LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD JANUARY 16, 2025

 

LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD JANUARY 16, 2025

 

Hello Dear Saints,

 

I hope you have your seat belt tightened up or as we are reminded in Ephesians 6 where Paul is telling us to “Put on the whole armor of God.” He says in 6:14,”Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth.” In a human, the loins are the area between the lower ribs and the pelvis or lower part of the back. The pelvis is a basin shaped structure of bones that connects the spine to the legs. It supports the upper body, protects organs, and helps with balance and walking. What this structure of the body does for us physically, TRUTH does for us spiritually. To have advantage of the “whole armor of God,” we must be truthful, after all, Jesus defines Himself as being “The Truth.” Truth is what will hold us together when all else around us seems to be going down to destruction.

 

“Girt up” means to “gird up” or as we might say today,”Tighten up your belt.” In today’s world, in most every area, including Christianity and even the “Restoration,” things seem to be way too loose. Imagine trying to run with some garments down around your legs. Did you ever take part in a sack race? Then you know what Paul is referring to. The Jews wore long tunics. If they had to hurry, they would pull the tunic up and tuck (gird) it up under their belt, sash, or whatever they have around their waist. It has been said that if you always tell the truth you won’t have to try to remember what you said. In our courts, a witness will promise to “Tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God.” If they violate their own promise, they commit perjury, which then makes them guilty of a crime.

 

Now, in some cases, people want to eliminate the phrase, “So help me God,” because they don’t want to think God knows what they are doing. It is the ongoing battle between Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and Satan, the Father of lies. Praise God! We know Jesus won the battle/war before it started. The enemy is trying to “capture” God’s soldiers. Therefore we must stand, having our loins girt about with Truth/Jesus. Roman soldiers had several weapons that hung from their belt, so if the belt was loose, the weapons might not be as easy to reach in the heat of the battle.

 

Paul reminds us that we are dealing with spiritual warfare in most every aspect of our lives, and thus it behooves us to be ready at every moment. We have all experienced incidents in our lives where something unexpectedly happens and cause us some concern. In warfare, it is called an ambush. An ambush is an attack by surprise from a hidden place. That hidden place could be our heart or mind. Have you ever had a “wild thought” just pop into your mind and you think, “Where did that come from?”

 

To “Stand” is to always be on the alert and ready to respond as led by the Holy Spirit. John 16:7-14 tells why Jesus had to go back to the Father. It was so the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of truth could come and that He would lead us into all truth. As Jesus, in the flesh, was restricted as are we, we can’t be in two places at the same time. But, again PRAISE GOD! The Holy Ghost can be anywhere, anytime, every where, all the time, and IS. We must be ready in order for the Holy Ghost to have maximum benefit.

 

This next week might be filled with uncertainties, due to changes in the US government. So read Ephesians 6:10-18 daily for the next week.

 

God bless

Paul Gage

 

Zionworks News January 10, 2025

 

