HIS GREATNESS

 

I contemplated the Saviour’s greatness upon awakening today and the scriptures I have loved and admired came into my mind like Joseph’s admiration and praise of ‘King Immanuel’ which has many times brought me down to my knees:

“Let the mountains shout for joy and all ye valleys cry aloud; and all ye seas and dry lands tell the wonders of your Eternal King! And ye rivers, and brooks, and rills, flow down with gladness. Let the woods and all the trees of the field praise the Lord; and ye solid rocks weep for joy!

“And let the sun, moon and the morning stars sing together and let all the sons of God shout for joy! And let the eternal creations declare his name forever and ever. And again I say, how glorious is the voice we hear from heaven, proclaiming in our ears, glory and salvation, and honour, and immortality and eternal life, kingdoms, principalities and powers!”   (D&C 128:23)

I also remembered how His greatness and His power will be manifest when He returns:

“O Lord, thou shalt come down to make thy name known to thine adversaries, and all nations shall tremble at thy presence – Yea when thou comest down and the mountains flow down at thy presence….And so great shall be the glory of your presence that the sun shall hide his face in shame, and the moon shall withhold its light, and the stars shall be hurled from their places.”  (D&C 133:40-53)

All that immense, immense, power yet nothing compares to His love, His compassion and His mercy. When he comes we shall acknowledge his loving kindness, his love and his pity on those he has redeemed…….if we follow Him that we might know Him and be recipients of such now…..

My desire to bring Thee honour

My desire to bring Thee joy

Shall forever through my faith in Thee

With devotion be known.

 

In the depths of my heart You bid me follow

My love freely flows from me,

My offering so small but faithful

With honour I give to Thee.

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: The Everlasting God by Spencer Rasmussen)

PURPOSE

 

Over the years I have had revelations that had given me clarity about my life’s difficulties but this morning I was given such clear understanding that it made me reflect on our purpose here at a deeper level.

I am beginning to see that salvation is not an individual responsibility but a collective effort to save the human family. We are not single entities but links in a chain that binds us together in the Plan of Salvation. Some of us might never survive without the efforts of those around us.

And here is an important component of this principle. We cannot strengthen others without having had experience in difficulties ourselves which give us compassion, empathy and wisdom. Alma is a great example of this. Alma became the single greatest missionary in the ancient Americas who baptised ‘thousands of souls’ (Alma 4:4,5)

He could never have obtained his zeal for relentless missionary service had he not faced the jaws of hell during his 3 days of repentance (Alma 36:6-24; 43:1). His amazing sorrowing for people was born walking through the fire of his own experience with sin ((Alma 7:5; 8:10,14; 31:1,2,30,31; 35:15).

One of the greatest lessons I learnt from the Old Testament is about being a link in the chain. As ancient Israel conquered cities before them, lands were appropriated to them for their settlement. Among the first to receive land were the tribes of Reuben, Gad and half of Mannesah. They settled in the land of Gilead which divided them from the rest of Israel by the river Jordan (Numbers 34:14,15; Deuteronomy 3:12,13; Joshua 22:9).

After they had assisted in further conquest of the land, Joshua sent them back to Gilead to live peacefully in their newly appointed inheritance. Upon their return home, these tribes built an altar by the river Jordan. When the rest of Israel heard of it they were outraged presuming the altar was built for idol worship.

These three tribes had to defend themselves by explaining the altar was built to be "a witness between us that the Lord is God" (Joshua 22:34) and that even though they were geographically divided from the rest, they were still a link in the chain. They knew that if they turned to the worship of other gods, the ripple effect would be detrimental to the spiritual salvation of the whole House of Israel.

My greatest lesson in all this is my belief that the difficulties we go through are not just for our benefit but for a human being we might have the ability to save. We are the under-shepherds and saviours on mount Zion following in the footsteps of the greatest healer who did the same by taking upon himself our infirmities that His bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh that He might know how to give relief and aid to the human family in their suffering (Alma 7:12).

I am just now beginning to understand the willingness of Him who embraced pain for our sake…..

Next time you are suffering through something, know there might be a greater purpose….

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: Knock and Ye Shall Receive by LDS Art)

REMEMBER

I was reminded today by a beloved friend that some days we need to rely on remembering our special moments because it is all we have. It is the days we feel unloved, forsaken, directionless, and alone in our suffering. My special moments are my glimpses into heaven. They keep me going when I wonder, despite all my knowledge and testimony, is all this worth it….

