LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

Agency is a gift – we always appreciate having for ourselves – but often – not so much – when others are using theirs!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

No matter what trials – come upon us – we will always have the option – of how we respond to them!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

Having myopic tunnel vision – will never help us appreciate – the grand spectrum – of Heavenly Father’s Plan!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

True faith – can make all our maybes – become realities!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

The ultimate proof of our faith – will undoubtedly be manifest – in which works – and – actions – we choose to be involved!!

ETERNAL HOPE 2

Since this is a continuation from last week’s Thought I will include the introductory paragraph before continuing my wandering Thoughts.

As I was reading in the 26th chapter of Mosiah seeking for inspiration for writing a Thought, I became clearly aware that my mind was rapidly jumping from one thought to another. I was also struck with the idea that it might be fun for me and hopefully interesting for those who read my Thoughts to go on that kind of random mind journey. Hopefully, you will not come to the conclusion that this journey was worthless and felt like we were wandering into unknown places.

23 For it is I that taketh upon me the sins of the world; for it is I that hath created them; and it is I that granteth unto him that believeth unto the end a place at my right hand.
I am grateful that my faith in the Atonement of Jesus the Christ has sustained me during my life and that it continues to grow as I increase in age.

24 For behold, in my name are they called; and if they know me they shall come forth, and shall have a place eternally at my right hand.

25 And it shall come to pass that when the second trump shall sound then shall they that never knew me come forth and shall stand before me.

26 And then shall they know that I am the Lord their God, that I am their Redeemer; but they would not be redeemed.

I am grateful for the visions which have enlightened my mind as I was privileged to minister to those on the eternal side of the veil. I am grateful that that light has strengthen my belief that the inviting of Heavenly Father’s children to come unto Jesus the Christ will continue eternally.

I must never allow my belief in the eternalness of the work of the Lord to cause my efforts to be diminished while I sojourn in this mortal frame.

27 And then I will confess unto them that I never knew them; and they shall depart into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

28 Therefore I say unto you, that he that will not hear my voice, the same shall ye not receive into my church, for him I will not receive at the last day.

29 Therefore I say unto you, Go; and whosoever transgresseth against me, him shall ye judge according to the sins which he has committed; and if he confess his sins before thee and me, and repenteth in the sincerity of his heart, him shall ye forgive, and I will forgive him also.

I have to admit that these verses cause me to wonder about my belief in the eternal efforts of the Father and the Son to bring to pass our eternal life and immortality that of all of our brothers and sisters. At one time my little bit of understanding made me put this quandary on the shelf of things I would be asking when I passed through the veil, but more recently I have come to believe that many times the word is presented with urgency so that we procrastinating mortals will perhaps be less prone to put off the day of our repentance.

30 Yea, and as often as my people repent will I forgive them their trespasses against me.
The Lord gives a great hint, that His Father’s work would have no end for any or for all of us.

31 And ye shall also forgive one another your trespasses; for verily I say unto you, he that forgiveth not his neighbor’s trespasses when he says that he repents, the same hath brought himself under condemnation.

32 Now I say unto you, Go; and whosoever will not repent of his sins the same shall not be numbered among my people; and this shall be observed from this time forward.

33 And it came to pass when Alma had heard these words he wrote them down that he might have them, and that he might judge the people of that church according to the commandments of God.

34 And it came to pass that Alma went and judged those that had been taken in iniquity, according to the word of the Lord.

35 And whosoever repented of their sins and did confess them, them he did number among the people of the church;

36 And those that would not confess their sins and repent of their iniquity, the same were not numbered among the people of the church, and their names were blotted out.

37 And it came to pass that Alma did regulate all the affairs of the church; and they began again to have peace and to prosper exceedingly in the affairs of the church, walking circumspectly before God, receiving many, and baptizing many.

I believe there are some instructions which are given for specific occasions. It seems to me that since a judgement which could lead to excommunication from the Church was included in these instructions, there is a strong possibility we should be very careful about using them as a universal guide.

38 And now all these things did Alma and his fellow laborers do who were over the church, walking in all diligence, teaching the word of God in all things, suffering all manner of afflictions, being persecuted by all those who did not belong to the church of God.

39 And they did admonish their brethren; and they were also admonished, every one by the word of God, according to his sins, or to the sins which he had committed, being commanded of God to pray without ceasing, and to give thanks in all things.

I am made well aware when I read the words all diligence, all things, all suffering and all persecution I am left to examine my weakness and personal littleness in my ministering unto my family and friends.

I am struck with the magnitude of the word admonish, which sounds in my mind like a soft toned bell which calls us to come unto Christ.


