Humility and Confidence

Jesus was an enemy of pride.  He was frequently approached by scribes and Pharisees who wanted to assert their superiority by trying to point out flaws in Jesus or his disciples.  They were concerned about unwashed hands (Matthew 15:2) and Sabbath day rules adherence (Matthew 12:10), but only because they sought to elevate themselves above the followers of Christ.  Jesus warned about this behavior by giving this parable:

"When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him; And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room. But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." (Luke 14:8-11, emphasis added)

Their are numerous examples of people who believed that they were better than they were being put down.  Pharaoh, the King of Egypt, believed that he was entitled to the service of the Hebrew children, even after enduring great plagues.  Only his complete defeat in the depths of the Red Sea stopped him. (Exodus 14)  Saul believed he did not need to wait for Samuel to administer in priestly ordinances. (1 Samuel 13)  Haman believed that the king wanted to bestow honors upon him rather than Mordecai, and ultimately found himself hanging on the gallows he had prepared for the man he hated. (Esther 6-7)

As much as God despises a proud heart (Proverbs 6:16-17), he is not desirous that his children be depressed or that they hate themselves or that they fail to believe they can be successful.  Consider the story of Jonah.  His disbelief that he could succeed in preaching the word of the Lord to the people of Nineveh led him to try to escape from God by boarding a ship to Tarshish. (Jonah 1:3)  Even after being humbled in the belly of a big fish for three days, he did not believe that his preaching would be successful, and when they repented, he became angry. (Jonah 4:1-3)  Though he had been humbled to the point that he recognized the power of God, he prayed for his own death.  His self-loathing was answered by God with a lesson.  The Lord explained that he had never wanted to destroy Nineveh, but that the people there were valuable to him.

Here is the dilemma with which many people struggle.  On the one hand, people are reminded that they are nothing next to God.  Consider the teachings of King Benjamin:

"And now I ask, can ye say aught of yourselves? I answer you, Nay. Ye cannot say that ye are even as much as the dust of the earth; yet ye were created of the dust of the earth; but behold, it belongeth to him who created you." (Mosiah 2:25)

On the other hand, people are reminded that they are loved and valued by God.  Consider the teaching of Paul:

"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:37-39)

In one case, we are asked not to glory in ourselves, and in the other case, we are reminded that we are the work and glory of God.  It can seem as though God is simultaneously saying "you're worthless" and "you're priceless."

Is it possible to be humble, and to be confident?  Is it possible to show faith and courage without developing pride?

One of the best examples of this very thing can be found in Gideon.  He was called by God a "mighty man of valor" (Judges 6:12), but he described himself as being poor, and the least of his father's house.  Notwithstanding his reservations, he acted with courage as the Lord directed him to destroy the altar of Baal.  Though there were some who sought his life, the Lord protected him.

Gideon did not presume to think that he was infallible, even after being called by God, he wanted to ensure that he was doing the will of God.  He prayed and asked the Lord to confirm that he was doing his will by two signs involving fleece and morning dew.  One night, the fleece of wool was soaked with moisture and the land was dry, and the next night, the fleece was dry and the land was wet, just as he asked.

While seeking signs is typically a sign of wickedness and faithlessness (Matthew 12:39), Gideon was not demanding that God prove himself, he was seeking to know that he was following God.  This is the type of request to which James referred when he said "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him." (James 1:5)

Humility can be demonstrated by seeking God's guidance through prayer.  A humble person is one who recognizes the value of omniscience above their own wisdom.

Ultimately, Gideon's most famous victory came when he whittled his army down to 300 men, sending home any who were afraid, and then those who did not lap water as they drank like animals. (Judges 7:4-7)  These three hundred men spread themselves in the camp of the Midianites, and then cried out "The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon!" (Judges 7:19-23)  The enemies of Israel slew one another in the confusion, and Gideon prevailed.

Sneaking into an enemy camp is certainly not a plan for the faint of heart.  Had they been discovered too soon, the Midianites would have slaughtered them.  Even executing the plan correctly, they ran the risk that the Midianites would be disciplined enough to recognize friend from foe.  The most important element of these 300 men was their faith that God would deliver them.

