Mindful Latter-day Saint Apologetics
Providing thoughtful and faithful responses to criticisms and questions of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ
Through our discipleship we come to know the nature and truth of who our Heavenly Father is and what he expects of us. To which, the Savior declared, be ye therefore perfect as your Father in Heaven is perfect (Matthew 5:48, Philippians 3:15-16; 3 Nephi 12:48). It means we are to be complete and full as it relates to Our Heavenly Father.
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.
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.
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.
Knowing this can also help us as we share the gospel with our friends and family. Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said: “We are at war with Satan for the souls of men. The battle lines were drawn in our pre-earth life. Satan and a third of our Father in Heaven’s children turned away from His promises of exaltation. Since that time, the adversary’s minions have been fighting the faithful who choose the Father’s plan.”
When I am strengthened by the faith and grace of God, I find that I am able to look at things in their proper perspective. I don't let my past get too close, lest it take on fearsome proportions that do not reflect my true character. I pray to accept, with a peaceful mind, the things I know are out of my control. Things I have no power to change. Knowing it is futile to be obstinate about the inevitable. I pray to be resolute to take decisive action in things that I know must need changing. Things that stifle my true character in Jesus Christ.
I stand grateful and amazed and confused at the sovereign Grace of my Heavenly Father. Grace bestowed upon me by Christ's death, burial, and resurrection to a new life. Confessing my sins and embracing Christ as my Savior is the essential first step to spiritual transformation and growth.
The aim of living in recovery is to deepen our transformation and help us become more like Jesus Christ. For this reason, when we engage in recovery, we’re not just looking for new information; we want to become a “new creature” (2 Corinthians 5:17). This means relying on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ to help us change our hearts, our views, our actions, and our very natures.
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
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
~ JANUARY 3, 2020 ~ Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31, KJV Yes, God does have a plan for our lives. However, He expects us to do our fair share of the work in order to be presentable living sacrifices. While many, outside… Continue reading Mindful Christian Service
True freedom comes as I lay down my old self and take up the cross. To walk daily in humility, gratitude, and submission to my Heavenly Father's will and desire. No other attempts have proven satisfying. With this freedom comes strength.
True Christian spirituality is the foundation of a strong and resilient faith. Ever reminding me to place principle truths above all others. The tradition of spiritual giants I encounter in God's word gives me the guiding light of a true authentic Christian spiritual path to grow and mature. I strive to do my best to live and keep in mind, at all times, the secret of authentic Christian living.
There are going to be emotional conflicts we have to deal with every day. Our relationships will have significant impact. How we view life and all things around is will take on whole new meanings. Yet, if we remain at a standstill expecting our problems sufferings will miraculously disappear we will experience disappointment and resentment toward God.
When we trust in our own strength, understanding, and will to make it through our suffering - we may inevitably become lost, hurt, betrayed, bitter, and resentful. This leads to us being separated from God's divine love and grace. Through the Gift of Faith that is offered through Jesus Christ, accepting this offer, we need to put aside our own will and desire. Surrendering to God's will and trusting in Him to strengthen us and walk with us through our struggles is where we find peace that surpasses all understanding.
Photo by Roberto Shumski on Pexels.com In the final days of His mortal life, Jesus Christ told His Apostles of the persecutions and hardships they would suffer. He concluded with this great assurance: “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). That is the… Continue reading Being of Good Cheer Takes Courage and Resilient Bold Faith
as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. ~ Philippians 1:20, ESV ~ Turning to Jesus Christ may be a last resort for those of us seeking spiritual transformation: because… Continue reading Let us keep to the point for making a spiritual impact
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
Put to death therefore what is earthly in you… seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Colossians 3:1-17 ESV Spiritual awakening is a process of becoming authentic and genuine. Moving from… Continue reading Spiritual growing pains
Whether we live inside or outside of religious enclosures, the monastic concept of balancing our lives and ordering them around God offers hope for living a deeper and more fulfilling spiritual life. Debra K. Farrington Living Faith Day by Day How the Sacred Rules of Monastic Tradition Can Help You Live Spiritually in the Modern… Continue reading Our invitation to living faith day by day
For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives. ~ Hebrews 12:6-7, ESV ~ Part of our human nature is that we will make mistakes. We also have a deep sense of feeling incomplete. Otherwise, if we were perfect, we'd not make mistakes and possess a sense of being whole.… Continue reading Open to criticism and discipline
Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, ~ Philippians 2:14-15, ESV ~ Our natural tendency is to complain about life. Whether it is a minor inconvenience and annoyance, or, a difficult situation. We… Continue reading Without complaining
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. ~ Romans 1:16, ESV ~ Denzel Washington plays a blind character in a dystopian world. With him, is a book he reads through. Later, we find that this book… Continue reading A Rare Possession
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
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
Why Do the Best People Say They Are Done? Josh Packard, Ph.D., a sociologist, has done some research into this question in his book, Church Refugees. In interviews, he discovered people keep hearing the same old lectures from the pulpit. They do not want to “plop, pray and pay,” but want to be involved with others… Continue reading The “Dones” and the Need for Revolutionary Christian Writing
~ 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
Mindful Latter-day Saint Apologetics 
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