Steven Allen

I know you remember how I constantly talk about my miraculous journey with the Founding Fathers. I was in the right place at the right time to do what I did, including writing my “Founding Fathers” book. Home teaching John Driggs, being placed by him on the Crime Commission, being sent to PHilly in 1976, being on the high council when we were in charge of hosting the local Education Weeks, meeting with the Brother in charge of CES so I could become a part of the program. Getting acquainted with Mark McConkie who encouraged me to write the book.. On and on and on. It humbles me a little.

Considering that, here is another interesting quote from the book with daily devotionals. I just opened this one at random.

“I AM A MIGHTY GOD. Nothing is too difficult for Me. I have chosen the weak ones like you to accomplish My purposes. Your weakness is designed to open up My Power. Therefore, do not fear your limitations or measure the day’s demands against your strength. What I require of you is to stay connected to Me, living in trusting dependence on My limitless resources. when you face unexpected demands, there is no need to panic. Remember that I am with you. Talk with Me, and listen while I talk you through each challenging situation.

“I am not a careless God. When I allow difficulties to come into your life, I equip you fully to handle them. Relax in My presence, trusting My strength.”

When I finished typing this, I realized that this is the quote for today, May 13, and not the quote I meant to type up for you. Oh well, it’s pretty good, too. But the one I was referring to is the one I opened at random, March 22. So here is that quote, which will make more sense to you considering the opening paragraph above!

“REJOICE AND BE THANKFUL! As you walk with Me through this day, practice trusting and thanking Me all along the way. Trust is the channel through which My Peace flows to you. Thankfulness lifts you up above your circumstances.

“I do My greatest works through people with grateful, trusting hearts. Rather than planning and evaluating, practice trusting and thanking Me continually. This is a paradigm shift that will revolutionize your life.”

You see, some of my ‘greatest accomplishments’ came through service, being thankful, and RATHER THAN PLANNING AND EVALUATING, were given to me just because . . . God led me along the right path and opened doors that I had no business going through without His help and guidance.

Interesting, but it seems almost at odds with all the information and teaching from someone like Stephen Covey. Perhaps I am a contrarian? “Paradigm” is a word that Stephen Coven made become a part of the business language (like “win-win). He says: Plan, evaluate, organize, systematize. But in my case with my books, and my teaching at Ed Week, it didn’t get planned in advance, it was just given to me! And for that I am thankful.

Does this even make any sense to you? I hope you can understand what I am trying to communicate to you. Steve

We’ve been talking about tunes that somehow creep into our consciousness, like “If ever I could leave You.” And the one you were going to send me the words to. Well, this morning, one of my favorite ballads came to my mind. “This Land is Your Land.” I believe by the Kingson Trio. Beautiful song. But listen to this.

Since I finished reading the Book of Mormon again in January, I have not started a new program of reading specifically any of the standard works. I still read at least a chapter of scripture a day, but I choose a chapter or section, or in some instances randomly open my book to a page and read what’s there. That’s what I did this morning. Opened randomly.

In light of Dave’s report on Elder Nelsons talk about the scattering and gathering of Israel, I thought this morning’s random pick was most interesting.

My scriptures opened, without any particular assistance to find a certain book (which I sometimes do), to the Book of Amos in the Old Testament. And right at chapter 9. So I read chapter 9. Here are two verses that stood out to me.

Verse 9: “For, lo, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as corn is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth.” Sift like corn in a sieve. That’s pretty well sifted! Among all nations.

Then verse 15: “And I will plant them upon THIER land, and they shall no longer be pulled up out of their land WHICH I HAVE GIVEN THEM, saith the Lord thy God.” As “The Harbinger” and “The Covenant” both describe, they, the lost tribes of Israel, are gathered to this land of America.

So I cross referenced that, this morning, in my Bible, to 1 Nephi, chapter 2, verse 20: “And inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments, ye shall prosper, and shall be led to a land which I have prepared for YOU; yea, a land which is choice above all other lands.”

