Mindful Latter-day Saint Apologetics
Providing thoughtful and faithful responses to criticisms and questions of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ
By reading and studying through the scriptures, listening to those ordained by our Heavenly Father, teaching these things unto our families and others - we are to also engage in meaningful and sincere prayer. Through prayer and fasting, we are able to become conquerors and overcome Satan and those who uphold the work of the adversary (D&C 10:5).
The scriptures constantly teach us that we are to do two things. They also teach us two fundamental truths. First, we are to seek him continually. Despite what is going on, no matter the situation, the fears, the worries, the doubts, and the anxieties, we are to seek him. Second, we are to wait patiently. Listen attentively, tune in, and continue to walk in those truths and commandments we are to keep. And the first truth is that our answers come in the Lord's due time and not ours. The second fundamental truth is that this is where our faith in God rests.
The call for us to go forward in faith and purpose is a call for us to enter into a deep and intimate relationship with Christ. To come to know him and our Heavenly Father (John 17:3).
Our call to go forward with faith and purpose in the new year is meant for us to examine ourselves and determine whether or not we truly place full confidence in who Christ is, in the teachings of the pure doctrines of Christ, and trust in those personal revelations he has given us. Trust in Christ means we go forward with faith, despite any doubts we may have. Despite our perceived inadequacies. For if we go forward in faith, with purpose, we are blessed to accomplish those things we are called to accomplish. For if we go forward in faith, with purpose, we are able to do the things our Heavenly Father has commanded us to do.
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.
In my own spiritual journey - I have found that deliverance comes twice. First, a worshipful heart has risen above oppressive circumstances, even when those circumstances remain. It is an inward liberation that I find deep joy regardless of what's happening on the outside. Secondly, a resolved, singing heart finds deliverance in a God who responds. He frequently invades circumstances and scatters our enemies, sometimes dramatically. The wait may be long and the victory is sure. God does not remain silent in His love when I do not remain silent in my worship.
Acceptance means simply admitting there are things I am not able to change. Accepting them puts an end to my futile struggles and freed my thoughts and energy to work on those things that I am capable of changing. Surrender means relinquishing our self-will and accept my Heavenly Father's will and His help.
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
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
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
It is not merely enough to enter into the holy sanctuary of prayer and meditation. It is enriching when our prayer and meditation includes daily praise and worship. It is part of our spiritual growth and discipline in the Christian life. If we fail to engage in daily praise and worship, we fall prey to the cares and anxieties of this world. Fear and doubt becoming an all consuming fire.
But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.~ Galatians 6:14, KJV ~ Photo by Vanderlei Longo on Pexels.com ~ January 17, 2020 Devotional ~ Christ's sacrifice on the cross ought to be profoundly humbling… Continue reading Humbled by His Sacrifice
And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. ~ Mark 1:35, ESV ~ Spending time in solitude is beneficial for an intimate and deep enriching relationship with our Heavenly Father. Christ sets the example for us to follow. He… Continue reading In Solitude We Find Intimacy
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. ~ Ephesians 5:15-16, ESV ~ For today only. Our decisions for today only influence the way we walk. Is the decisions we make based on tomorrow's worries? Or, are we making choices based… Continue reading Walk in grace and truth for today
I am not worthy of the least of all the deeds of steadfast love and all the faithfulness that you have shown to your servant... ~ Genesis 32:10, ESV ~ True humility begins when we are no longer shaming or inflating ourselves and begin accepting ourselves as Godly men and women. We are no better,… Continue reading Worthy in the eyes of God
And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. ~ Mark 1:35, ESV ~ There is a difference between feeling lonely and spending time in solitude. In recovery, one of the greatest threats to moving toward a life of meaning… Continue reading In solitude we find peace of mind
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. ~ Ephesians 4:32, ESV ~ We are actively influenced, and are influencing, those relationships around us. One of the greatest frustrations a person experiences in recovery is this: operating in the illusion we have control over, or others have control over… Continue reading How we love self and others reflects Christ
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  ~Philippians 4:6, ESV ~ God is listening. He desires to hear from us. Paul, the Apostle, writes to the Church in Thessalonica: Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the… Continue reading The importance of prayer and meditation
I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that… Continue reading Who we choose to please
Questioning a Sovereign God Read Genesis 18:16 - 19:29Â ~ Focusing on 18:22 - 26, ESV Last week, our study focused on Abraham and the visitation of three messengers. As we continue in our study of the life and person of Abraham, let us reflect on the nature of God's sovereignty. So the men turned… Continue reading Questioning a Sovereign God
The Lord bless you and keep you. the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. ~ Numbers 6:24-25, ESV ~ We came into recovery, not realizing how demanding it is on our need to change. Because of this, we are left feeling… Continue reading When we acknowledge our blessings
A Divine Visit ~ Genesis 18: 1-15, ESV ~ Examining the life of Abraham helps us come to understand how we are inspired to trust in God. Through Abraham, we see a reflection of our own fears, anxieties, and doubts. Yet, it is through his persevering faith we find assurance and hope in our own… Continue reading A Divine Visit
And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins ... that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. ~ James 5:15-16,… Continue reading The Power of Prayer
One of the challenges a person experiences in early recovery is the shift in perception. As a moderately seasoned counselor, a handful of patients struggle with the understanding of their need to focus on the internal decay ongoing substance use has caused. Instead, they are more focused on changing people, circumstances, or particular events. Their… Continue reading New Beginnings
For it must needs be, there is an opposition in all things ~ 2 Nephi 2:11 ... it is as necessary that we should have difficulties to contend with, in order to make intelligent provision for our spiritual concerns, as it is that we should have the winter frosts and stormy weather to enable us… Continue reading How opposition is beneficial to our authentic Christian life
Whichever ye shall ask ... which is right, believing that ye shall receive behold it shall be given unto you. ~ 3 Nephi 18:20 ~ Exercising our faith in our higher power, we grow confident in knowing that through thoughtful prayer and meditation, we may receive counsel and guidance each day. This not only requires our… Continue reading Seek after God in prayer and meditation
As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. ~ Nehemiah 1:4, ESV ~ Believe in the Power of prayer - it is real, it is wonderful, it is tremendous ~ Gordon B. Hinckley ~ Prayer is not merely… Continue reading The power of prayer and meditation
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. This simple prayer is recited in the rooms of all sober support meetings. A prayer of peace, courage, and wisdom from one's higher power. For some, it is… Continue reading Be a little better today
Mindful Latter-day Saint Apologetics 
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