What Shall be the Sign of thy Coming?

In Matthew 24, the Savior lays out for His followers the signs which will fill the world before His Second Coming.  As you read through this list of precursors to His return, see if  you can find even one that isn't readily identifiable in our world today.

5- False Christ's will rise and deceive many.

6- There will be wars and rumors of wars.

7-There will be famines, pestilences and earthquakes in various places.

9- Followers of Christ will be hated for His name's sake.

10- Many will be offended (think of our politically correct culture).

People will betray and hate one another.

11- False prophets will rise and deceive many.

12- Because of wickedness, the love of many will wax cold.

14- The gospel will be preached in all the world; 

and then shall the end come.

He goes on to comfort, assure, warn and counsel His faithful followers who will abide the day.

6- See that ye be not troubled.

15- When you see these signs, stand in the holy place.

22- Those days will be shortened for the sake of the elect.

28- Wheresoever the carcase (Christ's Church) is, there will the eagles (the elect) be gathered together.

Who are the elect? 

In D&C 29:7 we learn that the elect are those who hear the voice of God and harden not their hearts.

In Colossians 3:12-17, we learn that those who are filled with charity, the perfect love of Christ, are the elect.

Christ  tells us the signs of His coming because He wants ALL to be prepared for His return. It is up to each of us to do our part to be counted among the elect.  We must seek out holy places in which to stand.  Our own homes must become places of refuge from the deluge of filth so celebrated in society.  We must seek out true and pure sources of His voice and receive His word with gladness.  We must pray for God's grace in developing the pure love of Christ and then give our best effort in learning to love as He does. 

We are blessed to live in the last days before the Savior will return to redeem His people!  As we choose to stand with Christ, we choose to stand in His safe-keeping.  Over the next two weeks we will study out His admonition for those who will follow Him.

Choose to Receive!!!

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I have heard many times from friends not of my faith, that mine is a religion which focuses too much on "doing" and not enough on "being".  This is a valid concern, which I am grateful that loved ones have shared so freely with me.  It is my hope today, to share with you my understanding of the companionship principles of "doing" and "becoming".

I believe that God calls His essential list of "dos" and "don'ts" Commandments, not suggestions, for a reason.  He knows that a life dedicated to this discipline, is one filled with joy and freedom from unnecessary bondage and misery.  In addition, Christ teaches,

"If ye love me, keep my commandments."

John 14:15

Obedience is a demonstration of love for our Father in Heaven.


Towards the end of Christ's mortal ministry, He pronounced woes upon the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy.  They did so many of the right things (i.e. tithed, fasted, prayed) for the completely wrong reasons.  In the 23rd chapter of Matthew, Christ condemns them saying,

5- All their works they do for to be seen of men
13- Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!

  

In the Sermon on the Mount, Christ invites us to do our alms in secret and not for the glory of men, affirming that our "Father, which seeth in secret, Himself shall reward thee openly".  From this we learn that the action, while essential, is merely a fraction of what He is looking for.  His focus is on the heart or the motivation behind our actions.  Do we do the right things so that others will think that God is first and foremost in our lives?  OR do we do the right things because God IS first and foremost in our lives?  It is possible to do all of the right things and still have your heart removed far from Him.

As a Latter-day Saint it is my life's purpose to learn of my Savior and to give my best effort in patterning my walk after His.  Ultimately, through His grace and mercy, I hope to one day become like Him.  This requires that I not only strive to follow what He did, but that I seek His grace in developing the internal virtue that motivated His actions.  As I study the life of the Savior, it becomes more clear that everything He did was motivated by Love.  Love of His Father... and Love for each of us.

 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.

John 15:10

Here's the beautiful thing!  As we demonstrate our love for God through obedience, we choose to be in His presence and receive His love.  As we experience His love and goodness... our nature's are gradually changed and we become filled with His love.  This in turn springs up obedience from a  more sincere place.  It is a continual cycle which turns deeper and deeper into our souls.  God's love is unconditional but our ability to receive His love is not.  Receiving His love and goodness is a moment to moment choice.  As we make the effort, as flawed as it may be, His grace carries us the distance!

Come Forth!