It would seem that heaven thinks remembering is the way to go too because I don’t think there is a more significant word in the Book of Mormon that is repeated more often than the word ‘remember’. It was an important concept amongst the ancient Israel who used festivals, harvests and commemoration days for this purpose.

King Benjamin spoke of ‘remembering’ 15 times in his speech to his sons and to the people gathered to hear him (Mosiah 1:3,4,6,7,17; 2:40 twice, 41 twice; 4:11,28,30; 5:11,12; 6:3).  Alma used the verb ‘remember’ 6 times in speaking to his sons (Alma 37:13,14,32,35; 42:11). Helaman used it 11 times in speaking to his sons in Helaman 5. The legacy of remembrance passed on from Alma to Helaman was so strong that Helaman named his sons Nephi and Lehi for this very purpose (Helaman 5:6).

Perhaps the greatest example of the importance of this word comes from Alma and this is why. As he lay unconscious he ‘remembered’ his father’s prophecy concerning the coming of Jesus Christ and when he pleaded with Christ to have mercy on him, he could not ‘remember’ his pains anymore (Alma 36:17, 19). Remembering brought Alma to Christ.

When we pass on from this life, we hope we will be remembered for ‘something’. None of us want to be forgotten. Nephi is remembered for his obedience, Alma for his repentance, Helaman for his strategic warfare, Captain Moroni for his passionate patriotism, Mormon for his discipleship, Moroni for his endurance, but one thing they all have in common…….they remembered Christ, always….in all their endeavours.

I don’t want accolades at my funeral. I am hoping that people will ‘remember’ what I have taught them about the Saviour and that they will talk of Him. My fear is that I would be remembered for not enduring to the end. I know remembrance of my glimpses into heaven are crucial for my endurance.

The Saviour died over 2,000 years ago and He is still remembered by many but many are also trying to forget Him. He, however, will never forget us…..because….He has graven us upon  the palms of His hands  and He has worn the crown of thorns on His head (Isaiah 49:16; John 19:2). In the words of a dear friend Bonnie Lake Bloomfield:

 

I don’t know how the sun remembers to rise,

Or how the stars remember their places.

I don’t know how the flowers remember to bloom,

Or how in spring the leaves fill their spaces.

It’s enough for me to know who created it,

And I’ll never be the same;

Because I know I have a God who loves me

And a King, who remembers my name.

 

My King, who remembers my name;

A mighty King, who remembers my name!

He is the Lord of all creation,

And yet, my King remembers my name.

I’m a small creature compared to His greatness;

I’m only one and the same,

But I’ll always be His, and He will be mine –

A King, who remembers my name!

 

I look at the world today with people

Rushing about without thinking of why;

Why we’re all here, and what is life about

And where we all go when we die.

But I know, and I’ll ever be thankful

That I know from whence I came.

I’ll go home to heaven once more,

To my King, who remembers my name.

 

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: Crown of Thorns by Mindi Oaten)

 

AS PURE AS HE IS PURE

 

I have of late been studying about the nature of God which has led me to deeper understanding of the principle of sanctification. It came through doctrinal study and a personal lesson.

“Joseph Smith, along with Oliver Cowdery, saw God and declared, “his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun” (D&C 110:3). In January 1836 Joseph Smith and others saw “the celestial kingdom of God and the glory thereof…the transcendent beauty of the gate….like unto circling flames of fire; also the blazing throne of God, whereon was seated the Father and the Son.” (“History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints” edited by B.H. Roberts, 2:380)

These accounts, along with others such as Moses’ encounter with God in the Pearl of Great Price (Moses 1), help us to understand that the Father is an exalted being made entirely of light of truth (see also D&C 50:24). Because of this ‘no unclean thing can enter into the kingdom of God’ (1 Nephi 15:34). We cannot live with God in Celestial Kingdom if we are not sanctified.

Firstly, because God cannot abide the least degree of darkness. Light and darkness cannot co-exist. Hence the need for sanctification which purges all darkness from us due to our fallen state and sinful nature.

