"...with real intent..." Since my last post on this blog, my mind has been running around, trying to figure out what "real" intent is. Moroni 10:4 we read the scripture that the missionaries continually use explaining to investigators about having real intent.
Almost every missionary will tell you of investigators who pray, but not with real intent. They do what they were asked, but they really don't have any intent at all. They go through the motions, responding to missionaries, and then they don't get any answer and decide that the church is not true.
Real intent defines where the heart is. One dear sister commented that she is trying "with real intent" to create a Zion atmosphere in her home. It isn't easy, but her heart is there, she has real intent and tries continually.
Pause for a minute and consider in what aspects of life do you have real intent. Do we really want to serve, love, be involved in the lives of those we visit each month. Do we commit ourselves with "real intent" in that program of the church.
Do we love our neighbors, do we love those who seem to be our enemies? Do we read our scriptures with real intent? Do we pray with real intent? Do we live our day with real intent with the foundation of our planned activities with even a thought of the kingdom, seeking Zion, Charity?
Let's jump back to our subject at hand. Do we desire to bring about Zion in our home, in our mind, within our neighborhood, within our marriage and relations?
How often do we even think about our concept of Zion/Charity each day, week? To seek to bring forth Zion, we should be thinking of that glorious condition we read about often, every day, when reading the scriptures, in talking with others on the phone, in all aspects of our life.
I often question what I would ask for.... In the Bible, there are many times when Jehovah asks a prophet what they would like Him to do. Soloman is one. The brother of Jared is another, "what would you have me do?" I wonder if I was asked that from my Savior/Father in Heaven, how would I respond? Would I ask for Charity? Remember the scripture that counsels us to pray with all the energy of our heart to be blessed with Charity. So if God were to ask us, what would we have Him do for us? Is our intent of understanding, living charity high on our "wish list?"
Where is your heart? What is your intent? It is interesting that in Moroni 10, the scripture counsels to have real intent, followed up by "with faith in Christ," so now we return to the purpose of this blog in the first place, faith, hope, and then charity. But first we need to solidify that our intent is where it should be???
Friday, February 27, 2015
Monday, February 23, 2015
Peaceable Walk with the Children of Men, Intent...
In Mormon's introduction to this sermon, (Mormon 7:2-4) tells us that he is talking to the members of the church. He said that his audience was composed of the "peaceable followers of Christ." He also refers to the saints having a "...peaceable walk with the children of men."
What does the word "peaceable" mean? It is not what we think the word means. It is what Mormon meant when he used the word. Remember, most all his life, he was trying to preach to the Nephites, get them to follow Christ, eliminate the prophesy that they were going to be destroyed. Peaceable to Mormon must have meant those who were not warmongers, those who loved the Savior, those who loved peace. For I am sure most did not. But he expands this concept talking about intent.
Right after he talked about "peaceable" he mentions those who have good works. If there works be good, then they are good also. He says that a man being evil cannot do that which is good. He also mentions that he who giveth a gift, except it be with real intent, it profiteth him nothing.
So, in my opinion, to begin the study of charity, hope, and faith, we need to consider if we are walking a peaceable walk, are we good? Do we pray with real intent, or give gifts out of pure intent? If not, then we are not on the road to charity.
Do we act with real intent? Is our heart behind our actions? Why do we serve? Why do we give? What do we expect when we serve? Do we have real intent? If we do not, it is counted unto us evil before God. If we do not pray with real intent, it profiteth us nothing.
I propose that "real intent" is what the main idea is behind this introduction of Charity. Intent refers to the purpose of why we do things. What is our intent? When we serve, why do we? Where is our heart? When we home teach or visit teach, do we do it with pure intent? Do we do it so we can report it as being done.
When we help our neighbor, why do we do it? Where is our heart? When we give a gift, do we do it for what people will think, now people will feel toward us? What is our intent? What motivates us to serve, give, smile, visit, fill assignments? What is our reason for doing things? "..except he shall do it with real intent,it profiteth him nothing." We should evaluate our "intent."
What does the word "peaceable" mean? It is not what we think the word means. It is what Mormon meant when he used the word. Remember, most all his life, he was trying to preach to the Nephites, get them to follow Christ, eliminate the prophesy that they were going to be destroyed. Peaceable to Mormon must have meant those who were not warmongers, those who loved the Savior, those who loved peace. For I am sure most did not. But he expands this concept talking about intent.