THOUGHTS FOR A SABBATH DAY – WILLIAM L. RILEY

EDITED BY – KATHLEEN W. RILEY

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

There is no such thing – as having faith – in anything – contrary to the truth – or – the will of God!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

We become more powerful – in the fulfillment of our stewardships – when we realize our strength – does not originate from within ourselves – but – from Him who commissioned us!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

We need to make sure – we direct our faith – and – hope towards true and worthy goals!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

The only way to test – whether blessings attend obedience – is to be obedient!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

Annoyances only exist – is we allow ourselves – to be annoyed!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

: If everyone understood – the blessings which are reserved – for the worthy – and – faithful – there would be more of us increasing our diligence – in striving to be worthy – and – faithful!!

ETERNAL HOPE 1

As I was reading in the 26th chapter of Mosiah seeking for inspiration for writing a Thought, I became clearly aware that my mind was rapidly jumping from one thought to another. I was also struck with the idea that it might be fun for me and hopefully interesting for those who read my Thoughts to go on that kind of random mind journey. Hopefully, you will not come to the conclusion that this journey was worthless and felt like we were wandering into unknown places.

1 Now it came to pass that there were many of the rising generation that could not understand the words of king Benjamin, being little children at the time he spake unto his people; and they did not believe the tradition of their fathers.

2 They did not believe what had been said concerning the resurrection of the dead, neither did they believe concerning the coming of Christ.

3 And now because of their unbelief they could not understand the word of God; and their hearts were hardened.

During the latter part of my life I have observed that there are very few of us today who have been blessed with faith who, without searching very far among family and friends, will soon find many who have a great deal of difficulty understanding and believing the words which we might have founded our lives upon.

It really doesn’t matter the reason why our loved ones have arrived at their condition of unbelief of those truths of which we have received witness from the Holy Spirit, it will still cause our hearts to suffer and our souls to be saddened.

We are also uplifted with the knowledge that love is strong and the Atonement of Jesus the Christ, His Mercy and Grace is eternal and the day will come when the scales fall from all our eyes and we shall see clearly and all shall know for themselves that Jesus is the Christ.

We are left with our belief that all who dwell on earth are children of Heavenly Parents and we have but one duty, which is to treat all with loving kindness.

5 And now in the reign of Mosiah they were not half so numerous as the people of God; but because of the dissensions among the brethren they became more numerous.

6 For it came to pass that they did deceive many with their flattering words, who were in the church, and did cause them to commit many sins; therefore it became expedient that those who committed sin, that were in the church, should be admonished by the church.

As we watch the daily increase of those who have doubts or completely deny the eternal beliefs we hold so dear, at times we are moved to bow our heads and weep and there are even times we sink into wondering if hope is lost. I have found much balm in the following account of Alma who was the head of the Church at the time when so many of the new generation of his day had stumbled into unbelief.

13 And now the spirit of Alma was again troubled; and he went and inquired of the Lord what he should do concerning this matter, for he feared that he should do wrong in the sight of God.

Have I sufficiently pleaded for the help of my Heavenly Father that I might be led and directed to know the words I should speak and how I should administer my love to them.

14 And it came to pass that after he had poured out his whole soul to God, the voice of the Lord came to him, saying:

15 Blessed art thou, Alma, and blessed are they who were baptized in the waters of Mormon. Thou art blessed because of thy exceeding faith in the words alone of my servant Abinadi.

16 And blessed are they because of their exceeding faith in the words alone which thou hast spoken unto them.

17 And blessed art thou because thou hast established a church among this people; and they shall be established, and they shall be my people.

Have I sufficiently recognized and counted the blessings which have been poured down upon me? Have I specifically recognized the blessing of having received a witness from the Holy Spirit concerning the truthfulness of the words of the scriptures and the living prophets?

18 Yea, blessed is this people who are willing to bear my name; for in my name shall they be called; and they are mine.

Although I may not see the fruits of my labor during this life as the prophet Alma did, my faith is sufficient to fill my being with the hope that during the eternities I will see my friends and family, who presently are unable to see clearly, have their doubts wiped from their minds and they will know.

19 And because thou hast inquired of me concerning the transgressor, thou art blessed.

20 Thou art my servant; and I covenant with thee that thou shalt have eternal life; and thou shalt serve me and go forth in my name, and shalt gather together my sheep.

If I understand the responsibility of being a disciple of the Lord Jesus the Christ correctly it is that I have been called to invite all to come unto Him, but the accountability for their choices remains with them. However, I would be remiss if I used this understanding as an excuse to withhold my testimony or my witness.

21 And he that will hear my voice shall be my sheep; and him shall ye receive into the church, and him will I also receive.

