Monday, December 31, 2012

Heightened Sensitivity

Reading:  Scripture Quotes

NEW YEARS EVE!!

It's the last day of 2012 and I have successfully maintained my blog for 70 days...woohoo!  Now, I am proud to announce, I will continue the blog in 2013.  I have decided to start with the Old Testament (155 days), then continue with the New Testament (150 days), and finish out 2013 with the Pearl of Great Price (60 days) - join me!

I am going to change some things though; primarily, I am going to cease the practice of reading scripture then writing the blog.  I have found that some time to ruminate after reading causes for much improvement in the quality of what I discuss and therefore I will write the blog the day following what I read.  For instance, today I read the introduction to the King James Version of the Bible and tomorrow, the first day of the new year, I will discuss it in my blog.  I will, however, continue to keep the restriction of writing only on what I have read during the day (I like the challenge of stealing a moment for scripture reading no matter what craziness occurs in my life).  Also, I will try to make a note of what I plan on writing about the next day on the bottom of each blog (where I typically sign out with my name).

Today, for blogging purposes, I read a number of quotations pertaining to the importance of reading scriptures and found a few that uplifted me and bolstered my resolve to continue reading...

David S. Baxter (First Quorom of the Seventy)
Faith, Service, Constancy, Ensign, Nov. 2006, 14
At . . . moments of crisis and challenge, some choose to abandon faith just at the time when it most needs to be embraced. Prayer is ignored at the very hour when it needs to be intensified. Virtue is carelessly tossed aside when it needs to be cherished. God is forsaken in the all-too-human yet mistaken fear that He has forsaken us.  The truth is that our only safety, our only security, our only hope is to hold fast to that which is good. As the mists of darkness gather around us, we are only lost if we choose to let go of the iron rod, which is the word of God.
"As the mists of darkness gather around us," it is vitally important to hold firmly to the guiding rod of truth and refrain from allowing crisis to pull us from the path.  One sure way to maintain a secure grip on the rod of truth is to read scriptures daily (I can whole-heartedly attest to the truthfulness of that statement...I know that since I have made a habit of reading I have been blessed with increased patience and stamina in dealing with the trials I have faced).

Cheryl C. Lant (General President of the Primary)
My Soul Delighteth in the Scriptures, Ensign, Nov. 2005, 77 
I find that if I pray not only to have a witness of the truthfulness of the scriptures but also to have the Spirit with me as I read, my sensitivity is heightened, and I see ever so much more clearly. I can see where I am in my life and where my Heavenly Father wants me to be. I can understand principles of truth, and I can see how to make the needed changes in my life. I can feel assured that the Lord will help and strengthen me to accomplish the task. Thus the scriptures become written in my life.When we read the scriptures we are hearing the voice of the Savior. He is not absent from our lives. He is actively positioned in the verses of these holy books.
I like this quote because it opens up the idea of, "heightened sensitivity."  Whereas consumption of alcohol dulls the senses, here we learn that reading the scriptures has the opposite effect - it heightens the senses.  Finally, one more motivator to get you reading...

Elaine S. Dalton (President of the Young Women's Org.
Believe! Ensign, May 2004, 111 
Everything in the scriptures is applicable to our lives. The scriptures answer our questions, they provide role models and heroes, and they help us understand how to handle challenges and trials. Many times the scriptures you read will be the answer to your prayers.
There are of course a mountain of other quotes and references relating to scripture study but I wanted to provide a few that weren't so well known.  Bottom line here...reading the scriptures can in no way be a negative in your life, no cons, positively cannot hurt and takes only moments - believe!

~Kipling







Sunday, December 30, 2012

Effects of Faith


Reading:   Lectures on Faith: Lecture Seventh 11-20

The lectures on Faith were classes of instruction given "... On the Doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, originally delivered before a Class of the Elders, in Kirtland, Ohio."

"Effect" (noun) is the result of something.  The second half of Lecture Seventh discussed the effects of faith; salvation being the cornerstone of these effects.  In regards, then, to the plan of salvation, "...[It is] a system of faith - it begins with faith, and continues by faith; and every blessing which is obtained in relation to it is the effect of faith, whether it pertains to this life or that which is to come (Lecture Seventh, 17)."

"...This life or that which is to come," this is reference to the continual need of faith in the hereafter.  Again, as in yesterday's blog, I cannot stress enough the power of faith and the need to gather it in as not only a source of inspiration and direction but also as a shield and moreover a weapon!

Another effect of faith is knowledge - knowledge of God.  What is the significance of this...as we have learned in previous lectures and subsequent blogs, knowledge provides a glimpse into what lies beyond this probationary state of mortality.  It produces the ability to forsake all in this life with the understanding of the glory and peace we will earn in heaven.  Quite a significant effect!

LECTURE SEVENTH (19)

19. By these sayings of the apostle [John], we learn that it was by obtaining a knowledge of God that men got the knowledge of all things which pertain to life and godliness, and this knowledge was the effect of faith; so that all things which pertain to life and godliness are the effects of faith.

Having a knowledge of all things pertaining to "this" life is grand but to add knowledge of Godliness is paramount to where we are heading.  Why else would we need the vast "all" of this knowledge unless we too were capable of ascending to godliness.

To better frame this idea, the brethren discuss the power of being one in the Savior as he is one in God...

LECTURE SEVENTH (13-15)

13. What language can be plainer than this? The Saviour surely intended to be understood by His disciples, and He so spake that they might understand Him; for He declares to His Father, in language, not to be easily mistaken, that He wanted His disciples, even all of them, to be as Himself and the Father, for as He and the Father are one so they might be one with them. And what is said in the 22nd verse [John 17:22] is calculated to more firmly establish this belief; if it needs anything to establish it. He says; "And the glory which thou gavest me, I have given them, that they may be one, even as we are one." As much as to say that unless they have the glory which the Father had given Him they could not be one with them; for He says He had given them the glory that the Father had given Him that they might be one; or in other words, to make them one. 

14. This fills up the measure of information on this subject and shows most clearly that the Saviour wished His disciples to understand that they were to be partakers with Him in all things, not even His glory excepted. 

