LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD JANUARY 30, 2025

LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD JANUARY 30, 2025

Greetings to the precious Saints of God, all over the world,

January has sped by as perhaps another indication that “Time is ripe, My work must hasten, whoso will may bide the hour, naught can harm whom God protecteth, elements confess His power, Up YE then to the high places, I have bid you occupy, peril waits upon the heedless, Grace upon the souls who try.”

We all know life is fragile and that it is appointed unto man, once to die. We also know that God has His plan prepared for those who choose Him as their Father, as well as plans for those who do not choose Him as their Father.

Death is something we may not want to think about very much and yet it takes place all around us twenty-four hours every day. Every day we hear about natural disasters, mankind caused tragedies, diseases ravaging our bodies and so forth. Though we may not understand death in its fullness, yet we know it is part of our living in the Kingdom as well as for the “Ultimate Kingdom of God.” In this earthly life, as we strive to live as citizens in the Kingdom of God, we realize there is yet a greater promise and hope for the actual Kingdom of God, when Jesus comes to take His rightful place as “King of Kings and Lord of Lords.”

It is how we live our individual lives each day that has a bearing on what happens when we die. For many years the Church produced a book called, “Daily Bread,” which included a devotional thought and story for each day of the year. The stories were written by every day Latter Day Saints and dealt with the daily struggles and experiences of life.

In one story, a well known elder was having lunch and ordered his meal and a glass of milk. His meal came with a glass of beer. He debated with himself as to what to do. There was no one in the restaurant that knew him and he had never drank beer. A tempting voice encouraged him to drink it as “No one would know the difference.” The Holy Spirit reminded him that he would know the difference and that God would know the difference. He made the right choice and asked again for the milk. This might have been an attempt by the adversary to tempt him. It also proves that God is true to His promises when He says He will never leave us alone.

In another story, a person asked the astronomy professor, “If the universe is so vast and we on earth are such a small part of it, can we expect God to pay any attention to our small voices?” The professor replied, “It depends on one thing. How big is the God you worship? How big is the One you believe in?” Life’s problems seem to pile up on us. Disconcerting things are frequently happening to all of us. We become wrapped up in the earthly affairs of life and neglect to talk things over with God. In trying to carry all our burdens alone, trying to solve all our problems without seeking inspiration from God, we cut ourselves off from the Source of all power and intelligence.

Faith, trust and prayer are the daily components against the trials and temptations common to everyone. Our God is big enough to meet all our needs. As one song says: “How big is God, how big and wide is his domain To try to tell these lips can only start He's big enough to rule the mighty universe Yet small enough to live within my heart.”

God bless

Paul Gage

 

 

LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD JANUARY 23, 2025

 

LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD JANUARY 23, 2025

 

Best wishes to the beloved Saints around the world.

 

Time is fleeting and days getting longer

As the world turns, are you weaker or stronger

Each day is a test to see how, when and where

Our trust is in Jesus, the One who does care.

 

So as we go though every day, every hour

Remember that God is the source of our power

He has called us to serve Him, where ere we may be

To reflect His Great Light so that others can see.

 

That as His salt and light,

We are to share His story

Living in His Kingdom bright,

Bringing Him the Honor and Glory

 

That is our purpose for existing on this earth, to honor and glorify God in everything we do. We sing the well beloved hymn, “We’ve a story to tell," with the additional verses, “We’ve a song to be sung," ”We’ve a message to give," and “We’ve a SAVIOR TO SHOW.” To whom are we to “tell, sing, give and show?” The nations of the world, beginning with our own nation, in our own state/province, city, neighborhood, and family.

