You and Your Works Shall Be Found

Reading:   Isaiah 13

President Ezra Taft Benson said:

Men and women who turn their lives over to God will find out that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace. Whoever will lose his life to God will find he has eternal life ("Jesus Christ--Gifts and Expectations," New Era, May 1975, p. 20). 

Turning your life over to God is a far better choice then turning to your own people (v.14) and fleeing to your own land (v.14).  I decided to make this point first, before revealing the dark words of prediction from the prophet Isaiah, because I wanted to show, again, the importance of God versus man and how we can avoid the darkness of the last days with our faith and good works...

ISAIAH 13:14-16, 18

14    And it shall be as the chased roe, and as a sheep that no man taketh up: they shall every man turn to his own people, and flee every one into his own land. 

15    Every one that is found shall be thrust through; and every one that is joined unto them shall fall by the sword. 

16 Their children also shall be dashed to pieces before their eyes; their houses shall be spoiled, and their wives ravished. 

18 Their bows also shall dash the young men to pieces; and they shall have no pity on the fruit of the womb; their eye shall not spare children. 

The lesson that Isaiah is trying to teach beginning with the roe (deer) metaphor is simply this: there is no place to run and if your works are worth nothing (you're as the unwanted sheep) you will be destroyed.  Turning to your people will not save you! Fleeing to your land, your guarded earthly fortress, will not save you!  The time of man will be at an end!  You will be found and thrust through along with all those you love and all those you've ultimately led to this day of quickening - you and your works will be found and dealt with!

Now, if you turn not toward man but instead attend God and your garment of works are good then the reward will not be so grisly.  You will instead receive a glory immeasurable.  So, pointing back to the last blog (We - The Dwelling Places), make yourself a dwelling place in Zion and rely on faith because, as President Benson said, "God...can make a lot more out of [your life] than [you] can."

~Kipling

We - The Dwelling Places

Reading:   Isaiah 4

The dwelling places of Zion, hmm, this is an interesting topic.  I have several ideas swimming around in my head but I can't seem to align them into a clear understandable path (often is the case with my ramblings and blog but sally forth I shall continue to do).

The bottom line here is that we, each of us, is a dwelling place in Zion.  The Saviour taught, "...the kingdom of God is within you (Luke 17:21)."  Anything can be achieved if we hold fast to faith - the first principle of power (see Faith: Principle of Power ).  The kingdom of God is a vast, unmeasurable, immovable, mountain of a force that bows and yields only to the power that is our faith in Jesus Christ.  We are bearers of the kingdom! Understanding that can give so much more meaning to...

ISAIAH 4:5

5    And the Lord will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence.

The Lord will create a defense upon every dwelling place in Zion.  If my faith is strong I can and will be a dwelling place of Zion!  A place where others will come to feast upon the spirit and partake of the offered defense until such time as their faith has enflamed and created another dwelling place, another haven of faith, and strengthened our collective assembly.

President Harold B. Lee shared this story...

I recalled an experience that we had with a group of students from Brigham Young University ... sixteen students, representing sixteen foreign countries, were asked to stand and tell how they came to know about the gospel and accept it, ... and to bear their testimonies. It was a most intensely interesting evening. We heard from young men and women from Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, the Scandinavian countries, France, and England. The story was the same. When they began to relate how they came to find the gospel, it was this: They were yearning for truth. They were seeking for light. They were not satisfied, and in the midst of their search, someone came to them with the truths of the gospel. They prayed about it and sought the Lord intensely, intently, with all their hearts, and came to receive a divine testimony by which they knew that this is the gospel of Jesus Christ. ... So within the heart of everyone, every honest seeker after truth, if he has the desire to know, and studies with real intent and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the kingdom of God may be within him, or in other words, the power to receive it is his. (In Conference Report, Oct. 1953, 26-27.)

How important is our faith...

~Kipling

Guise of Bravery

Reading:   Isaiah 3

Who are we?  Do the people we are acquainted with know who we are by our clothing, money, job, and other masquerades of the natural man or are we known by our works, our spirit, our faith.  Do your closest friends, your wife, your children know who you are, really?  Have you told them?  Can you tell them?  These are serious questions that need personal contemplation and more then likely action.