15. It is scarcely necessary here to observe what we have previously noticed, that the glory which the Father and the Son have is because they are just and holy beings; and that if they were lacking in one attribute or perfection which they have, the glory which they have never could be enjoyed by them, for it requires them to be precisely what they are in order to enjoy it; and if the Saviour gives this glory to any others, he must do it in the very way set forth in His prayer to His Father - by making them one with Him as He and the Father are one. In so doing He would give them the glory which the Father has given Him; and when His disciples are made one with the Father and Son, as the Father and Son are one, who cannot see the propriety of the Saviour's saying - "The works which I do, shall they do; and greater works than these shall they do, because I go to my Father [John 14:12]." 

I don't want to keep grinding this into the ground but I think a lot of my explaining and reiterating is geared more toward me - helping me wrap my brain around the significance of it all.  Anyway, gaing a knowledge of God is a goal of such high significance that it is easy to get lost in the importance of the baby steps.  I cannot progress from this point with the weight of Godhood and eternity on my mind or I will fail in this probationary state - I truly believe that!  I need to be ever mindful of faith and work diligently to make it a constant part of my daily existence but I need also to focus on those I love and want to spent eternity with; otherwise what am I doing? 

Remember, "Sufficient is the day unto the evil thereof." Get through the day, exercise the faith needed to do so, find happiness, and continue the process of learning and growth in God - that is the mission!

Faith is the first principle of power.  The object of faith is God.  God is all, omniscent, omnipresent, omnipotent, and neverending.  Salvation is the cornerstone effect of faith and knowledge of God the crowning effect of faith.  To be one in the glory of Jesus as He is in the glory of God is the pinnacle of existence in this life and that which is to come.

Here endeth the reading of the Lectures on Faith, adieu, and whew, and whew...  

~Kipling

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Sparkle Forth with Glory


Reading:   Lectures on Faith: Lecture Seventh 1-10

The lectures on Faith were classes of instruction given "... On the Doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, originally delivered before a Class of the Elders, in Kirtland, Ohio."



Faith is the framework by which all creation has been, is, and will be formed.  That very same power, used as in instrument in creation, is a power that I, we, must also wield in our progression from tabernacles of clay to masters of all.

LECTURE SEVENTH (5)

5.  It is only necessary for us to say that the whole visible creation, as it now exists, is the effect of faith. It was faith by which it was framed, and it is by the power of faith that it continues in its organized form, and by which the planets move round their orbits and sparkle forth their glory. So, then, faith is truly the first principle in the science of THEOLOGY, and when understood, leads the mind back to the beginning, and carries it forward to the end; or, in other words, from eternity to eternity. 

Faith is the first principle of power and as such it must be part of the creation process from beginning to end, or, as the brethren put it, "...from eternity to eternity."  God is the object by which faith flourishes and by which faith gains its power.  So, then, if I believe in the idea that I too can be like God and God once was as I am, the power of faith truly does become the first principle in the science of Theology as well. 

Let me explain; if God was as I now am it stands to reason that He too had to learn about faith, what it is, how it is, why it is, and the object by which it proceeds.  He too, then, had an object by which the power of faith sprang forth, a God figure to exemplify the characteristics and attributes of faith.  He learned to wield faith in all His endeavors from finding lost keys to moving mountains.  He succeeded in His probationary state and progressed in glories I can only fathom.  Through His progression and eventual rise to Godhood, He relied upon and used the power of faith culminating in the production of His own creation, the universe, our home; but gained the power, the force, to achieve His creation by exercising his faith while in a probationary realm - stands to reason, right? 

Just saying...

~Kipling

Friday, December 28, 2012

Forsaking Applause

Reading:   Lectures on Faith: Lecture Sixth


The lectures on Faith were classes of instruction given "... On the Doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, originally delivered before a Class of the Elders, in Kirtland, Ohio."


This lecture is a quintessential focus on the trials and tribulations of Job - the willingness to literally lay down all.   What does it take for a person to willingly lay down all and do nothing to stop the destruction, complete and total, of ones whole existence and mortal being?


LECTURE SIXTH (5)



5. For a man to lay down his all, his character and reputation, his honor, and applause, his good name among men, his houses, his lands, his brothers and sisters, his wife and children, and even his own life also - counting all things but filth and dross for the excellency of the knowledge of Jesus Christ - requires more than mere belief or supposition that he is doing the will of God; but actual knowledge, realizing that, when those sufferings are ended, he will enter into eternal rest, and be a partaker of the glory of God.

First I want to pose a question on the interesting addition of "applause" as part of a man's all. Laying down ones character includes reputation, honor, good name, and applause...wow.  Why applause?  I think it is an ingenious addition for the obvious pride reasons but it still took me by surprise when I first read it.  To forsake applause means all efforts to pursue excellence, assist others, anything that might put you on the radar in another persons life, must be halted.  Hard to swallow isn't it?  To perform unselfish acts of assistance, proving the pure love of Christ by submission to charitable pursuits would still garner applause by those assisted - so how does that figure exactly?  We will get back to this...

In order to lay down all it is suggested that man would have to have "...more than mere belief or supposition that he is doing the will of God; but actual knowledge..."  I think we are talking about a lifting of the veil here, a glimpse of eternity beyond the mortal minute.  To gain or have a knowledge as described, knowing that you "...will enter into eternal rest, and be a partaker of the glory of God."  Means that you understand the brevity of mortality in the grand scheme and that no matter how you complete this probationary step, trampled under foot by man, a beggar in the muck, a castaway, a prisoner, no matter what, the suffering will end and the glory of eternity awaits.

With that in mind; having a glimpse, knowing what awaits, it stands to reason that laying down applause is complete in the idea that every act performed is done so for the glory of God only...charitable acts, any unselfish assistance given is done so in the name of the Almighty.  Any applause is for Him you are a mere vessel of action for Him and neither want or wish for any regard from your fellow man - humility extreme with the knowledge of what awaits.  That is how we lay down applause!

How then do we gain that glimpse beyond the veil - a glimpse that Job surely had - we exercise our faith in every aspect of our lives!

~Kipling

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Finding Lost Keys


Reading:   Lectures on Faith: Lecture Fifth

The lectures on Faith were classes of instruction given "... On the Doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, originally delivered before a Class of the Elders, in Kirtland, Ohio."


