Tag: faith

James 1:16-18 | Genuine Faith and Spiritual Awakening and Birth

All these teachings helps us understand the central truth of the Gospel - Jesus is the Christ by whom we are saved. Salvation comes when we place our initial faith and trust in Him. It comes when we humble ourselves and enter into the waters of baptism for the remission of our sins. This is accomplished when we come to the awareness of our natural state and disposition. Through repentance, we receive the first principle ordinances of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

James 1:12-15 | Genuine Faith and Temptation

The world offers us all the desires and appetites that leave our bellies full and our flesh satisfied. Unfortunately, it is only temporary and we continue to remain hungry and thirsty for more of those things of the world. When we are tempted, it may come in guise of satisfying some desire. We develop an appetite for it. Eventually, it leads us to experience death of our sense of self through Jesus Christ.

James 1:9-11 | Genuine Faith, Poverty, and Prosperity

Genuine faith stems from genuine humility. Our humility and faith is shaped from those trials we face in our lives. We are richly blessed beyond measure. The challenge is to keep ourselves humble regardless of how blessed we are. I also want to add that humility is the means in which we shore up treasures in heaven and not here on earth (see Matthew 6:19-20). It is not one of many Christian Virtues. It is the root of all Christian virtues. Humility is the root of genuine faith in God.

The Beginning of Great Sorrows and Lamentations for American Liberty and Freedom

The message and hope is found in the Book of Lamentations written by the Prophet Jeremiah. There is not going to be a complete or understandable explanation for what we are most likely going to endure in the next few months. Maybe within the next few years. We already are seeing the silencing of certain voices, censorship on an unparalleled scale. We will be standing as witnesses to greater human suffering and sorrow that past generations may not have ever seen. Many Christians are appearing to be blindly led toward false hopes and securities with the claims that Christ's coming is on the threshold of human history.

James 1:5-8 | Genuine Faith and Wisdom

Faith teaches us to act in a manner to which we believe God will help us, strengthen us, and give unto us what we need to withstand the storms in our lives. Scripture is firm on the nature of our faith as it relates to God. Christ constantly chastised the disciples - O ye of little faith. Christ commented on the simplest acts of faith - I have not seen such great faith. Faith even may bring healing into our own lives - Thy faith has made thee whole. Each time Christ ministered to those individuals it is because they had sought him out.

James 1:1-4 | Genuine Faith and Trials

My profession of faith was more of an outwardly expression of how I wanted to be seen and thought of. It was not until realizing that the inside of me was still full of filth and grime. What needs to happen is that the cup needs to go through the process of cleansing before it is able to be filled and used. This takes faith and patience because of Christ's infinite atonement. We may be redeemed and justified before God. However, our work begins by cleansing ourselves of ungodliness. We endure. As our faith increases, so does our ability to become resilient. Spiritual maturation does not happen overnight. It takes work. It takes obedience.

Psalms 1:1-6 – The Two Paths Before Us

Today, we do well to focus on the teachings of our Heavenly Father. Work to walk in faithful obedience to His divine and righteous council. Stand firm on the truth of His personal revelation and will for our lives. Sit with those who are working out their faith with fear and trembling and fighting the good fight (See, Philippians 2:12 and 1 Timothy 6:12, KJV).

Having A Gethsemane Experience toward Spiritual Transformation

Our “Gethsemanes” are those places where our will wrestles to find its way to God’s will. As God patiently wrestled with Jacob and his will, He also wrestled with Jesus the Son of Man, His will and His request in the Garden of Gethsemane. As Adam represented mankind by wrestling his way out of the … Continue reading Having A Gethsemane Experience toward Spiritual Transformation →

Stand a Little Taller with Resilient and Bold Faith

We stand a little taller against the growing wave of immorality. We stand a little taller in the spirit of truth and light that is Jesus Christ. We stand with bold and resilient faith and courage to be the light by which those truly seeking refuge and sanctuary are able to come into the fold of God's kingdom. Each one of us, through our faith and commitment to the Gospel Principles established, are able to speak wisdom into those with broken hearts. We are called to serve and minister to those in need. Just as Christ served and ministered to the lowly and broken.

Getting My Grief Unstuck

The solution in getting unstuck from our grief is attending meetings, seeing a counselor, and giving ourselves permission to let go. The willingness to allow ourselves to be vulnerable lessens our need to resist and lower those defenses. It is difficult in the beginning. And when we willingly allow ourselves to be vulnerable, keep ourselves in a community and fellowship of others, we begin to grow in trust with God, ourselves, and others around us.

