SCRB Vacation Church School 2025

 SCRB Vacation Church School 2025

LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD MAY 8, 2025

 

LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD MAY 8, 2025

 

Greetings to all the Saints around the world,

 

This week we especially remember our Mother. Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 11, 2025 and is celebrated pretty much around the world, though not always at the same time. Mothers are very important in God’s plan for mankind and very vital to our living in the Kingdom of God.

 

Many are blessed to still have their mothers alive, but many do not have that privilege.

Some have suffered the loss of their mother even this week and our hearts, love and prayers go out to them, but we always have the assurance that Our Heavenly Father loves them and will be with them through this difficult time.

 

There are many scriptures, hymns, poems, stories etc about that special person we call Mom. Though all women do not have the opportunity to have and raise children, we know that every women carries those motherly gifts and blessings, with which, they in turn, bless many people.

 

The great importance and role of mothers is possibly best described in several places in the scriptures, such as Genesis 3:26; the Book of Ruth; Hannah in I Samuel 1:11& 26-28; Luke 1:5-6 and 26-38; Alma 26:56-57 and 95-96; DC 24 to Emma Smith. Proverbs 31 is used many times due to the sub title, “Quality of a good wife.” “In the Hymns of the Restoration,” hymns 294-296 speak of the place and value of our mothers. There is a good poem entitled, “My Mother,” written by Ann Taylor who lived (1783-1866.) You can pull it up on the net.

 

Because God gave man his agency in the Garden of Eden, we all have choices and decisions to make, sometimes for the good and God’s purposes and sometimes not. We know that many a mothers diligent prayers have been honored by God in the blessings, guidance and direction of their children.

 

We pray that all mothers longing for and living in the Kingdom of God will remain faithful and strong until that time when Jesus returns to establish His real Kingdom. We also pray that at that time, there will not have to be major changes in our lives.

 

Dear Father, take each day of our lives into Thine own keeping. Control all our thoughts and feelings. Direct all our energies. Instruct our minds. Sustain our wills. Take our hands and make them skillful to serve Thee. Take our feet and make them swift to do Thy bidding. Take our eyes and keep them fixed upon Thine everlasting glory. Take our mouths and make them eloquent in testimony to Thy love. Make every day’s effort a vital part of the work of Thy Kingdom, now and forever.

 

God bless the mothers, today and every day.

Paul Gage

 

LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD MAY 1, 2025

 LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD MAY 1, 2025

 

May Day greetings to all those seeking to follow the example of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,

 

One third of 2025 is now gone! Many things have transpired since January 1, among which is the fact that God has called “home” many of his creation. If we have any belief/faith in God at all, we know He has a plan for all his creation and that there is a time to be born and a time to die. We have no control over either event as it is God who determines the time of our birth and death. As someone has said, the part of our life that we have some choice about is the dash between the date of our birth and the date of our death. For some it is a short dash, while for others it is a long dash, or somewhere in between. Again, God is the determining factor, but he has given us agency to make choices as to the significance of the dash.

 

It is something we might not want to think about very much and yet may be the most vital aspect of our agency. As we approach this Sunday, we have another opportunity to cleanse ourselves of all unrighteousness and come before the Lord in humble repentance seeking His Divine forgiveness. Our relationship with God and our relationships with all others is determined by our obedience to God’s commandments. We know the great commandment, we know the Lord’s Prayer as found in Matthew 6, we know the counsel given in Matthew 5:25-26, yet just having the knowledge won’t do us any good unless and until we live what we know.

 

As we are now through one fourth of this year, we might ask ourselves, not someone else, but ourselves, am I living in the kingdom of God or am I living in a kingdom of the world, or my own kingdom. The kingdom we are living in is determined by who is the KING. All down through time, on numerous occasions, mankind has “built” his own little kingdom, most of the time in direct opposition to God’s Kingdom. Read early chapters of Genesis about Satan, Adam, Cain, and later about Abraham, Saul, David, Laman and Lemuel, all the “Ites”in the early and later breakaways from the 1830 Church Restored.