Zionworks News January 10, 2025

Christ’s love is still the most potent weapon in the history of the universe to combat hatred in all the adversary’s forms.       Hello everyone,      The newness of the new year is not so new, now, as we set ourselves, this winter, to the goals, tasks and responsibilities that must be accomplished for the months ahead. In our individual lives and our lives knit together, we look forward to the fruit of our work: raising children, maintaining our incomes and our homes, studying, worshipping, praying, maturing and nourishing each other. The troubled world and the worry about the survival of the American dream weighs on us consciously and subconsciously. We know Jesus and his love, if embraced world-wide would turn this world into heaven on earth. There are powerful philosophies of hate and contempt, though, infecting the minds of instigators and manipulating hoards of people to live in enmity of virtue. We hate to see souls put in agony and confusion. We hate to see dreams destroyed and the concept of heavenly life on earth attacked.     We have been advised that the task of building Zion possibly cannot be envisioned, understood, and undertaken by very many people at this time. We have also been advised that we must continue progressing forward with determination and purpose and as people see the permanent and progressing nature of this endeavor they will want to commit to it. Growth will happen in this manner. It will also happen as the world sees this example. It is well to be reminded that Zion can only be built upon celestial principles. Any compromise of these principles will result in failure. Attempting to modify Christ’s principles will result in failure. So, we must abide by Christ’s love and by his pure gospel. There is reliable comfort and safety in that.     There are many discouragers out there, many nay-sayers and many complainers. As can be expected in any Godly effort, there will be many outside attempts to discredit and sabotage the message and mission of Zionworks. The apostle Paul advised of this in 1st Timothy 4:10: ”For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the savior of all men, specially of those that believe.” The renewal of our strength and vision must come from Christ. It is his work. When we see each other in the deep loving and nourishing way Christ sees us, we love and encourage each other. We can also guide and encourage each other without fear of offense. The work that we are about is a pure response to Jesus on his terms and as directed by him. -------------------------------------------------------------   At our last meeting, people were very candid in telling about their experiences in applying their Zionic efforts. It was difficult to keep the meeting on track and on schedule because of the sincere and energetic expressions. I must apologize to anyone who was cut short. What do you think of having a discussion session at the end of the next meeting so people can have time to express themselves and their experiences and more time for fellowship as desired? Also, since we have dedicated our lives to Christ and each other in this effort, we are often aware of the physical needs and the deep emotional needs of those among us. Pray for these emotional needs as you can and reach out, give a listening ear and take some of the burden.                                  --------------------------------------------------------                                                     REMEMBER    We have known that Babylon will fail for hundreds of years. For much of our lives, we have sensed that that will happen in our lifetime. Like the frog in slowly-heating water, we are now in hot times while our awareness is luke-warm. Wake up and jump out before you’re cooked. (Avoid landing in the frying pan.) Don’t let the other frogs keep you from acting. PREPARE AND STOCK UP while it is yet day.     Zion needs laborers and people seeking to live in harmony with others in Jesus’ love. Zion needs you to tell about it and demonstrate it.                                ---------------------------------------------------------      Daylight is fading here at 5:15 PM Saturday, the 11th. My apologies again for not getting this newsletter to you early in the week.                               ---------------------------------------------------------      NEXT MEETING: Tomorrow, January 12th at Central Branch, 919 S. Delaware, Independence at 2:00 PM. On the agenda: All we can plan and make happen to bring Zion into existence at Christ’s direction with the commission, brain power and resources he has given us and will yet provide. His plan is complete. There will be a special presentation on Christ’s instructions for this with time for testimonies. All are welcome. Invite others.                                                     CONTACT      Your questions and comments are welcome at zionworkz@protonmail.com and yyeoman@protonmail.com .                                                       With Christ and his love as our bond,                                                                           Your brothers and sisters at Zionworks

Book of Mormon Round Table - January 19

 Book of Mormon Round Table - January 19

Jennifer Lynn Baltzer - Obituary

 Jennifer Lynn Baltzer - Obituary

Jennifer Lynn Baltzer September 5, 1972 — December 28, 2024 Oak Grove, Missouri Jennifer Lynn Baltzer, 52 of Oak Grove, MO passed away Saturday, December 28, 2024 at Centerpoint Medical Center. Cremation is planned with a memorial service to be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday on January 11, 2025 at the South Crysler Restoration Branch, 16101 E Salisbury Rd, Independence, MO 64050. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations in her name to Answering the Call, The Jennifer Baltzer Fund care of any Safety Credit Union. Jennifer was born September 5, 1972 in Cincinnati, OH to Donald E. and Carol Jane (Cline) Smith. She graduated from Rochester High School in Rochester, MI. She moved to the Missouri and received at degree in early childhood development from Metropolitan Community College and worked as a teacher for a number of years. She enjoyed singing, baking and spending time with her animals, being outdoors and, most of all spending time with her family. She was a member of the South Crysler Restoration Branch and the LEO Wives Support Group. She was married to Ron Baltzer on October 17, 1998, he survives of the home. Other survivors include; a daughter, Morgan Baltzer of the home; a son, Matthew Baltzer (Kayla Oglesby) of the home; a granddaughter, Mia Melton; her mother, Carol Smith of Independence, MO; a sister, Jodi Hawley and husband Max of Independence, MO and 4 nieces, Kelsey Yates, Alyssa Smith, Corissa Leutzinger and Savannah Hawley-Bates. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)

Darrell Ray Simpson - Obituary

 