Right after he talked about "peaceable" he mentions those who have good works. If there works be good, then they are good also. He says that a man being evil cannot do that which is good. He also mentions that he who giveth a gift, except it be with real intent, it profiteth him nothing.
So, in my opinion, to begin the study of charity, hope, and faith, we need to consider if we are walking a peaceable walk, are we good? Do we pray with real intent, or give gifts out of pure intent? If not, then we are not on the road to charity.
Do we act with real intent? Is our heart behind our actions? Why do we serve? Why do we give? What do we expect when we serve? Do we have real intent? If we do not, it is counted unto us evil before God. If we do not pray with real intent, it profiteth us nothing.
I propose that "real intent" is what the main idea is behind this introduction of Charity. Intent refers to the purpose of why we do things. What is our intent? When we serve, why do we? Where is our heart? When we home teach or visit teach, do we do it with pure intent? Do we do it so we can report it as being done.
When we help our neighbor, why do we do it? Where is our heart? When we give a gift, do we do it for what people will think, now people will feel toward us? What is our intent? What motivates us to serve, give, smile, visit, fill assignments? What is our reason for doing things? "..except he shall do it with real intent,it profiteth him nothing." We should evaluate our "intent."
Friday, February 20, 2015
Faith, the beginning of Charity
There are hundreds/thousands of references to faith in our scriptures. Is it that complicated, or is it not understood, or are there different kinds of faith? Does the faith that leads us to Charity demand a unique definition? Or is it all the same and just demands many different references since it is so important?
Faith without works.... Faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things... Faith the grain of a mustard seed.... Faith precedes the miracle... Plant the seed and watch it grow (faith)... Do all things by faith... Hearts changed through faith... Strength according to our faith... If a man knows, no reason for faith... Faith is hope for things which are not seen... Oh ye of little faith... Look upon the Son with faith... Hope comes of faith... By faith Christ showed himself... Ye ask in faith... Christ is the author and finisher of faith...
Since this blog is concerning Charity, and if it be our goal to be "...filled with this love..." which is charity, we should use as our text Moroni 7 which were the words of Mormon.
When Mormon was in his sixteenth year, he was chosen to be the leader of their armies. Based upon the dates we have from the Book of Mormon, Mormon may have been around 75 years old when he was murdered by the Lamanites.
I would assume that in those years, there must have been many efforts to reclaim the Nephites from their "fallen" state. There must have been many prophets, many sermons presented to the people, yet we have none recorded, except the few that Moroni included in the book of Moroni. I am so grateful he included Chapter Seven so we an learn about faith, hope and charity.
Faith without works.... Faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things... Faith the grain of a mustard seed.... Faith precedes the miracle... Plant the seed and watch it grow (faith)... Do all things by faith... Hearts changed through faith... Strength according to our faith... If a man knows, no reason for faith... Faith is hope for things which are not seen... Oh ye of little faith... Look upon the Son with faith... Hope comes of faith... By faith Christ showed himself... Ye ask in faith... Christ is the author and finisher of faith...
Since this blog is concerning Charity, and if it be our goal to be "...filled with this love..." which is charity, we should use as our text Moroni 7 which were the words of Mormon.
When Mormon was in his sixteenth year, he was chosen to be the leader of their armies. Based upon the dates we have from the Book of Mormon, Mormon may have been around 75 years old when he was murdered by the Lamanites.
I would assume that in those years, there must have been many efforts to reclaim the Nephites from their "fallen" state. There must have been many prophets, many sermons presented to the people, yet we have none recorded, except the few that Moroni included in the book of Moroni. I am so grateful he included Chapter Seven so we an learn about faith, hope and charity.
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
HELP
I seem to be at a stupor of thought, or something like that. I have been thinking about faith, how it relates to hope and charity, and I stupor over it. I know there are countless scriptures about faith, but I feel there is a unique definition of faith that leads to hope, etc.
So, rather than struggle over this, I am asking those who are reading this, (assuming that there are some) to think about it, and please give me some insights, some suggestions, or anything that seems to have jumped into your mind concerning this stupor I have.
If you do not feel good adding a comment to this blog, for who knows what reason, please sent it to me at partridgemission1.dr@gmail.com. And thanks, I need help, direction, and the insight to hurdle this stone in my path.
So, rather than struggle over this, I am asking those who are reading this, (assuming that there are some) to think about it, and please give me some insights, some suggestions, or anything that seems to have jumped into your mind concerning this stupor I have.