 

As early as 1828, in Doctrine and Covenants 2 Joseph Smith Jr. was rebuked by these words:

“2:1a 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; 2:1b neither doth he turn to the right hand nor to the left; 2:1c neither doth he vary from that which he hath said; therefore, his paths are straight, and his course is one eternal round. 2:2a Remember, remember, that it is not the work of God that is frustrated, but the work of men; 2:2b for although a man may have many revelations and have power to do many mighty works, yet, if he boast in his own strength, and sets at naught the counsels of God, and follows after the dictates of his own will and carnal desires, he must fall and incur the vengeance of a just God upon him.”

 

This speaks to us today, corporately and individually, as does Doctrine Covenants 4:

“1a Now behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men; 1b therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind, and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day; 1c therefore, if ye have desires to serve God, ye are called to the work; for behold, the field is white, already to harvest; 1d and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perish not but bringeth salvation to his soul; 1e and faith, hope, charity, and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualifies him for the work. 4:2a Remember: faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence. 2b Ask and ye shall receive; knock and it shall be opened unto you. Amen.”

We might ask ourselves and any group we associate with the questions: Do we want to stand blameless before God at the last day? Do we/are we qualified for the work? Since none of us controls the end of our dash, we must each live to glorify God in all things, in the process of “Building up His Kingdom and Establishing His righteousness.”

 

May 1, 2025 is a National Day of Prayer in the USA. May we all be in consistent, earnest prayer for the coming of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom.

 

Also, a Daily Devotional for May 1-August 31, 2025 is now available. If you want a copy, check with your pastor and if that doesn’t work contact me in a separate email.

 

God bless

Paul Gage

 

ZIONWORKS NEWS FOR APRIL 24th, 2025

 ZIONWORKS NEWS FOR APRIL 24^th, 2025                                    

WHY DID ADAM OBEY GOD?     

Adam and Eve were given their privilege to think and act for themselves in the Garden. With that privilege and freedom, they made some mistakes and they grieved and suffered sorely for them. God said that he gave man(kind) his intelligence in the day that He created him. That’s amazing to think about; God granting us with the intelligence to comprehend both large and small aspects of the universe, the mind, and somewhat of the veil that separates earthly life from heavenly life. That’s an amazing and huge responsibility and privilege to place on us. Most, and probably all of us, have caused some real heartbreak and other damage to ourselves and others in the process of playing with a combination of knowledge, privileges, curiosities, emotions, excuses and temptations. None of us are near perfect and we fear our own propensity for mismanaging our personal resources, freedoms and responsibilities. God won’t take these freedoms away, so life will always be full of heavy responsibilities. A universe of knowledge and power entrusted to the stewardship of each of us is hard to imagine, but here it is in our hands.    

Adam made some boo-boos with these powers and privileges and our hearts go out to him because we’re just like him when it comes to mistakes. Over a period of a lot of years, he did gain wisdom, responsibility and stewardship. So, when he was asked why he obeyed God, he didn’t describe his line of examination or reasoning; he simply said something like, “Because God said.” None of his privileges of thought and self-determination were forfeited by giving this answer.    

So…maybe all of us think similarly…that when by trial and error, we realize that even with our powers of thinking, reason and rationale that we can’t out-think God, maybe we will think and act with the philosophy of “Because God said.”    

God said to get out of Babylon. Do we need a line of ration to say, “OK, I’m on it because God said”? No. Although there are lots of historical and current reasons that support God’s directives, we can waste our lives trying to discover all of them while the opportunity passes. The scriptures have given God’s word and his specific directives for establishing his kingdom on the earth. “Get out of Babylon.” “Be not partakers of her plagues” is powerful reasoning and warning. It’s easy to see what circumstances plague those who entangle themselves in the commerce and culture of Babylon. Though the particulars of Zion’s cooperative operation are difficult to formulate, they are carefully explained in scripture. There is a topical concordance with explanations that is a great help called the Zionworks Preparation Guide. It gives details on how to gather to Zion, how to consecrate our surplus, how to work cooperatively and what the needs are that Zion must fill. The guide is not comprehensive because the Kingdom is interwoven in scripture from the beginning, but it is a good fundamental resource. A continual study of scripture will provide a continual growth of understanding of the kingdom. Ask for the Preparation Guide; it’s free.    

The directions for operating Zion must come from Jesus and on his terms. They cannot and must not derive from man, though the desire for Zion must burn in the hearts and energies of its people.                