This was the shortest of all the lectures but quite heavy in thought.  I wasn't sure how I was going to write about it and was thinking on the subject at work, then at home, and then, after an extremely frustrating evening at the church gym (my basketball skills have deteriorated exponentially in time with my age, weight and lack of practice), it came to me.  First, read the paragraph I selected - pay particular attention to the underlined portion...


LECTURE FIFTH (3)


3. From the foregoing account of the Godhead, which is given in His revelations, the saints have a sure foundation laid for the exercise of faith unto life and salvation, through the atonement and mediation of Jesus Christ; by whose blood they have a forgiveness of sins, and also a sure reward laid up for them in heaven, even that of partaking of the fullness of the Father and the Son through the Spirit. As the Son partakes of the fullness of the Father through the Spirit, so the saints are, by the same Spirit, to be partakers of the same fullness, to enjoy the same glory; for as the Father and the Son are one, so, in like manner, the saints are to be one in them. Through the love of the Father, the mediation of Jesus Christ, and the gift of the Holy Spirit, they are to be heirs of God, and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. 

Being one - partakers of the same fullness, enjoying the same glory, one.  So, here is the lesson I learned at the church gym.  I was frustrated, angry even, and was trying not to be too overtly irate considering my frustration was largely due to my own inabilities; still, I was fuming and we could not find the keys to the car...everyone was looking, we went through the van three or four times, walked the church hallways, scoured the gym, emptied pockets and trash, we even raked the snow from the vehicle to the church entrance.  We searched for 45 minutes and found nothing.

It's interesting because the entire time I was debating with myself about praying for guidance and just couldn't bring myself to ask for help because I was mad and wanted to stay mad, how ridiculous is that? Anyway, I did calm myself down because I realized the significance of my anger verses wanting to pray and ask for help.  Then I had to deal with my own faith, its crazy but having read the lectures on faith I have a new understanding of what faith is and just didn't fell like I had it.  I tried to reconcile this new found lack of faith and really struggled inside - felt overwhelmed with knowledge that I couldn't put into use in a simple exercise of finding keys.

Faith is the first principle of power.  God is the omnipresent, omnipotent, and omniscient object of faith and here I was doubting that He could help me find some keys.  I was unable to exercise the simplest portion of faith because I had searched everywhere and the keys were gone.  I thought through the things I had been studying and stripped myself down to the basics of faith so that I could look past my doubts and trust that He would indeed help.  My faith still wavered so I decided to involve everyone in a prayer so that maybe my faith could be amplified by the assistance of my wife and children.  Angela explained that she had already said several prayers so did Xander and Ellie but we all came together anyway, bowed our heads (7 souls including Ellie's boyfriend), folded our arms, and I offered up a prayer for assistance in finding the incredibly lost keys.

Yes, we are talking about keys, insignificant, ridiculous, not worth a millisecond of thought in the grand scheme of things, keys; I mean there are probably thousands of souls throughout the world praying just as we were and yet their prayers were about life...ours about keys.  No matter, we did it anyway and the point is that we began our search again, going over everything as we had already done several times only this time with faith, doing the work, and believing we would be directed.  We were, Angela found the keys in her coat pocket, the same pocket she had checked several times, a pocket I had even checked.  Again, no matter, we found them - The Lord lead us to them.  My shaky faith combined with the faith of the rest of our family, one faith, directed at one goal - success!

Reading about the power of faith made the smallness of finding keys seem a waste of great power - it is not!  It is just as important for us to pray about keys as it is to pray for the life of a loved one.  How can I gain the pure knowledge of God, become one with God, become one with my wife and kids, if I choose to exercise faith only on grand worthy endeavors?  I can't.

Finding keys are as important in building faith and oneness as parting the Red Sea.

~Kipling


Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Reflect Sincerely and Candidly


Reading:   Lectures on Faith: Lecture Fourth 11-19

The lectures on Faith were classes of instruction given "... On the Doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, originally delivered before a Class of the Elders, in Kirtland, Ohio."


Continuing on with the lecture of God's attributes in accordance with our ability to muster the faith we need as mortals...as if understanding the power of faith isn't enough, understanding that God is that object by which our faith gains its power is still not enough, breaking down the characteristics of God doesn't quite total it, we need to know, understand, the attributes of God as well...okay, a bit much I think, but carry on brethren - burn it into me!

Today's verse summarizes the attributes...

LECTURE FOURTH (17)

17. Let the mind once reflect sincerely and candidly upon the ideas of the existence of the before-mentioned attributes in the Deity, and it will be seen that as far as His attributes are concerned, there is a sure foundation laid for the exercise of faith in Him for life and salvation. For inasmuch as God possesses the attribute knowledge, He can make all things known to His saints necessary for their salvation, and as He possesses the attribute power, He is able thereby to deliver them from the power of all enemies; and seeing, also, that justice is an attribute of the Deity, He will deal with them upon the principles of righteousness and equity, and a just reward will be granted unto them for all their afflictions and sufferings for the truth's sake. And as judgment is an attribute of the Deity also, His saints can have the most unshaken confidence that they will, in due time, obtain a perfect deliverance out of the hands of their enemies, and a complete victory over all those who have sought their hurt and destruction. And as mercy is also an attribute of the Deity, His saints can have confidence that it will be exercised towards them, and through the exercise of that attribute towards them comfort and consolation will be administered unto them abundantly, amid all their afflictions and tribulations. And, lastly, realizing that truth is an attribute of the Deity, the mind is led to rejoice amid all its trials and temptations, in hope of that glory which is to be brought at the revelation of Jesus Christ, and in view of that crown which is to be placed upon the heads of the saints in the day when the Lord shall distribute rewards unto them, and in prospect of that eternal weight of glory which the Lord has promised to bestow upon them, when He shall bring them in the midst of His throne to dwell in His presence eternally.

Ahh..."...reflect [upon these attributes] sincerely and candidly..." Please don't misconstrue my lightheartedness as frustration with the text - I love that theses ideas are being ground into my psyche!  Again, who, in their right mind, would decline further knowledge or additional witness to the teachings of Jesus Christ in relation to our own faith? The attributes of God are the very same attributes of Jesus; yesterday, today, and forever, and also those very same attributes that we should each strive to emulate!