I know that my close friends know me as someone completely different than those who don't.  My appearance does not lend itself to being an approachable guy and I'm okay with that, my kids seem to be okay with that, and, for the most part, my wife is okay with it (although I'm sure she would like me to be more social).  The question for me, and all of us, is whether or not our personality changes when stripped of all the trappings (clothes, jewelry, cars, accolades, titles, etc)?  Will we lose our sense of being?  Will our confidence be diminished?  Who will we become?

The scripture I chose from today's reading really brings to light the need to confront who we are, what others see in us, and ultimately, who we are when we stand before God - without the excess of man...

ISAIAH 3:18

18    In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, and their cauls, and their round tires like the moon, 

I love the idea that all theses trappings are a source of bravery, it is so true!  For so many the clothes we wear, the car we drive, the school we attend, food we eat, our bank account and many other things are a representation of who we are and give us psychological confidence and strength over those of less material worth.  But we are not better!  When we stand soul-bared before God we are only the sum of our works.

Who are you?

~Kipling

Derived and Depending

Reading:   Isaiah 2

At the end of this chapter there is a sweet throw back to Solomon and the brooding book of Ecclesiastes.  The inevitable truth that man is but mortal and limited while God is infinite and eternal.  Only folly can be found in the temporal worship of man because all men cease breathing.  Through God we can redeem spiritual gifts and obtain glories beyond measure - even after death.

ISAIAH 2:22

22 Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of? 

The natural man is an enemy to God because men fall prey to that which is easy and known. It takes effort to have faith and believe in that which is not seen.  Let's give the last hammer smash to Matthew Henry - drive it home brother Henry!

Put not your trust in man, nor make even the greatest and mightiest of men your confidence; cease to do so. Let not your eye be to the power of man, for it is finite and limited, derived and depending; it is not from him that your judgment proceeds. Let not him be your fear, let not him be your hope; but look up to the power of God, to which all the powers of men are subject and subordinate; dread his wrath, secure his favour, take him for your help, and let your hope be in the Lord your God.

Man is "derived and depending" - got to love Brother Henry!

~Kipling

Never Give In

Reading:   Isaiah 1

In the first half of this first chapter, Isaiah really hammers down the wickedness of Israel and how far the chosen people had fallen from righteousness, "...The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint (v. 5)." The Israelite disregard of faith and heritage was so ensconced that their religious ceremonies and acts of prayer were considered blasphemous by God...

ISAIAH 1:13, 15

13    Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. 

15    And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. 

An interesting thing happens in verse eighteen, despite their heinous acts, a calmness occurs in Isaiah's speech, almost a pleading for Israel to give heed - there is still hope...

ISAIAH 1:18

18    Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. 

Here is where I want my emphasis to reside; the simple truth that all can be and will be forgiven if repentance is honestly sought.  There is a plethora of articles, speeches, videos, and wisdom available  in regards to this scripture but the one talk that really captured my desire for insight included a Peanuts comic strip...

Doesn't that lay it out quite succinctly?  The address that brought this idea of resolutions and moving forward without the weight of regret was given by Robert L. Backman at the 1989 October General Conference (Priesthood Session) in a speech titled, Chastity: The Source of True Manhood.  Elder Backman pleads, with the subtlety of Isaiah, for our resolve to avoid pitfalls and look steadfastly ahead...

...Take control of your life. It is your body-the clothing of your spirit-you are dealing with. Don't become a slave to your appetites or passions. Be mature enough to have the spirit control your body. Self-control is vital when you are resisting what you know is wrong, especially when a friend insists. This self-control comes with practice, so it's important to build your inner strength. Constantly remind yourself that you are a son of God with great things to do.  

Winston Churchill, that courageous World War II statesman, gave sound advice to all of us. He thundered his conviction: "Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never-in nothing, great or small, large or petty-never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense." (Address to Harrow School, 29 Oct. 1941, in John Bartlett, Familiar Quotations, 15th ed., Boston: Little, Brown, and Co., 1980, p. 745.) 

