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Feed Your Spirit!

I was unexpectedly called upon to teach the lesson at the Detention Center yesterday.  Feeling unprepared is good for me.  It compels me to be humble.  I prayed fervently for guidance as to what I might teach these precious friends of mine.  The thought came to me that it would be important for them to understand spiritual hunger.

We talked at lenght about our personal spirit’s need for nourishment.  We observed that most of us have never thought much of feeding our spirits and that we are quite unfamiliar with the nature of spiritual hunger pains.  While not entirely different from physical hunger pains spiritual hunger seems more vague and subtle to us than growling stomachs do.

We examined together what spiritual hunger feels like.  We considered it to feel like emtiness, homesickness, depression and loneliness, or rather sort of a combinaiton of these things.  I pointed out that Alcoholics Anonymous calls this feeling the “hole in the heart”.  Too often, desperate to fill that whole we stumble around trying things that might ease the pain.  We turn to physical food, drugs, alcohol, adrenolin and other distractions but come away unsatisfied and left with a feeling of being unfulfilled.

Next we considered things that might be satisfying food for our spirits.  Things like attending church, reading the scriptures, giving heartfelt service, praying attentively to Heavenly Father, writing in our journals, listening to the hearts of others, all were wonderful suggestions.  While these ideas were being bantered around I realized that my spirit feels satisfaction and nourishment from living in an orderly home or working in an orderly manner.  I liked all of these notions.

As we pondered these things I asked the youth to watch during the week for times when their spirits cried out for nutrition.  Into my mind flashed a time that often occurs in my life.  So very often, I stay up past my bed time.  I don’t seem to have any reason for doing so.  Just this empty, unsatisfied feeling that keeps me wanting to stick around for more of my day.  Most times, I find myself nodding off while I play solitaire or some other inane activity.  I discovered that it is very likely that the problem lies in a hungry spirit.  If my body is hungry at bed time, I always grab a bit of cheese or other snack to tide be over until morning.  I think my spirit doesn’t want to go to bed hungry either.  Telling myself that, if I don’t get to bed I’ll regret it in the morning has never packed much punch at such times.  I think that’s because I’m not really dealing with what’s wrong.  My spirit doesn’t want to end the day unfulfilled and famished for nourishing sustenance.

This week I’m going to experiment with this notion.  I’ve signed up to do indexing on the church family history site.  Maybe a little service at the end of the day, instead of mind numbing solitaire will sustain my spirit for the night.  Maybe reading something inspiring and uplifting will do the trick.  I’m curious to see if I’m more willing to turn in, if I’ve satisfied my soul’s hunger pains.  I’ll suspect I will.

Success!!!

“Of course there is no formula for success except perhaps an unconditional acceptance of life and what it brings.”  Arthur Rubinstein

The Truth – A Book Review

My sweet wife, Booklogged, reviews books all the time on her blog, A Reader’s Journal.  Quite often she gets advance reader’s copies of books about to be published.  The authors and publishers are seeking feedback about the new volume.  Such is the case with a new book called The Truth byStephen Hawley Martin.  Booklogged didn’t have time to give to this one, so I’ve taken it on.

First of all the superlative nature of the title is rediculous.  While there is clearly a measure of truth in the book, it can hardly support it’s claim to be THE truth.

Martin is talented, he has some very deep understanding of the nature of growth, insight and living, but he’s just another philosopher with some great ideas.  Few of which appear to be his own.  Rather, Hawley has stepped up to the smorgasbord of the world’s great religions and philosophies and selected a delectible here from Buddhism, a tidbit there from Hinduism, an entre’ from Christianity, a bite from the New Wave, put the ketchup of Quantum Physics on top and called the meal, a conclusive explanation of why we’re here and where we’re going.

Clearly an acolyte of Joseph Campbell, Stephen Hawley Martin operates on the premise that all religion and myth is manifestation of man’s quest to understand God.  They will not accept religion as it is presented, but rather find in religion archetypical evidence of a flawed, incomplete understanding of God and his relationship to man.

Had I examined most of the world’s religions I may have come to a similar conclusion.  But it would have been impossible that I came to the same one.  Having, however, discovered true religion, I do not come to such a generalized, all encompassing gumbo view to explain God’s relationship to man.  God has plainly revealed to man, who He is, who man is, what their relationship is and has clearly revealed His plan for our lives.  This was revealed to Adam, Abraham, Moses, Isaiah, Peter, Paul, and to modern prophets such as Joseph Smith, Brigham Young and currently, Thomas S. Monson.  As I am sure God reveals Himself to man, it seems to this writer, amazing that people still go to the trouble of trying to reinvent the wheel.

I enjoyed the read.  I got some insights that were helpful.  I was amused by how closely, Martin comes, sometimes, to seeing things correctly.  I was amazed at how he thought he could use some quotations from Jesus Christ to support his claims, while utterly ignoring others, which clearly contradict his position.

Jesus Christ is the central figure in God’s Plan for the progress and salvation of man.  Martin’s rejection of that notion puts his book in opposition to true Christianity.  If you’re a nonbeliever, The Truth will probably lead you to a happier, more productive life.  So, nonbeliever, go ahead and use it.  If you are a believer, don’t waste your time, you have the privilege of feasting upon much more meaningful material.

