LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD JANUARY 9, 2025

 LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD JANUARY 9, 2025

 

GREETINGS TO ALL THE BELOVED SAINTS AROUND THE WORLD,

 

Beloved was a favorite word of Patriarch Mike Ballantyne. Brother Mike passed away last week thus crossing the veil, as we say, and now knows more about life from a different angle. There is a group in Independence, Missouri called, “Team Jesus.” One of the many types of ministry that is offered by “Team Jesus,” is that of providing ministry, in various ways, to what most people call the "Homeless.” When you see someone standing on a street corner holding a sign asking for money, what do you call that person. What do you call any person who is “different” from you. We probably all have a “pet” name for all kinds of people, but Team Jesus calls them Beloved.

 

In Matthew 11:29-30 we find the following; 29 Then spake Jesus, “saying, Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 30 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls; for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” There are many ways to define labor and being heavy laden, but in whatever context you use those words, the promise of Jesus is the same. Come unto Me and I will…

 

For those who don’t know, the entire mid section of the USA was slammed with a major winter storm. Rain, ice, followed by 5-15 inches of snow, depending on where you live. My neighborhood got about nine inches of snow. This all started on Saturday, January 4 and continued full pace all day Sunday, January 5, 2025. Most, if not all churches and many businesses were closed all day Sunday. Many businesses were also closed on Monday, January6, 2025. Schools had already been out for two weeks for Christmas break and now were out again for two-four days.

 

Now came the great task of clearing off driveways, etc which is a major problem for many who are not able to clear their own driveways. A “snow angel” a young neighbor had come over on Monday and cleared my bottom driveway as well as that of another neighbor. He hadn’t even cleared his own driveway yet. On Tuesday I thought I would start on my upper driveway and just do a little at a time, hopefully without falling into the snow. At one point a young man came by and asked if he could help. I gladly turned the shovel over to him and got out of his way.

 

After s short while, a young couple in a car got stuck at the intersection by my house. They were not prepared to be out driving in such conditions. Soon, they asked the young man doing my drive if they could borrow his/my shovel. I watched as they all struggled with the situation. I stepped out a time or two to offer advice. Soon a neighbor came to try to help, but the struggle continued. After an hour or so, the problem was resolved, but the young lady, named, Rain, decided she was going to finish my drive so the young man who started it left. I told her several times she did not need to do it, but she insisted, simply because they had used my shovel. I planned to pay her something and included it in the tract, “A Father’s Love Letter.” A Father’s Love Letter is a tract in the form of a letter with scriptures that tell us about God’s Love for us. She stood by the door and began to read the tract, paying no attention to the money inside. A drop of snow fell on the tract so she decided to go back to the car, all the while reading the tract.

 

All this reminded me of one of the parables in Matthew 25 “And then, at that day, before the Son of man comes, the kingdom of heaven will be likened to…” The last of the three parables is the separation of the sheep from the goats. Do you remember what separated the sheep from the goats? Whether or not you remember, take time to go back and read Matthew 25.

 

All three of these parables are very much applicable to those of us, now in 2025, as we “Live in the Kingdom of God.” Do you suppose that doing a good deed for any one, especially in bad weather, might be something that might separate a sheep from a goat? Philippians 2:5 says, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” This speaks to a life pattern of helping others and not necessarily a one time thing. As we live each day in the Kingdom of God, may we remember to serve our Shepherd by serving all those around us. This will help us be better prepared and ready for our King to return and claim His Kingdom and say to us ,”Come ye blessed (BELOVED)of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”

 

God bless

 

Paul Gage

 