And if that’s not enough, add 2 Ne. 1:5, where Nephi reports their successful landing in a new land: “But, said he, notwithstanding our afflictions, we have obtained a land of PROMISE, a land which is choice above all other lands; a land which the Lord God hath COVENANTED with me should be a land for the inheritance of my seed. Yea, the Lord hath COVENANTED this land unto me and to my children forever, and also all those who should be led out of other countries by the hand of the Lord.” (Emphasis added).

What about that promise in Amos? I will plant them in THIER LAND. It is a promised land. A choice land. Keep the commandments and prosper, have liberty and have the protection of the Lord.

I, myself, thought that was all pretty remarkable. So I thought I’d better share it with you and see what you think.

You wanted me to put in writing what I said about the novel I’m currently reading (“Silent Witness,” by Richard North Patterson, 1996). Here’s just a short synopsis of what I’ve read so far. The main character is a young man, seventeen years of age, who is a high school star athlete and popular with the students. He, Tony Lord, and his best friend, Sam are football stars who had just won the game with their main rival school, by a last minute pass from Tony to Sam for a touchdown. After the game, Sam and his girlfriend, Sue, and Tony and his girlfriend, Alison Taylor went out for some time together and drinks and . . .

Eventually Tony and Alison went off together in his car and they wanted to be together again a little later. Alison had a midnight curfew. So she suggested that she would go home and check in with the parents. When they would soon go to sleep, Alison would sneak out and meet Tony in the neighboring park. Alison was later than Tony expected, so Tony went to check closer to her house, and he found her in the backyard of her house where she had been strangled to death. Alison’s parents then came out of the house and caught Tony trying to revive Alison, to no avail. They assumed the worst, thinking that Tony must have murdered their daughter. He didn’t. When the police arrived they questioned The Taylors and Tony, and looked around for any evidence, but didn’t find any.

When Alison’s death became public knowledge, with the surrounding facts, many, including most of Tony’s friends thought he may have killed his girlfriend in a rage because she wouldn’t give in to him or something. Tony was not charged by the police, but there was suspicion about who did it. Was it Tony? He couldn’t prove otherwise. He claimed he didn’t do it, but what did his friends and neighbors believe. He must have done it. No one else was there or charged with a crime. So even though Tony hadn’t killed her, he suffered under the suspicion of those around him.

A little later in the story, when there was a high school basketball game, Tony was also one of the star players. At the end of one game, Tony was fouled and shooting free-throws. The crowd was chanting “killer, killer,” to unnerve Tony. He still made the last free-throw and won that basketball game. But he was operating under the pressure of the crowd’s belief that he was a murderer.

As I explained, I felt a real connection with Tony the hero. Though he didn’t commit the murder, he was subject to disbelief and to doubt, even by those who knew him. The stigma was there and he couldn’t prove otherwise, therefore he had lost something of great value to him. His good name, his respect from his associates, his innocence.

Much that same feeling has come to me. I have been required to agree to a plea of guilty of something I didn’t do in order to save time in prison if convicted, and to quit the constant flow of money to prove my innocence. Even though my claim has been validated when I was vindicated in a civil lawsuit about the same circumstances, that stigma is still there. There may be some of my associates that still think I must have done something wrong, else why would the government prosecute me?

So I have really lost something that cannot be brought back. My good name, my activities in the Church and in the community, such as the President’s Day party for George Washington. I know most of my family, friends, and those who knew me well prior to this time stand behind me and don’t believe the charges. But that question is still in the minds of some people. I feel a real closeness to the character in the book, Tony. I feel like I know what he has been subjected to. It was striking as I read the words of this fictional story. How it looks, and how actions can affect your life. It’s sometimes hard to live with, even though I know the truth. Even as Tony knows the truth. He didn’t do it. Neither did I.

That wasn’t quite as good an explanation as I wanted to give. You can’t really put those kinds of feelings into words. It’s something I don’t believe anyone can really understand unless they have gone through a similar experience.