Secondly, because God is pure and His light is brighter than the sun, it would consume anything that is not pure in His presence. It consumes every corruption, the same as the light of Christ will consume all corruptible beings when He returns to earth (Malachi 4:1-3; 2 Thessalonians 2:8; D&C 5:19; 29:9; 63:34; 133:4-49)

Sanctification comes in two stages. The first stage happens in this life and is very much connected to remission of sins (D&C 43:11). Repentance is cessation of sin while sanctification is purging of its resultant darkness. It’s only a remission because we are still exposed to temptations of this life and are liable to sin again (D&C 43:11; see also Daniel H. Ludlow, “A Companion to Your Study of the Book of Mormon, 2:248-49)

The second stage happens following judgment which will be permanent and will afford exaltation to those who are deemed worthy. Both stages of sanctification are exacted through the power of the Holy Ghost.

In one of my recent posts I wrote how I have in recent years come to form a connection with each member of the Godhead separately. This has afforded me immense closeness with the Father like I had not known before. This closeness, however, developed something in me I didn’t expect, a fear that I might be spiritually lost one day.

I couldn’t understand this for a long time. I had never had this fear before. Recent clarity, however, helped me see that once I had revived in my heart the closeness I once had with the Father, I started to fear that I would miss out on this for all eternity if I didn’t make it. As I could plainly see this reason, I was given confirmation that the Father acknowledges our bond and the fear I had lost its power.

I know my need and desire for sanctification will be honoured one day when I stand before God to be judged of all the offences I have committed against Him, no matter how small or great. Every bit of darkness will be expunged from my soul and forgiveness through the grace of the Son will make me pure as He is pure so that I can be numbered in The Book of the Names of the Sanctified and be in Father’s presence forever (D&C 35:21; 88:2; Malachi 3:16). My gratitude knows no bounds.

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: Father by FluxPro.art)

A CLEAR VIEW

 

My greatest point of gratitude as a member of the Church is my access to the true doctrine and in turn, the ultimate truth. I don’t know of any other Church that has the amount of scripture that we do. I am surprised though that not everyone in the Church takes advantage of this.

We have The Book of Mormon, The Bible, Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price to correlate between to get a clear view of the doctrine of Christ and in turn the mysteries of His kingdom.

I love the Bible because it speaks to my Israelite roots. Having been raised in Croatia, I relate to the pastoral way of life. I know what harvests are and what seasonal festivals are and what shepherds are. And I understand many spiritual truths that were taught by the Saviour using the metaphors that related to the agrarian way of life.

My favourite book of scripture is the Old Testament. I love history and historically and spiritually speaking, it covers amazing events and people. Most importantly, it is the root of the covenant that we as the House of Israel live by. It is the place I go to meet father Abraham for an example of righteousness and devotion to Jehovah.

The New Testament is to me the most spiritually charged book of scripture because it is about Christ and His mortal life and His supreme sacrifice.

I understand the importance of the Book of Mormon as the second witness of Jesus Christ and I understand why the members of the Church read this book the most. It is so much easier to understand than the challenging texts of the Bible. I love the way it clarifies a lot of Christ’s doctrine.

I say the Bible texts are challenging because as Joseph said, “certain errors had crept into the Bible through ignorant translators, careless transcribers, or designing and corrupt priests” (Joseph Smith Teachings, p 327). Joseph understood this so well that he invested himself into correcting, under inspiration, a lot of incorrect translations contained therein. There is a scripture, in my opinion, that is primarily the reason he saw fit to do this.

In 2 Timothy 3:16 we read: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” Joseph corrected this scripture to read: “And all scripture given by inspiration of God……” (JST 2 Timothy 3:16a). A huge difference in just one simple word such as ‘is’.  Such a subtle correction but it completely alters the meaning and proves Joseph’s theory. I revel in studying the Bible and finding new gems such as this.

And this might blow your socks off. Joseph also said that the book of Revelation is ‘one of the plainest books God ever caused to be written’ (in “History of the Church”, 5:342). There is only one explanation for this belief which comes from Bruce R. McConkie:

“…only those enlightened by the power of the Holy Ghost gain the full meaning and intent of the written word, for scripture is both given and understood by the same holy power, the power that comes from the Lord through his Spirit.” (“Mortal Messiah 2”, 267-8). This is the ultimate way of being taught.

The second is the prophets. If we truly believe that Joseph Smith was the prophet of this dispensation, we will retreat to his translation of the Bible more often for greater understanding. And Doctrine and Covenants testifies that he was…..

The Saviour would have us know and understand His doctrine of salvation. His word is not an important word, His word is the ONLY word….