  • KNOWLEDGE
  • POWER
  • JUSTICE
  • JUDGEMENT
  • MERCY
  • TRUTH
I think it would be interesting to write a book reflecting more sincerely and candidly on these six attributes. I would add personal stories relating to each attribute, along with quotes and stories from conference talks etc. (to make the reading more accessible).  I will call it: 

The Candle of Faith:  Attributes of a Living God

 What do you think?  

~Kipling


Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Attributes of God


Reading:   Lectures on Faith: Lecture Fourth 1-10

The lectures on Faith were classes of instruction given "... On the Doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, originally delivered before a Class of the Elders, in Kirtland, Ohio."


MERRY CHRISTMAS!!


Yeah...these lectures are going to take me to the end of 2012 for sure!  I honestly don't believe I will get much else read (they are a little longer and certainly more in-depth than I expected - but in a good thoughtful way).

So, Lecture Fourth teaches us the attributes of God; for me however, understanding from the previous lectures that God is all, it seems redundant to break down specific attributes, I mean, omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent, should cover it - shouldn't it?  Anyway, like the oft repeated and likewise redundant, "knock and it shall be opened unto you," it is obvious I must learn more.  So I shall indulge the brethren and read on, blog on, with much diligence...

First, what is the difference between attributes and characteristics?  After some exhaustive research (not really), I am still not quite clear as to the separation but will give it a good solid shot in the arm for you.  As I understand it, characteristics are the combination of attributes and traits that make an individual who he is.  Attributes are the qualities of an individual, the compliments; the good things that make a person who they are.  Traits are the things that make up an individuals behavior, both good and bad.

So, in regards to the reading, the attributes of God are similar to the characteristics because there is no negative behavior to mold His character.  God's character is comprised of attributes only!

LECTURE FOURTH (3)

3. Having said so much, we shall proceed to examine the attributes of God, as set forth in His revelations to the human family, and to show how necessary correct ideas of His attributes are to enable men to exercise faith in Him; for without these ideas being planted in the minds of men it would be out of the power of any person or persons to exercise faith in God so as to obtain eternal life. So that the divine communications made to men in the first instance were designed to establish in their minds the ideas necessary to enable them to exercise faith in God, and through this means to be partakers of His glory.

To be a "partaker of His glory," I must understand the vitality of his attributes, the direction and path by which my faith should cling and grow; otherwise I will not have the power to obtain eternal life because my faith will be lacking...okay, that seems important!


The attributes are:

  • KNOWLEDGE
  • POWER
  • JUSTICE
  • JUDGEMENT
  • MERCY
  • TRUTH
I am going to leave the defining of these attributes to tomorrow's blog, after I read the definitions provided by the brethren (I say brethren because there is no defining author for the Lectures on Faith. It is believed that the First Presidency wrote them with the primary authorship going to Sidney Rigdon but there is no conclusive proof to support that fact - so "brethren," it shall remain).

~Kipling

Monday, December 24, 2012

Unchangeableness


Reading:   Lectures on Faith: Lecture Third 19-26

The lectures on Faith were classes of instruction given "... On the Doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, originally delivered before a Class of the Elders, in Kirtland, Ohio."


How important is the idea of never-changing?  Having recently endured another presidential election, it is easy to see the importance placed on taking a position and staying with it no matter how the tide flows.  In my own life, I can certainly see the impact friends and family have had on positions I once held as immovable; I have wavered in certain beliefs and practices because of outside pressures and have stayed solid as granite in other areas.  I point this out because I think that "unchangeableness" is the shining star of the characteristics the brethren chose to described God.  


To be without trepidation or doubt about ones choices or beliefs is, in my mind, impossible.  There are too many angles and perception is too biased for the beholder.  Only God can, without the bonds of peer pressure and doubt, see all, every angle, every possible outcome, every scenario and playbook.  He can stick to His course because He is omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent.  There is no room for the possibility of change - God is all.  There is comfort in this knowledge because it gives credence to the object which I have faith in, which I gain power from.  That object isn't going anywhere - trust in that and increase faith!

LECTURE THIRD (21-22)


 21. But it is equally as necessary that men should have the idea that he is a God who changes not, in order to have faith in him, as it is to have the idea that He is gracious and long-suffering; for without the idea of unchangeableness in the character of the Deity, doubt would take the place of faith. But with the idea that He changes not, faith lays hold upon the excellencies in His character with unshaken confidence, believing He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and that His course is one eternal round. 


22. And again, the idea that He is a God of truth and cannot lie, is equally as necessary to the exercise of faith in Him as the idea of His unchangeableness. For without the idea that He was a God of truth and could not lie, the confidence necessary to be placed in His word in order to the exercise of faith in Him could not exist. But having the idea that He is not man, that He cannot lie, it gives power to the minds of men to exercise faith in Him.  

I'm not saying it's impossible to be unchanging but again, without all the information, and I do mean "all", there is no way to be without doubt on most things.  New information is discovered, a brighter light shines on a subject, and boom, we change our view...there is nothing wrong with that, we aren't privy to "all" and need to be somewhat flexible to newness. I find it more constricting to hold beliefs so tight that alternate ideas can't be introduced.  Let go, ease up a little, let God be unchangeable and allow for the possibility that our knowledge is not complete and needs continual tweaking. 


In the early days polygamy was enacted, practiced, then rescinded; did God change? Also, in the early days, blacks were not given the priesthood and then, through divine proclamation, they were, did God change his mind? Of course not, he had all the information and directed his children accordingly.  In due time we may understand the reason but why over-think it now?  Spend more time and effort in cultivating your faith by allowing The Lord to tweak you in his own due time and in his own, all-knowing, course.  You will be better for it!

~Kipling

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Divine Characteristics


Reading:   Lectures on Faith: Lecture Third 1-18

The lectures on Faith were classes of instruction given "... On the Doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, originally delivered before a Class of the Elders, in Kirtland, Ohio."