Later on in the book “Silent Witness”: The one who actually killed Tony’s girlfriend was discovered. The problem was that this murderer had been robbing a convenience store and the clerk shot him with a shotgun and he died. So he was never charged or totally linked to Alison’s murder.

The story continues with Tony: “He should feel relieved, Tony knew. But what he felt was more bitterness. ‘It’s a little late, Saul (his attorney). Maybe not for them, but for me. What’s so great about being forgiven for something I didn’t do . . . .’”.

Yes, so what’s so great about being vindicated by not only one court, but two, when it makes no difference to the sentencing court? It doesn’t change things. And there are still the unbelievers because of my punishment. I do feel relieved and vindicated, but the cynicism and yes, even bitterness remains. Why must I bear this trial for something I didn’t do? I guess because I had to admit to it to avoid even greater punishment!

It’s too late, but it’s still wonderful to win that civil case.

Each evening before “count” and lights out, I read a little from one of my favorite books, like “The Triumph of Zion,” by John Pontius, or “Eighteen Verses,” by Denver Snuffer, or from a Conference issue of the Ensign.

Last night after it became apparent from what was being said on TV, that Barack Obama had been reelected as President for a second term, I was, of course, very disappointed, to say the least. But as is my practice, I decided to read before going to bed. I pulled out the November, 2010, issue of the Ensign to re-focus on what’s important.

I chose to read the talk given by Elder Quentin L. Cook, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, entitled: “Let There Be Light!” It seemed appropriate “in light” of what I’ve been telling you recently about lights being turned on and off in our housing unit here (pun intended). You may want to re-read this talk yourself, but let me give you a few paragraphs quoted from this talk.

After talking about the British vocalist, Vera Lynn, age 93, who sang such popular songs as “The White Cliffs of Dover,” and “When the Lights Go On Again (all over the world),” he said:

“It is by the light of Christ that all mankind ‘may know good from evil.’

“Freedom and light have never been easy to attain or maintain. Since the War in Heaven, the forces of evil have used every means possible to destroy agency and extinguish light. The assault on moral principles and religious freedom has never been stronger.

“As Latter-day Saints, we need to do our best to preserve light and protect our families and communities from this assault on morality and religious freedom. . . .

“. . . evil forces remove light and hope from the world. The level of decadence is accelerating. . . . do not be surprised if devastating moral explosions shatter the peace which is the reward for righteous living.

“My personal experience of living and interacting with people all over the world has caused me to be optimistic. I believe that light and truth will be preserved in our time. . . .

“But make no mistake: there are also people who are determined to both destroy faith and reject any religious influence in society. Other evil people exploit, manipulate, and tear down society with drugs, pornography, sexual exploitation, human trafficking, robbery and dishonest business [and legal] practices. . . .

“In a commencement address last year, Clayton Christensen, a Harvard professor and Church leader, shared the true account of a professional colleague from another country who had studied democracy. This friend was surprised at how critically important religion is to democracy. He pointed out that in societies where the citizens are taught from a young age to feel accountable to God for honesty and integrity, they will abide by rules and practices that, while unenforceable, promote democratic ideals. In societies where this is not true, there cannot be enough policemen to enforce honest behavior.

“Clearly, moral values with respect to honesty can play a significant role in establishing light and truth and improving society and should be valued by those who do not have faith. . . .

“He believed that education and government had to be morally based . . . .

“We should both participate ourselves and support people of character and integrity to help reestablish moral values that will bless the entire community.” (“Let There Be Light!”, Elder Quentin L. Cook, Ensign, November, 2010, pages 27-30).

Remember, this talk was given more than 2 years ago. Before our Presidential electioneering.

It was then time for “lights out” in our dorm. I slept. When I awoke, this morning, I went for a walk. As I walked, I ruminated on the events of yesterday–the election.