Sat, Jan 11 at 1:46 AM

Darrell Ray Simpson November 13, 1951 — January 3, 2025 Darrell Ray Simpson was born November 13, 1951 to Virgil, Dale (“Dick”) and Florence, Mae (McDaniel) Simpson in Leon, Iowa. He was baptized into the RLDS church on June 12, 1966. Darrell graduated from Lamoni High School in 1970 and enrolled in Universal Tech in Omaha, Nebraska, where he studied auto mechanics. He had an automotive shop for a few years before starting work at Windsor Windows in Des Moines, Iowa, on October 31, 1987. He was head of the maintenance department, in charge of making sure all factory equipment ran smoothly.  On November 12, 1986, a daughter Ashley was born to him and his wife Dana. Ashley was the apple of his eye and they spent happy times together during the summers canoeing, fishing, riding 4 wheelers, camping, looking for Indian arrowheads and woodworking in his immense machine shop. After Darrell’s first stroke on January 20, 2007, he had to retire from Windsor Windows. At that time he was in the middle of building his dream home in Terra Haute using his own design. Darrell had many friends who stopped by for a can of pop and a leisurely sit on the porch or digging into a mechanical project. He was never short of a joke to entertain them and always enjoyed their company. Darrell passed away on Friday, January 3, 2025, in the hospital at Independence Missouri. Family will receive mourners at Decatur Restoration RLDS church in Decatur City, Iowa at 11 AM on January 9. Services will follow at 12 PM and internment will immediately follow at Hamilton cemetery in Pleasanton, Iowa.  Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ronald Simpson and wife Wanda, sister Genevieve Iles, nephews Jodi Coenen and Mike Simpson, sister-in-law Vicki Simpson, and brother-in-law Richard Kline. Darrell is survived by daughter, Ashley Fermin and grandson, Jaxon of Riverside, California; sister Janice and husband Ryland Williams of Blue Springs, Missouri; brother Kenneth Simpson of Hamilton, Missouri; brother Fredric Simpson of Davis City, Iowa; brother-in-law, Robert Iles of Higginsville, Missouri; sisters Kathryn Kline, Ferryl Simpson, and Barbara Silver, all of Independence, Missouri; many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and numerous friends. He was loved and will truly be missed. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Darrell Ray Simpson, please visit our flower store.

LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD JANUARY 9, 2025

 LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD JANUARY 9, 2025

 

GREETINGS TO ALL THE BELOVED SAINTS AROUND THE WORLD,

 

Beloved was a favorite word of Patriarch Mike Ballantyne. Brother Mike passed away last week thus crossing the veil, as we say, and now knows more about life from a different angle. There is a group in Independence, Missouri called, “Team Jesus.” One of the many types of ministry that is offered by “Team Jesus,” is that of providing ministry, in various ways, to what most people call the "Homeless.” When you see someone standing on a street corner holding a sign asking for money, what do you call that person. What do you call any person who is “different” from you. We probably all have a “pet” name for all kinds of people, but Team Jesus calls them Beloved.

 

In Matthew 11:29-30 we find the following; 29 Then spake Jesus, “saying, Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 30 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls; for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” There are many ways to define labor and being heavy laden, but in whatever context you use those words, the promise of Jesus is the same. Come unto Me and I will…

 

For those who don’t know, the entire mid section of the USA was slammed with a major winter storm. Rain, ice, followed by 5-15 inches of snow, depending on where you live. My neighborhood got about nine inches of snow. This all started on Saturday, January 4 and continued full pace all day Sunday, January 5, 2025. Most, if not all churches and many businesses were closed all day Sunday. Many businesses were also closed on Monday, January6, 2025. Schools had already been out for two weeks for Christmas break and now were out again for two-four days.

 

Now came the great task of clearing off driveways, etc which is a major problem for many who are not able to clear their own driveways. A “snow angel” a young neighbor had come over on Monday and cleared my bottom driveway as well as that of another neighbor. He hadn’t even cleared his own driveway yet. On Tuesday I thought I would start on my upper driveway and just do a little at a time, hopefully without falling into the snow. At one point a young man came by and asked if he could help. I gladly turned the shovel over to him and got out of his way.

