My brothers and sisters, I have a question for you: "Do you know what perfect peace is?"
There was once a man by named Adam. You might know him as the first man that was created in this world. One day Adam and his wife were tending the Garden (of Eden) and everything was perfect—until his wife left his side. The God that created them gave them perfect instructions that would keep them in perfect peace, and that included them being together as one.
In addition to Adam and his wife, there was a jealous angel around that lost his unique position in Heaven. He lost his position because he wanted show the other angels that the government he wanted to implement was better than that of his creator. He thought to himself "if I can’t rule in Heaven I will go and rule your other created beings that was made in God's image." After leaving Heaven, he went to cause God’s children to sin and he was successful at doing that. Soon after, Adam and his wife realized that they were naked and they were ashamed of themselves.
Do we see where and when that perfect peace that Adam and his wife had was removed? It was removed after they sinned!
The book of Isaiah says “Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on thee]: because he trusteth in thee.” As we can see clearly, if Adam and Eve (his wife) had kept their eyes stayed on God they would have remained in perfect peace and would not have tasted death. The Bible tells us “For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” My brothers and sisters, if you want peace serve the Lord. Riches of this world can’t keep you in perfect peace. If you put all of your trust in God he will give you eternal joy. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH [is] everlasting strength.
By Elder Maurice Mason
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Focus on the Message
The nation recently enjoyed a day celebrating the life accomplishments of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Without a doubt, the world is a better place as a result of Dr. King rocking the boat and ruffling the feathers of those who were unwilling to sit and listen to good counsel.
Because of his humanitarian efforts, [racial] tensions have abated, tolerances have increased, and peace is a concept not too hard for contending ethnicities to embrace. Despite all that the world is striving with, Dr. King's dream still seeks to make inroads into the lives of many. Undoubtedly, his dream and efforts have a far reaching, if not global, impact.
Dr. King's legacy is one that encourages us all to invest ourselves deeply into goodwill. It brings a smile to our faces and makes us proud of our country, despite the sordid past and recurring infractions.
With such an influence, and the genial mood that thoughts and memories of Dr. King engender, I found it tasteless and ill-timed for an article to be published that stated that January 18, 2010 (the very day that we celebrate Dr. King's legacy) is "the most depressing day of the year".
The researcher credited with the finding alleges that his theory is the result of a complex string of equations that incorporated data gleaned from reliable sources. The article was published on one of MSN's lifestyle websites. While the article does call attention to serious issues that modern humans are faced with, I find it extremely troubling that the researcher who presented his case would arrive at such a date for his theory.
Despite the melancholy mood that the article suggests, I remain encouraged by Dr. King's work and suggest that you do, too. As a people that God watches over, we will hear unsettling messages that seek to steal our joy. Resist the urge to listen to the negativity. Listen, instead, to words of encouragement. Words of inspiration. There is a wonderful scripture in the Bible that speaks to this very issue, and was relevant even back when Dr. King was alive. It's found in Hebrews 6:10 and says "God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them." Because of that, I believe that Dr. King's message, and not the message in the article, will prevail.
Be strong, and concentrate on the message of Dr. King's dream. Strong Christian values are present there. It's a message that God wants us to be aware of, but the devil wants us to miss.
God bless you, as you bless others.
Elder Scott Hampton
Because of his humanitarian efforts, [racial] tensions have abated, tolerances have increased, and peace is a concept not too hard for contending ethnicities to embrace. Despite all that the world is striving with, Dr. King's dream still seeks to make inroads into the lives of many. Undoubtedly, his dream and efforts have a far reaching, if not global, impact.
Dr. King's legacy is one that encourages us all to invest ourselves deeply into goodwill. It brings a smile to our faces and makes us proud of our country, despite the sordid past and recurring infractions.
With such an influence, and the genial mood that thoughts and memories of Dr. King engender, I found it tasteless and ill-timed for an article to be published that stated that January 18, 2010 (the very day that we celebrate Dr. King's legacy) is "the most depressing day of the year".
The researcher credited with the finding alleges that his theory is the result of a complex string of equations that incorporated data gleaned from reliable sources. The article was published on one of MSN's lifestyle websites. While the article does call attention to serious issues that modern humans are faced with, I find it extremely troubling that the researcher who presented his case would arrive at such a date for his theory.