Helen Brotherton - Obituary

 Helen Brotherton - Obituary

Mon, Jan 6 at 10:28 AM

Helen Valora (Olds) Brotherton, 100 years old, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at Ignite Medical Resort in Blue Springs, MO. She was born May 12, 1924, to Victor and Ollie (Cothern) Olds in Elida, NM. Helen was united in marriage to Wallace E. Brotherton on July 2, 1944, in San Diego, CA.  She spent several years working as a home economics teacher in Centerville, IN and in Taipei, Taiwan. Following her teaching career, Helen spent 30 years working as a registered dietitian and counselor. She wrote several books, taught Family Living classes, was a guest lecturer at many churches, and held numerous Anger Workshops and True Love Waits seminars.  Wally and Helen founded and co-owned Wally’s Nuthouse for several years in Oak Grove, MO.  She was a member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and attended the South Crysler Restoration Branch of Jesus Christ’s Church. Helen and Wally started missions of the church in Liberal, KS; Richmond, IN; Can Tho, Vietnam; and Taipei, Taiwan. Helen loved sewing, reading, singing, teaching, counseling, gardening, going to church, babies and spending time with her family amongst many other things. Helen is survived by her children, Sherryl Dickson of Independence, MO, Elona Banka of Billings, MT, Val Brotherton and wife Anita of Alma, MO, Von Brotherton and wife Emily of Oak Grove, MO, Daniel Brotherton and wife Darcy of Oak Grove, MO; grandchildren, Patrick Dickson, Jennifer Delgado, Niki Kent, Elizabeth Beaird, Chelsea Hensleigh, Jenifer Farrell, David Brotherton, Brad Brotherton, Jared Brotherton, Jordan Brotherton; great-grandchildren, Aaliyah, Randi, Brock, Brooke, Caleb, Parker, Austin, Addison, Cooper, Jesse, Christian, Zachary, Mina, Grace, Samuel, Ezekiel, and Olive. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Wallace Brotherton; parents Victor and Ollie Olds; brother, George Olds; granddaughters, Ivy Axtell, Cristi Brotherton and grandson Justin Brotherton. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at Lee’s Summit Historical Cemetery in Lee’s Summit, MO.  A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, January 9, 2025, at South Crysler Restoration Branch, 16101 E Salisbury Rd, Independence, MO 64050. Visitation with the family will begin at 5:30 p.m. Arrangements have been entrusted to Meyers Funeral Chapel in Blue Springs. Memories of Helen and words of comfort for her family may be shared at: https://meyersfuneralchapel.com/helen-brotherton-blue-springs-mo-01-02-2025/

ZIONWORKS NEWS for JANUARY 3rd, 2025

ZIONWORKS NEWS for JANUARY 3rd, 2025   

 

  Last week we received an email encouraging us in our efforts and asking how Zionworks manages communion services since we’re comprised from different denominations. This is the answer sent:

  Thanks for asking. Each person comes from their own congregation or denomination to deliberate and work together for Zion as described and promised in scripture and as implanted by Christ into the pure in heart. The individual congregations must be trusted to raise people up in righteousness, teach and glorify Christ and the gospel, and see that their people live responsibly and prayerfully. The congregations must bring their people together in covenant with Christ and genuinely provide renewal of that covenant. Traditionally, that service is held by the restoration congregations on the first Sunday of each month, as you are so familiar with.  

  Zionworks’ meetings and events do have a very real spirit of Christ presence because of the sincerity and dedication of its people to "thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." When healings and blessings are needed, hands are laid on the heads, shoulders, arms and hands of those in need (as the person's head doesn't have enough surface area for all of the people wanting to pass God's healing love to the person. Elders are asked to officiate. There have been several miraculous healings. There is a session of prayer at the beginning of each meeting for people and situations in need. Our friendships have become strong even though we vary in perspectives and backgrounds. Christ and his love are the central issue and bond among us. For those reasons, we are something like a church and like church experience should be, but we are not a separate church, we are the Kingdom-building arm of the church. We can't exist independent of Christ’s description of the church and the church cannot be the church without the Kingdom as its beginning and end goal. In my belief, the Restored gospel as it came from Christ in its purity, is the eternal gospel, simply the unspoiled gospel that has existed from the beginning. It contains, in scripture and purpose, more than adequate information, example and instruction for the building the authentic Kingdom. With this kind of sincere dedication and the God-given ingenuity granted the people, any missing instructions will be provided by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. 

  Thank you for your sincere prayers and good will for the Kingdom. Keep praying! 

  Very best, 

  Jim Huseby 

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  The Storehouse 

 

  Think of the Ark. Its purpose was to provide a place of safety and refuge for the pure in heart while the societies of the earth were all corrupted and unable to produce a workable and enduring model of loving, enduring and cohesive existence among each other. Though they were very intelligent and very practiced in the arts of living, they had turned against God’s intelligence and his perfect and eternal plan. Things had gone too far, the situation couldn’t save itself. There comes a time when God has had enough -- especially when He and Noah and previous prophets had been preaching and teaching (by word and example) so plainly among the populace and individuals. Only those who would seek and act upon truth from its real source would or could survive. 