 

After s short while, a young couple in a car got stuck at the intersection by my house. They were not prepared to be out driving in such conditions. Soon, they asked the young man doing my drive if they could borrow his/my shovel. I watched as they all struggled with the situation. I stepped out a time or two to offer advice. Soon a neighbor came to try to help, but the struggle continued. After an hour or so, the problem was resolved, but the young lady, named, Rain, decided she was going to finish my drive so the young man who started it left. I told her several times she did not need to do it, but she insisted, simply because they had used my shovel. I planned to pay her something and included it in the tract, “A Father’s Love Letter.” A Father’s Love Letter is a tract in the form of a letter with scriptures that tell us about God’s Love for us. She stood by the door and began to read the tract, paying no attention to the money inside. A drop of snow fell on the tract so she decided to go back to the car, all the while reading the tract.

 

All this reminded me of one of the parables in Matthew 25 “And then, at that day, before the Son of man comes, the kingdom of heaven will be likened to…” The last of the three parables is the separation of the sheep from the goats. Do you remember what separated the sheep from the goats? Whether or not you remember, take time to go back and read Matthew 25.

 

All three of these parables are very much applicable to those of us, now in 2025, as we “Live in the Kingdom of God.” Do you suppose that doing a good deed for any one, especially in bad weather, might be something that might separate a sheep from a goat? Philippians 2:5 says, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” This speaks to a life pattern of helping others and not necessarily a one time thing. As we live each day in the Kingdom of God, may we remember to serve our Shepherd by serving all those around us. This will help us be better prepared and ready for our King to return and claim His Kingdom and say to us ,”Come ye blessed (BELOVED)of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”

 

God bless

 

Paul Gage

 

Helen Brotherton - Obituary

 Helen Brotherton - Obituary

Mon, Jan 6 at 10:28 AM

Helen Valora (Olds) Brotherton, 100 years old, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at Ignite Medical Resort in Blue Springs, MO. She was born May 12, 1924, to Victor and Ollie (Cothern) Olds in Elida, NM. Helen was united in marriage to Wallace E. Brotherton on July 2, 1944, in San Diego, CA.  She spent several years working as a home economics teacher in Centerville, IN and in Taipei, Taiwan. Following her teaching career, Helen spent 30 years working as a registered dietitian and counselor. She wrote several books, taught Family Living classes, was a guest lecturer at many churches, and held numerous Anger Workshops and True Love Waits seminars.  Wally and Helen founded and co-owned Wally’s Nuthouse for several years in Oak Grove, MO.  She was a member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and attended the South Crysler Restoration Branch of Jesus Christ’s Church. Helen and Wally started missions of the church in Liberal, KS; Richmond, IN; Can Tho, Vietnam; and Taipei, Taiwan. Helen loved sewing, reading, singing, teaching, counseling, gardening, going to church, babies and spending time with her family amongst many other things. Helen is survived by her children, Sherryl Dickson of Independence, MO, Elona Banka of Billings, MT, Val Brotherton and wife Anita of Alma, MO, Von Brotherton and wife Emily of Oak Grove, MO, Daniel Brotherton and wife Darcy of Oak Grove, MO; grandchildren, Patrick Dickson, Jennifer Delgado, Niki Kent, Elizabeth Beaird, Chelsea Hensleigh, Jenifer Farrell, David Brotherton, Brad Brotherton, Jared Brotherton, Jordan Brotherton; great-grandchildren, Aaliyah, Randi, Brock, Brooke, Caleb, Parker, Austin, Addison, Cooper, Jesse, Christian, Zachary, Mina, Grace, Samuel, Ezekiel, and Olive. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Wallace Brotherton; parents Victor and Ollie Olds; brother, George Olds; granddaughters, Ivy Axtell, Cristi Brotherton and grandson Justin Brotherton. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at Lee’s Summit Historical Cemetery in Lee’s Summit, MO.  A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, January 9, 2025, at South Crysler Restoration Branch, 16101 E Salisbury Rd, Independence, MO 64050. Visitation with the family will begin at 5:30 p.m. Arrangements have been entrusted to Meyers Funeral Chapel in Blue Springs. Memories of Helen and words of comfort for her family may be shared at: https://meyersfuneralchapel.com/helen-brotherton-blue-springs-mo-01-02-2025/