Despite the melancholy mood that the article suggests, I remain encouraged by Dr. King's work and suggest that you do, too. As a people that God watches over, we will hear unsettling messages that seek to steal our joy. Resist the urge to listen to the negativity. Listen, instead, to words of encouragement. Words of inspiration. There is a wonderful scripture in the Bible that speaks to this very issue, and was relevant even back when Dr. King was alive. It's found in Hebrews 6:10 and says "God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them." Because of that, I believe that Dr. King's message, and not the message in the article, will prevail.
Be strong, and concentrate on the message of Dr. King's dream. Strong Christian values are present there. It's a message that God wants us to be aware of, but the devil wants us to miss.
God bless you, as you bless others.
Elder Scott Hampton
The Father Knows
"But my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
— Philippians 4:19
Let me share some good news with you: we have a Father who knows all of our needs. Isn't that incredible? That's better than insurance: it's assurance. There is a mighty God that knows whatever it is that we need.
Since God is aware of our needs, it's easy to understand that we could never find ourselves in any situation or position outside of God's knowledge and care. Not only does God know our physical needs, but He knows our social needs, our mental needs, our spiritual needs…any needs. He is concerned with our entire life.
God never leads us—His children—other than we would choose to be lead. If we could only see the end from the beginning, and discern the glory of the purpose which we are fulfilling as co-workers with Him, we would be in much better shape. God is willing to lead us day by day, because He knows where we should go. Let's be thankful that He knows!
So you, dear reader, whoever you are, wherever you are, and in whatever your situation, you are in His radar. God knows your needs and He will supply them for you.
God bless you,
Elder J. Terry Jones
— Philippians 4:19
Let me share some good news with you: we have a Father who knows all of our needs. Isn't that incredible? That's better than insurance: it's assurance. There is a mighty God that knows whatever it is that we need.
Since God is aware of our needs, it's easy to understand that we could never find ourselves in any situation or position outside of God's knowledge and care. Not only does God know our physical needs, but He knows our social needs, our mental needs, our spiritual needs…any needs. He is concerned with our entire life.
God never leads us—His children—other than we would choose to be lead. If we could only see the end from the beginning, and discern the glory of the purpose which we are fulfilling as co-workers with Him, we would be in much better shape. God is willing to lead us day by day, because He knows where we should go. Let's be thankful that He knows!
So you, dear reader, whoever you are, wherever you are, and in whatever your situation, you are in His radar. God knows your needs and He will supply them for you.
God bless you,
Elder J. Terry Jones
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Haiti Didn't Ask for the Earthquake
Haiti didn't ask for the earthquake. It came suddenly, like a flood. True, some scientists said that a catastrophe such as this was due to hit the island, and they were right, but people generally weren't expecting it. The earthquake caught the island off guard.
My heart and prayers go out to the Haitians in this troubling time. Many people died instantly. Some shortly after. Many are injured and suffering. When I watched the news this week I saw the hurt, the pain, the destruction... My heart was heavy and torn apart.
As a human being, I was empathetic to these individuals who I never even met. That's the kind of compassion that Jesus has to all mankind. He hurts when you hurt. I know God will send His mighty healing hand down and touch everybody. I'm praying for them hard and constantly.
Does God know the Haitians are suffering? Of course. Is God responsible for that? Of course not! The Bible tells us that God knows our future and He has plans for us to be successful, not destroyed. That includes Haitians! God didn't want the earthquake to hit the island.
Brothers and sisters, young people, keep the faith. A lot of people blame God or blame Haiti, but they don't know the truth. Remember, God has plans for us all to prosper!
God bless,
Elder Claudius Taylor
My heart and prayers go out to the Haitians in this troubling time. Many people died instantly. Some shortly after. Many are injured and suffering. When I watched the news this week I saw the hurt, the pain, the destruction... My heart was heavy and torn apart.
As a human being, I was empathetic to these individuals who I never even met. That's the kind of compassion that Jesus has to all mankind. He hurts when you hurt. I know God will send His mighty healing hand down and touch everybody. I'm praying for them hard and constantly.
Does God know the Haitians are suffering? Of course. Is God responsible for that? Of course not! The Bible tells us that God knows our future and He has plans for us to be successful, not destroyed. That includes Haitians! God didn't want the earthquake to hit the island.
Brothers and sisters, young people, keep the faith. A lot of people blame God or blame Haiti, but they don't know the truth. Remember, God has plans for us all to prosper!
God bless,
Elder Claudius Taylor
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