From: Paul Gage
LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD, JULY 6, 2023
Greetings to all the Saints from Moroni 7:52-53 and 10:29-30
7:52 Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail; but charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with them.
7:53 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son Jesus Christ, that ye may become the sons of God, that when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is, that we may have this hope, that we may be purified, even as he is pure. Amen.
10:29 Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness and love God with all your might, mind, and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in no wise deny the power of God.
10:30 And again, if ye, by the grace of God, are perfect in Christ and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father, unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy without spot.
This is obviously sound counsel for those living in the Kingdom of God. When we do not comply with such counsel as above as well as many, many other scriptures, we may not be living in the Kingdom of God but going through the motions. In our daily walk, whether we get out of the house or not or whether or not we interact with any one else, do we exercise true charity, the pure love of Christ. Remember the counsel of Jesus in Matthew 5 where several times He said, “Ye have heard that it hath been said or Behold, it is written…” BUT I SAY UNTO YOU…” Jesus is telling us that what we think is more true to our nature than what we do. Ever hear some say, “I’m so mad I could….?” Jesus says if so, we have already done it.
Like in an article from a 1960’s Daily Bread the presider at our prayer service last night shared, a little girl and her sister were helping their mother prepare for a vacation trip. They had been very busy all day. The mother heard the girl say to her sister, “I’m so happy! I’ve been so busy and happy today that I haven’t had time to be naughty.” This can be our experience in everyday life if we evaluate each and every task, be it routine or otherwise, in the light of “Living in the Kingdom of God,” Thinking of making ourselves and all we meet ready that we might fit into the Zionic community is a constant challenge for us.
We will be so busy living the gospel as well as sharing it that we won’t have time for petty quarrels, jealousy, gossip, ill will, not so good thoughts, etc. We will be engrossed in the good things of the Kingdom and exhibit the fruits of a real Kingdom resident.
In 1975 Brother Harry L.Doty, published a little booklet “Sing A New Song” that he had written words for to the tune of some of our well known tunes. One is called, “Zion Comes Near” to the tune of “Come Holy Ghost, Our Hearts Inspire.” We can use the word Zion or Kingdom.
“Zion comes near when love is spread, from heart to heart each day.
In words of kindness, deeds of care, in Christ’s true love always.
Zion comes near when justice reigns, Between man and man on earth.
As done by God toward everyone of high or lowly birth.
Zion comes near when joy is found in humble heart and mind.
In attitudes of thankfulness, in lives sincere and kind.
God, move your Zion/Kingdom closer still, this hour and every day.
Bring in Your Reign of Righteousness so all can see Your Way.”
From a daily prayer journal, “
Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, I commit all my ways unto Thee. I make over my soul to Thy keeping. I pledge my life to Thy service. May this be for me a day of obedience and of charity, a day of happiness and of peace. May all my walk and conversation be such as becometh a worthy citizen of Your Kingdom.
God bless
Paul Gage
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