 

When did you last share something about Jesus Christ outside your own family or at church? Pray for and look for opportunities to “Tell, sing, give and show” the message of salvation to whoever God sends your way. What did Jesus do during the forty days between His resurrection and

Ascension? Acts 1:1 “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen, 3 To whom also he showed himself alive after his sufferings by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God,”

 

The following comes from a daily prayer book I have and read from each day. “Dear father, take this day’s life into Thine own keeping. Control my thoughts and feelings. Direct all my energies. Instruct my mind. Sustain my will. Take my hands and make them skilful to serve Thee. Take my feet and make them swift to do Thy bidding. Take my eyes and keep them fixed upon Thine everlasting beauty. Take my mouth and make it eloquent in testimony to Thy love. Make this day’s work a significant part of our lives as we live in your Kingdom. Even so. Amen.

 

God bless,

Paul Gage

 

Zionworks News for January 20th, 2025

 Zionworks News for January 20^th, 2025                 

The good, the bad and the momentous…and the urgent    

We were reminded today that each one of us is free to pursue and accomplish the full purpose and potential placed in us at creation and to live in a Godly world united in good will for each other and united as a nation. We were reminded that the health and preservation of those Principles that were Ordained to make this nation great require that each one of us has a part in it.  Beyond that, the call from Heaven to establish, on this land, a place of safety and refuge for the pure-hearted from near and far, a society that will live by the reliable principles of Christ and his gospel, protected from the forces of evil, is more powerful and urgent than ever before…and here we are, with you and I having a practical part in it if we will pursue it. As we have discovered, no two of us engaged in this effort are the same. We find that the would-be challenges from this fact work to Zion’s advantage—if we work at it with applied love and de-commissioned ego. We find compassion where otherwise there would have been distrust. But we aren’t quite there yet; but,it’s growing and we’re amazed with it. Now is the time for all who yearn for the Kingdom on the earth to come together with our hopes and our resources and work with commitment, under the leadership of Christ, and watch his wonders happen.                                          

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Because of the urgency of getting these notices out, much of the intended message for this newsletter will need to wait for next time.                                         

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I received this email from Richard Boyden at 2:44 this afternoon, but I was at work and didn’t get to read it until about 6:44. I tried to call Lakota Plains Propane at that time and they were closed, so then I called the sender of the email. He said that the minimum amount the propane company will accept is $200 and that he is also calling another propane company to get the lowest price. One of our members has volunteered to send $250 to the propane co. tomorrow, but will need to get reimbursed. If each of us that receive this message can donate at least $10, much more than the minimum can be collected for the health and survival of these people. Tomorrow (Tuesday) I will be unable to communicate for a while, so someone else has volunteered to coordinate the effort. You can reach her at 816 721 3962. Here is Richard’s message:  

EMERGENCY! INDIAN FAMILY FREEZING!  I just talked to the daughter of Chester Steele, Tia Steele from the village of Rocky Ford on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in south-east South Dakota  They just ran out of propane and it's -3 there. Ten people ages 7 to 72 live in this poorly insulated home.  If someone would call Lakota Plains propane and purchase a minimum of $200 in propane, they will deliver ASAP. MORE WOULD BE BETTER!  This Tribe of Manasseh as documented in the Book of Mormon as well as Jews family could freeze to death. And they are not members of the Church.   1-605-867-5199 is the number of Lakota Plains Propane  Tia is the grand daughter of Chester Steele and today is her birthday no less. She does craft work but needs supplies!  Questions please contact me, Richard Boyden, at 816-599-1388  Thank you!                                                  

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A little more good news for our area-- after Tuesday the forecast daytime highs for the next eight days are to reach above freezing and even into the 40’s. We can starting counting the days to planting time…and mowing and weeding. Though February and March can be miserable, we’ll tough it out until the birds sing and the daffodils pop up.                                          

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NEXT MEETING: This coming Sunday, January 26^th at Central Branch, 919 S. Delaware, Independence at 2:00PM. On the agenda: Specifics of living for Christ in his kingdom / working as individuals and as teams, interesting reports, interesting exchanges of ideas, and the fellowship that is always enjoyed.   