Humility can be demonstrated by faithful obedience to his counsel.  This does not mean cowering or doubting, but rather, it means acting with confidence that God is able to protect and aid those who follow him.

There are certainly times in which good people are not protected.  Innocents are hurt.  Prophets have been mocked and thrown out.  Jesus Christ himself was betrayed and murdered.  In the end though, God will prevail.

This truth does not mean it is a good idea to go to others and assert superiority to them.  It does not mean that one person's struggles make them inferior to those who seem not to have struggles.  The idea is that everyone needs God.  In spite of the miraculous victory of Gideon, after his death, the people returned to idolatry, and the protection of the Lord was withdrawn, and many died in a power struggle. (Judges 9)  Those who set themselves up above others were put down.

Confidence is not the same as pride.  It is possible to have confidence in the Lord, and in the words of his prophets and apostles without asserting superiority over others.  Just as it was with Gideon, strength does not come from comparing oneself with others, it comes from ensuring that a person is doing the will of God, and then being confident that God will make everything right.  That is the "sword of the Lord, and of Gideon!"... it is that those who exalt themselves shall be abased, and those who humble themselves shall be exalted.

Would God that all the Lord's people were prophets...

In the Book of Numbers, two men named Eldad and Medad prophesied in the camp of the Israelites.  Certainly usurping authority was a serious offense, and Joshua was concerned about these men prophesying.  Moses replied saying:

"Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!"  (Numbers 11:29)

The response is profound considering some of the things that also occurred during Moses's leadership.  Korah seemed to use this same idea to justify his own usurpation:

"Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the Lord?" (Numbers 16:3)

The result of Korah's desire to assert his authority was the earth opening up and swallowing him and his followers.  (Numbers 16:31-33)

Additionally, Moses's sister Miriam used a similar idea to reprove Moses:

"Hath the Lord indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us?" (Numbers 12:2)

The result of this reprimand was that Miriam became leprous for seven days and had to wait outside the camp.

These events seem to portray a discrepancy.  In one case, the ability of others to prophesy and that they had the ability to receive counsel and instruction directly from the Lord was affirmed.  In the others, the ability of individuals to receive counsel directly from the Lord was met with swift and severe punishment.

A similar discrepancy is seen in the New Testament as well.  In Matthew 12:30, Jesus says "He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad."  In Luke 9:49-50, it reads "And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us."

On the one hand, God desires people to communicate with him directly.  On the other hand, people who claim that God communicates them may be severely punished.  In one case, if we are not with Christ, we are against him.  In another case, those that are not against Christ are for him.  What is right?

Ultimately, God does seek to communicate with individuals.  As James said, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." (James 1:5)  Jesus also affirmed that "For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" (Matthew 7:8-11)

On the other hand, a person ought not believe that the ability to communicate with God negates the need for prophetic guidance.  Moses was given an assignment of leadership by God, and no ability to prophesy or to communicate with heaven negated the importance of what God gave to Moses.  He said this to Miriam and Aaron after they reprimanded Moses:

"If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the Lord shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?" (Numbers 12:6-8)

In New Testament times, God gave similar leadership assignments to his Apostles, and he expected people within his kingdom to give them respect in their office.  Jesus gave this instruction to his apostles:

"And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city." (Matthew 10:14-15)

Additionally, when people attempted to deceive them under the guise of well doing, it ended no better for them than those who had fought against Moses in the Old Testament.  Consider the story of Ananias and Sapphira. (Acts 5:1-11)

The lesson is clear.  Seeking individual communication with the Lord is good.  He seeks to bless and help his children.  He does not intend for people to take their personal feelings or motivations and go separate paths however.  One of the most important communications that a person can obtain from God is to recognize his authorized servants.  Jesus said to his chosen Apostles:

"He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward." (Matthew 10:40-41)

Perhaps this was the unspoken sentiment of Moses when he answered Joshua the son of Nun:

"Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!"  (Numbers 11:29)

Making all the people prophets does not remove the authority or assignments that God gives to his messengers... it helps people able to recognize them.  Prophecy is the ability to see the truth of things as they were, as they are, and as they are to come.  In this sense, the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. (Revelation 19:10)

Would God that all people had the power to see the Apostles and Prophets for who they are... servants of the living Christ.