Then in my morning scripture study, I read Ether chapters 1-8. These chapters are full of wisdom. Here’s some:

“And the Lord would not suffer that they should stop beyond the sea in the wilderness, but that they should come forth even unto the Land of Promise, which was choice above all other lands, which the Lord God had preserved for a righteous people. And he had sworn in his wrath unto the brother of Jared, that whoso should possess this land of promise, from that time henceforth and forever, should serve him, the true and only God, or they should be swept off when the fulness of his wrath should come upon them. And now, we can behold the decrees of God concerning this land, that it is a land of promise; and that whatsoever nation shall possess it shall serve God, or they shall be swept off when the fulness of his wrath cometh upon them when they are ripened in iniquity. For behold this is a land which is choice above all other lands; wherefore he that doth possess it shall serve God or shall be swept off; for it is the everlasting decree of God. And it is not until the fulness of iniquity among the children of the land, that they are swept off . . . .

“Behold, this is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve THE GOD OF THIS LAND WHO IS JESUS CHRIST. . .” (Ether 2:7-10, 12, emphasis added).

My personal footnotes to those verses refer me to Helaman 13:14, which says: “But behold, it is for the righteous’ sake that it (Zarahemla) is spared. But behold, the time cometh, sayeth the Lord, that when ye shall cast out the righteous from among you, then shall ye be ripe for destruction; . . .”

And 3 Nephi 6:18: “Now they did not sin in ignorance, for they know the will of God concerning them, for it had been taught unto them; therefore they did wilfully rebel against God.” (They had the scriptures, they had the commandments.)

In his talk previously cited, Elder Cook refers to Mosiah 29:26-27: “Now it is not common that the voice of the people desireth anything contrary to that which is right; but it is common for the lesser part to desire that which is not right; therefore, this shall ye observe and make it your law–to do your business by the voice of the people. And if the time comes that the voice of the people doth choose iniquity, then is the time that the judgments of God will come upon you; yea, then is the time he will visit you with great destruction even as he has hitherto visited this land.”

In my lifetime I have never seen an election with such a clear choice between good and evil. We have the scriptures, we have the prophets, we have the commandments of God. Our choice this election was between two Presidential candidates with diametrically opposed positions or stands on so many issues. For example, the payment for and killing of unborn children; changing the centuries long standing definition of marriage from between one man and one woman, to include same sex couples [see the Proclamation on the Family]; burdening our children and grandchildren (not to mention us) with horrendous debt to keep ourselves in the lifestyle we’ve become accustomed to [everyone should have a home, whether they can afford it or not!]; defending the Defense of Marriage Act ( discontinued by our current President); apologizing for America–a land which is choice above all other lands (or not); and on and on– including most importantly recognizing that Jesus Christ is the God of this land.

The voice of the people has sounded. It seems that the people appear to be close to the time when we will be visited with great destruction.

I believe my living conditions here at camp are just a striking microcosm (Websters: noun, an individual or community thought of as a miniature world or universe) of our current United States of America. When left with a choice, the “voice” of the residents here would prefer to have the lights turned off. They want to chose darkness rather than light. Then others can’t see what they are hiding in the way of contraband or actions. They they are less ‘uncomfortable’. After all– “it is by the light of Christ that all mankind may know good from evil.”

Has the time come in our United States of America, a land which is choice above all other lands, that “the voice of the people doth choose iniquity?” Are we now more comfortable in darkness rather than light. Who is the servant of darkness?

However, I still have hope. We do get all the light on here in our housing unit once in a while. I know that for the righteous’ sake we have not yet been destroyed. Just the same, have you seen some warning signs–such as with the recent storm “Sandy?”

It’s interesting to me that I write this account at our semi-annual Conference weekend for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In His instructions to the multitude that listened to Him in the account in 3 Nephi, Christ understands that they have had about as much information as they are able to endure. In their current state they are not ready to receive more.

Isn’t that similar in some ways to what happens at General Conference? After 2 hours of inspired speeches, it’s almost as much as the listeners can assimilate. So we are given a break, and we go home (or in many cases we are already at home) and we ponder the things we have been taught.