Have a Nice Day!

This morning, during my morning prayers, I found myself asking God to give me a nice day. As I prayed I realized that what I was saying was, “Heavenly Father, please give me a day that goes according to my will, not thine.” “I’m going to establish the criteria of a good day, not thou.” How foolish is that?

It follows then, that if I conclude to put God in charge of how my days go, that every day will be a nice day!

If I am willing, every day will go as God desires it to, so it stands to reason that every day will be a good day.

I can’t get a quote from Michael McLean out of my mind, “….all I ever dreamed of, everything I hoped and all the things I prayed for, couldn’t hold a candle to what I’ve been given, I’ve been given what I need.” I try to operate on the premise that God is predisposed in my favor and that this life, in it’s entirety is designed to bless me and help me grow. Accepting that notion seems to require me to realize that every day, even a tough one is a good day.

I think today has greatly altered the way I will pray from here on out. If my outlook is correct, I may freely assume that every day is a good day, at least good for me. I may approach each day with optimism, knowing that God’s will is being done. From now on, I wish to have a heart like Mary’s, when she said, “be it unto me according to thy word.” (Luke 1: 38)

Of course this approach begs the question, “Is everything that happens according to God’s will.” In the near view, absolutely not. Everyday, all day, people everywhere are doing their own will and not God’s. Unavoidably, each of us falls victim to the consequences of our own and other’s wrong and willful choices. It then follows that many days in our lives will go according to ours or someone else’s will and not Gods. The conclusion must then be unavoidable that not every day will be a good day.

In the long view, however, the opposition, pain and suffering we experience in this life are most certainly part of God’s plan for us. Satan’s influence and the victimization we experience at the hands of other mortals are also part of God’s plan. For it must needs be, that there is an ^aopposition in all things.” (2 Ne. 2: 11)

Seen in the light of Christ, every day is indeed a good day, even a great day! Every day is full of opportunity. Everyday is filled with grace from God to sustain us. Every day is a gift! Best of all, deprived of the frustration that comes of trying to control our lives, every day is an adventure. None of us knows what each new day will present to us. It could be easy and relaxing or it could be full of challenge and difficulty. Is one better than another? No, not at all. The easy days are recuperative and the challenging days are full of growth and understanding. The mournful days are days of closeness to the Giver of Life. And the bewildering days are days of introspection and discovery. All are great days!

On the Benefits of Brokenness

Philip Yancey hits the nail on the head with this brilliant article. Here’s a taste….

“”Why I Wish I Was an Alcoholic.” It occurred to me that what recovering alcoholics confess every day—personal failure, and the daily need for grace and help from friends and a Higher Power—represent high hurdles for those of us who take pride in our independence and self-sufficiency.”

Thanks to Dr. Wally for sharing this article with me.

Halting Between Two Opinions

I’ve been struggling a lot of late. Temptation has returned. While I have not fallen off the wagon I know I’ve some time since, managed to get on the wrong road. My blood pressure has been up and my anxiety levels high.

You need to understand that addiction is not what it seems. The outward manifestation, be it drugs, alcohol, gambling, porn, Twinkies, is just that, the symptom, but not the problem. The problem is something deeper and painful and quite possibly unidentified. I’ve been writing and pondering madly for days trying to identify the fork in the road that took me in the wrong direction.

Today, I was given my answer. I was writing, something I always do, to sort things out. I was expressing the dismay I’ve felt of late about my new job and my uncertain future. I’ve taken a job as a salesman. I have a lot of uncertainly as to the frequency and size of my paychecks. The economy troubles me. The price of fuel dismays me. My own inadequacy frightens me. I don’t know what the future brings and it gives me a great deal of anxiety. Then, a phrase of scripture came into my mind, “How long halt ye between two opinions..?” I had no idea where to find it, so I looked it up in the concordance. I found it in 1 Kings 18:21.

It was the story of Elijah’s famous contest with the priests of Baal during which God consumed Elijah’s offering with fire, while that of the false God did nothing. Elijah was calling upon Israel to make up their minds. Unlike Joshua who had earlier declared, “Choose you this day whom ye will serve…but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15) It was inspirational and encouraging but I couldn’t see the answer that was before me. I was still stuck on the decision regarding my choice of employment. I couldn’t see how that could be a choice between God and Baal. Surely, I was choosing the Lord, wasn’t I?

Then another phrase of scripture passed through my mind, “Oh thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” I found that in Matthew 14:31. Here is the story of Jesus walking on the water. The phrase was the Saviour’s mild rebuke of Peter who, fearing the waves began to sink beneath them. I wasn’t too sure what this story meant for me, but I determined to find out.

At my new job I have made a new friend. He is Pastor of a local Landmark Baptist congregation. His specialty at Divinty School was Coyne Greek. My good friend has taught me that much can be gained from understanding the original Greek meanings of the words found in the New Testament. I just recently acquired Bullinger’s Lexicon of New Testament Greek.