Remember the Sabbath Day to Keep it Holy

When Moses ascended mount Horeb and spoke with God, he received many instructions, but the most famous guidance was in the form of the ten commandments.  (Exodus 20)

The ten commandments have been honored as a basis for western law and morality for centuries, however, in more recent years, there have been a number of conflicts regarding their value.  Litigation from organizations such as the ACLU has forced some communities to remove monuments, plaques, or other depictions of this.  Of course, even the most secular individuals typically do not take issue with sentiments about avoiding murder and theft.  The issues are mainly with the commandments that direct people to worship God.

One of these commandments that is frequently used to show that the ten commandments are no longer used as a basis for western society... that is the fourth commandment: "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy." (Exodus 20:8)

Certainly there is some merit to this argument.  I recall hearing a saying with some truth: "our grandfathers called it the Holy Sabbath... our fathers called it the Sabbath... our parents called it Sunday... we call it the weekend." (unknown)

Even in the most religious counties in Utah, the state where church attendance is reported to be highest, the parking lots of shopping centers and stores are filled with vehicles.  Of course, there is an understanding for the need of police, fire, and medical emergency services to be available on Sundays, and there are occasions when it is necessary to travel and use other services, much of the activity that is performed on Sunday could be handled on other days, but is not.  This provides strong evidence that at least some of the Ten Commandments no longer provide the foundation for American ethics... and if people can pick and choose which commandments are applicable, then they are not really commandments at all... As Barbosa said in Pirates of the Caribbean, "the code is more what you'd call "guidelines" than actual rules."

What benefit is there from spending a day "resting" or avoiding productivity every single week anyway?

God frequently offered as explanation for this commandment the events surrounding the creation of the world: "For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it." (Exodus 20:11)

This idea is certainly something that modern society seems to have mostly abandoned.  Because of evidence including carbon dating, fossils, and sediment analysis, the idea that God created the earth in six days is not discussed nearly as often as it used to be, even among religious individuals.  The consequence of this (intended or not) is that the seventh day (after the creation) is also frequently ignored.

The lack of this discussion is unfortunate.  Because God has all power, and cannot become exhausted or wearied from his works, the idea of him taking rest is significant.  Why would an all-powerful being rest?

He had all knowledge, and was not waiting to observe something unexpected.  He had the ability to travel to any place, and was not exploring something new.  He certainly had the power to move on to other tasks.  Why not do so?

Perhaps the answer lies back in the account in Genesis.  After each day of creation, God took note that the things he directed were "so" and in many cases that they were "good."  At the end of the creation, he noted that it was all "very good."  These observances did not bring new information to him, he knew exactly what would happen.  Still, he paused to observe and appreciate these creations.

The key here is that God found value in observing and appreciating what was there.  This act surely brought value to him, or else he would not have done it.  Perhaps this is a key to understanding the commandment to remember the Sabbath Day.

There is value is stopping and simply appreciating what is there.  Taking time to reflect on whether our productivity is "very good" or whether it needs improvement is also worthwhile.  Additionally, God is asking us to do things as he did them... the Sabbath Day is in a general sense, an invitation to be like he is (Matthew 5:48).

Voices in society who would ignore the importance of this observation dismiss an opportunity to be more divine.  No wonder God gave this counsel to Moses on Horeb: "remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy."



As a final though, Dennis Prager offered additional (and worthwhile) insights on the Sabbath Day, and the dignity that it gives to people.  I highly recommend watching his short video here.