We must, after accepting the cleansing power of repentance, move forward with a thundering conviction to "...Never give in!"  Let our past transgressions be ladders of learning not weighted crosses of self reproach.  You have been forgiven!  I have been forgiven!  Wisdom is the result and strength to move on, never give in, and to forever fight forward, must be our mission!

~Kipling

Lovely Carmel Head

Reading:   Song of Solomon 1-8 (All)

First off I want to emphasize that this is ONE SONG, not "Songs" and, though poetic and lovely in parts, I cannot imagine blundering through 1004 more of these?  Solomon supposedly penned 1005 songs -YIKES- unfortunately (or not) we are only privy to one.  Is this his best song...eh...hope not.

There are some good lyrics though (chapter:verse).

...Behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes (1:15).  Thy teeth are like a flock of sheep that are even shorn...(4:2)...Honey and milk are under thy tongue...(4:11).  Thy navel is like a round goblet, which wanteth not liquor: thy belly is like an heap of wheat set about with lilies (7:2).  Thine head upon thee is like Carmel, and the hair of thine head like purple...(7:5).  And the roof of thy mouth like the best wine for my beloved, that goeth down sweetly, causing the lips of those that are asleep to speak (7:9).

My critique:  The interplay of voices is too confusing and hard to keep up with.  Verses not only change gender but also point-of-view throughout.  There are numerous allusions to things I needed Wikipedia to decipher.  Also, there are many suggestions for whom the doting lovers represent - one of the more prominent being the Savior and his church .

I choose not to dwell...why...see below...

SONG OF SOLOMON (Bible Dictionary)

Sometimes called Canticles (as in Latin) or Song of Songs (as in Hebrew). Whether Solomon is actually the author is doubtful. The composition has many beautiful phrases and lyrical prose, often quoted in nonreligious literature. The JST manuscript contains the note that "the Song of Solomon is not inspired scripture." Both Jews and Christians have at times been reluctant to accept it into the canon of scripture because of its romantic content, but have permitted it on the basis of its being an allegory of God's love for Israel and/or of the Church.  

There you have it...authorship doubtful, really?

~Kipling

Ecclesiastes - Dum Spiro, Spero

Reading:   Ecclesiastes 1-12 (All)

Ecclesiastes is a fascinating ride on the train of vanity.  We are taught that we know nothing and would do well to enjoy each day without over-thought and over-exertion in vain pursuits.  God's gift is the breath of life and from birth we are destined to die so it is imperative that we use this probationary state in the happiness of the moment.  Solomon advises that true joy is not found in riches, possessions, or even in vast stores of wisdom and knowledge.  All becomes negligible at the point of death and without daily efforts to spread our wealth, knowledge, and talents, and share our lives with others, we are simply missing out.

There is a lot in these chapters that can be stretched and debated and really expounded upon but for the sake of brevity (which doesn't really happen because this blog is still quite lengthy), I will attempt to explain my summation with a few verses...

ECCLESIASTES 11:5

5 As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all. 

We don't know the works of God and though we can study and grow closer to Him we cannot fathom the depths of what He truly is and really should not try.  To that end it is important to also understand that all will come around, in a grand karma-esque rotation, and we should not doubt it.  The first eight verses of chapter three expound on the idea of seasons; here is the first (for clarity)...

ECCLESIASTES 3:1

1  To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:  

The seasons, in every form, are subject only to God and though we can conjecture and assume educated positions on what/when/where/how and why they might change, we can never do more then guess - in God's due time.

Understanding or accepting these truths will aid us in our pursuit of joy because we will not waste away digging for knowledge that gains us nothing and likewise we will not allow ourselves to be weighed down by the the anxieties of what may come to pass.  I know - easier said then done, right?

There are many debates on the merits and origins of the saying, "Eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die." But after reading Eccleciastes I'm definitely more inclined to lean toward Solomon, the preacher, as the primary source, albeit not interpreted as man would read it.  Here is one example of many...