If you do not feel good adding a comment to this blog, for who knows what reason, please sent it to me at partridgemission1.dr@gmail.com. And thanks, I need help, direction, and the insight to hurdle this stone in my path.
Friday, February 13, 2015
Charity - The Pure Love of Christ
There are many places defining Charity in our scriptures. If we have not charity, we are nothing. We are told that we must have faith and hope to have charity. We cannot be saved in His Kingdom without it.
Charity will be a large part of this blog. If we seek for Zion/Charity, we will be blessed. But what, truly, is it?
It is the Pure Love of Christ. Even those four words do not specify, define, and teach what Charity is. It is like trying to "tell" someone what salt tastes like. How do you do it?
When trying to understand the "Pure Love of Christ," are we talking about the pure love we have of our Savior? Or is it the love our Savior has for us, being described as His love toward all? Can we have that love toward our neighbor? Can we feel that love for someone who has different standards than we have? Can we feel Charity toward neighbors, and even for strangers whom we have never met?
As we read 1 Corinthians 13 and Moroni 7, does that let us totally understand the concept of Charity?
Zion will be built and based upon the principle of Charity. A "Zion" people will understand, know what it is and live charity.
Since we are taught that one must have faith, and then have hope and then comes this Charity, therefore we should start to understand what this faith is, the first principle of the gospel.
"Let's start at the very beginning, a very good place to start," (Maria in the Sound of Music.) So, I propose that we analyze faith. Let's find out what it is, and progress on from there.
"The first principles and ordinances of the gospel are: first, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ...." I would encourage anyone reading this blog to think about faith, where it comes from, how we develop our faith, and how it can grow. I invite anyone to add comments, thoughts, or insights as we proceed along this journey together.
Charity will be a large part of this blog. If we seek for Zion/Charity, we will be blessed. But what, truly, is it?
It is the Pure Love of Christ. Even those four words do not specify, define, and teach what Charity is. It is like trying to "tell" someone what salt tastes like. How do you do it?
When trying to understand the "Pure Love of Christ," are we talking about the pure love we have of our Savior? Or is it the love our Savior has for us, being described as His love toward all? Can we have that love toward our neighbor? Can we feel that love for someone who has different standards than we have? Can we feel Charity toward neighbors, and even for strangers whom we have never met?
As we read 1 Corinthians 13 and Moroni 7, does that let us totally understand the concept of Charity?
Zion will be built and based upon the principle of Charity. A "Zion" people will understand, know what it is and live charity.
Since we are taught that one must have faith, and then have hope and then comes this Charity, therefore we should start to understand what this faith is, the first principle of the gospel.
"Let's start at the very beginning, a very good place to start," (Maria in the Sound of Music.) So, I propose that we analyze faith. Let's find out what it is, and progress on from there.
"The first principles and ordinances of the gospel are: first, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ...." I would encourage anyone reading this blog to think about faith, where it comes from, how we develop our faith, and how it can grow. I invite anyone to add comments, thoughts, or insights as we proceed along this journey together.
Monday, February 9, 2015
...Bring forth MY ZION....
Zion. The pure in heart. All things in common. No contention. All of One Heart. City of Enoch. There were no rich, poor...they were all made free, and partakers of the heavenly gift.
Fourth Nephi describes this condition. Joseph Smith once said that whenever righteous men are called to a position of stewardship, they immediately think of Zion, Charity, becoming one, and following in Enoch's steps and perfecting a people to live in Charity. Enoch took many, many years to create his City.
How do we become partakers of the "Heavenly Gift" or the gift Charity. Moroni 7:48 tells us that we need to "pray with all the energy of heart that ye may be filled with this love..."
First, we need to understand what it is. Then we need to study about it, learn about it, read scriptures about it, and listen to our leaders about it. We need to pray to be blessed with this love. We need to listen to the Holy Ghost to be instructed how to find it, learn about it, and then live it.
Enoch didn't start with the masses. He didn't start with congregations. He wasn't preaching in General Conference. He started with one person, then he went on from there.
That is where we need to start. We need to convince ourselves of the importance of His Zion, of Charity, of working toward that day when we shall have all things in common. We need to pray for it. We need to change ourselves first.
In my opinion, there are many saints today who are looking for this condition of Zion. There are many who feel it, seek it, and even ache for Zion, even before they know exactly what it is. The people on earth todayare the ones who are going to seek, work toward having Zion on earth. They seem to have a innate desire, a hunger, a "need" to learn what it is, work toward it, and they will be a very important part of Zion. These people (you and I) have been held back to come in these days, will be part of bringing His Zion to pass in these days.