“Behold, now it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words, he looked round about again on the multitude, and he said unto them: Behold my time is at hand. I perceive ye are weak, that ye cannot understand all my words which I am commanded of the Father to speak unto you at this time. Therefore, go ye unto your homes, and ponder the things which I have said, and ask of the Father, in my name, that ye may understand, and prepare your minds for the morrow, and I come unto you again.” (3 Nephi 17:1-3).

You aren’t yet strong enough to receive more. Go to your homes, rest a little bit. But ponder the things I have told you. Think about what you have heard at Conference. Ponder, think, meditate, review.

“Pondering, which means to weigh mentally, to deliberate, to meditate, can achieve the opening of the spirtual eyes of one’s understanding.” (Joseph B. Wirthlin, Ensign, May 1982, page 23).

According to Webster’s Dictionary, meditate means to contemplate and become absorbed in thought. I love that picture of becoming absorbed in thought. You are sitting there, thinking, and nothing else matters. You’re mind and spirit are absorbed like a sponge, sucking up those things you are considering.

Marion G. Romney of the First Presidency described the powers of pondering: “As I have read the scriptures, I have been challenged by the word ponder, so frequently used in the Book of Mormon. The dictionary says that ponder means to weigh mentally, think deeply about, deliberate, meditate . . . .

“Pondering is, in my feeling, a form of prayer. It has, at least, been an approach to the Spirit of the Lord on many occasions. Nephi tells us of one such occasion:

“‘For it came to pass’ he wrote, ‘after I had desired to know the things that my father had seen, and believing that the Lord was able to make them known unto me, as I sat PONDERING in mine heart I was caught away in the Spirit of the Lord, yea, into an exceeding high mountain. . . .’ (1 Nephi 11:1. Italics added.)

“Then follows Nephi’s account of the great vision he was given by the Spirit of the Lord, because he believed the words of his prophet father and had such a great desire to know more that he pondered and prayed about them.” (Ensign, July 1973, page 90).

As I have been reading and pondering the words of the Savior in 3 Nephi chapters 17-19, I have been struck forcefully by his message of Joy.

In 3 Nephi 17:20 after Christ had prayed to the Father on behalf of the gathered multitude, it states: “And they arose from the earth, and he said unto them: Blessed are ye because of your faith. And now behold, my JOY IS FULL.” (Emphasis added.)

Christ gives some words of instruction to his called disciples, and then speaks to the 3 who have chosen to be left on the earth “that they might bring the souls of men unto me, while the world shall stand. And for this cause ye shall have FULNESS OF JOY: and ye shall sit down in the kingdom of my Father. . . . (3 Nephi 28:9-10.)

What is it that gives Christ a fulness of joy? That the multitude has accepted through faith his atoning sacrifice. What will give the 3 Nephites a fulness of joy? That they will “bring the souls of men” unto Christ.

When I explore this concept a little further, I find some more beautiful and explanatory scriptures. Some that apply directly to you and to me–not just to the 3 Nephites.

Christ says: “Wherefore, fear not even unto death; for in this world your joy is not full, but in me your joy is full.” (D&C 101:36.)

We do not receive a fulness of joy in this world, but we can receive it in the next world on certain conditions set forth by Jesus Christ. A more complete description of this process to receive a fulness of joy, is given in D&C 93:26-37, which also explains the agency of man. (Actually you would be well served to review that whole section 93 in this regard.)

“The Spirit of truth is of God. I am the Spirit of truth, and John bore record of me, saying: He received a fulness of truth, yea, even of all truth; And no man receiveth a fulness unless he keepeth his commandments. He that keepeth his commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things.

“Man was also in the beginning with God. Intelligence, or the light of truth, was not created or made, neither indeed can be. All truth is independent in that sphere in which God has placed it, to act for itself, as all intelligence also; otherwise there is no existence. Behold, here is the agency of man, and here is the condemnation of man; because that which was from the beginning is plainly manifest unto them, and they receive not the light.