22 For behold, this is my church; whosoever is baptized shall be baptized unto repentance. And whomsoever ye receive shall believe in my name; and him will I freely forgive.

During my life I have made it a priority to come to know the vast gulfs which have, do and will exist among Heavenly Father’s children concerning their unequal opportunities to be invited to come unto the Savior. Also, since I have had the blessing and privilege of pronouncing the blessing of sealing upon generations of Heavenly Father’s children; it has left me with a strong testimony of the unitedness of the work which exists not only on the mortal side of the veil, but also on the eternal side of that veil.

Therefore, my heart swells with the truth in Paul’s testimony stating that if in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. (1 Corinthians 15:19

I know I must endure in my ministering with love unfeigned and hope unceasing in my meager efforts to persuade my friends and loved ones to come unto Jesus the Christ.

(To be continued)


THOUGHTS FOR A SABBATH DAY – WILLIAM L. RILEY

EDITED BY – KATHLEEN W. RILEY

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

Art cannot be fully appreciated without seeing – music cannot be fully appreciated without hearing – softness cannot be fully appreciated without touching – sweetness cannot be fully appreciated without tasting – pleasant odors cannot be fully appreciated without smelling – life cannot be fully appreciated without living!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

Time spent with strangers – will strengthen our commonalities – and – diminish our differences!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

We were all taught – during a previous period of our existence – directly through the word of our Heavenly Father – and – His Son – if we quietly ponder – and – listen – during this mortal part of our eternal lives – we can also have the joy – of hearing Their voices!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

One of the ways – to gain a witness – of the power of the spirit children of our Heavenly Father – who have been reserved to come forth – during the days of the Fullness of Times – is to listen to a few primary children – bear their testimonies of the truths of the Gospel!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

We often fail to receive – the healing balm of the Holy Spirit – because we too soon – lose heart – and – faith – in our worthiness – and – ability – to receive that tender loving touch!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

Knowing the required steps to achieve a goal – will only lead to the desired results – if we sincerely – and – diligently take those steps!!

ONE UNIVERSAL TRIBE

It had to have had something to do with the popularity of the word tribal in reference to all the ardent and rampant divisions in the world during the last part of the second decade of the 21st century. As I was reading chapter 25 in the book of Mosiah I was overwhelmed by the inability of humans to recognize the universal oneness of their tribal affiliation.

In this particular chapter a group known as Mulekites, who from that chapter forward would be numbered among the Nephites, even though they were the majority. As I read about this event my mind started to review how we who read the Book of Mormon, after it was translated by Joseph Smith, often refer to the peoples of the book as if they constantly consisted of Lamanites and Nephites, once the sons of Sariah and Lehi split apart.

Just a quick trip down memory lane reminds us of some of the tribal exchanges in The Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ.

That the People of Zeniff after returning to the land of their original inheritance, intermingled with the Lamanites for three generations.

The Nephite priest’s of Noah took the daughters of the Lamanites as wives and became Lamanites.

Amulon and Amalakiah, who were born Nephites and had failed in their attempt to become Kings, took their respective Nephite followers and settled among the Lamanites.

The converts of the Sons of Mosiah II, Ammon, Omni, Aaron and Himni, were the means of helping a large contingent of Lamanites come unto Christ, who changed their lineage to Anti-Nephi-Lehi’s and joined the Nephite nation.

When Nephi and Lehi, the sons of Helaman II, were more successful in bringing Lamanites into the gospel fold than their countrymen the Nephites.

The people who were left after the destruction at the time of the crucifixion of the Savior were all called Nephites, but were a blended tribe of descendants of Lehi and Mulekites, which over the span of six centuries had borne many tribal names.

During my life, as genealogy has become the most popular hobby in many lands and the science of DNA has allowed us to identify our ancestors both through writing and spittle, we are finding we are all both mongrels and one.

The documented record of our ancestors identify that Kathleen and I and our posterity have direct lines where individuals were born in the following countries, which I list in no historical order, but just as they spring to mind. (United States, Canada, England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland, France, Germany, Denmark, Italy, Israel, Mexico, Africa, South America and Switzerland)

I am certain that if or when our line is completed, going backward and forward in our search, we will discover members of our tribe in every nation, tongue and people.

Just as in The Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ we are able to discover a common ancestor of all the peoples of the book, with the exception of those written of in the book of Ether, was father Jacob/Israel the son of Abraham whose posterity is said to be numerous as the sands of the seas, which we know today is spread worldwide.

One of the wonders of thought I have pondered is how science and religion have in common the quest to prove the oneness of the origin of humans. It is also interesting how the Restored Gospel in part ignores this puzzle by going one step further back and identifies the universal common tribe to be the one we all belonged to before being born into mortality.