(Not Professional) Wrestling with God

After his mother had helped him impersonate his brother Esau, Jacob had received a great blessing from his father Isaac.  Anticipating the fury of Esau, Jacob followed the instructions of his parents to flee to the land of Padan-aram.  In his flight, he stopped at a place where he had a vision from the Lord.  He promised that if the Lord would help him to eventually return to his father's house in peace, that he would serve the Lord faithfully. (Genesis 28:20-21)

The Lord did indeed prosper Jacob, and when he departed from the house of his Father-in-law Laban, he was a wealthy man with servants, flocks, herds, and a large family.  Notwithstanding the blessings that he had received, he was afraid that Esau would kill him and his family.  He had prepared numerous gifts, and also divided his procession so that some of his family would be spared if the worst should happen.

After making his initial preparations, a very unusual event is described:

"And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there. And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved." (Genesis 32:24-30)

Initially, the account states that he wrestled with a man.  At the end of the passage, he says that he has seen God face to face.  One of the most fundamental aspects of this wrestling match is that it somehow involved communion with God.

Additionally, Jacob said that he would not let the man go unless he received a blessing by him.  Obviously, Jacob would not have done this with just a stranger.  He knew that this individual had power to help him.  But if he recognized the man as an agent of God, then why attempt to wrestle?  Why make demands?  Should he not have bowed himself down and obeyed?  Was not this the righteousness with which Abraham was credited when he would not withhold Isaac from sacrifice?  Why the wrestling match?

The words of Jesus provide clarity on the subject in the form of this parable:

"And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me." (Luke 18:1-5)

The idea of the parable of the unjust judge is that God hears the persistent cries of his children.  This is something to which many people can relate.  A child might go through a phase where they desire something, but by the next week, the thing is forgotten and they have moved onto other things.  Even for adults trying to make better financial decisions, it is common to hear counsel to wait on purchasing decisions to avoid impulse buying.

Ultimately, what seems to be a confusing story in the old testament with wrestling matches is actually guidance for understanding the question "why isn't God answering my prayer?"

Certainly specific requests demonstrate a level of thought about a given request or issue, but remembering it every day, or multiple times each day, represents a completely new level of sincerity.  Given enough time, if it is still important, and if an asker still believes that God can answer their prayer, a person can demonstrate they are not wanting God to fulfill their whims.  They are seeking something more earnestly.

Although theses are not the only requirements that accompany receiving answers to prayer, it is clear that it made a difference for Jacob.  When he finally met his brother Esau, they embraced one another and wept.  The promises of God had been fulfilled, and there was peace between Jacob and Esau.

Sincerity, diligence, and faith go a long way to helping prayers ascend to God.

Divine Intervention

I have known several people who lose their faith in God because of the lack of divine intervention when catastrophes strike.  It does not seem unfair, if God is all-knowing and all powerful, to ask why he does not intervene when a terrorist activates a bomb, opens fire on a public building, or guns down innocent people at a school.  If murder is such a serious sin, why not prevent it?  If human life, especially that of innocent children, is so precious, why not protect it from malevolent force?

Events of violence that seem to be increasing in frequency certainly seem to contradict the message of Christians who claim that God loves us and seeks our happiness.  It is little comfort to the families of victims to hear that God loves them when it seems that he does not love them enough to spare them pain.

The confusion can be compounded when a person opens the scriptures and discovers numerous times in which God did intervene.  Though people go hungry today in many parts of the world, he sent manna to the children of Israel in the wilderness (Exodus 16:35).  Though people are driven from their homes today, God send an angel to smite the invading Assyrians in the days of Hezekiah (Isaiah 37).  Though people are filmed being burned alive by brutal regimes such as ISIS, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were spared the afflictions of Nebuchadnezzar's fiery furnace (Daniel 3).

Why does God intervene in some cases and not in others?  An examination of the first real crime is in order.

Adam and Eve had taught their children about offering sacrifices to the Lord.  Abel did as the Lord directed and offered the firstlings of his flock, but Cain offered the fruit of the ground, which was not what the Lord had asked.  Cain was furious that God had not respected his offering.  The Lord spoke to Cain using this language:

"Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him." (Genesis 4:6-7)

God knew exactly what would happen next.  He recognized how Cain was being manipulated by Satan, and warned Cain against following the Lord of sin.  He did not however warn Abel.  Cain indulged in his wrath and murdered his brother.

Why did God not protect Abel?  Why not stop Cain before he could commit this horrific crime?