CONTACT: Your questions and comments are welcome at zionworkz@protonmail.com and yyeoman@protonmail.com .                           

With Christ and his love as our bond,                          

Your brothers and sisters at Zionworks 

Prayer Request for Kelli

 Prayer Request for Kelli

Please pray for a teacher, her name is Kelli, who was just diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer. The doctors say that it is inoperable, so she has begun chemotherapy to shrink the mass, then they plan to do surgery, and then radiation therapy. Kelli is a single mom with two (2) daughters. One daughter is in high school and the other daughter is in middle school. I teach with her twin sister, Kristi. Please pray for them and their entire family. Thank you, in advance, for your prayers on behalf of Kelli, Kristi, and their entire family. Glenn Crowther Cameron Restoration Branch

GE Adora Electric Stove

 GE Adora Electric Stove

Top of the line GE Adora electric stove, free for the hauling. The thermostat needs repair. The oven doesn't operate properly at times. 13 years old, well cared for. Contact Maria  Burksraymondburks10@comcast.net

Catharine Ann Mesle - Obituary

 

Catharine Ann Mesle - Obituary

Fri, Jan 17 at 8:19 PM

Catharine Ann Mesle May 2, 1946 — January 3, 2025 Kansas City Catharine Ann Mesle was born in Independence, Mo. on May 2, 1946, to Frank Carl (Carl) Mesle Jr. and Alice Kathalea (Kay) Sprague Mesle who predeceased her. She was raised in Independence with her sister, Sharon Kay (Sherry) Mesle-Morain (Bill) and her brother, Charles Robert (Bob) Mesle (Barbie). Growing up in Independence, they were surrounded by loving friends and family, including the Stone Church Congregation where their dad served as Pastor and mom was the world’s best “Pastor’s wife”. Ann graduated from William Chrisman High School in 1964 and originally attended Graceland University before finishing her undergraduate degree in History and Political Science at the University of Missouri Columbia. She then earned her J.D. at UMKC in 1972. She was fortunate to have a long and rewarding career at Achtenberg, Sandler and Balkin, P.C.; Southwestern Bell Telephone Company; and Lathrop & Gage, LLP before being appointed to the Bench as Circuit Court Judge by Governor Wilson in 2000.   Upon her retirement in 2013, Ann spent more of her time focused on community. She served on many boards, including Park University, Jackson County Children’s Services Fund, Diastole, Health Forward Foundation, Martha Starr Education Fund, Powell Gardens, and countless others. She often challenged the status quo, pushing for equity and justice in a way that promoted respect and dignity. She prided herself in being part of a family legacy that advocated for the less fortunate, and who spoke up at the presence of injustice.  Her love of her family and friends brought joy to her life. She took to heart Congressman Cleaver’s admonition that “service is the rent we owe for our place on earth.” During her life she received more awards than she thought she deserved as she committed time to the Bar, higher education, the needs of children and protecting the quality of life for our next generation. Ann was a fierce advocate and supporter of her daughter, Meg, and was proud to “hood” her on stage when Meg also graduated from UMKC Law School in 2011. Ann and her husband, Terry, traveled extensively and loved their shared adventures. They loved their grandchildren: Elizabeth, Lincoln, Aspen, and Sophia, and were dedicated to supporting them, whether taking trips, hosting sleepovers, pool days, baking, or watching them play on their many sports teams. Ann loved time spent with friends, relished sunny days in the garden, researching the family’s genealogy, lazy Sunday morning drives, and discussing current events over a glass of sauvignon blanc.   She is survived by her husband, Terry Christenberry, her daughter, Meg McCollister (Jacob Hodge); stepdaughters Laura Christenberry (Michel Rooyen), and Christina Robare (Lee); and grandchildren, Elizabeth Hodge, Lincoln Hodge, Aspen Hodge; and Sophia Rooyen; and Issac Robare; sister Sherry Mesle-Morain (Bill); brother Bob Mesle (Barbie); and wonderful nieces, nephews and all their awesome spouses and children.  A Celebration of Life will be held at Grand Street Café on the Country Club Plaza on January 31st from 3-6pm, remarks at 4pm. Color encouraged. Donations may be made to UMKC Law Foundation, Operation Breakthrough, or charities important to donors.  To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Catharine Ann Mesle, please visit our flower store. In memory of Catharine Ann Mesle, please consider making a donation to one of the following charities: UMKC FOUNDATION Operation Breakthrough

