FASTING, PRAYING, STUDYING AND LIVING FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD
FEBRUARY 18, 2021
Hello, in whatever language you speak, to God's dear Saints around the world,
Prior to, and during the year 2020, many were talking about "Vision." 2020 is said to be perfect vision. How was your vision of the Kingdom of God in 2020? If there is chance that 2021 is better than 2020, what is your vision for this year? Your vision in regards to Zion, the kingdom of God on earth? Are we, as a church, you, as an individual, your family, Branch, etc. any closer to Zion now than in February of last year, or any other year? Has the virus caused you or helped you to make any Zionic improvements in your life? If not, what, on earth, are we doing, for heaven's sake?
There has been, at least, a year of encouragement to become a devoted disciple of the spiritual disciplines of fasting, prayer, and study. Jesus, as always is our chief example. We are instructed in I Peter 2:21-25, "...because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps;..." In regards to fasting, praying, studying, and thusly living for the Kingdom, how have you done this past year? It is easy for plans and programs to become a drudgery, boring, attempted half-heartedly, or even ignored. Some might wonder, "Did Jesus ever get bored, go half-way or ignore God's commandments to Him? No way! He said in 3 Nephi 5:12, "...in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things, from the beginning." I'm sure that each of us, at some point during the past year, have fallen short of our hopes. I will be the first to admit that I have. However, Jesus Christ is our strength and gives us strength to recognize our failures, repent, and take up our cross once again.
The church lives by faith. That faith is in Christ, the incarnate revelation of ultimate truth. When the faith is clear and strong, the church is assured of the victory guaranteed in Christ. He is the Truth that shines, above all else and illumines life. The good news of the gospel is the joyful proclamation that Christ has come and that he lives! Such faith gives strength to the church to carry her through uncharted and often times angry seas. The Restoration message is not a ponderous or depressing one. It is "the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth." Romans 1:16. IT IS THE HOPE OF THE WORLD! Spiritual depth grows out of devoted study and the other disciplines, and forms the roots which nourish the church and give it life and strength to confront the world. [This paragraph is from "Exploring the Faith" by the Committee on Basic Beliefs, Herald Publishing House, 1970 with a little adjustment by PJG]
Our duty, then, is to do the things Jesus has told us to do, keep the faith, stay on the narrow path, hold fast to the Rod of Iron and endure to the end. Enduring is much more than just "hanging in there." Verily I say, Men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free-will, and bring to pass much righteousness; for the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves; and inasmuch as men do good, they shall in nowise lose their reward." DC 56:6 d, e. The Kingdom of God on earth (Zion) awaits.
God bless you in your continued efforts for the Kingdom
Paul Gage
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