ECCLESIASTES 2:24

24 There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God. 

Yes, find joy in your labor because life is a gift from God and the pursuit of happiness the goal.  This is absolutely true but not in the perverted sense that Satan would have us believe.  Selfishness does not play a part in the joy of a "soul". We are not talking about the joys of the flesh but having our "soul" delight in our "good" labor.  Merriment of the flesh is more often found in selfish desires and pursuits and gives rise to the eventual change of season which brings sorrow, self-loathing, and a desire to return to Satan's version of joy to escape reality.  Joy of the soul can only be achieved by absolute selflessness and righteous companionship...

ECCLESIASTES 11:1, 4:9-10

11:1   Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. 

4:9    Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. 

4:10   For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. 

If you have the means, and we all have something whether it be wealth, wisdom, talent or otherwise, cast it out there!  Feed whomever you can with whatever you have and you shall find it again as the seasons change.  Let the crumbs float where they may and full loaves will return to you in God's time.    And, even better, cast your charities with the support and love of a companion and reap a greater reward!

Happiness needs to be acknowledged and enjoyed daily, now, without the stress of what tomorrow might bring.  The greatest happiness is achieved through companionship and selfless acts of sharing with those in need - that is our labor and source of joy.

At the conclusion of Ecclesiastes, Solomon gave a great and basic summation (which he could have said at the beginning to save us a lot of confusion over all the other stuff he poetically peppered us with)...

ECCLESIASTES 12:13-14

13    Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. 

14    For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. 

Okay, so, fear God and keep his commandments - there you have it, haha, thanks Solomon.

But seriously, none of this is relevant unless we fear God; it is imperative that we have faith and an undying hope in Him.  Then, as we live and breath, no matter what our circumstance (farmer, billionaire, prisoner, warden, king, or serf), we can eat, drink, and be merry in the feast of our selfless acts - that is our only labor!

Dum spiro, spero—While I breathe, I hope.

~Kipling

Sparks of Passionate Response

Reading:   Proverbs 22

Passion is no trivial device of humanity, it is a tool easily manipulated by fatigue, hatred, desire, pride, and ultimately the whisperings of grandeur.  Passion, given time, is the seedling of war and the casket of death.

PROVERBS 22:24-25

24    Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: 

25    Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul. 

I had a great deal more written here, including instances of anger that have occured in my life and the lessons learned, but my iPad died before I could save it and all was lost.  I allowed the throws of passion to overcome me and I put aside the blog for a time because of my frustration at losing my thoughts.  Anyway, important lesson!  I will close with a great bit of explanatory advice from Matthew Henry...

Those we go with we are apt to grow like. Our corrupt hearts have so much tinder in them that it is dangerous conversing with those that throw about the sparks of their passion.

Quite true and as reluctant as I am to refrain from anger and brutish behaviour I can't help but accept the reality that my children might catch a spark of my passion and go quick to flame as well.  I am under constant scrutiny and must learn to control my passion...

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaa!!!!!  

Let's just get that out so I can concentrate on a more passive existence?

~Kipling

Prepare Your Horse

Reading:   Proverbs 21

It was a difficult task today, choosing a verse that is, but I settled on...

PROVERBS 21:31

31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the Lord. 

Here we are essentially being advised that it is prudent to prepare for battle (in all it's many forms).  Having a horse prepared is forethought and wise.  Arming ourselves with the proper weaponry is also essential as is the appropriate training in the tactics of combat and the strategies of war - these are all great enhancements and keys to ultimate success (on paper).  Then comes the monstrous, shattering, unavoidable...

"but"

...and how are we to read this caveat?  It's quite plain, yes, we are to prepare, but if God is forsaken in our haste to amass the best tools, training, etc., we are not prepared sufficiently.  Without the acknowledgement that The Lord is the ultimate shield we are setting ourselves up as Goliath and a pebble, propelled with the blessing of God, will bring us to the grave.

Regarding this subject, I read a fantastic address by Ezra Taft Benson, Our Priceless Heritage (General Conference 1976), where he discusses a patriotic picture that had great meaning for him.  I found the picture (America on Her Knees) and here is President Benson's very applicable quote...

