Another week another, another dollar
Rain Rain Go Away
Nothing is better than then the cascade of water, cooling the sting of an eternal summer. Recently the rain hasn’t been pouring it’s been misting perfectly, blocking the force of the sun and providing shade and cooing power. Also it’s been flooding a bit, peep the streets. (Also graphic warning in the next photo)
My Friend Rooster And His Assassination
After weeks of perpetual torment the law of eternal justice evicts it’s equity. The photo below doesn’t happen to be of the same rooster that disturbed me, but the following story is what happened. During a peaceful study I was distracted by the untimely shriek of the fowl. Disregarding him for the umpteenth time I continued my feast of the scriptures. But the shrieking continued this time from an unusual direction, the back of our apartment instead of his usual home in the front. As I ran to see who/or what could be causing my enemy, who had awakened me so many nights to cry, I saw just in time, out the window, his neck getting wrangled and carried out by a man I’d never seen. Since then I’ve peacefully slept.
Cade Os Elders? (Where Are The Elders?)
At no point in time did I think I’d end up in a giant dome watching a concert in Brasil as part of my missionary service, but as Paul states (Rom 8:28) “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”. So here I was at a Christian concert funded by the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints thanks to the grace of our amazing mission president. 10/10 would recommend.
0% Responsibility:( > 100% Responsibility:)
As I’ve been immersed working with people I’ve noticed a pattern. A lack of personal responsibility. What does it mean to be 100% responsible to the things in your personal stewardship? Being a control freak? Micro managing? No, trying our best to prevent failure and if failed taking responsibility and trying again. How does this relate to the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
The personal accountability for our own sin. Was it the environment that tempted you? Or was it your choice to be in that environment? Etc. When we choose to be disciples of Christ what are we taking part of? A one and done event? No, when we are baptized we accept Christ as our Savior and bind ourselves to his saving grace through our continual repentance. Or as Jesus said himself while speaking to his disciples “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matt 24:13).
When we look at the life of Judas post betrayal we see a apostle of God, a disciple of Christ but the actions he played post supper, had a physical and spiritual consequence. It didn’t matter the motive, poverty, mistaken belief, etc.. His actions resulted in a direct consequence, which was rebuttaled by the power of God during his resurrection.
What we choose to do results in a cause and effect like consequence, these consequences can be temporal or spiritual but what is the reaction of someone who takes 100% Responsibility? It’s taking accountability for our errors or sins righting the wrong and letting the sacrifice of Jesus Christ take over in our place of judgment in our long term salvation, but taking responsibility for temporal consequences.
As a witness of the power of Christ loving grace I testify of the truthfulness of his sacrifice, love and his promises, in His holy name. Amen
Love Ya’ll
-Elder Gist