There are two songs which have become the foundation of my belief in the one universal tribe of all.

I Am a Child of God (Naomi Ward Randall)

I am a child of God, and he has sent me here, has given me an earthly home, with parents kind and dear.

I am a child of God, and so my needs are great; help me to understand his words, before it grows too late.

I am a child of God, rich blessings are in store; if I but learn to do his will, I’ll live with him once more.

I am a child of God, his promises are sure; Celestial glory shall be mine, if I can but endure.

Lead me, guide me, walk beside me, help me find the way, teach me all that I must do, to live with him someday.

He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother (Bob Russell / Bobby Scott)

The road is long - With many a winding turn - That leads us to who knows where - Who knows where - But I'm strong - Strong enough to carry him - He ain't heavy - he's my brother

So on we go - His welfare is of my concern - No burden is he to bear - We'll get there - For I know - He would not encumber me - He ain't heavy - he's my brother

If I'm laden at all - I'm laden with sadness - That everyone's heart - Isn't filled with the gladness
Of love for one another

It's a long, long road - From which there is no return - While we're on the way to there - Why not share

And the load - Doesn't weigh me down at all - He ain't heavy he's my brother

He's my brother - He ain't heavy - he's my brother - he ain't heavy

Of the many truths which are found in The Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ, there is one that should sound a loud warning to we who are constantly bombarded with voices uttering divisive epitaphs, the end result of tribalism is always destruction.

Our hearts are cheered to read the promises of our Universal Heavenly Father, concerning a promised day of oneness which shall exist among his children, when they will be of one heart and one mind and the petty silliness of the preachers of tribalism will no longer cause mistrust, bigotry and hatred.


THOUGHTS FOR A SABBATH DAY – WILLIAM L. RILEY

EDITED BY – KATHLEEN W. RILEY

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

Another major hurdle – in attempting to reach a goal – is not having a clear understanding – of the steps required!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

One of the major hurdles we face – in the process of progression – is not having a clear vision – of the goal we are attempting to achieve!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

An increase in one’s activity – does not always – cause a corresponding – increase in productivity!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

It is interesting – how as life expectancy has increased – the contributions most people make during their lives – does not seem to have increased correspondingly!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

No matter how much of our all – we give in the service of the Lord – it will always remain a pittance – when compared to the service He has rendered to us!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

Many times the physical processes of aging – cause us to make the transition from one stage of life into another – however – there are other times when we linger in a stage – and – continue to be effective – in spite of physical handicaps!!

LOOKING FOR NOBLE AND GREAT LEADERS

During our breakfast time together on the morning I was scheduled to write this Thought, our morning conversation was dominated by two subjects.

Kathleen had encouraged me to read an article by a BYU associate professor on the problem of maintaining one’s individuality while attempting to put on the perfections of Heavenly Father and Jesus the Christ. Which of course we both really enjoyed since it was in tune with many of our own feelings and beliefs. We were able to share some additional understandings we had on that subject.

The second came from the lead story in the Deseret News supplement which comes with the Church News. This edition being the first of the new year, started what the editors said would be their main theme of 2019. This issue was on honesty and integrity and the growth in peoples’ increased tolerance in accepting lies and untruths in the leaders they elect along with being more accepting of the general lack of integrity in society.

Amazingly, or maybe the way everyday should happen, when I started reading the chapters in the book of Mosiah I only got as far as the 23rd chapter before I was reading Alma’s admonition on what kind of person people should seek to lead them.

ALMAS COUNSEL

I have taken the liberty of adjusting Alma’s words which were spoken in a day when male leadership was dominant and present his advise in a genderless manner.

Should be a just person.

Should be a person of God.

Should walk in the ways of God.

Should keep the commandments of God.

Should teach people to love their neighbors.

Should teach people to have no contentions among them.

Should nourish people with things pertaining to righteousness.

ALMAS WARNINGS

Wicked leaders will oppress nations.

Beware of leaders who esteem themselves above others.

Remember the suffering brought about by the iniquity of evil leaders.

Evil leaders often cause the people to be caught in the snare of iniquity.

People caught in the snare of iniquity will be as bound with that entrapping band.

During the later decades of my life I became a self proclaimed charter member of the Non Political Party Party (N3P). Every so often
someone would ask me what were the beliefs of the N3P and I would say off handedly something about common sense and integrity, but if
I were ever to be nailed down and had to declare in all honesty I would have to say that the major platforms of the N3P are found in section 134 of the Doctrine and Covenants.

We believe that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man; and that he holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them, both in making laws and administering them, for the good and safety of society.