Having now an understanding that faith is the first principle of power and that the object of faith is God, the lectures now focus deeper on the object of faith - taking the basic notion that there is a God and detailing the characteristics of that notion to better materialize the reality of Him for us.


LECTURE THIRD (12-18)


12. From the foregoing testimonies we learn the following things respecting the character of God:


13. First, that He was God before the world was created, and the same God that He was after it was created. 

14. Secondly, that He is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, abundant in goodness, and that He was so from everlasting, and will be to everlasting. 

15. Thirdly, that He changes not, neither is there variableness with Him; but that He is the same from everlasting to everlasting, being the same yesterday, today, and forever; and that His course is one eternal round, without variation. 

16. Fourthly, that He is a God of truth and cannot lie. 

17. Fifthly, that He is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that fears God and works righteousness is accepted of Him. 

18. Sixthly, that He is love. 

He does not alter, not one tittle, He is the same then (before the world was), now, and shall remain the same forever.  He is the absolute personification of truth and love.  "...His course is one eternal round, without variation," and that is something we, as fallible mortals, can bet on - a sure thing!  


A personal experience comes to mind here, in relation to God as the personification of truth and love.  I recall as a teenager struggling greatly with some moral and spiritual decisions.  I knew what I should do and also knew it would be exceedingly difficult so really wanted to pursue another avenue (basically not go on a mission and pursue a relationship).  On one particular evening I lay on the floor in my bedroom physically racked with this tremendous choice.  At some point I looked up at a picture that hung in my room, one that I was acutely familiar with, it was a picture of the Savior and the words, "I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it."  This time, however, something was different, I stared at the picture and The Lord's face would not come into focus for me.  I then reflected on the words and there too I discovered a difference, the phrase read, "I never said it would be worth it, I only said it would be easy."  A coldness enveloped me and I knew, without a doubt that I was looking at a picture of Lucifer and his words resonated in me.  I lay there, unable to take my eyes from the picture and certain of the rigid truth in the words I read.  I recall asking my father in heaven for help, pleading for a change in the picture - a return to the loving gaze of Jesus.  The out-of-focus, cold stare of Satan retracted and the defined, loving face of Christ returned.  I read the phrase, the memorized mantra, "I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it."  I went on a mission, it was hard, one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life; but it was worth it!

That single characteristic, truth, has been a flame by which I have guided my life through many struggles.  I know God loves me and I know every word of his gospel is True and unwavering.  My compass, if set toward Him, will guide me true every time!

~Kipling

Saturday, December 22, 2012

From Adam to Noah


Reading:   Lectures on Faith: Lecture Second 31-56

The lectures on Faith were classes of instruction given "... On the Doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, originally delivered before a Class of the Elders, in Kirtland, Ohio."


The verses today went through the descendants of Adam down to Noah (continuing on with direct reading from the book of Genesis).  Then from Noah down to Abraham and a bit further...the thing of importance to note is the presence of personal knowledge being handed down from generation to generation.  Personal knowledge meaning direct interaction with God - remember that these first beings were living 800+ years on average.  So, for the first 2000 years of existence there was always someone around with personal, direct, knowledge of God's existence and therefore a personal, direct, object of faith.

LECTURE SECOND (44, 55)


44. From the foregoing it is easily to be seen, not only how the knowledge of God came into the world, but upon what principle it was preserved; that from the time it was first communicated, it was retained in the minds of righteous men, who taught not only their own posterity but the world; so that there was no need of a new revelation to man, after Adam's creation to Noah, to give them the first idea or notion of the existence of a God; and not only of a God, but the true and living God.  


55. Let us here observe, that after any portion of the human family are made acquainted with the important fact that there is a God, who has created and does uphold all things, the extent of their knowledge respecting his character and glory will depend upon their diligence and faithfulness in seeking after him, until, like Enoch, the brother of Jared, and Moses, they shall obtain faith in God, and power with him to behold him face to face. 


A notion of God's existence is a building block for faith but in no way complete in itself.  After an awareness of God touches us (or our friends), it is vitally important to build upon that knowledge, to diligently seek after more so that our understanding of His divine character and attributes might strengthen our burgeoning faith.  We have to increase our faith through incremental advances, never ceasing our work, searching for the power (and remember faith is the first principle of power) to behold Him face to face.  It is a reachable endeavor but there is a lot of work to be done!  


~Kipling

Friday, December 21, 2012

Cast Out with Knowledge


Reading:   Lectures on Faith: Lecture Second 13-30

The lectures on Faith were classes of instruction given "... On the Doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, originally delivered before a Class of the Elders, in Kirtland, Ohio."

And wouldn't you know it - we are still alive?  The silly Mayans just ran out of ink to continue their calendar...

So...on then, with lecture second, and no I didn't finish, we shall continue with the lecture tomorrow as well; apologies aside, we are still discussing the object of faith - God.  The reading today focused on the fall of Adam and the intrinsic fact that knowledge was not lost.  Adam retained his memory of God, his interactions with God, and his understanding of transgression, punishment and remorse.

LECTURE SECOND (18-19)

18. Two important items are shown from the former quotations. First, after man was created, he was not left without intelligence or understanding, to wander in darkness and spend an existence in ignorance and doubt (on the great and important point which effected his happiness) as to the real fact by whom he was created, or unto whom he was amenable for his conduct. God conversed with him face to face. In His presence he was permitted to stand, and from His own mouth he was permitted to receive instruction. He heard His voice, walked before Him and gazed upon His glory, while intelligence burst upon his understanding, and enabled him to give names to the vast assemblage of his Maker's works. 


19. Secondly, we have seen, that though man did transgress, his transgression did not deprive him of the previous knowledge with which he was endowed relative to the existence and glory of his Creator; for no sooner did he hear His voice than he sought to hide himself from His presence. 

Adam had direct interaction and knowledge of his Creator.  He continued to converse with him, face to face, even after his expulsion from Eden.  For Adam and Eve, experience was key in relation to testimony, faith, that God was who He professed to be.  They had first hand knowledge and could testify personally to their progeny.  The first fathers of humanity, most of them, could testify through personal experience and, except for Cain, made certain that their kin understood who and what God was.  This is the key to Lecture Second, the understanding that there must be the ability to acknowledge a higher power, the hand of God, otherwise there can be no cause for faith - without an object of faith, no matter how small ones knowledge may be, faith has no power.