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: The Master Blueprint by Mindi Oaten)

INEXPRESSIBLE JOY

 

My patriarchal blessing tells me that my voice was heard singing praises to our Heavenly Father ‘when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy’ as we rejoiced about the Plan of Salvation.

I have often wondered what it was that I was singing. Does ‘praises’ mean my individual expression of gratitude or does it mean a set song that we all learnt and sang in unison? The fact that the Lord told Job that we sang together would mean it was a set song (Job 38:7). There is another indication that this might be correct.

We are told in Doctrine and Covenants that the righteous will be gathered out from among all nations and come to New Jerusalem singing songs of everlasting joy at the onset of the Millenium (D&C 45:66-71). In particular, we are told we shall sing a NEW song indicating that it will supposedly supersede the OLD song we sang in pre-earth life (D&C 84:98-102).

Whereas the old song we sang heralded our joy of journey’s beginning made possible by Christ our Redeemer, the New Song will shout our grateful praise to Him who has fulfilled all promises made to us so long ago.

This song will be so powerful and edifying that ‘no music has yet been produced that will compare with the music for this song’ (Smith, “Church History and Modern Revelation, 1:345; Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual p 185). Here are some of the words of vs 98-102:

“The Lord hath brought again Zion;

The Lord hath redeemed his people, Israel,

According to the election of grace,

Which was brought to pass by the faith

And covenant of their fathers.

The Lord hath redeemed his people;

And Satan is bound and time is no longer.

The Lord hath gathered all things in one.

The Lord hath brought up Zion from above.

The Lord hath brought up Zion from beneath.

For he stands in the midst of his people.

Glory, and honour and power, and might,

Be ascribed to our God, for he is full of mercy,

Justice, grace and truth, and peace,

Forever and ever, Amen.

We who will have begged the Saviour to come and had waited anxiously for His return will sing praises to His name with inexpressible joy. We will rejoice that we are at the threshold of the Millenial era of peace where our God and our King will reign in our midst with righteousness, peace and glory. Get ready…..

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: Second Coming by Jechoon Choi)

GOOD ENOUGH

 

Some twenty years ago a close friend of mine died in her sleep at age 45. She was a convert and a returned missionary like me. Soon after her death I was speaking to her mother who told me she was reading her daughter’s journals and what she learnt brought great sadness to her. She said my friend always felt that she was ‘not good enough for the Lord’. It saddened me greatly because my friend’s mother was left with the impression that the Church made her daughter feel she was never good enough. Not a good impression for a non-member.

I read something significant yesterday which made me think of my friend and I hoped that her time in the spirit world has taught her this: “We are looked upon by God as though we were in eternity. God dwells in eternity, and does not view things as we do.” (“Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith”, p 356)

This has brought amazing peace to my soul because despite everything I have endured and sacrificed in this life to remain faithful to God, I still fall into that trap of feeling not good enough when in reality my efforts and not my level of perfection, make me good enough for the sanctifying grace of Jesus Christ that will wipe away all my mortal foibles and inadequacies. I am good enough for His saving grace. I hope my friend understands this now.

I am comforted knowing that God sees the eternal me when he looks at me in this weakened state of mortality, that He remembers me from before and who I will become in the end. This moment in time is almost insignificant in and of itself compared to that. It reminds me of that scripture: “My thoughts are not your thoughts and neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord” (Isaiah 55:8).

We tend to look at everything from the earthly perspective while the Lord looks at it from the eternal one. He focuses on our worth which is eternal. The earthly existence is finite and therefore all we glean here is fleeting and not of real substance.

There is one way, however, we are not good enough. We are not good enough without the Saviour Jesus Christ. He alone can add the missing cubit to our eternal perfection and this is how: “All sin and every transgression, except one, that man can be guilty of, may be forgiven; and there is a salvation for all men, either in this world or the world to come, who have not committed the unpardonable sin, there being a provision either in this world or the world of spirits.”  (“Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith”, p 356)

This to me means more than forgiveness for sin. It means that all of my earthly self that was at one time unacceptable to God will be wiped away: my lack of dignity, my blatant stupidity, my frivolity, my arrogance, my stubbornness, my every trespass, every transgression, every embarrassment, will one day be wiped away through the atoning power of the Saviour Jesus Christ who will make me whole and pure and bright as the rays of the sun if I have godly sorrow in my heart and my efforts at repentance yield fruit of my utmost capacity but even then, the credit will always be His and not mine.

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: He Lifts Me Up by Danny Hahlbohm)