Mobile Blood Drive Schedule

 

Mobile Blood Drive Schedule South Crysler Restoration Branch Tuesday, January 28, 2025 02:00 pm - 06:00 pm South Crysler 16101 E. Salisbury Road Fellowship Hall Independence, MO 64050 Donor Portal - Community Blood Center Donor Portal - Community Blood Centerdonate.savealifenow.org Attached is a link to sign up for the blood drive we are hosting in the SCRB fellowship hall on Tuesday 1/28 from 2-6. Please consider donating if you are able!

LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD JANUARY 16, 2025

 

LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD JANUARY 16, 2025

 

Hello Dear Saints,

 

I hope you have your seat belt tightened up or as we are reminded in Ephesians 6 where Paul is telling us to “Put on the whole armor of God.” He says in 6:14,”Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth.” In a human, the loins are the area between the lower ribs and the pelvis or lower part of the back. The pelvis is a basin shaped structure of bones that connects the spine to the legs. It supports the upper body, protects organs, and helps with balance and walking. What this structure of the body does for us physically, TRUTH does for us spiritually. To have advantage of the “whole armor of God,” we must be truthful, after all, Jesus defines Himself as being “The Truth.” Truth is what will hold us together when all else around us seems to be going down to destruction.

 

“Girt up” means to “gird up” or as we might say today,”Tighten up your belt.” In today’s world, in most every area, including Christianity and even the “Restoration,” things seem to be way too loose. Imagine trying to run with some garments down around your legs. Did you ever take part in a sack race? Then you know what Paul is referring to. The Jews wore long tunics. If they had to hurry, they would pull the tunic up and tuck (gird) it up under their belt, sash, or whatever they have around their waist. It has been said that if you always tell the truth you won’t have to try to remember what you said. In our courts, a witness will promise to “Tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God.” If they violate their own promise, they commit perjury, which then makes them guilty of a crime.

 

Now, in some cases, people want to eliminate the phrase, “So help me God,” because they don’t want to think God knows what they are doing. It is the ongoing battle between Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and Satan, the Father of lies. Praise God! We know Jesus won the battle/war before it started. The enemy is trying to “capture” God’s soldiers. Therefore we must stand, having our loins girt about with Truth/Jesus. Roman soldiers had several weapons that hung from their belt, so if the belt was loose, the weapons might not be as easy to reach in the heat of the battle.

 

Paul reminds us that we are dealing with spiritual warfare in most every aspect of our lives, and thus it behooves us to be ready at every moment. We have all experienced incidents in our lives where something unexpectedly happens and cause us some concern. In warfare, it is called an ambush. An ambush is an attack by surprise from a hidden place. That hidden place could be our heart or mind. Have you ever had a “wild thought” just pop into your mind and you think, “Where did that come from?”

 

To “Stand” is to always be on the alert and ready to respond as led by the Holy Spirit. John 16:7-14 tells why Jesus had to go back to the Father. It was so the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of truth could come and that He would lead us into all truth. As Jesus, in the flesh, was restricted as are we, we can’t be in two places at the same time. But, again PRAISE GOD! The Holy Ghost can be anywhere, anytime, every where, all the time, and IS. We must be ready in order for the Holy Ghost to have maximum benefit.

 

This next week might be filled with uncertainties, due to changes in the US government. So read Ephesians 6:10-18 daily for the next week.