  There was a storehouse on the ark. It was the storehouse for all that would be cleansed, including the earth, itself. As has been said before, any items of food or survival or anything that would float, if given to the disbelieving public, would have depleted and destroyed the ark and its mission. The takers of these goods would not have repented; they would have continued to live for themselves while abusing and trying to destroy God’s mission. Meanwhile, Noah, the crew, the animals and the provisions for New Life on the earth would have perished. It was a very sad situation for the crew to have to see beloved friends and relatives die, very trying. But God will not be mocked.  

  Today, God’s storehouse principle has not changed. Its provisions are for Christ’s pure in heart and those who have pledged and will pledge themselves to Christ. Jesus knows who they are and where they are. We cannot presume to be able to judge who and where they are unless clearly given to know by the Spirit. (Now read on; it gets better.) The storehouse goods are for the building up of The Kingdom and for the equitable use of those dedicated to and destined to be in The Kingdom… very similar to the Ark. Yet, Jesus certainly said to love our neighbors as ourselves and not to turn away the beggar. He said to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, provide sustenance, support and friendship for the widows, fatherless and orphans…He said if we don’t do this, we will certainly be left to the alternative of heaven. He placed in our hearts the love for all people and the desire to help them physically and spiritually. He said it –we must do it. 

  The difference is that, even though the storehouse principle can’t be altered or compromised, meeting the needs of the needy come from different funds and sources. Those sources are our own pockets, church relief funds and goods, “oblation” funds and our own time and resources. A serious look through the scriptures reveals these solutions. You may also look at the small topical concordance in the Preparedness Guide for a short and quick look at these topics and more. If you don’t have it, ask for it and we will send it to you, free of course. The scriptures are the ultimate authority and guide for the realization of Zion. 

 

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  “…every man that will not take up his sword against his neighbor must needs flee unto Zion for safety. And there shall be gathered unto it out of every nation under heaven; and it shall be the only people that shall not be at war with one another.” 

  Zionworks exists to facilitate this gathering of peace, unity and cooperative work among those Christ calls his, to establish his kingdom on the earth. 

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  CALENDAR 

  NEXT MEETING: This coming Sunday, January 5th at Central Branch, 919 S. Delaware, Independence at 2:00 PM. On the agenda: Appealing to Christ for direction and correct vision of his kingdom, preparing to thrive during coming desolate times, recognizing the times we’re in, preparing for the gathering in of Christ’s innocent, planning, exchanging ideas and enjoying the blessing of fellowship. We hope you will join us in this environment of working for the Kingdom.  

  If it is icy or snowy, we will postpone the meeting until the following Sunday. 

 

  CONTACT 

 

  We would like to hear from you. For questions or comments, please contact zionworkz@protonmail.com or yyeoman@protonmail.com . 

 

  With Christ and his love as our bond, 

  Your brothers and sisters at Zionworks 

 

Electric Dryer - Needed

 

Electric Dryer - Needed

We desperately need an electric dryer. We’ve been buying used dryers, with the promise that they work, and they never do. Please text me at 816-724-3723 -Naomi Anderson-

Job Wanted

 

Job Wanted Hello my name is Terri Burns  I am in desperate need of a job. I have 13 years experience as a caregiver 2 years experience as a dietary aide  and some experience sewing I would rather work for someone in the Church if possible.  Thank You Please contact me at 816-722-0379,  text is preferred as I might not answer an unknown number.

Restoration Women's Council - Winter Gathering

 Restoration Women's Council - Winter Gathering

ZIONWORKS NEWS for DECEMBER 27th, 2024

 ZIONWORKS NEWS for DECEMBER 27^th, 2024    

“In life, what you really want will never come easy.” “The journey doesn’t get easier, we get stronger.” “Confidence unlocks every opportunity in life.” Benjamin Franklin        

Bringing to pass the Kingdom requires a lot of work. Don’t be misled into thinking otherwise. We are told “Wherefore ye must bow down before him, and worship him with all your might, mind and strength, and your whole soul, and if ye do this, ye shall in no wise be cast out.” As my friend, Dave Atkins says, “Whatever you’re supposed to do, get after it!” For some of us, the opportunity to do our responsibilities may be past as we have procrastinated the day of our repentance. The remorse in our remaining days and the remorse to be experienced at the judgement bar are agonizing. Life cannot be fulfilling without living it with gusto in our obedience to our callings and responsibilities.    