In the 11th chapter of John, we read the account of Lazarus who was a dear friend of the Savior.  One day while Christ was with his disciples, Mary and Martha, Lazarus' sisters, sent for Him saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. 

17- When Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.  

The sisters were distraught and Martha cried, 

21-Lord if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.  But I know that whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. 

25- Jesus said unto her,  I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. 

When Mary heard that Christ had arrived she arose quickly and came unto him.  When she saw him, she too fell down at His feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.  Jesus, hurting for his beloved friends wept.  

41- Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid.  And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me...

43- And when He thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, 

Come Forth.

44- And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave clothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin.  Jesus saith unto them, 

Loose him, and let him go.

This story has powerful application for each of us!  For His friends, Christ performed this life restoring miracle.  How do we become friends of the Savior... so that we too can receive His life giving power in our lives?  In John 15:14 Christ teaches

Ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever I command you.

 

Obedience demonstrates love for and devotion to Him.  Obedience indicates our desire to have His companionship and blessing in our lives.  As we become His friends we gain access to His power to free us from those things which bind us and ultimately bring death.  His invitation fills me with hope and assurance!  Christ invites us to leave the remnants of death behind and come to something far greater... Him!  In Him lies freedom and life... life here and now... and life everlasting!  

"The passage of time has not altered the capacity of the Redeemer to change men's lives.  As He said to the dead Lazarus, so he says to you and me: '...come forth.'  Come forth from the despair of doubt.  Come forth from the sorrow of sin.  Come forth from the death of disbelief.  
Come forth to a newness of life.  Come Forth!"

Thomas S. Monson "The Paths Jesus Walked"

The Eternities

I want to use today's post to respond to a question my cousin asked after reading the post "Our Father's Love" earlier this week.  She wrote...  

What do you mean by the word eternities? I know we have talked about having a different "language" within our different belief system. I was just wondering about your definition of this word. Thanks for your love and patience with me! Hugs, Erin

Thank you... thank you... THANK YOU Erin for your love and interest!  It touches my heart deeply that you would take the time to first of all read my blog and secondly engage in discussion about it! Historically, I have taken inquiries about my blog and have either written a personal email or had a phone conversation answering the question.  The spirit quickly directed me this time towards a written post.  One of my main goals with this blog is to open up discussion on the Savior and His gospel.  I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share a little of my heart with you about the Savior and today, specifically, concerning the eternities.  The question becomes... how in depth shall we go???  This post will give a basic overview of my belief as a Latter day Saint on the subject of eternal life.  I am always excited to go deeper if you would like.  Let me know!

The use of the word "eternities" as opposed to "eternity" in my mind simply emphasizes the infinite nature of time.  Everlasting to everlasting is a common phrase found in the scriptures illustrating this concept.  The present moment we are in lies smack in the middle of the eternities...infinite time before now and infinite time to come.  This life is merely a blip on the eternal timeline.  Each of us are here to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling before God. (see Philipians 2:12 & Mormon 9:27)   We "are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil". (see 2Nephi 2:27-30)  The Father's ultimate goal is to make us joint-heirs with Christ, crowning us with His eternal glory. (see Romans 8:16-17)  I love the following words of Peter, which sum all of this up beautifully.  

   

5-... be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

6- Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time:

10-  But the God of all grace who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

1 Peter 5

Mormons interpret this doctrine literally.  Ask yourself, 

"What is it that Christ has inherited and as a joint-heir with Him... what does that mean I will inherit?"

"What is the eternal glory of the Father that each of us are called to?"

Because of Christ's atoning sacrifice I can be made whole and become perfected like unto my Father.  Through the merits of He who is mighty to save, I can return to live with God my Father and pattern my eternity after His eternity... receiving His eternal glory.  I marvel at His love and goodness... His grace and mercy.  His generosity and vision for my life never cease to fill me with awe.  I truly am one who stands ALL amazed!

Abide With Me Tis Eventide

Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing

He Lives

Living Gratefully

Receiving Him Joyfully

My family and I are going on vacation!  For the month of July I will be posting short videos which inspire me.  In August I will resume writing posts each Sunday.  Happy Summer!!!

