Do you meet believers who say they wish they had lived when I lived on earth? This is not available to you and is not as desirable as you may think. Many who saw me in person did not follow me. Yet you have something better available to you. A witness in my word recounts that though he knew me in the flesh, henceforth he knows me in the spirit rather than the flesh. This same relationship is available to you. This is a superior way of knowing, transcending the limitations of appearance. It is the ultimate reality, and the way you are able to know me as I know you.
Do you know the story of Saint Patrick? CLICK HERE
Have you ever seen an altar of human sacrifice? This phrase conjures up images of ancient pagan civilizations and blood rituals, but every church should have one. The shape, size, and construction are not really important but every church should have a place where people can consecrate themselves to me. In this case it is for the living rather than a place of death, but in a larger sense it is a place to lay down your life that you may really live. For I have called you to lay down your lives bearing about in your body my death that the power of my resurrection may also be manifested in you.
Have you ever heard of fertile ground? This is a misnomer. The fertility is not present in the soil, but in the seed planted in the soil. In my parable of the sower and the seed, the soil represents the hearts of people on whom the fertile seed of my word falls. The soil can bring forth nothing by itself even as without me you can do nothing. Yet it is only in good soil that the seed can bring forth fruit. In like manner you are to abide in the vine, for I am the vine and bear you as the branches. This is such a simple concept and readily understood by natural illustrations. Are you walking in the reality of it?
Do you have mirrors in your home? Have you ever broken one? This is bad luck according to superstition, but it may be a good idea. It is possible to be too devoted to oneself. A mirror has the obvious function of allowing you to see your own image, but even without one you can focus too much on your own interests and point of view. My word says that you see in a glass darkly, but then face to face. You have higher quality mirrors available to you than when this was written, but they will still only give you your own reflection. Turn away from your figurative mirrors and look to me that you may see me face to face, and brighter than any reflection of you.
I love how God sometimes zeros in on us. He can be so incredibly specific and show us the most amazing things! I especially love it when He shows us things and confirms it through others, or gets so right on the money with us that we can’t ignore it! That’s way cool!
Economists understand the connection between demand, supply, and value as it applies to money. Do you understand that this principle can be more broadly applied? Compliments and affirmation tend to be in short supply and high demand. This gives them tremendous value. Those who understand this can use them for flattery and manipulation, but if your motivation is pure you can affirm the work I am doing through someone else and exhort and encourage them to continue. Don’t you thrive on such recognition yourself? Ask me for opportunities to affirm others and I will give them to you for creating so much value at so little cost.
Jesus, I am finding that it is easier to talk about Your supernatural things with Mormons than I can with many "believing Christians" who are not LDS (Another name for Mormon). What do You say about this?
Ben, the LDS people are taught to accept the miraculous, and from time to time
experience it. Therefore, you will find it easier to share this aspect of a walk with
Me with the LDS. Focus upon Me and My love and what I can do. Do not focus
upon religious stuff for that will negatively affect your witness.
How do you respond to those with whom you disagree? This must include everyone for there are no two people with the same positions on everything, and probably none who disagree on everything. Some people are quick and eager to find areas of disagreement, and then to create distinction and distance, but I have called you seek peace and harmony as much as you are able. Even if your differences with others are irreconcilable there is no need for you to pronounce judgment upon them. If I did not come into the world to condemn the world, how much less should you? Speak the truth in love, and do and teach my commandments with grace.