Each one of us must come to the powerful realization that our Creator has placed in our hands the power of the universe (because He is the power of the universe) to be the person he has created us to be and to perform all asks he has given us. Knowing that, you cannot be intimidated by other’s opinions of you or your present opinion of yourself. You cannot be restrained by anyone’s attempt to impose a wrong identity upon you. You can’t be restrained by social, cultural or churchy pressure, not even by your family and friends. You were created to be free, to be confident. The path is prepared and cleared for your full expression and your fulfillment in purpose. Zion suffers because we don’t realize as well as we should that, with Jesus, we’re unstoppable. When we gather together, support each other as dedicated friends and work cooperatively, Zion becomes the reality and the world will see it. The world will see the Kingdom and see God’s will being done on earth as it is in Heaven. They will see an entire society thriving outside the failure of Babylon. We have to “get after it”. Yes, lots of work-- and infinitely more happiness. The scriptures describing Zion are true.    

The Kingdom really depends on us. The scriptures don’t say that God will drop down and do our work and diligence for us. He is looking for a willing people, pure in heart. To a great and living extent, there is a group of people that have gathered together to live by and for Kingdom purposes. As we have discovered, God has delivered on his promises. We must keep growing and keep growing each other. As His promises unfold, we are able to better understand and experience prophesy, miracles, progress and the growth of love. This work together has shown progress in becoming independent of Babylon, and it has a long way to go, under Christ’s plan and guidance. There are limitless opportunities for types of fellowship to be experienced and enjoyed...testimonies, dreams, personal envisioning of ideal fellowship and cooperative efforts, fellowship just for the enjoyment of it, helping each other to grow, classes, helping each other in our daily lives, hearing out and sharing deep personal pains and struggles, help with chores, etc. Zion should be enjoyed as well as employed. We would like to see the Zionic experience bear the full spectrum of fulfilled life through trials, and joys. Of course, the only way that can happen is by full commitment and surrender to Christ.     

“Winners are not people who never fail, but people who never quit.” B. Franklin                                    

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Three weeks ago, we received an email with the question, "Who are the priesthood leaders in this group?" Since many others may have this same question, this is the response: “The vital answer is that Jesus Christ gave definite direction to get this effort organized and in action to build Zion. Jesus is at the head of it. Zion, or The Kingdom on the earth, can only be built by and on celestial principles. Those are Christ's uncompromising principles. They originate in Christ; they are not devised by any person.     

“On at least three occasions of praying day and night about what Jesus would have me have do, I was instructed by His clear voice and vision, "ZION". Other times, by His clear and distinct voice, He has given me wisdom. Oddly, it would seem, He has not spoon fed me on most particulars, but rather, has caused me to search the Scriptures for His eternal instructions, patterns and examples. It seems that if I am not diligent in spending my life's efforts in searching His directions, promises and commandments, then I would be too lukewarm to entrust with his work. He has alerted me to my carelessness in life. It is a very interesting and compelling story which I would be glad to tell you when you would like to hear it.    

“At present, because Christ gave me the duty, I am the coordinator of Zionworks. There are many priesthood members and others exercising leadership in Zionworks. Rather than to give you all of their names, I invite you to visit our meetings and work days, meet these people, get involved and enjoy the fellowship. Then you will get your questions answered first hand.    

“If you are not familiar with Zionworks, the only way you can get truly informed is to investigate first hand. I am forwarding tomorrow's newsletter and some introductory information in this email to augment your quest. You have this email as documented answer to your question. Please use it and share it when informing others about Zionworks.”                                                 

Very best regards,                                                 

Jim Huseby, authentically called and ordained teacher                                                 

Zionworks coordinator    

I failed to mention that most members in this Zionic effort have leadership roles since there are many, many aspects in the operation of Zion that need coordination and leadership. These include men and women of varied backgrounds, gifts, talents and careers. Members include elders, priests, missionaries, pastors and members of varied denominations all gathered to fellowship and work at Jesus’ feet. We have been judged to be moving too slowly and we have been judged to be moving too fast. We don’t judge ourselves to be perfect, yet sure enjoy the effort.                                 

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 “Finally... Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:11 

 

                                                        CONTACT 

  We would like to hear from you. For questions or comments, please contact zionworkz@protonmail.com or yyeoman@protonmail.com . 

                                        With Christ and his love as our bond, 

                                        Your brothers and sisters at Zionworks 

                                        Jim Huseby, coordinator