We believe that no government can exist in peace, except such laws are framed and held inviolate as will secure to each individual the free exercise of conscience, the right and control of property, and the protection of life.

We believe that all governments necessarily require civil officers and magistrates to enforce the laws of the same; and that such as will administer the law in equity and justice should be sought for and upheld by the voice of the people if a republic, or the will of the sovereign.

We believe that religion is instituted of God; and that men are amenable to him, and to him only, for the exercise of it, unless their religious opinions prompt them to infringe upon the rights and liberties of others; but we do not believe that human law has a right to interfere in prescribing rules of worship to bind the consciences of men, nor dictate forms for public or private devotion; that the civil magistrate should restrain crime, but never control conscience; should punish guilt, but never suppress the freedom of the soul.

We believe that all men are bound to sustain and uphold the respective governments in which they reside, while protected in their inherent and inalienable rights by the laws of such governments; and that sedition and rebellion are unbecoming every citizen thus protected, and should be punished accordingly; and that all governments have a right to enact such laws as in their own judgments are best calculated to secure the public interest; at the same time, however, holding sacred the freedom of conscience.

We believe that every man should be honored in his station, rulers and magistrates as such, being placed for the protection of the innocent and the punishment of the guilty; and that to the laws all men owe respect and deference, as without them peace and harmony
would be supplanted by anarchy and terror; human laws being instituted for the express purpose of regulating our interests as individuals and nations, between man and man; and divine laws given of heaven, prescribing rules on spiritual concerns, for faith and worship, both to be answered by man to his Maker.

We believe that rulers, states, and governments have a right, and are bound to enact laws for the protection of all citizens in the free exercise of their religious belief; but we do not believe that they have a right in justice to deprive citizens of this privilege, or proscribe them in their opinions, so long as a regard and reverence are shown to the laws and such religious opinions do not justify sedition nor conspiracy.

We believe that the commission of crime should be punished according to the nature of the offense; that murder, treason, robbery, theft, and the breach of the general peace, in all respects, should be punished according to their criminality and their tendency to evil among men, by the laws of that government in which the offense is committed; and for the public peace and tranquility all men should step forward and use their ability in bringing offenders against good laws to punishment.

We do not believe it just to mingle religious influence with civil government, whereby one religious society is fostered and another proscribed in its spiritual privileges, and the individual rights of its members, as citizens, denied.

We believe that all religious societies have a right to deal with their members for disorderly conduct, according to the rules and regulations of such societies; provided that such dealings be for fellowship and good standing; but we do not believe that any religious society has authority to try men on the right of property or life, to take from them this world’s goods, or to put them in jeopardy of either life or limb, or to inflict any physical punishment upon them. They can only excommunicate them from their society, and withdraw from them their fellowship.

We believe that men should appeal to the civil law for redress of all wrongs and grievances, where personal abuse is inflicted or the right of property or character infringed, where such laws exist as will protect the same; but we believe that all men are justified in defending themselves, their friends, and property, and the government, from the unlawful assaults and encroachments of all persons in times of exigency, where immediate appeal cannot be made to the laws, and relief afforded.

We believe it just to preach the gospel to the nations of the earth, and warn the righteous to save themselves from the corruption of the world...

In the simplest of terms I have always hoped the N3P would somehow be seen by others as a Party for those who stand for integrity, truth, love, peace and follow the principles found in the 13th Article of Faith; We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

I am well aware that many will consider the beliefs about leaders which the members of N3P have to be pie in the sky wishes and that we need to pull our heads out of the sand and see the world as it really is, but I find that peace attends me and resides in our home when I view the world as it would be if we had leaders such as Alma showing us the way to find and live the Plan of Happiness.

Although we may not see much evidence of it in those who lead the governments of the world today, we ought not despair because the Lord has given us hope in these words found in the Pearl of Great Price.

Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones; and God saw these souls that they were good, and he stood in the midst of them, and he said: These I will make my rulers; for he stood among those that were spirits, and he saw that they were good; and he said unto me: Abraham, thou art one of them; thou wast chosen before thou wast born. (Abraham 3: 22, 23)


THOUGHTS FOR A SABBATH DAY – WILLIAM L. RILEY

EDITED BY – KATHLEEN W. RILEY

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

It makes me wonder – which kind of inspiration I should be more attentive too – to stir me into action – those which are petitioned through pondering – or – those which are heaven sent??

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

It is interesting – that some inspirations – come after much pondering – while others – come upon us instantaneously!!

LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED!!

A nation which fails to remember – and – retain the principles upon which it was founded – is on a certain path – of one day being displaced!!