~Kipling

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Father of Lights

Reading:   Lectures on Faith: Lecture Second 1-12

The lectures on Faith were classes of instruction given "... On the Doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, originally delivered before a Class of the Elders, in Kirtland, Ohio."

The first twelve paragraphs of this lecture do a recap of the first two chapters of Genesis.  The driving force behind this recap is for the express purpose of showing the object for which all faith rests, God. In the beginning, literally, there are a whole lot of verses that start out, "And I, God.." or "And I, The Lord God..." Each of these verses go on to explain something that God created, put into effect, or  made known; this is significant because it puts His unequivocal stamp on all of creation. The entire spectrum, from molecule to universe, has origin and life through God.

LECTURE SECOND (paragraph 2)

 2. We here observe that God is the only supreme governor and independent being in whom all fullness and perfection dwell; who is omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient; without beginning of days or end of life; and that in him every good gift and every good principle dwell; and that he is the Father of lights; in him the principle of faith dwells independently, and he is the object in whom the faith of all other rational and accountable beings center for life and salvation. 

There are a whole lot of "Omni's" in that paragraph - all powerful, all around, and all knowing - I think there is enough overlap in those three Omni's to cover everything, don't you?  Anyway, I often reflect on the significance of light and dark and find the statement "...he is the Father of Light," so illuminating (no pun intended).  So often we hear the term, "light and life" and how appropriate that the Father of Light is also the giver of life.  There literally is no gap in his "all."  Any possible loophole exits and enters within the bounds of Him, all, Omni, everything!

It is important to understand that we have our agency and are given the right, the freedom, to make choices as we deem fit.  We are not hindered in this capacity, it is our gift from him and though we operate within these "tabernacles of clay", as Mormon so eloquently stated, that God created, and we actively pursue our chosen endeavors within the boundaries of this world (universe) that God also created, there is no limit to the darkness we can produce within it - we are free to choose that path; however, if we choose light, and desire to produce as much light as we can, there too is no limit.  The difference lies solely in our desire and ultimately in our faith.  We learned what faith is: the first principle of power, and the power behind that faith, the object for which that power comes, is God, beyond even the limits of limitless, Infinitum, all power can be accessed through Him.

How do you like them apples?

~Kipling

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Faith: Principle of Power

Reading:   Lectures on Faith: Lecture First

The lectures on Faith were classes of instruction given "... On the Doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, originally delivered before a Class of the Elders, in Kirtland, Ohio."

I will place that little intro at the beginning of each of the next seven blogs pertaining to the seven lectures on faith.  In the first of these lectures, the brethren pound in the fact that nothing can progress without faith; every action is a work in faith.  Basically, from the simplest task, waking up in the morning and walking to the bathroom, to the grandest of actions, moving a mountain, faith is the power that makes things happen.

Yes, waking up and walking to the bathroom is an automatic action that takes little thought but it takes little thought because we do it all the time - we inherently have faith that our legs will work and our mind will guide us accordingly.  Break down your day, your normal practices, and try to isolate an action that does not take habitual faith to achieve. We do something ten times, a hundred times, thousands of times and yet each action started somewhere with an act of faith, muscle memory forms and the once impossible task is done habitually, easily, without any reflection on faith.  Moving mountains can be as easy if we, like the brother of Jared, practice our faith and doubt not the power of God.

LECTURE FIRST (Paragraph 24)

24. Faith, then, is the first great governing principle which has power, dominion, and authority over all things; by it they exist, by it they are upheld, by it they are changed, or by it they remain, agreeable to the will of God. Without it there is no power, and without power there could be no creation nor existence! 

Practicing faith isn't easy, I mean I don't believe I can jump right into moving a mountain (see...already I'm showing a lack of faith?  If I believe in God, why could I not move a mountain right now, hmmmm), anyway I need to start being more aware of all the aspects of faith at work in my life and then build from there.  I do have faith but tend to stretch my own abilities, abilities I now understand to have earned through faith, before asking humbly for help.

Acknowledging all actions as acts of faith, as power gained through faithful exertion and practice, I do believe I will gain a stronger testimony of our Savior and gain a personal witness of my potential as a celestial being.

~Kipling


Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Hope of the World

Reading:   The Living Christ - The Testimony of the Apostles (Jan 2000)

I think it is awesome that at the beginning of the new millennium, the year 2000, the apostles decided to write a statement about the active status of our Savior.  "None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth."

The entire piece echoes the importance of understanding that Jesus is now, and always will be, the same person he was while he walked the Earth. He remains a perfect example to us all and has given us the grace of repentance through his solemn undertaking of the atonement.

Nothing speaks to the tone of the apostolic statement better than the last paragraph...

THE LIVING CHRIST
   THE TESTIMONY OF THE APOSTLES
        THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS

We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles-that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son. 

He is indeed "...the hope of the world!"

Here is a link to the actual document (I hope).  It's my first time trying the whole link thing so please let me know if it doesn't work).   THE LIVING CHRIST

~Kipling



Monday, December 17, 2012

Divine Plan of Happiness

Reading:   The Family: A Proclamation to the World

The importance of the Family Proclamation in detailing the belief of Latter Day Saints is vital, not only to those investigating the church but also to members that aren't sure of the LDS belief on certain topics.  The stance is very clear on marriage, abortion, chastity, the sanctity of vows, even the eternal nature of marriage and family bonds.

Each paragraph of the proclamation is important and easily annotated with scriptural reference.  To choose one portion of the document as a basis for discussion is therefore quite difficult.  So what I have chosen is one sentence that ties everything together and exemplifies the point...

THE FAMILY:
A PROCLAMATION TO THE WORLD
(From paragraph 3)

The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave.

If the purpose of life is to find happiness, no matter what our circumstance, and it is a "divine plan," what better way to embrace that purpose then through family.  Family means something different to everyone, based on life experience; but, no matter the situation, divorce, step parents, foster parents, etc., etc., there is something to be said for a familial connection that bonds you to another being - someone who has lived with you, that knows you, good and bad, that loves you despite getting extremely angry with you - that is family!