 

God bless

Paul Gage

 

Zionworks News January 10, 2025

 

Zionworks News January 10, 2025

Christ’s love is still the most potent weapon in the history of the universe to combat hatred in all the adversary’s forms.       Hello everyone,      The newness of the new year is not so new, now, as we set ourselves, this winter, to the goals, tasks and responsibilities that must be accomplished for the months ahead. In our individual lives and our lives knit together, we look forward to the fruit of our work: raising children, maintaining our incomes and our homes, studying, worshipping, praying, maturing and nourishing each other. The troubled world and the worry about the survival of the American dream weighs on us consciously and subconsciously. We know Jesus and his love, if embraced world-wide would turn this world into heaven on earth. There are powerful philosophies of hate and contempt, though, infecting the minds of instigators and manipulating hoards of people to live in enmity of virtue. We hate to see souls put in agony and confusion. We hate to see dreams destroyed and the concept of heavenly life on earth attacked.     We have been advised that the task of building Zion possibly cannot be envisioned, understood, and undertaken by very many people at this time. We have also been advised that we must continue progressing forward with determination and purpose and as people see the permanent and progressing nature of this endeavor they will want to commit to it. Growth will happen in this manner. It will also happen as the world sees this example. It is well to be reminded that Zion can only be built upon celestial principles. Any compromise of these principles will result in failure. Attempting to modify Christ’s principles will result in failure. So, we must abide by Christ’s love and by his pure gospel. There is reliable comfort and safety in that.     There are many discouragers out there, many nay-sayers and many complainers. As can be expected in any Godly effort, there will be many outside attempts to discredit and sabotage the message and mission of Zionworks. The apostle Paul advised of this in 1st Timothy 4:10: ”For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the savior of all men, specially of those that believe.” The renewal of our strength and vision must come from Christ. It is his work. When we see each other in the deep loving and nourishing way Christ sees us, we love and encourage each other. We can also guide and encourage each other without fear of offense. The work that we are about is a pure response to Jesus on his terms and as directed by him. -------------------------------------------------------------   At our last meeting, people were very candid in telling about their experiences in applying their Zionic efforts. It was difficult to keep the meeting on track and on schedule because of the sincere and energetic expressions. I must apologize to anyone who was cut short. What do you think of having a discussion session at the end of the next meeting so people can have time to express themselves and their experiences and more time for fellowship as desired? Also, since we have dedicated our lives to Christ and each other in this effort, we are often aware of the physical needs and the deep emotional needs of those among us. Pray for these emotional needs as you can and reach out, give a listening ear and take some of the burden.                                  --------------------------------------------------------                                                     REMEMBER    We have known that Babylon will fail for hundreds of years. For much of our lives, we have sensed that that will happen in our lifetime. Like the frog in slowly-heating water, we are now in hot times while our awareness is luke-warm. Wake up and jump out before you’re cooked. (Avoid landing in the frying pan.) Don’t let the other frogs keep you from acting. PREPARE AND STOCK UP while it is yet day.     Zion needs laborers and people seeking to live in harmony with others in Jesus’ love. Zion needs you to tell about it and demonstrate it.                                ---------------------------------------------------------      Daylight is fading here at 5:15 PM Saturday, the 11th. My apologies again for not getting this newsletter to you early in the week.                               ---------------------------------------------------------      NEXT MEETING: Tomorrow, January 12th at Central Branch, 919 S. Delaware, Independence at 2:00 PM. On the agenda: All we can plan and make happen to bring Zion into existence at Christ’s direction with the commission, brain power and resources he has given us and will yet provide. His plan is complete. There will be a special presentation on Christ’s instructions for this with time for testimonies. All are welcome. Invite others.                                                     CONTACT      Your questions and comments are welcome at zionworkz@protonmail.com and yyeoman@protonmail.com .                                                       With Christ and his love as our bond,                                                                           Your brothers and sisters at Zionworks

