Feeling the Flame of Faith Flickering
For many the birth of mature faith comes when the faith of their youth is challenged.
We are at the door of a new year and I would like to write to those who are feeling the flame of their faith flickering. Certainly this is a painful experience and is most difficult to bear. I think nearly everyone experiences doubt about their faith. That is to be expected. However, with the advent of the internet there is an avalanche of material that tears down faith. Latter Day Saints in particular are targets for those who feel it is their duty to expose Mormonism for what it is—“a big lie”. Many of the most effective at attacking the candle of faith are faithless and former “church members”.
My attitude for over forty years has been “bring it on”. If this is how they want to use their agency God isn’t going to stop them, the Lord will use them for His own purposes. I hope each and every one of them will return to their faith, but for now those who have met and defeated the enemies of faith need to tell their stories.
“Power in the Priesthood”–Source of Revealed in Manhattan Miracle
The following experience gives those who have faith in the priesthood an idea of how priesthood power is accomplished.
Sister Veda Mortimer was present in her Manhattan Ward, in New York Stake, in September 1959 when Elder Harold B. Lee set apart and ordained members to new callings. They were in the bishop's office which was located in the basement.
She writes, "As it is not a large room, the twenty people in it filled it almost completely. A chair was set in the center of the bishop's office. Brother DeWitt Paul took a seat on the chair in the of the center room, his back toward the door. Elder Lee took his place behind Brother Paul to give him the ordination and blessing as the newly called stake partiarch. Just as Elder Lee lifted his hands to place them on Brother Paul's head, I both saw and felt a shaft of bright light come onto the back and top of Elder Lee's head. It was like bright sunshine suddenly coming through a square window, eight to ten inches square, and shining down on a 45-degree angle on the back and top of his head. It was as if a shade had suddenly been drawn to let in the bright sun.
Example of Faith: Called as Bishop in the Midst of a Severe Family Trial
I recently read this post and found it to be an example of faith. I admit I'm moved to tears at the depth of trail and faith the Fitzgerald family has, and is experiencing.
I asked for permission to publish it. The author is Bishop Mike Fitzgerald. He is currently serving as Bishop in the Mapleton, Utah area. His blog is: http://yourbishop.blogspot.com/
The scriptures teach that “My people must be tried in all things, that they may be prepared to receive the glory that I have for them… D&C 136:31. The following account is an example of one family's trail and blessing as they prepare for the glory the Lord has for them.
Examples of Faith: When God Intervenes Miracles Occur
Members of the Church frequently relate accounts of their experiences with miracles. Miracles happen all the time. We are God's children and He is watching over us and when He intervenes miracles occur.
Following are three such experiences. I've taken part of the account to get you started. Click the link at the end to complete the story. Once at the link you may need to scroll down to find the title. Enjoy.
Example of Faith: Mission President Withers in Pain and is Healed
I read, Yearning for the Living God, by F. Enzio Busche a few years ago. He is a convert to the church from Germany and was called to be a General Authority and served as a Seventy in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He also served as president of Germany Munich Mission and president of the Frankfurt Germany Temple.The following account is taken from his book on pages 202-05.
The reason I selected it is because of a recent event in my life where I had a similar experience with a health problem that has dogged me for years. I know the Lord can be near and intervene to help us in time of need when we suffer physical, mental, and emotional pain.
A Crisis in President Monson’s Family
I just finished reading a devotional address given at BYU Idaho by President Monson's daughter, Ann M. Dibb. It was given shortly after President Hinckley died. It is titled, My Father Is a Prophet, given in Feb 2008.
As many of us already know by experience, when we're visited by a crisis, faith can be found, lost, increased, or decreased. If we've lived a life more of form than substance, then a crisis will reveal this for all to behold. On the other hand, if we're the real thing, then that will be revealed as well.
“It is the Privilege of the Children of God to…get Revelation”
I received permission from Michael R. Conder to share the following experience. He gave this as a sacrament meeting talk last September. Michael, his wife, and four children live in Colorado. He is a system engineer.
Joseph Smith has said, “It is the privilege of the children of God to come to God and get revelation.”
The Lord Seeth Fit to Try His People’s Faith
The following account is from the life of Elder Gene R. Cook. Before being called as a General Authority the Cook's had their patience and faith tired. This account shows how the Lord deals with His people, how He trieth their faith and then rewards them according to their faithfulness.
...the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith. Mosiah 23:21
Rhodes Scholar Boldly Seeks for Testimony of the Book of Mormon
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (New Testament | Hebrews 4:16)
Clayton M. Christensen is a returned LDS missionary and is currently a Professor at Harvard Business School. This is a portion of an essay he wrote, Why I Belong, and Why I Believe.
Hugh Nibley Meets with the “Swearing Elders”–A Group of Liberal Mormons
Maybe the term "liberal mormon" got it start with a group of men who were referred to as the "swearing elders". If anyone knows for sure please let me know.
This is an interesting story, but the reason I am presenting it is to make it clear to all that Hugh Nibley was a testimony bearing member of the church, first, and foremost.
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