Trust in Christ for a Useful Spiritual Life

Prayer is our connection to our Heavenly Father where we can receive divine guidance for our life He that followeth me, walketh not in darkness  ~ 1 John 8:12, KJV ~ Read: Genesis 1-2:25; Psalm 1:1-6; Proverbs 1:1-7; and Matthew 1:1-25 These are the words of Christ, by which we are admonished , how we … Continue reading Trust in Christ for a Useful Spiritual Life →

Where Wisdom in Recovery Begins – Damascus Way Recovery

I was uncomfortable with the idea of fearing God. I defended Him as One whose love is so great He needs not be feared. This was based on my own understanding of 1 John 4:18: “Perfect love drives out fear.” Today, I have come to understand that when the scriptures calls our attention to fear … Continue reading Where Wisdom in Recovery Begins – Damascus Way Recovery →

The Just Shall Live By Faith – Responding to Mark Cares of TILM

Cares attempts to question the April 2017 First Presidency Message by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. This message titled - The Just Shall Live by Faith. In such an attempt to bring into question the heart and spirit of the message Uchtdorf provided: Cares sidesteps and makes false accusations and conclusions. In other words - Mark Cares article is just another example of how modern Evangelical Christians attempt to twist messages and scriptures in order to "Witness" to Mormons and bring them unto Christ.

A New Year for Spiritual Influence and Impact

Last year, the theme was Focused. Making 2019 a year of focus entailed understanding how to grow spiritually through mindfulness. This year will be centered on the theme of Impact. The goal is to further our spiritual growth as Christians in order to make an influential and spiritual impact in our lives and the lives … Continue reading A New Year for Spiritual Influence and Impact →

What you may not know

James Pack maintains his own website and wrote up quite a profound and honest piece. A very honest and straightforward perception on one's experience with feeling abandoned. And, the most gut-wretched profound insight was this: ...where is everyone else? What happened to all the people who said they cared about me? I claim part of … Continue reading What you may not know →

Spiritual Impact and Influence

Today, many individuals face problems where there is no easy solutions. Yet, we must face those challenges. A person needs clear vision and pure intentions to lead themselves into a place where they have a significant spiritual impact and influence on those around them. Daniel writes: And they that be wise shall shine as the … Continue reading Spiritual Impact and Influence →

A Person of Faith

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:4, KJV ~ JANUARY 1, 2020 DEVOTION ~ We all desire the abundance and success God has promised. The first principle of a spiritual life that is influential and impacting is faith: … Continue reading A Person of Faith →

Christ-like Character Counts

And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 1 Peter 1:5-7, KJV ~ JANUARY 4, 2020 DEVOTION ~ The root of every right decision is one's … Continue reading Christ-like Character Counts →

Christ Empowers Us

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. ~ Romans 6:4, KJV ~ ~ January 6, 2020 Devotional ~ When we come unto Christ. When we come … Continue reading Christ Empowers Us →

Confidence in our Christian Faith

For thou art my hope, O Lord God: thou art my trust from my youth~ Psalm 71:5, KJV ~ ~ January 7, 2020 Devotional ~ Discouragement is a natural part of our existence. Even the most devout Christians are discouraged. We read about how many of God's people face discouragement in the scriptures. However, we also … Continue reading Confidence in our Christian Faith →

Facing Difficult Days

When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the Lord thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice; (For the Lord thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.~ Deuteronomy 4:30-31, KJV ~ ~ January 9, 2020 Devotional … Continue reading Facing Difficult Days →

Facing dark days

There are those oft days of light and happiness that dispel the sadness. Yet, they are fleeting. As fleeting as the summer days we've so far experienced here for June. Inevitably, the rain comes, the darkness swells, and the days grow gloomy and despondent. We either allow ourselves to sink deeper and withdraw further into our suffocating sadness; or, we do the courageous and difficult task of pulling ourselves out of despair by focusing on the hope and light of God's love, mercy, and grace.

Why is God on mute?

Scripture doesn't skirt tough issues like suffering, struggling to believe in God's goodness in tough times, and God's silence. Biblical authors often didn't find resolutions to their struggles, but lived in tension, destruction, and bereavement. The Psalmists' doubts, despair, and depression; sorrowful books such as Job, Ecclesiastes, and Lamentations; Habakkuk's complaints; John the Baptist's questions … Continue reading Why is God on mute? →

Premise Three: Having a vision to move forward

In the last three articles, we explored the following: Human authenticity and conscious living; Premise One: Authenticity is essential to the human experience; And, Premise Two: Emotional intelligence and our human experience. In this third installment, the discussion focuses on having a vision in order to move forward. Vision gives us a sense of direction. … Continue reading Premise Three: Having a vision to move forward →

Suffering in silence

Depression forces the individual into a feeling of sadness that persists for long periods and significantly interferes with one’s ability to perform everyday tasks, at home, school or work. ~ Krishnee Appadoo It is a very dark place to be. At least when it comes in like a flood. Suffocating any sense of reason. Once … Continue reading Suffering in silence →

Delivered Out of Our Afflictions

Our Heavenly Father desires to help us through our journey. This includes guiding us in solving our problems. When we are walking in obedience to His divine will and plan, he will help us face those difficult issues and bring us through them. This means that we submit ourselves over to doing that which we may find uncomfortable.

Christ brings peace and purpose

This is a lasting and eternal peace that gives us confidence, wisdom, and empowerment to endure. It is different than the false sense of security and peace that the world may offer us. Instead of chasing after our illusion of happiness - let us chase after the reality and truth that is found in Jesus Christ.

Crucified with Christ

Let us approach the throne of God in humble submission. Quietness of mind and heart. Devoting ourselves in praise and worship with eternal gratitude for the gift of the Infinite Atonement through Jesus Christ. His sacrifice provided a way for us to enter into the Kingdom of God.