LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD OCTOBER 19, 2023

 LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD OCTOBER 19, 2023

 

Greetings are extended to the Saints throughout the world with these words from Doctrine and Covenants 2:1-2 a”1a The works, and the designs, and the purposes of God cannot be frustrated; neither can they come to naught, for God doth not walk in crooked paths; 1b neither doth he turn to the right hand nor to the left; 1c neither doth he vary from that which he hath said; therefore, his paths are straight, and his course is one eternal round. 2a Remember, remember, that it is not the work of God that is frustrated, but the work of men;”

 

In times of trial, tribulation and mass confusion, many are tempted to give up. However, God’s command is to “Endure to the end.” What if Jesus had given up when first faced with conflict, when he was constantly harassed by the religious and political enemies as well as those closest to Him, at times and others, and especially in the last week of his earthly life. We would have absolutely NO HOPE for ourselves and others. Enduring to the end involves much more than just “Grin and bear it.” It means being anxiously engaged in whatever ways we can to be a part of building up His Kingdom and establishing His righteousness.

 

While the world and many of its inhabitants seem to be coming apart at the seams, this is the time for those who desire the Kingdom to be the adhesiveness by which others can see and have the same hope that we have. You do have that hope, don’t you? Does it show to those around you?

 

Doctrine and Covenants 65 is plain regarding the Kingdom of God on earth. Take some time to read it, pray about it, fast about it and digest it so we feel like we are truly in God’s Kingdom now and preparing for the King to come and take His rightful place among us. What does it say about the keys of the kingdom, making ready for the Bridegroom, calling upon the Lord, being prepared for the Son of man to come down, about the kingdom of God going forth?

John 6:66 says, “From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.” What a tragedy when anyone turns away from God. Then Jesus asked the twelve, “Will ye also go away?” Peter answered what should always be our response, no matter what we are going through, “LORD, TO WHOM SHALL WE GO? THOU HAST THE WORDS OF ETERNAL LIFE.” Peter was right on that time. Go, ahead, right now, sing, at least, the first verse of “Redeemer of Israel.” I just noticed the impact of that scripture 666. You can take it for what it is worth.

 

Over sixty years ago, Roy Weldon preached a sermon entitled, “Time is Running Out.” It described so well who time is running out for and for whom time is not running out. Time is running out for those not responsive to God’s directions. It is not running out for those who strive to live in obedience to God’s commandments. Want to bring this thought closer to home? Get an hour glass with sand and place it where you will see it many times each day. Explain to your family what it means.

 

Make a list of some of God’s promises and put it where you will see it every day. Maybe by your bed, bathroom mirror, dinner table, TV, in all your vehicles, etc. Have your family do this also.

 

A minister once said, “Let’s remain seated and sing, ”Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus.” That is hard to do. When we sing “We’re Marching to Zion,” make sure we are in a marching frame of mind and posture.

 

God bless

Paul Gage