Words

 I was reading this morning and came across this verse, “I’ve now taught the words the Lord God has commanded me to say. The Lord God says my words will be a bright testimony against the people at judgment day. Each person will be judged based on their works, whether they’re good or evil” (RE Mosiah 1:18, LDS edition Mosiah 3:23-24).

I try to hear the word of the Lord probably very similarly to any of you reading this. I pray, listen, ponder, read scriptures, have conversations with others, listen to inspiring music, try to follow the Lord, etc… There are times when something just sticks out to me. It seems to me the Lord is speaking to me. It may even be a simple conversation but whatever is said, heard or felt penetrates my soul and I know the Lord is communicating with me. 

When I shared what the Lord revealed to me over 4 years ago now, it sent my life in a different direction with the LDS church. It also has caused me to pause and wonder at what the Lord was up to and if I was following Him in every post or video etc. 

When I came across this verse this morning, it seemed to settle in my heart that those that know me and heard my witness are accountable to God for what they do with it. That was pretty sobering. I don’t pretend to know where people are at, but God does, and He knows what was delivered to them in those moments of sharing what I felt He put on my heart to share. 

These verses also cause me to pause and wonder if I’m listening to messages He has sent me through other vehicles. When I hear the word of the Lord to me, do I act on it? How do I know He is speaking to me? Sometimes it’s more clear than other times. 

Overall the messages of repentance to me are very simple. The difficult part is putting the counsel into practice. Easy to understand, tough to do. Repentance is hard. In Greek repentance is simply change. Changing course, obtaining a new heart and mind. That is difficult. It takes struggle, prayer, fasting, practicing changing, etc. 

Anyways, I pray for me and all of us to change and come unto Him more fully and recognize His voice to us when it comes.

Polygamy: Was Joseph Smith a Polygamist?

A little over four years ago, I learned and then shared what I discovered for myself, that Joseph Smith was not a polygamist. It rocked my current understanding. I had studied and researched and thought Joseph was a polygamist and I thought I had the facts and revelation to prove it. The Church I belonged to even believes Joseph is a polygamist. 

I felt so convicted of what I found I had to share the truth of who Joseph Smith was and is. Sharing the truth led to my disfellowshipment and excommunication from the LDS Church. I lost many things and many people fell out of my life. But, God is faithful. I learned for myself that the truth really does set us free. 

In my zeal to share what I had learned, I posted on this blog the scriptures, data and quotes by Joseph that show he was true and faithful to his God and his wife, Emma. I wasn't very "techy" nor am I great at sharing things close to my heart. But, I was convicted of the truth and I felt determined to testify of what I knew to be true. Now, others are sharing the truth in a very organized and entertaining way. 

Jeremy Hoop, an actor in "The Testaments," "Charly" and other films has created a podcast to go through both sides of the issue, "was Joseph a polygamist." I wish I had presented the information I found in the way he did. I think you'll find this extremely beneficial. I'd love to hear what you think about it. Enjoy!

https://youtu.be/r_c6ja7iJlA?si=qKN2yBddmRuOKfXD

Independence Day or Bondage

 It’s Independence Day again tomorrow. I wanted to write some thoughts real quickly. It seems clear that we are no longer an independent people, but we are in bondage to big  government and socialist and corrupted ideals. In scripture, we have examples of how people were freed from bondage. It always came by humbly submitting to God and his laws, and praying for deliverance and acting on what he told them. Today we keep claiming that we are a free people, and that we are righteous and in fact, we are in bondage and we’re wicked. I hope we can repent and turn to God that he may deliver us. He is merciful and gracious. He extends his hands of mercy if we remember and follow him.

What Was Significant in the Eclipse?

 My friend created this. Listen closely:

https://youtu.be/uWLw1W1va9s

True Messengers or True Messages?

 Many rejected John the Baptist, Jesus and all the prophets because they weren’t what they thought God should use to declare a message. Will we reject his messengers today because we believe they are from the wrong profession, too proud or wealthy etc.? Some think Joseph Smith was arrogant when he delivered the King Follet discourse. Does that make the message untrue? Does a swearing messenger make the message untrue? If someone speaks out when they are imperfect themselves does that make their message false? I wonder how many would believe any of the scriptures if they were contenpories with those that wrote them and knew them personally? 

The Widow’s Mite

 I think about the widow’s mite and what is important to the Lord.

This is interesting:

https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2024/03/05/lds-church-buys-kirtland-temple/

I’ve been to the Vatican and seen their vast amount of relics and precious things. 

“One Soul Shall Not Be Lost”

“And I, the Lord God, spoke unto Moses, saying, That Satan whom you have commanded in the name of my Only Begotten is the same who was from the beginning. And he came before me, saying, Behold, I, send me. I will be your Son and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost. And surely I will do it. Wherefore, give me your honor. But behold, my Beloved Son, who was my beloved and chosen from the beginning, said unto me, Father, your will be done, and the glory be yours for ever. Wherefore, because that Satan rebelled against me, and sought to destroy the agency of man which I, the Lord God, had given him, and also that I should give unto him my own power, by the power of my Only Begotten, I caused that he should be cast down. And he became Satan, yea, even the Devil, the father of all lies, to deceive and to blind men, and to lead them captive at his will, even as many as would not listen unto my voice” (RE Gen. 2:15; LDS Moses 4:1-4).

The faithful disciples of Christ who are watchful see what is happening in the LDS church and wonder what is happening with the brethren. Satan’s plan in this verse explains exactly which doctrine the LDS leadership is following. They cannot bear to see a soul not saved and when you don’t take a stand for truth you will fall for anything. The sand is crumbling beneath the feet. The foundation of Jesus Christ has been ignored and destroyed. They have chosen their king. The Babylonian king will fall and is falling.