Obviously, God was never a fan of murder, otherwise he would not have decreed the death penalty for those who committed this crime ("Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man." Genesis 9:6).  This means that more than preventing murder, he wanted something else.  This is not limited to the case of Cain and Abel... more than preventing harm, he wants something else.  

People become frustrated that God does not answer prayers asking to spare them pain and loss, but God is not playing favorites...  Ultimately, this something else was more important than the torture and murder of his own son.  Jesus Christ also prayed that the cup might pass from him: "Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done... And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground." (Luke 22:42-44)  God allowed his son to be betrayed, tortured, and murdered... and all this even though Jesus was innocent of any crime.

The suffering and death of Christ does not necessarily explain why God has at some times offered intervention.  Why free the Hebrew children from Egypt?  Why cleanse Naaman the Syrian of leprosy?  Why feed 5,000... but only on rare occasions?

Perhaps God intervenes more than people realize.  The servant of Elisha was surprised when he beheld the mountains filled with chariots of fire (2 Kings 6:17), and even greedy Balaam found deliverance when his animal warned him of an angel in the way (Numbers 22:27-31).

Additionally, Jesus Christ is now alive and well... and in the end, all the righteous who have trusted in the Lord (including Abel) will rise again and live beyond the power of pain and loss or crime and abuse.  From the beginning, life on earth was always meant to be provisional.  We are born, we live, we die, but this was never the end or purpose.  Injustice can, in its worst manifestations, be only temporary.  Ultimately, there is something else that drives purpose here.

When confronted with tragic circumstances, it is easy to ask why God did not intervene, but it is very difficult to focus on the something else that God hopes to achieve.  

What is that something else?  It is the thing that governs Divine Intervention.  It is the cause for which the world was forged.  It is the purpose humans learn by experience to love goodness, kindness, selflessness, justice, and honor.

That something else is the hope that you can become something more than you are:

"To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne." (Revelation 3:21)

In other words, those who have faith and persist in following Christ will have access to Divine Intervention... Jesus is, in fact, trying to save us all.

Do prayers actually help?

Recently, there has been a lot of talk decrying the thoughts and prayers offered in the wake of the tragic shooting in San Bernardino, California.  Perhaps the most widely spread is the controversial cover of the NY Daily News which claims "God isn't fixing this."

I have seen a renewed effort among leftists and activist atheists to try and discredit prayer, and mock those who pray.  One of the most recent efforts I read involved an "experiment" like this (paraphrased):

Many Christians explain that God answers prayers in one of the following ways: (1) Yes, (2) No, or (3) Not now.  This type of thinking can be applied to anything though.  If you pray to a milk jug for a million dollars and you get it, you could say that the milk jug answered your prayer.  If you don't get it, you could say that the milk jug said no.  If you get it much later, you could say that the milk jug answered your prayer by saying "not now."  Rational people understand that because these types of "answers" can be assigned to anything, it shows that God is not real.

Similar "tests" have been proposed such as praying to Zeus that flipping fifty coins in a row will produce all "heads" results, and comparing the observations from that test with a similar prayer to Jesus.  If we conclude that Zeus is fictitious, we must therefore (to be consistent) conclude that Jesus is also fictitious.

Of course, these tests are completely illegitimate.  Let's apply the "milk jug" logic to something else:

If you go to your parents and ask them for a million dollars, they might respond in the same way as the milk jug.  If they are extremely affluent, they might say "yes."  Probably they will say "no."  If perhaps they become affluent later, and give you money in the future, you could say that the answer was "not now."  Because these are the same responses that Zeus, God, or a milk jug might give, therefore, your parents are not real.  They are most likely an elaborate scheme you came up with in order to explain your existence.

 More important than identifying flaws in the thinking of people who would tear down your faith, individuals should learn how prayer actually works.  Then when the next completely invalid test of prayer appears, it can be recognized.  Consider these principles:

1. People sometimes want things that are harmful to them.  Any parent of young children has probably had to deal with a child that begs not to have to go to bed, or not to have to eat their vegetables, or that the limits on dessert foods be removed.  Even as we age, there are times we do and/or say things that initially seem desirable, but are afterwards regretted.  I have known people who regret things from abusing drugs and alcohol or indulging in infidelity, and also people who regret watching "just one more episode" of a binge-worthy series on Netflix.  Would a loving parent give their child something they new would lead to pain and regret later?