This blog will start at the beginning. We will discuss what it is, how to live it, how to feel it, and discuss with each other challenges, as well as the blessings of a Zion.
There is nothing as sweet, as rewarding, as all-consuming as the principle of Zion/Charity that fills the soul.
Please feel free, anyone who reads this blog, to post comments, insights, experiences, and insights. That way we can all be together in our thoughts, learn from each other, and unitedly work toward bringing forth His Zion.
Fourth Nephi describes this condition. Joseph Smith once said that whenever righteous men are called to a position of stewardship, they immediately think of Zion, Charity, becoming one, and following in Enoch's steps and perfecting a people to live in Charity. Enoch took many, many years to create his City.
How do we become partakers of the "Heavenly Gift" or the gift Charity. Moroni 7:48 tells us that we need to "pray with all the energy of heart that ye may be filled with this love..."
First, we need to understand what it is. Then we need to study about it, learn about it, read scriptures about it, and listen to our leaders about it. We need to pray to be blessed with this love. We need to listen to the Holy Ghost to be instructed how to find it, learn about it, and then live it.
Enoch didn't start with the masses. He didn't start with congregations. He wasn't preaching in General Conference. He started with one person, then he went on from there.
That is where we need to start. We need to convince ourselves of the importance of His Zion, of Charity, of working toward that day when we shall have all things in common. We need to pray for it. We need to change ourselves first.
In my opinion, there are many saints today who are looking for this condition of Zion. There are many who feel it, seek it, and even ache for Zion, even before they know exactly what it is. The people on earth todayare the ones who are going to seek, work toward having Zion on earth. They seem to have a innate desire, a hunger, a "need" to learn what it is, work toward it, and they will be a very important part of Zion. These people (you and I) have been held back to come in these days, will be part of bringing His Zion to pass in these days.
This blog will start at the beginning. We will discuss what it is, how to live it, how to feel it, and discuss with each other challenges, as well as the blessings of a Zion.
There is nothing as sweet, as rewarding, as all-consuming as the principle of Zion/Charity that fills the soul.
Please feel free, anyone who reads this blog, to post comments, insights, experiences, and insights. That way we can all be together in our thoughts, learn from each other, and unitedly work toward bringing forth His Zion.
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Brother of Jared
As I stare this challenge in the face and consider the challenge of writing about charity and "His Zion", I feel the challenge almost insurmountable. I am a humble servant of our Savior, but as a dear friend said to me the other day, I have had the taste of charity, of a Zion society. I feel the inner urge to record thoughts, experiences, and insights of Zion.
How I wish I was as the brother of Jared. Ether 12:24 "...thou hast not made us mighty in writing like unto the brother of Jared, for thou madest him that the things which he wrote were mighty even as thou art, unto the overpowering of man to read them."
I am sure that the readers of this blog will not be overpowered as they read these words. BUT it is my wish that those who read these words, those who have an idea, an insight about what is said will take the time to share by commenting, by sharing, and by adding to the value of what is recorded.
We are all in this mortal journey, walking along the path of obstacles, as is the plan, and yearning to find feelings of Zion that awaken within us a remembrance of His Zion we all have felt before we received this veil of forgetfulness. Perhaps this blog will help us "remember" our existence we enjoyed with our Father, with Jesus, and with each other. This WILL give us strength to carry on, to keep trying, and possibly to work toward this Zion as we have been counseled to do.
How I wish I was as the brother of Jared. Ether 12:24 "...thou hast not made us mighty in writing like unto the brother of Jared, for thou madest him that the things which he wrote were mighty even as thou art, unto the overpowering of man to read them."
I am sure that the readers of this blog will not be overpowered as they read these words. BUT it is my wish that those who read these words, those who have an idea, an insight about what is said will take the time to share by commenting, by sharing, and by adding to the value of what is recorded.
We are all in this mortal journey, walking along the path of obstacles, as is the plan, and yearning to find feelings of Zion that awaken within us a remembrance of His Zion we all have felt before we received this veil of forgetfulness. Perhaps this blog will help us "remember" our existence we enjoyed with our Father, with Jesus, and with each other. This WILL give us strength to carry on, to keep trying, and possibly to work toward this Zion as we have been counseled to do.
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