“And every man whose spirit receiveth not the light is under condemnation. For man is spirit. The elements are eternal, and spirit and element inseparably connected, receive a fulness of joy.
“And when separated, man cannot receive a fulness of joy. The elements are the tabernacle of God; yea, man is the tabernacle of God, even temples; and whatsoever temple is defiled, God shall destroy that temple.

“The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth. Light and truth forsake that evil one.”

The Apostle Peter gives us these wonderful and reassuring words: “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ; ” (1 Peter 1:3.)

Notice the reward which will be much more precious that gold. And those receiving this reward will be found praising and honoring the glory of God at the coming of Christ.

Nephi tells us who will inherit this great gift. “But, behold, the righteous, the saints of the Holy One of Israel, they who have believed in the Holy One of Israel, they who have endured the crosses of the world, and despised the shame of it, they shall inherit the kingdom of God, which was prepared for them from the foundation of the world, and THEIR JOY SHALL BE FULL FOREVER.” (2 Nephi 9:18, emphasis added.)

Joseph Smith, in a letter directed to the Church, which is now Doctrine and Covenants section 128, asks the Church members what do we hear in the gospel message. “Now, what do we hear in the gospel which we have received? A voice of gladness! A voice of mercy from heaven; and a voice of truth out of the earth; glad tidings for the dead; a voice of gladness for the living and the dead; glad tidings of great JOY.” (verse 19.)

What do you hear from the gospel message. When you were converted you sang a song of great joy. Do you still sing that song of redeeming love? (Alma 5:26.) An important part of that message is the announcement of the resurrection. “Their sleeping dust was to be restored unto its perfect frame, bone to his bone, and the sinews and the flesh upon them the spirit and the body to be untied never again to be divided, that they might receive a FULNESS OF JOY.” (D&C 138:17, emphasis added.)

Adam explained how this all came about, and it was because of his transgression. “And in that day Adam blessed God and was filled, and began to prophesy concerning all the families of the earth, saying : Blessed be the name of God, for because of my transgression my eyes are opened, and in this life I shall have joy and again in the flesh I shall see God. And Eve, his wife, heard all these things (the gospel message) and was glad, saying: Were it not for our transgression we never should have known good and evil, and the JOY of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient. And Adam and Eve blessed the name of God, and they made all things known unto their sons and their daughters.” (Moses 5:10-12.)

Alma adds: “Now was this not exceeding joy? Behold this is joy which none receiveth save the truly penitent and humble seeker of happiness.” (Alma 27:18.) Penitence means not only repentance, but also allowing Christ to succor you through His atoning sacrifice. You must repent and accept Christ to partake of this blessing and His fulness of joy.

Moroni’s explanation and invitation was my cousin, Ron Price’s favorite scripture: “Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God. And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot.” (and full of JOY!) Moroni 10:32-33.)

As Marion D. Hanks said: “To believe in God is to know that all the rules are fair, and there will be some wonderful surprises.” And I would add–there will also be a great FULNESS OF JOY!

We had a wonderful lesson today. How could it help being wonderful? I was about 3 Nephi 11, where the Lord comes to America (only it wasn’t yet America.). So many good messages!

I was touched by the whole lesson, but started out being touched by the words of our opening Hymn, “Where Can I go for Peace?” I was almost overcome, so much so that I thought rather than just tell you what Hymn we sang, I’d better even give you the words, so you can ruminate (you know, ponder and think about) upon them and their message.

“Where can I turn for peace?
Where is my solace
when other sources cease to make me whole?

When with a wounded heart,
anger or malice,
I draw myself apart,
Searching my soul?

Where, when my aching grows,
where when I anguish,
where in my need to know,
where can I run?

Where is the quiet hand
to calm my anguish?
Who, who can understand?
He, only One.

He answers privately,
Reaches my reaching
In my Gethsemane,
Savior and Friend.

Gentle the peace He finds
for my beseeching.
Constant He is and kind.
Love without end.”

I don’t think I have ever paid so much attention to those words as I did today.

Then when we talked about the lesson materials, we read several great quotes from Apostles and Prophets, and we read scriptures. But again, some of the words of scripture seemed to capture my imagination. Especially those first words that Christ said, and were captured by Nephi as His introduction to Himself. Those words seemed so important.