My brothers and sisters have helped me become who I am.  I have personal stories and experiences with each.  The same can be said for my parents, grandparents, wife, and children.  There are also friends, cousins, aunts, uncles, neices and nephews, that have had such an influence on my life that I can call them no less than brothers and sisters as well.  This is a divine plan and, though each of these individuals has found ways to irritate and disgruntled me, I wouldn't trade those experiences for the world.  I am who I am because they are who they are and have touched me, molded me, taken part in my divine plan of happiness - each belong to my family!  I am indeed blessed and count myself lucky to have so many sources of happiness in my life and truly believe that my relationships, with each member of my family, will, "...perpetuate beyond the grave."

I want to end with a quote from Elder Boyd K. Packer (The Proclamation on the FamilyWorldwide Leadership Training Meeting: Building Up a Righteous Posterity February 9, 2008)
I know that God lives, that He is our Father, that He is our Father! I don’t quite know how to say that word. It’s a word we say almost glibly. But He’s our Father; He loves us. And in that same pattern, we who lead the Church have that same feeling to all who are members of the Church and all who might be. So I invoke the blessings of the Lord upon all of you and the blessings of the Father upon all you as members of the Church as we face the responsibility of raising up a righteous posterity, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Amen indeed!

~Kipling

Sunday, December 16, 2012

The Dark Ages

Reading:   A Brief Explanation about The Book of Mormon

The Dark Ages (aka Middle Ages) are considered to be a time of backwardness where very little in the form of written history, literature, and genaral progression is achieved.  The dates very from one scholar to another based roughly around the fall of the Roman Empire (476 AD) to somewhere in or after the Renaissance period (as late as 1453).  So somewhere between 800 and 1000 years.

I am going to posit here today that the Dark Ages consisted of the period without the word of God and active disciples of God.  I am also going to state unequivocally that the period was exactly from 421 To 1823, lasting approximately 1402 years.  Where does this come from?  Simple, from the time Moroni sealed up the plates till the time Moroni (as a messenger fom God in angelic form) delivered the plates to Josph Smith...

A BRIEF EXPLANATION ABOUT THE BOOK OF MORMON
(Paragraph 8)

In or about the year A.D. 421, Moroni, the last of the Nephite prophet-historians, sealed the sacred record and hid it up unto the Lord, to be brought forth in the latter days, as predicted by the voice of God through his ancient prophets. In A.D. 1823, this same Moroni, then a resurrected personage, visited the Prophet Joseph Smith and subsequently delivered the engraved plates to him. 

My estimation of darkness stems from the opposition of light and what personifies light more than our Savior, Jesus Christ, and his teachings?  Yes, the Bible was on the earth but its teachings were being perverted by man and added to the period of darkness (especially considering most common folks were not given access to the Bible). So, I'm standing by my statement; the 1400 years between Moroni and Joseph Smith, in my estimation, was the Dark Ages.

~Kipling

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Overwhelming Astonishment

Reading:   Testimony of Joseph Smith

Joseph Smith was visited four times by the angel Moroni.  Each visit he was told the exact same thing with a little more information each time (repetition ads clarity and memorability).   Immediately following the first visit, Joseph described his reaction as, "I lay musing on the singularity of the scene, and marveling greatly at what had been told to me by this extraordinary messenger..." After the next visit, his "musing" changes to, "...I lay overwhelmed in astonishment at what I had both seen and heard." I love the change in Joseph, from musing and marveling to overwhelming astonishment.

One of the overwhelming parts - repeated four times...

TESTIMONY OF JOSEPH SMITH 
(6th paragraph)

"He called me by name, and said unto me that he was a messenger sent from the presence of God to me, and that his name was Moroni; that God had a work for me to do; and that my name should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues, or that it should be both good and evil spoken of among all people."

His name, Joseph Smith, "...should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues..." Overwhelming? Yeah, a little bit!  Has it happened...absolutely!  

Joseph didn't sleep that night (surprise) and, after his dad sent him home from field work (believing he was ill), Joseph passed out trying to climb a fence.  When he wakes up, Moroni is there and proceeds with his fourth repeating of all he has said in the first three visits plus telling him to go inform his father about what he has seen.  Joseph returned to his father, told him everything, and his father, believing what has happened is of God, told Joseph to carry on with the errand of The Lord.

I wanted to touch again on the overwhelming part...the visions through the night fatigued Joseph so greatly, mentally and spiritually, that he passed out and lay unconscious in the field.  How long, we don't know, but it was long enough to reinvigorate Joseph and when he woke he again heard the direction of Moroni and was able to listen and then comply by speaking to his father and then walking to the place where the plates lay, work to open the hiding place ( moving stones), again converse with Moroni, and then return home.

That must have been some power nap! I can't help but wonder if the nap might have been a gift from heaven, a little spiritual knock out to help Joseph regain the mental and physical stamina he needed to carry on with the tasks ahead of him and understand the importance.  I can't help but visualize Moroni waiting by the fence and giving Joseph a loving right cross, knocking the lad out, then staying by his side as he recovers, wholly and holy, recovers...

~Kipling

Friday, December 14, 2012

Finding Your Witness

Reading:  Testimony of Three [and Eight] Witnesses

WOW!!  I was unbelievably moved by my research on today's reading...in my attempt to find a hook for the witness statements I came across a conference talk by Douglas L. Callister (of the Seventy) that absolutley filled me with the burning knowledge of truth.  I was going to find one or two pieces of the talk to discuss but honestly, I can't (I will paste the entire talk below).  Listen - if you are struggling with your testimony, the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith, anything, please read the address - it will touch you!  I bear witness of the power in its words and want each of you to gain that witness as well...please read it!

As for a meaty morsel from today's reading...

TESTIMONY OF THE EIGHT WITNESSES 
(Last two sentences)

"...And we give our names unto the world, to witness unto the world that which we have seen. And we lie not, God bearing witness of it."

These men, some of whom apostatised from the church, never, know matter how far they had fallen in wickedness, never, denied what they had seen and born witness too - impressive!  That being said, if reading their witness statement helps you, me, anyone, open the scriptures, it is good; but, as is so perfectly explained in the conference address below, you MUST bear witness unto yourself to truly find a testimony and know what you know is true!

