From: Paul Gage
LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD DECEMBER 8, 2022
Greetings from the Doctrine and Covenants
6:9b Be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, and I will encircle thee in the arms of my love.
10a Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
10b I am the same that came unto my own, and my own received me not.
10c I am the light which shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not.
This is one of so many scriptures that remind us of God’s love, sacrifice, and expectations for us.
At this time of year, as well as every day of our lives, we should always remember The Greatest Gift of all. God, our Creator gave the gift of His Only Begotten Son. May we also, always hold dear in our memories and daily life, how willing Jesus was to be “The Gift.”
While there are and will be many things that attempt to draw us away from God and to accept gifts of much less value and worth and with no power to save our souls, our Great Gift is the way, the truth, the light, the life, the Savior, Redeemer, Counselor, Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace, even the Great I AM. Why would we ever want to turn away from such a gift? To live as if we are really in the Kingdom of God, we are called to exemplify Jesus Christ. That is a 24/7 privilege. I don’t think Jesus ever took time off.
A point from the Daily Bread, 1988: A school principal told me one day, "You are the happiest person I know. You live life to the fullest." I credit this to my relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus said if we believe in Him, we will have a well of living water springing up into everlasting life. The opportunity to draw on that living water and live faithfully in the Kingdom of God is a testimony to everyone we meet and especially those we live with in the Kingdom. Our commitment to Jesus is not evidenced by having a baptismal number, but by living, as best we can, a life reflective of our Lord and Savior. As Jesus is God’s gift to us, may we, then, share that marvelous gift with the world.
In the hymnal we have only a few hymns written by Restorationists. One of those is “The Wise Men” by Shirley Mason. The third verse is, “And when they came into the house, the Christ-child they did see; O’ercome with joy, they fell before Him, worshipped reverently; Then offered they their gifts most rare, befitting priest and King; Gold, frankincense and myrrh to Christ, the King of Kings did bring.”
Though the gifts of the Wise Men, are not needed today, God is looking for the gifts we bring to Him which will be as useful as the gifts they brought. No gold, frankincense, or myrrh? Then find out what gifts you can present to the King of Kings.
Another Restoration Christmas hymn is “Silvery Star, Precious Star,” by Elbert A. Smith. The last verse reads: “Lo, we hear the song o’er head! Lo, we see the star arise! Like the Wise Men we are led, In the still night UNTO CHRIST.” May we be among the wise Saints, even the wise virgins and have oil in our lamps and extra as needed as we live for Jesus Christ in the Kingdom.
God Bless
Paul Gage
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