____________________________________________________

And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.

And, behold, there was a man named Zacchæus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.

And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press because he was little of stature.

And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.

And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchæus, make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at thy house.

And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.

And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.

And Zacchæus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfould.

And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Luke 19:1-10 

I LOVE the energy and joy of this story.  I can't help but smile as I visualize Zacchaeus zipping about and perching in a tree.  The zeal with which he approached the Savior, I believe, was his existing life practice.  The fact that prior to meeting Christ he was already giving half his goods to the poor and restoring to any he had wronged four times that which he had taken, indicate to me an enthusiasm and love for goodness.  His outward action was evidence of the inward condition of his repentant heart.  Having cultivated a warm and receptive place within, he was able to receive the Savior... which, in turn, enabled the Savior to abide with him.  The Savior delights to bless and honor those who bless and honor Him.  Indeed He came to seek and to save that which was lost... which includes every single one of us... but He will never force Himself on anyone.  To be found by the Savior... we must seek Him.  

What is the press which blocks our view of Him?  Fear, struggle, addiction, peer opinion, temporal pursuits, and general busy-ness are a few to consider.  

How do we climb out of the press so that we can see Him... and in turn place ourselves in position to be seen of Him? 

Surely, Christ knew every person who was present in that crowd... but it was the one who demonstrated the desire to see Him with whom the Savior said he "must abide".  Notice that the reality of the press didn't disappear, Zacchaeus simply made the the effort to rise above it.  

A beautiful truth that I have learned is that as I seek the Savior, He helps me to identify those things in my life which block my view of Him.  He then illuminates my mind as to where I can find the tree to climb up and out.  Climbing is always work, but without exception He is there to lift and aid me in my struggle to rise above. 

He Cried So Much The More

Towards the end of the Savior's earthly ministry, Christ and His disciples were traveling to Jerusalem.  As they passed through Jericho, they encountered large crowds of people wanting to see Jesus.  The following account of a faith-filled blind man and the Savior, Jesus Christ, has become one of my very favorite stories!

Luke 18: 35-43

And it came to pass, that as he (Jesus) was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging:

And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant.

And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.

And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.

And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.

And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him,

Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight.

And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight thy faith hath saved thee.

And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.

I LOVE, love... LOVE this man!  He is an amazing example of fierce focus on the ONE who is mighty to save!  At the moment he realizes that the Savior is present... the contempt and scorn of his peers fades away to it's proper place on the heap of meaningless, periphery opinion.   He pursues the Savior, who in reality means everything, with indomitable tenacity!  Because of his clear vision he arrives at the feet of the Savior and receives healing not only of his physical... but more significantly of his spiritual self.  I love the picture the words in this account paint of his character... "immediately", "received", "followed", "glorifying".  I especially love that those who had sneered at him also had their vision enlarged.  As they witnessed the fruits of this man's faith and determination they too were led to praise God.

When we lay our trust squarely at the feet of the Savior... not only are our own lives infinitely blessed by His presence...  our very existence becomes a witness to others of the glory and goodness of God.  For this, I praise His most holy name!!!

Our Father's Love

I am SO grateful for the love of my Father in Heaven.  

I feel His love as I study the scriptures and receive of His word.  

I feel His love as I spend time in sweet communion with Him.  

I am touched by the depth of His love as I marvel at the matchless gift of His Son... that I might be made whole and return to live with Him in the eternities. 

I feel of His love as I marvel at the beautiful creations He made that I might have joy and wonder. 

I feel His love as I think of my own dad who has striven to model his fatherhood after the Father of us all.  

I feel His love as I marvel at the gift of my own loving husband and the precious children He has entrusted us with.  

The evidence of God's love is ALL around us.  

It is up to us to open our minds and our hearts to receive His tender love and mercy.  

Please take a moment to share with us the manifestations of God's love in your life.

This video has a companion post "It's All About Love". 

Glories Yet Unseen

My 15 year old son hiked Havasupai this week with his scout troop.  Between Thursday and Saturday they treked about 25 miles in and out of the steep cliffs of the Grand Canyon.  They carried everything they would need to sustain life on their backs  Needless to say, it was both physically and mentally, grueling and exhausting. My heart has been deeply touched by some of the life lessons he gained and has shared with me.  I want to share one with you.