Book of Mormon Round Table - January 19

 Book of Mormon Round Table - January 19

Jennifer Lynn Baltzer - Obituary

 Jennifer Lynn Baltzer - Obituary

Jennifer Lynn Baltzer September 5, 1972 — December 28, 2024 Oak Grove, Missouri Jennifer Lynn Baltzer, 52 of Oak Grove, MO passed away Saturday, December 28, 2024 at Centerpoint Medical Center. Cremation is planned with a memorial service to be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday on January 11, 2025 at the South Crysler Restoration Branch, 16101 E Salisbury Rd, Independence, MO 64050. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations in her name to Answering the Call, The Jennifer Baltzer Fund care of any Safety Credit Union. Jennifer was born September 5, 1972 in Cincinnati, OH to Donald E. and Carol Jane (Cline) Smith. She graduated from Rochester High School in Rochester, MI. She moved to the Missouri and received at degree in early childhood development from Metropolitan Community College and worked as a teacher for a number of years. She enjoyed singing, baking and spending time with her animals, being outdoors and, most of all spending time with her family. She was a member of the South Crysler Restoration Branch and the LEO Wives Support Group. She was married to Ron Baltzer on October 17, 1998, he survives of the home. Other survivors include; a daughter, Morgan Baltzer of the home; a son, Matthew Baltzer (Kayla Oglesby) of the home; a granddaughter, Mia Melton; her mother, Carol Smith of Independence, MO; a sister, Jodi Hawley and husband Max of Independence, MO and 4 nieces, Kelsey Yates, Alyssa Smith, Corissa Leutzinger and Savannah Hawley-Bates. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)

Darrell Ray Simpson - Obituary

 

Sat, Jan 11 at 1:46 AM

Darrell Ray Simpson November 13, 1951 — January 3, 2025 Darrell Ray Simpson was born November 13, 1951 to Virgil, Dale (“Dick”) and Florence, Mae (McDaniel) Simpson in Leon, Iowa. He was baptized into the RLDS church on June 12, 1966. Darrell graduated from Lamoni High School in 1970 and enrolled in Universal Tech in Omaha, Nebraska, where he studied auto mechanics. He had an automotive shop for a few years before starting work at Windsor Windows in Des Moines, Iowa, on October 31, 1987. He was head of the maintenance department, in charge of making sure all factory equipment ran smoothly.  On November 12, 1986, a daughter Ashley was born to him and his wife Dana. Ashley was the apple of his eye and they spent happy times together during the summers canoeing, fishing, riding 4 wheelers, camping, looking for Indian arrowheads and woodworking in his immense machine shop. After Darrell’s first stroke on January 20, 2007, he had to retire from Windsor Windows. At that time he was in the middle of building his dream home in Terra Haute using his own design. Darrell had many friends who stopped by for a can of pop and a leisurely sit on the porch or digging into a mechanical project. He was never short of a joke to entertain them and always enjoyed their company. Darrell passed away on Friday, January 3, 2025, in the hospital at Independence Missouri. Family will receive mourners at Decatur Restoration RLDS church in Decatur City, Iowa at 11 AM on January 9. Services will follow at 12 PM and internment will immediately follow at Hamilton cemetery in Pleasanton, Iowa.  Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ronald Simpson and wife Wanda, sister Genevieve Iles, nephews Jodi Coenen and Mike Simpson, sister-in-law Vicki Simpson, and brother-in-law Richard Kline. Darrell is survived by daughter, Ashley Fermin and grandson, Jaxon of Riverside, California; sister Janice and husband Ryland Williams of Blue Springs, Missouri; brother Kenneth Simpson of Hamilton, Missouri; brother Fredric Simpson of Davis City, Iowa; brother-in-law, Robert Iles of Higginsville, Missouri; sisters Kathryn Kline, Ferryl Simpson, and Barbara Silver, all of Independence, Missouri; many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and numerous friends. He was loved and will truly be missed. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Darrell Ray Simpson, please visit our flower store.