ANOTHER ACCOUNT OF THE KINGDOM ON THE EARTH               

From 0 AD to approximately 194 AD  

4 Nephi 1-26

“And it came to pass that the thirty and fourth year passed away, and also the thirty and fifth, and behold the disciples of Jesus had formed a church of Christ in all the lands round about. And as many as did come unto them, and did truly repent of their sins, were baptized in the name of Jesus; and they did also receive the Holy Ghost. And it came to pass in the thirty and sixth year, the people were all converted unto the Lord, upon all the face of the land, both Nephites and Lamanites, and there were no contentions and disputations among them, and every man did deal justly one with another; And they had all things common among them, therefore they were not rich and poor, bond and free, but they were all made free, and partakers of the heavenly gift. And there were great and marvelous works wrought by the disciples of Jesus, insomuch that they did heal the sick, and raise the dead, and cause the lame to walk, and the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear; And all manner of miracles did they work among the children of men; and in nothing did they work miracles save it were in the name of Jesus.  And the Lord did prosper them exceedingly, in the land: yea, insomuch that they did build cities again where there had been cities burned; yea, even that great city Zarahemla did they cause to be built again. But there were many cities which had been sunk, and waters came up in the stead thereof; therefore these cities could not be renewed.      

And now behold it came to pass that the people of Nephi did wax strong, and did multiply exceeding fast, and became an exceeding fair and delightsome people. And they were married, and given in marriage, and were blessed according to the multitude of the promises which the Lord had made unto them. And they did not walk any more after the performances and ordinances of the Law of Moses, but they did walk after the commandments which they had received from their Lord and their God, continuing in fasting and prayer, and in meeting together oft, both to pray and to hear the word of the Lord. And it came to pass that there was no contention among all the people, in all the land, but there were mighty miracles wrought among the disciples of Jesus. And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people. And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness; And surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God: There were no robbers, nor murderers, neither were there Lamanites, nor any manner of ites; but they were in one, the children of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of God; And now I, Mormon, would that ye should know that the people had multiplied, insomuch that they were spread upon all the face of the land, and that they had become exceeding rich, because of their prosperity in Christ.”     

Beginning around 36 years after all had been baptized and lasting for another 158 years, miracles, prosperity and delightful times blessed this successful and growing group, as chronicled above. Then pride and arrogance began to creep in, many diverse churches sprang up that were contemptuous of the gospel and persecuted the “true church of Jesus Christ”. Nephites and Lamanites became separate enemies. Non-Christians taught their children to hate Christians. Secret oaths and covenants of the Gadianton organized crime and governmental syndicate were re-established. Both Nephites and Lamanites became wicked. Following was what was recorded as a great division. There is now, in our day, a great division forming on the earth already attended by miracles on one side and contempt for Christ on the other. Pray. Strengthen yourself in the Lord. Rejoice. Worship.     

“And it shall come to pass that the Lord shall commence his work among all nations, kindreds, tongues and people to bring about the restoration of his people upon the earth. And with righteousness shall the Lord God judge the poor and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth. And he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. For the time speedily cometh that the Lord shall cause a GREAT DIVISION among the people; and the wicked will he destroy; and he shall spare his people, yea even if it so be that he must destroy the wicked by fire.” 2^nd Nephi 12:87-90                                    

-----------------------------------------------                                                              

CALENDAR NEXT MEETING: This coming Sunday, April 27^th at 2:00 pm at Central Branch, 919 S. Delaware, Independence. On the agenda: Fellowship, Watchman’s Report, working and planning for The Kingdom, praying together. All are welcome.  Coming soon to be announced: Gardening field trips, special presentations,  cooperative purchases.                                                        

CONTACT            

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

With Christ and his love as our bond,               

Your brothers and sisters at Zionworks News

Buckner Restoration Branch Family Reunion 2025

 Buckner Restoration Branch Family Reunion 2025

LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD APRIL 24, 2025

 

LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD APRIL 24, 2025

 

Hello to all God’s followers around the world,

 

Well, we have concluded another momentous time in the course of the history of mankind. The last week in the earthly life of Jesus Christ, culminating with the glorious event of His Resurrection in which Jesus proved He has all power both in heaven and earth. Thus power over sin, death, the grave and Satan. Jesus has had that power from before the foundation of the world, but He chose to come to earth, in the flesh and die for His creation so we would be assured of His power. Thank you Jesus!

