACHES FAITHFULNESS IN MARRIAGE VOWS.
Honesty should be value even by the faithless.
Role of religion in treating all of god's children as brothers and sisters. Religios people rescue others from abuse. The slave trade was abolished through the religious. The religious defend the institution of marriage and abolished slavery. The vast majority of LDS were opposed to slavery. JS got a revelation against slavery. It was OUR commitment to equality that underpins our beliefs. We should support people of character. All voices need to be heard in the public square.
Moral foundation of our doctorine can be a beacon light to the world. DO everything we can to presesrve light in our communities. JC is the true light of the world... prepare for Second Coming.
Those that understand the light of Christ, the connection is clear. The light of JC allows all mankind to know good from evil. Satan tries to destroy agency. As LDS, we need to preserve light and protect our families from assult on MORALITY and RELIGIOUS FREEDOM. We need to seek light and truth, and blackout pornography. It's a weapon of MASS MORAL DESTRUCTION. Decadence... black out evil from our lives. Otherwise we will have devestating moral explosions. In the world but not of the world. FHE and scripture study are essential.
Make our homes holy places and we will be protected from evil. We should be a source of light in protecting our communities. Let your light so shine... a time of plenty and an age of doubt. Spiraling desent into EVIL. How could ye have rejected that Jesus???
Cook is optimistic. Light and truth will be preserved. Some observes believe in a global revival of faith. There is a common moral foundation that transcends differences. People are still respectful of moral values.
Opinion leaders reject an objective moral order. But the majority of people aspire to be good. Light of Christ informs their conscience. Packer taught that Light of Christ is a source of inspiriation that EVERYONE has. This is why people support morality. It's a minority that wants evil... judgement of god comes when the majority wants evil. Religious arguements must have an equal space in the public square. It benefits society because people feel accountable to god.
Honesty is a principle founded in a religious belief. (ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? THAT IS A BASIC TENENT OF JUSTICE... one of the first things that CHILDREN are able to recognize. Lying or NOT lying has nothing to do with religion. WOW. So... only people who believe in god are honest. Mother Fuckers.) ONLY RELIGION TEACHES FAITHFULNESS IN MARRIAGE VOWS.
Honesty should be value even by the faithless.
Role of religion in treating all of god's children as brothers and sisters. Religios people rescue others from abuse. The slave trade was abolished through the religious. The religious defend the institution of marriage and abolished slavery. The vast majority of LDS were opposed to slavery. JS got a revelation against slavery. It was OUR commitment to equality that underpins our beliefs. We should support people of character. All voices need to be heard in the public square.
Moral foundation of our doctorine can be a beacon light to the world. DO everything we can to presesrve light in our communities. JC is the true light of the world... prepare for Second Coming.
180th Conference--- Robert D. Hales
Letter from a friend about gospel related conversation. Friend didn't understand what mormons mean by agency (because it makes no sense). Agency is the ability and priviledge god gives us to act for ourselves and the responsibility for our actions. We are free to choose liberty and life or the captivity and death of the devil. The hymn "know this that every soul is free" teaches this.
What we know about agency: before we came to earth, we were presented with the plan of salvation and progression. Our agency was an essential element of this plan. Without agency we can't progress, but with agency, we can chose wrong. This is why we need a savior to redeem us through repentance and atonement. After HF presented the plan, satan wanted to redeem everyone and have all the honor. This plan was rejected by HF because it would have denied us agency. Then JC exercised his agency by subsuming his will into the will of HF. Because of lucifer's rebellion, there was a war in heaven (hello Milton plagarization). We all had the chance to chose between JC and Lucifer in heaven, and 1/3 chose wrong. Lucifer was cast down and his angels with him. They lost the opportunity to have a mortal body and progress. The only power satan has is to tempt and try us. They want to make us miserable and make us disobey HF. We chose to follow the savior once, and that's why we are here on earth. If we make the same choice to follow HF here, we will have a great reward in the eternity.
Eternity is at stake. Throughout JC's life, he showed us how to use our agency. He obediently chose to do his father's will.. not by my will, but by thine will. He chose to love his enemies on the cross. Through his choosing and actions, JC was left alone by HF, then he endured to the end. Though he was in all points tempted, LIKE US, he exercised his agency to be the savior. By his perfect life, he shows us that PURE OBEDIENCE is our ONLY FREEDOM.