2. Prayer is not designed as a mechanism to "get stuff" from God.  Most people know a person who only seems to be available when they need things.  It is difficult to have genuine friendship for someone who only asks for favors, and does not seem to ever appreciate them when they are given.  Why would people think this type of relationship is appropriate with God?  Jesus taught that people should use prayer as a form of worship.  He said, "After this manner therefore pray ye:  Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." (Matthew 6:9-13)  He gave thanks before he called Lazarus to come forth from his tomb.  He refused to use prayer as a "test" for God (Matthew 4:1-10), and even after leading a perfect life, when he begged his Father to remove that bitter cup from him, he added " if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done." (Luke 22:42)  If not even Jesus could get everything he wanted from God, why should anyone think themselves more deserving?

3. People are fickle, and sometimes ask for conflicting favors.  In a moment of determination, a person might give all of their sweets to a friend.  In a moment of weakness, they might return to their friend and demand their sweets back.  This trope has been used in a number of comedies, and it is funny because everyone can relate to how difficult self-control can be.  Whether it is quitting smoking or sticking to a diet or exercise routine, people tend to be inconsistent.  Before the world was, humanity rejoiced at the opportunities that mortality would bring.  God has made a huge investment giving us a world in which we could be as we are, and where we could learn for ourselves.  Of course he would like to rush in and spare his children from tragedy.  Of course he does not enjoy the savagery that some of his children perpetrate against others in the forms of shootings or terrorist attacks or bombings or all manner of other cruelty.  That having been said, he is not going to undo the state of mortality into which he has spent so much time and energy, and because of which he allowed his only begotten son to suffer and die.  That would conflict with our previous request to participate in this mortal experience.  In fact, in allowing prayer, he pushes the limits of faith-based mortality.  Not only that, but he sends prophets and apostles to beg people to pray more... Persistence and diligence are vital to success with prayer.  This leads us to the final principle...

4. God says yes far more than people realize.  Jesus taught this: "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" (Matthew 7:7-11)  Of course, some people might say "why doesn't he heal all the sick?" or "why doesn't he stop cancer?" or "why doesn't he bring back the victims of San Bernardino or Paris or Boston?"  These seem like legitimate requests to offer a totally omnipotent being who loves us perfectly.  So, would it be acceptable if God brought back all of the victims of these tragedies, healed every injury, and cured cancer permanently, but you had to wait two days before it would happen?  Would it be acceptable if you had to wait ten days... to heal everyone, and bring back perfectly every victim of every tragedy ever?  Could you wait a month?  Is there a period of time that, if you had to wait, you would say "never mind, that's too long... don't heal the sick or bring back the dead or cure anyone..."?  If there is a duration that is too long, then that isn't really God saying "no"... is it?  And ultimately, this is the point.  In the end, God will heal every wound, mend every flaw, remove every defect, and bring back everyone who has ever been lost.  To all who have prayed for San Bernardino, or for Israel, or for peace on earth... to all who are praying for a child, a parent, a wife, a husband, a sibling, or a friend... the answer is YES!

Prayer may not be a replacement for helping others, and it is not an excuse for withholding service from those in need... but prayer does have power to augment the abilities of those who seek to help others, and those who are trying to serve those in need.  Prayer allows people to access divine power, and ultimately, begin to perceive the relationship of humanity to the throne of Heaven.  If you have felt like God is distant... pray.  If you have felt like your prayers have gone unanswered... pray some more...  If you have felt like your prayers aren't doing enough, pray some more, and then work to make life better.  God is indeed a rewarder of those who diligently seek him.

Shocking Details From the Other Mormon Handbook

Recently, my Facebook feed has been filled with comments, memes, and images regarding some shocking changes that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints made to a handbook of instructions for church leaders regarding homosexuality and apostasy.