The morning after hiking the 10 miles to their camp, they set out on another 1 and 1/2 mile trek to some cliffs set between 60 and 75 feet above a deep pool of water.  Anticipating the thrill of the jump made the climb to the top seem worth while.  My son first took the 60 foot cliff.  He said that once he got to the ledge, he just ran and leaped... knowing that if he stopped to take counsel from his fears... he may talk himself out of this amazing opportunity.  He screamed with delight as the small pool beneath him became larger and larger until body pierced the deep blue water.  Once under, a large water fall propelled his body to the shore.  It was thrilling... the experience of a life time!!!  He set out, again and again, climbing the cliff and jumping... gradually working his way up to the highest ledge.  Several jumps in, he came upon a man in his 30's who was standing on a ledge, debating with himself.  Can't you just imagine his thought process?  "Should I or shouldn't I?  This looks way higher than I thought. I know I'll regret it if I don't... but seriously... is this a good idea?"  Isn't it funny how life experience has a way of doing this to us???  He asked my boy how old he was.  Upon his reply, the man said, "If you can do it and you are only 15... I can do this!  Will you just show me one more time how and where to jump?"  My son graciously obliged (ha ha) and took yet another flying leap off the cliff, having the time of his life!

As he related this experience to my husband and I, joy and delight seemed to exude from the innermost place in his soul.  My husband wisely asked, "Why do 99% of the work?  You've got to finish what you start.  When you fail to complete that last 1% you miss the reward of your labor."

The time to assess whether you will or won't is before you've carried a 35 pound pack down into the canyon and then climbed the cliff and arrived at the ledge.  Seriously... I don't think that's a journey I feel the need to take in my life :) ... but why do it only to fail to complete that last step?

In Luke 14:26-33, the Savior illustrates for us the level of devotion necessary to be His disciple. 

26- If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

Our devotion to the Savior must be first and foremost... second to none!

27- And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

Following the Savior comes with a cross that is at times burdensome and painful to bear!

28- For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?

29- Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,

30- Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish...

...33- So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

Whether you walk through this life committed to the Savior or not, you will experience trial, difficulty and pain.  The question you must ask yourself is,  "Do I want to travel this road with divine help and assistance or not?"  The cross we bear as disciples of Christ, sometimes feels heavy and burdensome... but in reality... the cross is what sustains us.  There are others on this path who can show us the way and provide encouragement.  With Christ, we climb and reclimb the cliff...arriving again and again at that uncomfortable point where it's time to leave our sure footing behind.  As we  take that leap, our experience, faith and vision become expanded.  We experience His majesty and the joy which can only come through Him.

Walking with the Savior is not easy... but it is so very worth it!  Now is the time to: count the cost... make the commitment and endure to the end... cheerfully relying on His merits to get you through.  He will take you to heights you have yet to dream of!

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.

2 Corinthians 4:17

The Impassable Gulf

Under the Roman government, publicans were agents who collected taxes and earned commission off of the amount of money they could secure. They were despised by the people and were often excommunicated from the synagogues by the leaders of the Jewish church. In the view of so many who "trusted in themselves that they were righteous" (see Luke 18:9) those who had taken upon themselves this profession became a lesser class, looked down upon and despised.

This social standing cultivated in many of the publicans a deep sense of unworthiness... a humility which helped them to recognize their need for the Savior and to seek His grace. Over and over again, the Savior visited with them, dined with them, pronounced blessings upon them, and even called one to be His apostle.(see Luke 5: 27-29) This baffled and infuriated the Pharisees.

What a wonderful reminder that God's ways are not our ways! What a beautiful demonstration that God looks on the heart! He is not concerned with worldly status, position or esteem. He seeks out the sinner. The remarkable irony is that each of us in reality are "the sinner". The division; however, lies between those who recognize themselves to be sinners and those who will not. How easy it is for us to fall into the same folly of the Pharisees and unwisely deem ourselves to be righteous while condemning others! The inability to look at one's own stain and inadequacy while magnifying the impurity and flaw in others creates a gulf between ourselves and the Savior... one which is impassable while we persist in a prideful state. This is one of the great tools the adversary uses to keep us from drawing near to the Savior and receiving of His essential and atoning grace.