 

Now back to our busy lives, church as usual, living in our own little kingdoms and so forth until the time of year we observe the birth of Jesus. Well, that is still eight months away, so we are free to do our own thing. Right!! Not exactly. God has given us our agency, but its main purpose was so that we might chose God as our father., see Genesis 7:40 in the Inspired Version of the Holy Scriptures.

 

So, if we choose God as our father, it becomes a twenty-four/seven process. That is part of the reason we are told to “Endure to the end.” Enduring to the end has to be more than just Sunday mornings and maybe Wednesday evenings. Living in the Kingdom of God now as we await the full establishment of His Kingdom has to be more than just “Hanging in there.” Hanging in where? Where or what is “There?”

 

How are we to endure to the end? Some people endure to the end of a lengthy job for the money. But, many endure because they feel they are making a positive difference in the lives of other people and thus fulfill their calling as a “Kingdom Builder.” What is your view point? Jesus hung on the cross, but He was not just “Hanging in there,” He was in full control and was faithful to His purpose and His promises. We cannot expect to receive the benefits of God’s promises unless we fulfill the requirements of those promises. Read again, as well as with some regularity Doctrine and Covenants 81:3. Write it down and post it where you will see it every day. Maybe post it in several places. Maybe even write it in your heart. It is a plea from Our Father to each of His children because His work and glory to to bring to pass the immortality, and eternal life of man.

 

There is a song that states,

“New Life in Christ! Abundant and free!

What glories shine, what joy is mine!

What wondrous blessings I see!

My past with it’s sin, The searching and strife.

Forever gone,

There’s a bright new dawn!

FOR IN CHRIST,

I HAVE FOUND NEW LIFE!!”

 

Because HE lives, we don’t have to just go through the motions,

we must stand on the promises of God.

 

God bless

Paul Gage

 

Leo Ronald Anderson - Obituary

 

1933Leo2025

Send Flowers

Leo Ronald Anderson

August 20, 1933 — April 16, 2025

Leo Ronald Anderson passed away April 17, 2025 at The Groves in Independence, MO at the age of 91. Leo was born August 20, 1933 to Vincent and Catherine Anderson in Boston, MA where he spent his entire childhood as a part of a large Irish Catholic family. After High School, Leo served in the Military (Marines) as his older brothers had done.

He went to college in several states, including Ohio where he met his wife Kathleen. After they were married, they moved to Rhode Island, Texas and Oklahoma as he pursued a very successful career as an insurance executive. They lived in Tulsa, OK for many years and were active members of the RLDS church. While there they adopted their son Max T. Anderson. The family was involved in various civic activities and Leo helped in his son’s Boy Scout troop and coached his youth hockey team.

In retirement, they all moved to Independence, MO to be near Kathleen’s family and spent 10 happy years enjoying life. Leo was pre-deceased by his wife and son. He spent his last years at The Groves which became his home. His sense of humor and quick wit enabled him to make many new friends there. He will be remembered fondly by family, friends and fellow residents.

Kathleen Anne (McKelvey) Anderson was born June 25, 1940 in Massillon, OH to Boyd and Dorothy McKelvey. She grew up with a very large and close extended family on 5 acres in the county. Growing up in the 1950s, she experienced sled rides tree climbing, football, sock hops, bikes, taffy pulling and rock and roll. She graduated from Jackson High School in 1957 and maintained close friends with many of her classmates, returned home for many Class Reunions and became the Class historian and contact.

With her(our) father’s untimely death in 1956, Kathleen got a good job and helped our mother with expenses and raising her younger brother and sister.

Her life story continued as written above, when she married Leo Anderson. Kathleen loved reading and writing and later worked as a copy editor for many years. We are now again finding some of the heartfelt stories she had written to our mother and others about the good memories of life that they had given her, as well as the love she showed to family and friends and the memories she created for them.

Kathleen passed away in June 22, 2019 in Independence, MO while in Hospice care. She is greatly missed.

To send flowers to the family in memory of Leo Ronald Anderson, please visit our flower store.