In the 1940s while serving as the executive officer of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives in Washington, D.C., I saw in a Hilton Hotel a placard depicting Uncle Sam, representing America, on his knees in humility and prayer. Beneath the placard was the inscription, "Not beaten there by the hammer and sickle, but freely, responsibly, confidently. ... We need fear nothing or no one save God."  

That picture has stayed in my memory ever since: America on her knees in recognition that all our blessings come from God! America on her knees out of a desire to serve the God of this land by keeping His commandments! America on her knees, not driven there in capitulation to some despotic government, but on her knees freely, willingly, gratefully! This is the sovereign remedy to all of our problems and the preservation of our liberties. 

We have nothing to fear.  We are prepared and can hold our heads up high: but forgot not The Lord and be quick to kneel in humility for our safety lies with Him!

~Kipling

Choose to Be Different!

Reading:   Proverbs 20

I have a lot of experience when it comes to the follies of intoxication, not from the perspective of a drunk mind you, but as a bouncer.  So many experiences, stories, anecdotes, and memorable moments that I could write a novel (I did in fact, BOUNCER, buy it, read it).  Anyway, I've seen the stupidity of intoxication up close and personal - this verse is right on!

PROVERBS 20:1

1    Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. 

Earlier today, as I contemplated which of my more interesting stories to relate as a sort of compactor to the veracity of the verse, I heard an anecdote from the book Endurance, which fits perfectly (I was listening to the book on Audible).  As a quick background, Shackleton, the leader of a trans-Antarctic expedition, overheard some of the crew members discussing their predicament (the ship was frozen solid in ice and had not moved in 5-months).  The men seemed confident that the immobile ship could withstand the extreme pressure from the thickening ice and, though frightening, all would be well.  Shackleton sat down next to the men and shared a story (I shall paraphrase as I could not find the script to copy).

A hungry mouse found an unattended tankard of beer, dove in and drank his fill.  Thoroughly smashed, the mouse exited the tankard of ale, puffed out his chest and said, "Where's that cat?"

After relaying the story, Shackleton looked at his men and walked away.  How perfect is that?  Alcohol is indeed, without doubt or question, one of the greatest deceivers!  In closing I want to share a quote from Russell M. Nelson taken from his address, Addiction or Freedom (1988 October General Confernce)...

 Choose to be different; you will be blessed both physically and spiritually. 

That is it...

~Kipling

A Continual Dropping

Reading:   Proverbs 19

I have come across so many gems of verse over the last few months and have been unable, for often not the best of reasons, to blog about their meanings.  It's been so long my desire to continue has been overshadowed by my feeling of regret for my extended absence; however, forget what is not and commence with what is, right? Of course right!

PROVERBS 19:13

13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping. 

This simple verse is not one that I can relate to because I am blessed with sons that are respectful, upright, and strong of spirit.  My wife is incredibly hard working, filled with a compassionate desire to help others and always driven to improve our family.  And, although the verse makes no mention of daughters, my girls are the brightness of my day and bring me joy unceasing.

So why did I choose this verse?  It's the end, "...a continual dropping."  What does that mean?  You may already know, but, like me, probably not.   I love a good metaphor and this turned out to be quite a spectacular one (my scholarly friend, Matthew Henry, helped me unravel the puzzle).   It's like this, "dropping" is used to note the fall of rain. We can all appreciate how frustrating "...a continual dropping," might be.  Comparing then "a continual dropping" to "the contentions of a wife" is very fitting because what manner of man, child, or otherwise, wants to live in a house of continual contention?  Henry explains...

A cross peevish wife is as great an affliction [as a foolish son]: Her contentions are continual; every day, and every hour in the day, she [always] finds some occasion to make herself and those about her uneasy...it is a continual dropping, that is, a continual vexation, as it is to have a house so much out of repair that it rains in and a man cannot lie dry in it. That man has an uncomfortable life, and has need of a great deal of wisdom and grace to enable him to bear his affliction and do his duty, who has a sot for his son and a scold for his wife.

I have neither a scold for a wife or sots for sons.  I count myself lucky and pray for those of lesser fortune - may the rains cease in your bedrenched, soggified, marshiferous, households!

~Kipling