Before I end my portion of speaking and allow you the opportunity to devour Elder Callister's address, I want you to read a small portion of the talk and keep it in mind as you read; this talk truly is electrifying and I hope it awakens a desire in you for personal knowledge as it has in me!


"If you want to know that you know that you know, a price must be paid. And you alone must pay that price. There are proxies for ordinances, but none for the acquisition of a testimony." 
I shall say nothing more...just read...

~Kipling


KNOWING THAT WE KNOW
Douglas L. Callister (of the Seventy)
2007 October General Conference

The testimony of others may initiate and nourish the desire for faith and testimony, but eventually every individual must find out for himself.

Years ago a man was accused of a serious crime. The prosecution presented three witnesses, each of whom saw the man commit the crime. The defense then presented three witnesses, none of whom had seen its commission. The simple jury was confused. Based on the number of witnesses, the evidence seemed to the jury equally divided. The man was acquitted. It was irrelevant, of course, that untold millions had never seen the crime. There needed to be only one witness.

In the genius of the gospel plan, there ultimately only has to be one witness, but that witness must be you. The testimony of others may initiate and nourish the desire for faith and testimony, but eventually every individual must find out for himself. None can permanently endure on borrowed light.

The restored gospel is not truer today than when a solitary boy walked out of the Sacred Grove in 1820. Truth has never been dependent on the number who embrace it. When Joseph left the grove, there was only one man on earth who knew the truth about God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. It is necessary, however, that each find out for himself and carry that burning testimony into the next life.

When the 23-year-old Heber J. Grant was installed as president of the Tooele Stake, he told the Saints he believed the gospel was true. President Joseph F. Smith, a counselor in the First Presidency, inquired, “Heber, you said you believe the gospel with all your heart, … but you did not bear your testimony that you know it is true. Don’t you know absolutely that this gospel is true?”

Heber answered, “I do not.” Joseph F. Smith then turned to John Taylor, the President of the Church, and said, “I am in favor of undoing this afternoon what we did this morning. I do not think any man should preside over a stake who has not a perfect and abiding knowledge of the divinity of this work.”

President Taylor replied, “Joseph, Joseph, Joseph, [Heber] knows it just as well as you do. The only thing that he does not know is that he does know it.”

Within a few weeks that testimony was realized, and young Heber J. Grant shed tears of gratitude for the perfect, abiding, and absolute testimony that came into his life.

It is a grand thing to know—and to know that you know and that the light has not been borrowed from another.

Years ago I presided over a mission headquartered in the Midwest. One day, with a handful of our missionaries, I spoke with an esteemed representative of another Christian faith. This gentle soul spoke of his own religion’s history and doctrine, eventually repeating the familiar words: “By grace ye are saved. Every man and woman must exercise faith in Christ in order to become a saved being.”

Among those present was a new missionary. He was altogether unfamiliar with other religions. He had to ask the question, “But, sir, what happens to the little baby who dies before he is old enough to understand and exercise faith in Christ?” The learned man bowed his head, looked at the floor, and said, “There ought to be an exception. There ought to be a loophole. There ought to be a way, but there isn’t.”

The missionary looked at me and, with tears in his eyes, said, “Goodness, President, we do have the truth, don’t we!”

The moment of testimony realization—when you know that you know—is sweet and sublime. That testimony, if nurtured, will rest upon you as a mantle. When we see light, we are engulfed by it. Lights of understanding turn on within.

I once conversed with a fine young man who was not of our faith, although he had attended most of our worship services for more than a year. I asked why he had not joined the Church. He replied, “Because I do not know whether it is true. I think it may well be true, but I cannot stand and testify, as you do, ‘I actually know it is true.’”

I inquired, “Have you read the Book of Mormon?” He answered that he had read in the book.

I asked whether he had prayed about the book. He answered, “I have mentioned it in my prayers.”

I told my friend that as long as he casually read and prayed, he never would find out, worlds without end. But when he set aside a period for fasting and pleading, the truth would be burned into his heart, and he would know that he knew. He said nothing more to me but told his wife the next morning that he would be fasting. The following Saturday he was baptized.

If you want to know that you know that you know, a price must be paid. And you alone must pay that price. There are proxies for ordinances, but none for the acquisition of a testimony.

Alma spoke of his conversion in these beautiful words: “I have fasted and prayed many days that I might know these things of myself. And now I do know of myself that they are true; for the Lord God hath made them manifest unto me” (Alma 5:46).

When a testimony has been realized, there is a burning urge on the part of the possessor to bear that testimony to others. When Brigham Young left the waters of baptism, he said: “The spirit of the Lord was upon me, and I felt as though my bones would consume within me unless I spoke to the people. … The first discourse I ever delivered I occupied over an hour. I opened my mouth and the Lord filled it.” As a fire will not burn, except the flame be revealed, a testimony cannot abide except it be expressed.

Brigham Young later said of Orson Pratt, “If Brother Orson [were] chopped up in inch pieces, each piece would cry out, ‘Mormonism [is] true.’” Father Lehi eulogized his noble son Nephi in these words: “But behold, it was not he, but it was the Spirit of the Lord which was in him, which opened his mouth to utterance that he could not shut it” (2 Nephi 1:27).

The opportunity and responsibility for testimony bearing exist first in the family setting. Our children should be able to remember the light in our eyes, the ring of our testimonies in their ears, and the feeling in their hearts as we bear witness to our most precious audience that Jesus was truly God’s own Son and Joseph was His prophet. Our posterity must know that we know, because we oft tell them.

Early Church leaders paid a great price to establish this dispensation. Perhaps we will meet them in the next life and listen to their witness. When we are called upon to testify, what will we say? There will be spiritual infants and spiritual giants in the next life. Eternity is a long time to live without light, especially if our spouses and our descendants also live in darkness because there was no light within us, and others, therefore, could not light their lamps.

We should be on our knees every morning and night pleading with the Lord that we never lose our faith, our testimony, or our virtue. There only has to be one witness, but it must be yourself.

I have a testimony. It urges to be expressed. I bear witness that the power of the living God is in this Church. I know what I know, and my witness is true. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen