FASTING PRAYING STUDYING AND LIVING FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD JULY 30, 2021

 

From: ​​Paul Gage

pauljg_64055@yahoo.com

FASTING PRAYING STUDYING AND LIVING FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD

JULY 30, 2021

 ​​

God's blessings and love to the Saints around the world,

 Many of the Saints have been able to attend a camp, retreat, or reunion so far this year. Most of us have had these experiences over the course of time and have greatly benefitted from  them. I had the opportunity to attend the Great Lakes Reunion at Vassar, Michigan July 19-26, 2021. It was truly a marvelous time of fellowship and worship. The theme was: Charity, the Pure Love of Christ, Moroni 7:52 and surrounding scriptures as well as I Corinthians 13.

 Read these scriptures, along with Doctrine and Covenants 85:36-38 and see if they have any connections to fasting, praying, studying, and living for the Kingdom. As you know, there are many other scriptures that support the ones I have listed.

 We firmly believe that Charity is indeed the Pure Love of Christ. In his book, "The Greatest Thing in the World," Henry Drummond, a Scottish evangelist, (1851-1897,  asks, What is the summum bonum-The Supreme Good? Drummond, of course, agrees with the apostle Paul in I Corinthian 13:13, The greatest of these is charity." In many translations, the word is love, but in the King James and of course, the Inspired Version, it is Charity. Moroni basically tells us that Charity is the highest form of love, known in Greek as Agape.

 Drummond takes charity/love, as found in I Corinthians 13 and Contrasts it, Analyzes it  and Defends it. In analyzing charity, he asks some very searching questions about doing things without love for all people. Similar to what Paul says, that we can do many things, but if we do not have love, it amounts to nothing.

 We can fast forty days and forty nights, but if there is no love, we have just gone without eating. If we pray all day and all night, but do not have love, it is for the most part, wasted time. If we studying most diligently day in and day out, but do not have love, we have just learned a lot of facts or information. Even if we strive to live for the Kingdom, but do so without love, we just go through the motions, and Jesus might call us  hypocrite. After all, our righteousness is to exceed that of the Scribes, Pharisees, Lawyers, Elders, etc.

 The following song was sung at the Great Lakes Reunion and pretty well describes the situation of many Christians and the world.

 

"You Don't Love God If You Don't Love Your Neighbor"

There are many people Who will say they're Christians
And they live like Christians on the Sabbath day

But come Monday morning, till the coming Sunday
They will fight their neighbor all along the way

Oh you don't love God, if you don't love your neighbor
If you gossip about him, if you never have mercy
If he gets into trouble, and you don't try to help him
Then you don't love your neighbor, and you don't love God

In the Holy Bible, in the Book of Matthew
Read the 18th chapter in the 21st verse
Jesus plainly tells us that we must have mercy
There's a special warning in the 35th verse (IV 34)

There's a God almighty, and you've got to love him
If you want salvation and a home on high

If you say you love him and have ought against your neighbor
Then you don't have religion, you just told a lie

Oh you don't love God, if you don't love your neighbor
If you gossip about him, if you never have mercy
If he gets into trouble, and you don't try to help him
Then you don't love your neighbor, and you don't love God

Then you don't love your neighbor, and you don't love God

 

May we, then love as God loves us remembering John 3:16-17. "FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD..." We are responsible for helping every person we have contact with to enter God's Kingdom.

 God bless each one in our efforts to live for the Kingdom of God.

 Paul Gage

Vacation Church School at Oak Grove is Cancelled

 From: Debra Norman

denorman8165@gmail.com

Vacation Church School at Oak Grove is Cancelled

 

I'm really sorry to announce that because of circumstances beyond our
control, Vacation Church School at Oak Grove, which was planned for
August 16-20, will be Cancelled.

I hope many of you will be able to join us for VCS next summer!

Sincerely,
Debbie Norman

Yamaha Piano Keyboard For Sale

 From:  Julie Schroder

Yamaha Piano Keyboard For Sale

Portable Keyboard

Model DGX500

with stand

$800 New

Make an Offer

Call Julie and leave a message at:

816-252-4070

​​2014 Cub Cadet LTX1040 Riding Mower For Sale

 ​From: Blake Hall

blake.hall@sbcglobal.net

​​2014 Cub Cadet LTX1040 Riding Mower For Sale

​

​​2014 Cub Cadet LTX1040 riding mower for sale. It has a Kohler 19 HP motor and has 260 hours on it. Asking $350.  

If interested, please give Blake Hall a call or text at: 

816-694-1010

Need Chimney Cleaning Recommendations

​From: Ivan Bird

b1rdsi@yahoo.com

Need Chimney Cleaning Recommendations

Just wondering if anybody has a recommendation for a chimney cleaning service.

Our house has 2 fireplaces both with inserts.

Don't know who to call for service.

Thank you,

Ivan Bird

b1rdsi@yahoo.com

Spiritually Won Knowledge #10

 From: B S TURNER Owner

bturner12@centurylink.net

Spiritually Won Knowledge #10

 

Ignorance of the things of God is prevalent among men (inside the Church and out) because of sin. The same sin which causes men to destroy each other in the world keeps men in the church divided. That sin is the sin of apostasy… (Arthur Oakman, The call of Christ in an Age of Dilemma)

Have we become so satisfied with where we are that we have fallen into apostasy? Some may have heard the word but not understand the meaning. Apostasy is defined as “the abandonment or renunciation of a religious or political belief.”

But, you would say, we have not abandoned our religious beliefs, as a matter of fact we have separated ourselves from the very organization that abandoned the truth many years ago. True statement, but when you look at where we are today what do you see? 

3 Nephi 1:39 Insomuch that they began to be hard in their hearts, and blind in their minds, and began to disbelieve all which they had heard and seen, imagining up some vain thing in their hearts, that it was wrought by men, and by the power of the devil, to lead away and deceive the hearts of the people;

Group after group appearing on the horizon, each with their version of spiritual and worldly organization. And members who are as dedicated to the group they are in as they were to the original organization. Are you beginning to see the problem? 

Ether 1:111 Behold, when ye shall rend that veil of unbelief which doth cause you to remain in your awful state of wickedness and hardness of heart, and blindness of mind, then shall the great and marvelous things which have been hid up from the foundation of the world from you;

Again it is mentioned about the veil of unbelief…

2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

How timely is this scripture today written so many years ago? We are told that the god of this world is blinding us. Both in and out of the church we are “wresting the scriptures” to prove points of doctrine and structure. But I am not sure that we see what is really happening. The body is being ripped apart, eaten within by the very people that claim to have insight.   

Oakman goes on to say “Foreknowledge, insight, and vision go inseparably with righteousness. Blindness of mind accompanies perversion of spirit.” Can we test this comment scripturally? 

Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish; but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

I am not sure that we really understand what Oakman is talking about here. There are three gifts that we can obtain so that we all can see past the veil. Foreknowledge, insight, and vision are not man made or man taught gifts, these can only be recognized as they are manifested to us by the Holy Spirit. And these gifts are not for a select few – they are for you and me. 

All are given equally when it comes to spiritual things. The question is do you want others to determine your spiritual path? This is exactly what you are doing if you are not reading and trying to understand what the fruits of the Spirit will bring to every man woman and child if we were to cling, no, feast upon the word of God. 

Here is a verse from 1 Nephi that enlightens us to the promise if we were to pray at this level for the people…

1 Nephi 1:4-7

Wherefore it came to pass that my father Lehi, as he went forth, prayed unto the Lord, yea, even with all his heart, in behalf of his people.

And it came to pass, as he prayed unto the Lord, there came a pillar of fire and dwelt upon a rock before him; and he saw and heard much; and because of the things which he saw and heard, he did quake and tremble exceedingly.

And it came to pass that he returned to his own house at Jerusalem; and he cast himself upon his bed, being overcome with the Spirit and the things which he had seen;

And being thus overcome with the Spirit, he was carried away in a vision, even that he saw the heavens open, and he thought he saw God sitting upon his throne, surrounded with numberless concourses of angels in the attitude of singing and praising their God.

Not to many years past we were given this insight by Earl Curry as he sat in the Temple. 

You lack wisdom and foresight in these matters, and you scarcely try to find the wisdom that your loving Father would give to you were you to cease trusting so much in your own selves, and were a faithful body of men, deeply concerned about this lack of progress, to come together asking for their eyes to be opened that they might see how to do these things, even under the difficulties of this present hour.  Moreover, more than one hundred years ago you were commanded to lift a warning voice to the world, setting forth clearly and understandingly the desolation of abomination of these last days.  This has not been and is not being done with the strength, the intelligence, the prophetic insight and foresight, or even as with a loud voice, which these days of increasing commotion demand.   Very few see deeply concerning this warning.  Very few understood that which the Lord has caused to be written concerning the last days.  Very few even ask to be shown what lies ahead.  And so, the warning voice that you lift is feeble indeed. You are fearful of wild and extreme interpretations. You seem to have lost confidence that your Lord and your God knew what He was talking about when He inspired His prophets to place His warning word in the scriptures.  All this can rapidly change when you will come together and ask to see truly that which was in the heart of your Lord when He caused His words concerning these last days to shine forth.   This you ought to do.  This you must do if you would discharge the responsibility that has been placed on you.

Such great insight in the passage out of Nephi and the message from the book “The Endowment”…The Apostle Paul also had foreknowledge, insight, and vision. He tells us that in 2 Corinthians 4: 18 and 5: 7

2 Cor. 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

2 Cor. 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight;

We too have that same promise, can you see it? 

Brian 

Round Roast Beef

 From: Von Brotherton

vonb53@gmail.com

Round Roast Beef

I have 10 cases of round roast beef, 40 lbs per case roughly. I will sell less than a case. They are between 6 and 7 and a half lbs individually wrapped. $1.50 a pound frozen.

Please call Von Brotherton @
816-808-5065
Thank you

CPCT's "The Music Man" Update/Changes due to Covid-19

From: Joy Cain

joy.cain1986@gmail.com

CPCT's "The Music Man" Update/Changes due to Covid-19

 

Three of CPCT's "The Music Man" family have tested positive for Covid-19, and thankfully everyone is doing fine.  Our number one concern and goal during this crazy time, is for the health and safety of our CPCT family, their families and friends.  As a result, ALL rehearsals have been cancelled, some participants are in quarantine, and some are self isolating to protect the show.  No one could have anticipated that MO would become a hot-spot in the country.  We did have medical advice before deciding to proceed with the show in the Spring, and we also waited to see what other community theatres were doing - and most planned opening for their Summer season.

 

Our 2nd goal is to fulfill our mission to deliver quality family fun entertainment, and be of service to others.  As a result, we have rescheduled the show for 2 weeks later, August 20 & 21.    We will resume rehearsals, toward the end of next week, provided that there are no new cases, people who were directly exposed have had negative test results, and sufficient time has been given per CDC guidelines for others who were exposed but not in close contact to develop symptoms.  When rehearsals resume, as a MOArtSafe certified organization, we will be following the new mask mandate.  At this point Clay County has not reinstituted its mask mandate, but we would encourage you to wear a mask while at the show.  If you're not familiar with the venue, it has stadium seating with a capacity of 700, so there is plenty of room to spread out.

 

If you have already purchased tickets either online or at our first pre-sales event, your money will be refunded, unless you'd like it to apply to the new date.  We will not reprint tickets to save money and trees!  We all need a little laughter and release, so hope you'll come enjoy this funny and heartwarming show!

 

We would appreciate an interest in your prayers for the complete recovery of our participants, and the successful completion of our months of hard work.

 

Our theme scripture:  "When ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God."    

 

Focused on Covid Vaccine for Kids

From: Holly McLean

holly4candles@hotmail.com

Focused on Covid Vaccine for Kids

 

If you are a parent and thinking about vaccinating your children for COVID, take a few minutes to learn the statistics about the risks of the disease and think through the decision with real information. 

It’s better to be informed and then act one way or the other! 

https://youtu.be/vQHvun8llOY

Scripture Books for Africa

 

From: Monica Moreland

monicaannette@hotmail.com

Scripture Books for Africa

Hi Friends,

Can you imagine not having scriptures in your own language to study and memorize? That's how it is for the saints in Africa. With the help of Frank Frye (who is helping organize the Swahili Book of Mormon effort) and a couple of elders in Rwanda, I'm working on making little flip books that the priesthood can use or parents can show and teach their kids the stories of the Book of Mormon in Swahili, Kinyarwandan, and French. These books will go to Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and the Congo. 

I need help putting the books together for the missionaries to take over. If you're willing to help cut, hole punch, or laminate, please join us at CPRS in the Sorensen Room on August 2nd and 3rd from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feel free to come and go as you need. Snacks provided. If you have scissors, a single hole punch, or a small laminator, please bring it as well. We need all the help we can get to make plenty of books for the saints in Africa. Join us if you can. We will bring such joy to our African brothers and sisters.

Thanks,

Monica Moreland

Ice Cream Social

From:  Shaun Turner

shaun.cell74@gmail.com

Ice Cream Social

ICE CREAM

SOCIAL

Fund Raiser for CPRS Senior Trip

(Benefitting this year’s Juniors)

 

 When: July 30, 2021 (This Friday!!!)

@ 6 PM to 8:30 PM

Where: South Crysler Restoration Branch

16101 E Salisbury Rd, Independence, MO

How Much: Free will offering!!!

 

IIAW Meeting Reminders July 27

 From: Muriel Luedeman

mur620@gmail.com

IIAW Meeting Reminders July 27

 

Hello, Initiative and Unity Center Friends,

Monthly Meeting Reminder: Tonight July 27th, 6:30pm, Unity Center, 803 W.23rd Street

Saturday, July 31st, 8-10:00am, Meal Prep for Beloveds, Unity Center

Muriel Luedeman

mur620@gmail.com

816 726 8425

Large Reusable Shopping Bags

 From:  Julie Schroder

816-252-4070

Large Reusable Shopping Bags

Julie is needing Large Reusable Over-the-Shoulder Shopping Bags

Please call and leave a message at:

816-252-4070

Vacation Church School at Oak Grove Branch

 From: Debra Norman

denorman8165@gmail.com

Vacation Church School at Oak Grove Branch

 

Please join us for a fun learning experience while we Prepare for Victory in Christ at Vacation Church School at the Oak Grove Restoration Branch, Oak Grove, Missouri, August 16-20! We will be teaching our young people how to put on the Armor of God before they head back to school.
We will have classes for youth ages 4 to 12th grade. Vacation Church School will begin each day at 9:00 am and conclude at noon.

Please pre-register as soon as possible! We will need to purchase food for snacks and supplies for crafts very soon!
Of course, walk-ins are always welcome, too.

You may email me, Debbie Norman, with the names, ages, and grades of your children. Then print a registration form from our website and fill it out to bring to the first day of VCS.
My email: denorman8165@gmail.com
Our branch website:  www.ogrb.org

Hope to see YOU at VCS!

Sincerely,
Debbie Norman
Director



Daily themes:
Monday: The Belt of Truth and the Garment of Praise
Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth...
Psalms 43:3 Oh send out thy light and thy truth; let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill...  

Tuesday: The Helmet of Salvation and Breastplate of Righteousness
Ephesians 6:14, 17 Stand therefore... having on the breastplate of righteousness... And take the helmet of salvation...  ●  Isaiah 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness...

Wednesday: The Shoes of Preparation of the Gospel of Peace and the Mantle of Charity
Ephesians 6:14-15  Stand therefore, having ... your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.
Psalms 40:2  He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my doings.

Thursday: The Shield of Faith
Ephesians 6:6 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.  ●   2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.

Friday:  Sword of the Spirit-The Word of God
Ephesians 6:17-18  And take... the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance ...
James 1:22  But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

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