So again, I will quote them rather than hope you will look them up.

3 Ne. 11: 10– “Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testifies shall come into the world.”

He is not only telling us who he is, He’s telling us that he is the One that His prophets were telling us would come. And he did. We should listen to His prophets. They tell the truth. They all announced His coming. Now He is there among the saints in America.

Verse 11– “And Behold, I am the light and life of the world, and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning.”

We were referred to John, and especially the Joseph Smith translation, where it was announced that the Son is the Light and the Life of the world. In simple words, He is then everything. Without Him there would be no world. Without Him there would be no Light. There would be no us. He created the world. He brought, or gave light unto the world. His light is the Gospel.

The gospel is that He came, He lived, He took upon Himself all the sins of all mankind in that Garden of Gethsemane and fulfilled it upon the cross. He drank that bitter cup, without which we could not come back to the Father. He followed the Father’s plan to the letter. He did it all.

So imagine how overwhelming that was when the Father, Himself, appeared to the boy Joseph in the Sacred Grove, and personally announced to him, I am the Father, this is my Son, Jesus Christ, who is the light and life of the world. He has an important message for you, and all mankind, HEAR HIM!

And that’s what the Prophets are testifying to today. That He has come into the world to restore what was lost from His first visit. Listen to His Prophets. Then you can receive Him. He is the light and life of the world. He is the gospel. You cannot harden your hearts. You must receive Him, and His Prophets.

It was a real testimony building lesson. Mainly because of those words, as they hit my mind and heart today.

I hope you will have a wonderful Sunday. Think of the words of that Hymn. Maybe say them, or read them again to yourself as you partake of the Sacrament today. It will bring peace to your heart.

I think you will enjoy reading an article in the Conference Ensign when you get home. I just noticed this article again yesterday, and it has some profound words. I’ll quote a little for you here, but you will enjoy the whole article.

“As we seek answers from God, we feel the still, small voice whisper to our spirits. These feelings–these impressions–are so natural and so subtle that we may overlook them or attribute them to reason or intuition.”

Later, “Light and knowledge from heaven is sacred. It is sacred because heaven is its source.

“Sacred means worthy of veneration and respect. By designating something as sacred, the Lord signals that it is of higher value and priority than other things. Sacred things are to be treated with more care, given greater deference, and regarded with deeper reverence. Sacred ranks high in the hierarchy of heavenly values.

“That which is sacred to God becomes sacred to us only through the exercise of agency; each must choose to accept and hold sacred that which God has defined as sacred.

“. . .the choice to place the sacred above the secular is one of relative priority, not exclusivity; ‘to be learned is good IF [we] hearken unto the counsels of God (2 Nephi 9:29, emphasis added in his speech).

“Today the struggle continues. Secular voices are growing in volume and intensity.” (“To Hold Sacred,” by Elder Paul B. Pieper, of the Seventy, Ensign, May, 2012, page 109-111).

Steve wrote this just after his “ordeal” of being taken to the Florence prison to the Phoenix courthouse to testify, only to return without the need to testify. He was treated inhumanely and was put under extremely uncomfortable conditions for 6 days….. This was written the day after he was returned to camp…..

“God loves me, yes I know, ’cause the Bible tells me so!”

It may be a small thing, but you remember that I have been reading the Old Testament lately. While I was at CCA I was not able to have a Bible to read. So when I returned and began reading again, I “began to be astonished,” as Nephi says. I began where I had left off. When I started reading, imagine my delight when I was reading in 2 Kings about our prophet, Elijah. How after he had that test with the prophets of BAal, but Jezebel wasn’t convinced even by the failure of Baal, and the success of Elijah in having the alter “licked up.”