The headlines in blogs and from the stories of news organizations emphasized only one possible outcome of the changes: that Mormon Leaders would refuse baptism to the children of gays.

I read a number of reactions that ranged from people encouraging trust in the leaders of the church to posting apologetic explanations to people considering leaving the Mormon church because of this shocking truth.

I was a bit surprised at the volume of reactions to this news.  It seemed to me that after the headline had drawn traffic and people saw what it was really about, some new bit of information would draw attention away and it would be rapidly forgotten.  Days later, I still see numerous posts, comments, and reactions to this news.  I have read posts wherein people still express shock and surprise that the Mormon church would implement such a policy that seems to target individuals based on their sexual orientation.

If you are among those who were shocked by the new details from the Mormon Handbook of Instructions, then perhaps you could particularly benefit from learning the shocking details from the Other Mormon Handbook.  You know, the one that no one seems to be talking about, but that makes policies on apostasy seem as shocking as the fact that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints believes in Jesus Christ...  Even if you are not among those shocked by the recent policy news, the shocking details from the Other Mormon Handbook, will still be beneficial.

Of course, by Other Mormon Handbook, I mean The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.

The circumstances of this books arrival and the claims made in this book are more shocking than any policy decision the church has ever made (and that includes decisions regarding plural marriage, priesthood availability, or sticking with the Boy Scouts).  Think about it.  A young man in upstate New York was personally visited by an Angel and told about a book of scripture, hidden for centuries, written in a language that no one spoke, and that the record had been inscribed on plates of gold.  Additionally, this record represented proof that peoples who had inhabited the American continent ages earlier had been Christians, and that they had fallen apart when they rejected Christ.

If these claims are not shocking enough, Mormons claim that Joseph Smith Junior, an uneducated laborer, was able to translate this record into English through the power of God himself.  As miraculous as the use of diverse tongues on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2), this young man not only produced a translation in a short time, but did it while enemies tried to attack him and his supporters.  He also persuaded friends to help finance its publication, which was not an inexpensive investment.  After it was done, he stood behind the work that he claimed God had helped him perform by saying: "I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book." (Introduction to the Book of Mormon)

The idea that it is the most correct book is certainly shocking, but that a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts than by any other book, is incredibly bold.

Rational individuals should immediately demand (in light of these shocking details and claims) what the Mormon Church intends to do to back them up (if they haven't already).

Of course, the way in which the Mormon Church backs up these claims is perhaps more shocking than anything else.  This translation is not in some "leaders-only" handbook or kept in a vault in the mountains near Salt Lake City.  The Church has gone to great lengths and great expense to make this handbook available to everyone.  If you like to read physical books, check here: https://www.mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon.  You can read it online for free here: https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm?lang=eng.  Yes, there's an app for it too: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/The_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter_day_Saints_Th?id=oAkd9j3xSqoC.  Additionally, volunteer missionaries across the world are eager to provide individual support as you put the shocking claims of the Mormons to the test by reading this book and praying to God to come to your own conclusion.

For those who are already members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the need to read the Book of Mormon has not diminished.  Shocks from changes in church policies (or any other aspect of the faith) are best handled by returning to this handbook, which laid the foundation of the Mormon Church.  If you have read it, read it again.  If you have not read from it today, read from it today.  If you have not prayed to our Heavenly Father regarding the shocking claims that it makes and that it represents, pray today.  If you have prayed, but you have not been willing to act according to the answer you have received, then read it some more.  If you have prayed, but you do not believe that God will answer your prayer, then read it some more.

Ultimately, the more that you read, study, consider, and pray about the Book of Mormon, the more you will see that the claims, practices, policies, and traditions in the Mormon Church are not shocking at all.  The real shock is that Jesus Christ (who is very much alive and well) is reaching out to you in a personal way through this book.  Joseph Smith was not exaggerating or being rhetorical when he said that you could get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts than by any other book.  Whatever other news headlines arise in the future, you can be confident that God lives and that he will make sure everything works out in the end.  In the end, he is coming to save us all.