Job lost everything, but he was still faithful. Mary and Joseph obeyed and preserved JC. JS followed Moroni, and the restoration was acheived. In our mortal journey, we have to remember when we don't keep commandments, our opportunities are reduced. Your spiritual progress will be stopped.
Story about varnishing a wooden floor. He worked his way into the room, so he had no way to get out... painted himself into a corner... stuck. Whenever we disobey, we are captive to our choices. Tho we are spiritually stuck, we can repent. It is more work... refinishing. Returning to the lord isn't easy, but it is worth it. Obedience protects our agency. By following the WOW, we avoid poor health and addiction. Obey getting out of debt. Hold FHE and scripture study.
By our righteous choices and actions, we liberate our children from darkness. The world says that we should eat drink and be merry. Others embrace secularism.
Scriptures teach that we have agency and our righteous agency leads to eternal progression. King Saul and Samuel... harken thou unto the lord.... Smite Amulek... Saul practiced selective obedience and brought back cattle and stuff... Saul said he followed the lord... Saul blamed others.... Obey the lord... to obey is better than sacrifice (is this the BOM???). Saul confessed his sin because he feared the people. Because he didn't harken with exactness, he lost the opportunity to be king.
Are we harkening with exactness to the voice of the lord and his prophets, or are we practicing selective obedience???? (WOW... just WOW. This is a kick in the face for those who think they can chose what they believe.)
Invitation to come back for sinners... Life eternal knowing god and JC... testimony that they live. When we exercise agency in righteousness, we shall be prepared for the second coming. May we continue to follow him like we did in the beginning.
What we know about agency: before we came to earth, we were presented with the plan of salvation and progression. Our agency was an essential element of this plan. Without agency we can't progress, but with agency, we can chose wrong. This is why we need a savior to redeem us through repentance and atonement. After HF presented the plan, satan wanted to redeem everyone and have all the honor. This plan was rejected by HF because it would have denied us agency. Then JC exercised his agency by subsuming his will into the will of HF. Because of lucifer's rebellion, there was a war in heaven (hello Milton plagarization). We all had the chance to chose between JC and Lucifer in heaven, and 1/3 chose wrong. Lucifer was cast down and his angels with him. They lost the opportunity to have a mortal body and progress. The only power satan has is to tempt and try us. They want to make us miserable and make us disobey HF. We chose to follow the savior once, and that's why we are here on earth. If we make the same choice to follow HF here, we will have a great reward in the eternity.
Eternity is at stake. Throughout JC's life, he showed us how to use our agency. He obediently chose to do his father's will.. not by my will, but by thine will. He chose to love his enemies on the cross. Through his choosing and actions, JC was left alone by HF, then he endured to the end. Though he was in all points tempted, LIKE US, he exercised his agency to be the savior. By his perfect life, he shows us that PURE OBEDIENCE is our ONLY FREEDOM.
Job lost everything, but he was still faithful. Mary and Joseph obeyed and preserved JC. JS followed Moroni, and the restoration was acheived. In our mortal journey, we have to remember when we don't keep commandments, our opportunities are reduced. Your spiritual progress will be stopped.
Story about varnishing a wooden floor. He worked his way into the room, so he had no way to get out... painted himself into a corner... stuck. Whenever we disobey, we are captive to our choices. Tho we are spiritually stuck, we can repent. It is more work... refinishing. Returning to the lord isn't easy, but it is worth it. Obedience protects our agency. By following the WOW, we avoid poor health and addiction. Obey getting out of debt. Hold FHE and scripture study.
By our righteous choices and actions, we liberate our children from darkness. The world says that we should eat drink and be merry. Others embrace secularism.
Scriptures teach that we have agency and our righteous agency leads to eternal progression. King Saul and Samuel... harken thou unto the lord.... Smite Amulek... Saul practiced selective obedience and brought back cattle and stuff... Saul said he followed the lord... Saul blamed others.... Obey the lord... to obey is better than sacrifice (is this the BOM???). Saul confessed his sin because he feared the people. Because he didn't harken with exactness, he lost the opportunity to be king.
Are we harkening with exactness to the voice of the lord and his prophets, or are we practicing selective obedience???? (WOW... just WOW. This is a kick in the face for those who think they can chose what they believe.)
Invitation to come back for sinners... Life eternal knowing god and JC... testimony that they live. When we exercise agency in righteousness, we shall be prepared for the second coming. May we continue to follow him like we did in the beginning.
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