Then he went to hide and sat under the juniper tree asking the Lord to take him because he was a failure. (Don’t stay too long under the juniper tree.) Instead the Lord fed him extra so he could take the long journey up to the mountain to hear the words of the Lord. The voice was not in the fire, but was a still, small voice. I know you will recall that whole story, and how we met with Jack Marshall at our last Education Week together, and rode with him to his classes. One of which was about Elijah. I made notes and you sent them to me here–all about tribulation. I’ll have to get them out and read them again. But I thought this was a remarkable timing in the reading of the Old Testament.

But then, I read on, and came to some more meaningful (to me) verses. In 2 Kings 6:22, it says: “And he answered them, thou shalt not smite them; wouldest thou smite those WHOM THOU HAST TAKEN CAPTIVE with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master.” In other words, be kind to those you have imprisoned!

The footnote to that verse refers to Romans 12:20–”Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirsts, give him drink; for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.” BUT THEN THE NEXT VERSE says: “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” !!! ( it seems to say to me that those who do not treat their prisoners well, will have their own heads heaped upon with coals of fire! If that’s really the case, our prison system, and those who administer it, will be in heaps of trouble and coals some day.)

AND verse 12 in that chapter of Romans, which I just had to notice in the reading of these verses, says: “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.” Whoa, which has it’s own footnote referring to D&C 24:8, and 31:9.

“Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many (thanks alot); but endure them, for, lo, I AM WITH THEE, even to the end of thy days.” and “Be patient in afflictions (do you see a recurring theme here?) , revile not against those that revile. Govern your house in meekness, and be steadfast.”

It was amazing to me that the Lord had me read the Old Testament, and had me start at a time when I would be at that place when I returned from CCA to read about Elijah, and then those messages about being patient in afflictions, and not to revile against your accusers or even the guards. It was all just too much of a coincidence. That’s why I had to share this with you in this email message. I hope you can get the meaning of it, and follow along with the line of verses and their messages. It seemed to speak volumes to me right at this time!!!

So I’ll be patient in my afflictions, seek to overcome evil with good, govern my house with meekness, and remember that the Lord is with me. That’s quite a lot in one morning’s scripture study, don’t you think?

Love with patience,
Steve

See, you can always learn something. In reading that book “The Murder of Christ,” my information about the violation of the Hebrew laws as outlined in my book “The Illegal Trial of Christ” is again verified. They are put forth in a little different manner as you would expect, and not altogether in a list format. It’s interesting and is based on scriptures.

One thing jumped out at me that I’d never noticed before. I had to go back to my scriptures and re-read those verses. Remember that Christ was convicted by the Sanhedrin of blasphemy. Then some of the members of the court would strike Christ and taunt him, saying tell us who it is that struck you. Then Luke adds: “And many other things blasphemously spake they against him.” (Luke 22:65)

So they convict Christ of blasphemy–the only Man who could not be guilty of blasphemy–by an unjust verdict, then they strike him. And then they speak all manner of other blasphemous words against him. So they incorrectly convict him of a crime which he couldn’t commit, and they turn around and commit the very crime they accuse him of. How ironic is that? And I never focused on that in my teaching. Maybe I will now.

Hey, come to think of it, I was found to have, and forced to admit to the crime of conspiracy against the federal government. But in reality isn’t that what happened to me. The government conspired against me to find me guilty of the crime which they committed against me. They conspired to put me away for a crime never committed!!!

How do you like them apples??? (Here insert the music from “The Twilight Zone!”) Just though you’d be interested.

Steve

Here is the scripture that we, or I, wanted us to read together yesterday. Just as I thought, it is in the Book of Revelation. I don’t remember why we were talking about this, what caused it to come up, or the context, but it’s still very interesting. You and I have read this together on several occasions before. Rev. 3:20–”Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” (Sup is not in the topical guide!)

Then you have to go to John 14:23–”Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and WE will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” (Emphasis added.) When Joseph Smith was asked about this verse, he gave this following revelation: D&C 130:3–”John 14:23–the appearing of the Father and the Son, in that verse, is a personal appearance; and the idea that the Father and the Son dwell in a man’s heart is an old sectarian notion, and is false.”

We just need to hear His voice and open the door for our own personal appearance. So listen up!