Mindful Latter-day Saint Apologetics
Providing thoughtful and faithful responses to criticisms and questions of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ
Thus, to have the Lord's Spirit strive with us means that we are willing to allow the Holy Spirit to rule over our hearts and minds. To judge us and guide us into those moral truths of our Heavenly Father. It is therefore to this end that we understand how the Holy Spirit is limited to how long it will strive with us - as we make our sojourn and pilgrimage through this mortal existence.
Our Testimony is the armor of God the Apostle Paul references in Ephesians 6:11-17 (See also, D&C 27:15-18). And it is vital to our faith, our progress toward maturing in our faith, and going forward with meaning and purpose.
So, the question stands do we truly know what happened prior to Genesis? From my point of view, studies, discussions, research, and personal revelation - yes, we do know exactly what happened prior to the creation of our world, the purpose behind the fall, and the plan of Salvation and purpose of the infinite atonement.
Seeking after personal and divine revelation is our way of searching the horizon for God's divine wisdom, counsel, and safe passage. It is our pillar of cloud by day and our pillar of fire by night (See, Exodus 13:21-22). It never departs from us and is a constant reminder that our Heavenly Father is always with us - never forsaking us.
When it comes to reading the scriptures, we are able to come to know of their worth and truthfulness. By careful study and understanding of the scriptures, we are able to come to know them. How we liken the scriptures unto ourselves is through visualization of the people, the events, and situations. What is the situation? How does it relate to my own circumstance? By likening the scriptures, we grow, learn, and receive personal insight and inspiration. Nephi shares this with us when he said: I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning” (1 Nephi 19:23). Through likening the scriptures - we also learn the principles and truths from our Heavenly Father. Finally, we want to ponder - or meditate - upon those things that are revealed through our scripture study. By meditating, we ask questions, look for the practical applications and solutions.
As President Russell M. Nelson provided his opening remarks to the October 2021 General Conference - we learn that the focus of our attention is to understand three things: Pure Teaching, Pure Doctrine of Christ, and Pure Revelation. Reflecting on this message, how have you come to understand these three principle truths? What are you struggling with when it comes to your faith in Christ? Faith in the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ? and where do you feel lacking when it comes to revelation and the ministering of the Holy Spirit? Knowing that personal revelation comes through our daily commitment to scripture study, prayerfully reflecting and meditating on teachings from Church Leaders and those within our own community, and through personal fellowship and service toward others: how does this help build up your faith and testimony? Please share your comments, thoughts, and feel free to ask any questions in the comment section below. Share this with others through your social media platforms as well.
The scriptures are filled with gripping stories and challenging exhortations. People read and study from them because they are central to their lives and faith. Scriptures provide answers to the big issues in life - Who God is, Christ's infinite atonement and the plan of salvation, Life, death, love, sin, moral guidance, resilient and bold faith, overcoming and enduring persecution and times of despondence.
Each one of us ought to devote our time and energy in studying the standard works every day. This is accomplished by establishing a study schedule that best serves our personal needs. And is something we are motivated and committed to following consistently. Developing an understanding and love for the scriptures will greatly help in the challenges and responsibilities we have in our lives. Helps us be of service toward others. Improve our ability to relate and communicate with others.
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.
When this verse commands me to make level paths and to take firm ways, it is not telling me to follow conventional wisdom. This is not a suggestion to play it safe. It is an order to follow my Heavenly Father, to heed His wisdom and trust His guidance, no matter how foolish it looks to a skeptical and watching world. It is a call t base our lives in the ultimate reality of Scripture rather than the finite understanding of human logic. I must understand that the level and firm paths are the ones that are level and firm in God's sight - not mine or anyone else's.
Nowhere in the scriptures does God promise me instant answers to my prayers. His promises for answered prayer are amazing and reassuring, but none of them includes a timetable. He only assures me that he is never too late. Yet in our impatience, we don't want an answer that is simply "not too late." I sometimes desire an immediate answer. I have needs and do not understand why those needs must be prolonged.
What does God mean by requiring my belief? Is it only that I must believe He will answer me? It is that, but it it is much more. I must believe - ahead of time - that what He tells me is wisdom to be followed. I must be committed to heed His instructions before He gives them. I fi am not committed, H will not answer. I I do not purpose in my heart to do His will, I will never discover it.
Photo by Oladimeji Ajegbile on Pexels.com ~ Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things ~ 2 Timothy 2:7, KJV Whether it is listening to a favorite broadcast, sermon, or a daily devotion - immersion into the word of God is not merely a chore to be accomplished. It requires… Continue reading Consider the Teachings
I had often resorted to lesser means of wisdom because I stood unaware and ignorant of the mind of Christ and how accessible it truly was. I did not have the courage and willingness to accept the reality of such extravagant promises. Because I did not believe, nor accept its reality, I did not possess it. The mind of Christ is available to each of us through the Holy Spirit, who comes to us only through faith. The spirit searches the deep things of God and reveals them to His people. Such things are foolish to the world, yet they are truth nonetheless - truth that I am able to know and base my life upon.
As you read these daily wisdom devotionals, remember that the word of God expresses the mind, heart, and character of our Heavenly Father. His thoughts are available to each one of us. Let these devotionals help you dig deeper into His revelation. Seek His spirit to be with you always. Develop a way to be open and receptive to personal revelations. And let the Holy Spirit change the way you think. Most of all, let your mind be renewed and your life be transformed every day.
How do we come to understand our sense of worth, know who we are, and how does this matter? Today's society has consistently defined and redefined what it means to be someone. In this message, I explore the idea of identity in Christ by looking at the two questions Christ asks. Focusing on our identity… Continue reading Finding our Identity through Christ
Through quiet meditation I defer my decisions until my contact with Heavenly Father has brought about certainty the path for me is right. And I pray to keep myself from taking any action, even a little one, that may be intended toward disappointment and potential suffering.
Seeking out wise counsel means we open ourselves up to listen to our own self-talk and bring those thoughts to God and seek His wise counsel and wisdom.
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).
We communicate with the divine and receive instruction. Godly wisdom and counsel. Through stillness we come to know that God is in control and we graciously surrender ourselves over to him.
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.
Through personal prayer, study, and meditation on God's word do we find His wisdom and insights. Cultivating relationship with men of integrity, valor, and living a disciplined spiritual life is another means whereby we grow in Godly Wisdom.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.~ Romans 1:16, KJV ~ Feast upon the words of Christ - 2 Nephi 32:3 The words of Christ are not like any… Continue reading Unlike any other Good News
Damascus Way Recovery is looking forward to a new year of spiritual growth, enlightenment, and deepening one's faith in Christ and God. This past year has been one of focus on developing a mindful Christian life. Going into the 2020 is no different and will continue to maintain the foundation of living a focused and… Continue reading Come Follow Me – Our Spiritual Call to Action
~ Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things ~ 2 Timothy 2:7, KJV Whether it is listening to a favorite Christian broadcast, sermon, or a daily devotion - immersion into the word of God is not merely a chore to be accomplished. It requires sincere time of meditation in… Continue reading Consider the teachings
And when they prevailed[over them, the Hagrites and all who were with them were given into their hands, for they cried out to God in the battle, and he granted their urgent plea because they trusted in him. ~ 1 Chronicles 5:20, ESV ~ Reason people struggle in their recovery is because they are faced with a… Continue reading Let’s Take the Time to Ask
If anyone serves , he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. ~ John 12:26, ESV ~ We are set free from the bondage and enslavement substance use has brought upon us because we follow in the footsteps of our… Continue reading In the Footsteps of the Master
Mindful Latter-day Saint Apologetics 
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