I decided to look up the original meaning of the words in Matthew 14:31. Two words were most informative. I looked up faith and found that in this case the Greek word chosen had only been used four times in the New Testament and all by the Master himself. It has been translated into English as

‘of little faith’ and means: to rebuke four states of mind, viz., anxiety, fear, doubt and forgetfulness. I felt my searching was on the right track. I was full of fear, doubt and great anxiety. I didn’t yet comprehend forgetfulness. Then I looked up the word doubt. The definition of the original Greek word translated as doubt was this: to stand in two ways, being uncertain as to which to take. I was shocked, for it lead me right back to my first prompting, “How long halt ye between to opinions….?”

It was then that I realized what Heavenly Father has been trying to tell me. I am like Peter. I am figuratively walking on water. My struggles of late have come because I have taken my eye off my Master and have allowed myself to look at the boisterous waves of economic and political commotion that surround me. No wonder I have been sinking in despair!

This is not a new concept for me. I have long considered my ability to proceed through life entirely free of my addiction to be no less a miracle than walking on water. To the flesh, they are equally impossible. Yet day after day, I go forth, temptation free, to live a life of joy as though I had never been an addict. I was foundering and in need of rebuke for my forgetfulness. I had forgotten to whom I must look for my safety and salvation.

My struggles came because I had taken my eyes off of the Redeemer, who sustains me in recovery and had looked in fear at the turbulent chaos around me. They were prolonged because I supposed the fork in the road that was troubling me was whether or not to change employment. Instead, however, I discovered that the real decision was, is and always will be, whether or not to trust God and keep my attention focussed on Him.

My heart is led to these words given of Jehovah to Joshua, and all of Israel, including us: “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed; for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” (Joshua 1:9) Whithersoever – no matter where I go or what paths in life I choose, if I can but ignore the turmoil around me and trust in God, I will be sustained above the stream.

Like Peter, I called out to my Lord saying, “Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught” me. I felt the anxiety, fear and doubt drain out of me. I had been so stressed that I felt ill, but now I was renewed and refreshed.

Lindac is the Winner!

Lindac, please send me your snail mail address so I can send you your book!  Congratulations!  I sure hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

Drawing Heaven Into Your Marriage

YOU COULD WIN A FREE COPY.  READ THE ARTICLE TO DISCOVER HOW.

I don’t often review books.  I make exceptions only when the book is exceptional.  Drawing Heaven Into Your Marriage  by H. Wallace Goddard, PhD, is exceptional!

Casting off conventional “wisdom,” Dr. Wally gets right to the root of successful, happy marriages and for that matter, successful, happy lives.  His approach is based entirely on the Atonement, Merits, and Mercy of Jesus Christ.  No more tricks and techniques, no more fooling around with each other’s behavior or feelings, Wally teaches us the true nature of love and change.  The book is refreshing, motivating, readable and hits close to home.  Without being preachy, Wally teaches fundamental principles that are full of warmth, compassion and believability.  I wish every married couple had and studied this wonderful, bright work of love and testimony.

So pleased, am I with Drawing Heaven Into Your Marriage that I’m going to give away a copy on the 15th of March.  If you’d like to have your name entered into the drawing please indicate in the comments of this article.

 Booklogged and I enjoy and warm and joyful marriage.  We’ve learned many of the things Dr. Wally teaches, in the marriage school of hard knocks.  We affirm that the principles are true.  Oh, how I wish I’d had this book in the earlier moments of our marriage, where I could possibly have avoided inflicting so much pain on her.  I did have Wally in those days, though, (he’s a personal and very dear friend) and he was, even then, catalyst for much of the progress I was able to make.  Why?  Because even 20 years ago, Wally understood better than I, the goodness, kindness and love of Jesus Christ and the impact my Savior could have on every facet of my enormously imperfect life.

The Trouble With Feel Good Gospel

There are real truths.  The gospel is made up of real principles.  God is real.  Hell is real.  Too often in our modern culture we try to spin the gospel to mean different things to different people.  It’s not complicated, but it’s not wishy washy either.

Recently I read that there are only six religions in America that are growing.  All the rest have membership statistics that are flat or declining.  All of those that are growing make demands of their adherents.  Demands that they feel come from God.  While unpopular today, God does have expectations of us.  As Joseph Smith put it: …a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things, never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation.

Here’s a clip from ER that poignantly expresses why liberal religion is declining….

The Good News of the Gospel, though, is that it is easy, but not in copping out or choosing our own way. Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life. No man comes unto the Father, but by him. When Moses held the brazen serpent up before smitten Israel, all they had to do was look and be healed. That serpent was a type of Christ. Too many of Israel were too certain the answers lay elsewhere and refused to look. And, because of the simpleness of the way, perished. Still, today, we concoct alternative means by which we might obtain forgiveness and salvation and in the end discover that Jesus Christ is the bread of life. He only, can provide the living water. Still, we insist on turning, every man, to his own way when all we need to do is turn our whole heart, our whole mind and our whole soul to Christ, and live. He is the author and finisher of our salvation. There is none other name under heaven whereby men can be saved.