Consider one of the many parables the Savior offers to a group of Pharisees who are annoyed by Christ's insistence in associating with such sinners.

10- Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11- The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
12- I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
13- And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
14- I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Luke 18

"When our hearts are filled with pride, we commit a grave sin, for we violate the two great commandments. Instead of worshipping God and loving our neighbor, we reveal the real object of our worship and love—the image we see in the mirror."
Pride and the Priesthood by Dieter F. Uchtdorf

It's All About The Heart

I haven't been able to stop thinking about the story of the rich young ruler since posting on it last week. I have felt impressed that there is more about this anecdote that we need to discuss. I love how the stories in the scriptures have multiple layers and lessons in them. This, however; makes writing short posts on them difficult for me. Focusing in on one lesson when there are so many to choose from requires a lot of prayer and effort on my part. Let's take another look at this interaction. Please feel free to share your thoughts and insights as well:)

When the Savior invited this young man to turn from his great possessions, give them to the poor and come follow him... he was asking him to put his heart where his mouth was. With God... it is all about the heart! On so many levels, this young man got it! He kept the commandments... he recognized the Savior... he knelt in humility at His feet. He was doing so many of the right things... but his inability to receive the Savior's invitation... indicated that he had yet to experience the mighty change of heart.

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
3Nephi 13:21

A disciple is a learner of a discipline. As disciples of Christ we strive to learn His discipline, to model and pattern our lives... and in turn our hearts... after His. The very essence of who He is, is Love. It is the great motivator for everything He has ever done or will ever do. Charity is the pure love of Christ. Charity is the ultimate evidence of the converted heart.

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God;
and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

1 John 4:7

The person who is solely focused on "doing" the right things, rather than on "becoming" as He is... misses the "weightier matters of the law" and the entire point of this life.

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
And now abideth faith, hope and charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
1Corinthians 13:1, 13

In the end, who or what we love is all that will really matter.

But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever and
whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.

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...
Moroni 7:47-48

Turn Away From That Which Matters Least

In the 10th chapter of Mark we read the story of the Savior's interaction with a rich young man.

17- And when He (Jesus) was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?
19- ... And Jesus said unto him...Thou knowest the commandments...
20-And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.

Clearly, this is a young man who recognizes Christ as his Lord and Savior. He is eager and humble in his inquiry as he speaks of his desire to inherit eternal life. Jesus demonstrates that He also knows him and is aware of his obedience to the commandments.

21- Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross and follow me.

This is a poignant example of the clarifying quality of the Savior's light which we discussed last week. Christ doesn't just "look" at or "see" him... but rather, he beholds him, perceiving impurity within his soul, and loves him. He shines light on that imperfection and then extends the invitation to turn away from that which matters least and receive that which matters most. At this point the young man has a couple of options. Because the Lord chastens those whom He loves (see Rev 3:19) each of us have stood at, and will continue to have opportunities, to stand at these same cross-roads. Let's read on and see how he responded.

22-And he was sad at that saying, and went away and grieved: for he had great possessions.

Rather than receive the correction and move forward in and with the Savior... he was saddened at the required sacrifice. He demonstrated what he truly cherished as he walked away from the everlasting treasure, strength and love of Christ to retain his worldly goods. How could his soul not grieve?

What is it that the Savior invites you to turn away from so that you can more fully follow him?

In whom or what do your actions demonstrate that you trust?

Where do you spend your time and energy and what does this indicate about what you truly treasure?

I invite you to spend time in prayer and thought this week, seeking His loving correction. Ask Him to bless you with the strength and courage to overcome the weakness He will undoubtedly reveal to you. Move forward in faith, relying wholly on the merits of He who is mighty to save. Rejoice in His capacity to purify you and make you whole. Remember that you are here to become something greater than you currently are. This transformation requires that you love (verb) Him with all your might, mind and strength.