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God Turned Out Liberty Jail and Made it a Temple!
Although it is not customary for one to seek out the difficult or unpleasant experiences, it is true that the trials and tribulations of life that stand in the way of a person’s growth and development become circumstances, or experiences that serve to assist one in reaching or progressing toward a goal or desired outcome. These tumultuous situations help us to reach greater heights, providing, of course, that we do not allow adversity to discourage us. The story of most men and women who attain a degree of greatness and achievement is generally the story of a person overcoming hardships. It appears that there are lessons that can only be learned through overcoming of obstacles. Eduard von Hartmann believed that the Earth is not the worst of all possible Worlds; indeed, the infinite purposiveness of the particulars in it makes it the best of all possible Worlds. Nevertheless, he believed that it can be shown that the Universe would be better if Earth had never been created and, paradoxically, the purposiveness of this World is moving to that end. North Korea is launching missiles just about every few weeks that have nuclear capabilities, and they even have submarine weapons. The Media spends its time attacking the president and encouraging disharmony, while there are serious issues that need attention. #RandolphHarris 1 of 11
We all must battle with some fierce despair. Artem Kolesov just turned 23 years old. He is the fourth of six brothers, and grew up in a small town near Moscow, where his father was a deacon and his mother was a church youth pastor at the Pentecostal church. He allegedly grew up hearing that all he should be killed. This made young Artem fear for his life and have suicidal thoughts, as he prayed to God for the courage to live. Artem thought life in Russia was dangerous and could be a death sentence. Artem is a thin young man, with bright eyes, a head full of silky brown hair, and a perfectly symmetrical face. However, he was lucky enough to make it to Chicago, and was taken in by a nice couple. But anyway, it is amazing that Artem is a violinist and is using his talents to raise money to help pay for his legal expenses as he goes through the process of becoming as citizen of the United States of America. I love story of people who, instead of just creating a donation page online and begging for money, actually use their God given talents to work for money. Best wishes to Artem Kolesov. Nothing worthwhile ever comes to a person except by the anguish of his soul and the sweat of his brow. #RandolphHarris 2 of 11
Another journey that is amazing is the life and career of Aaliyah Haughton. Although she went on Starsearch, a show which showcases talent in hopes of awarding someone with a prize, which will launch their career as a celebrity, and did a great job performing, there were dissensions within and hostile demonstrations from without. Aaliyah ultimately did not win, although many thought she did a great job. The young girls gracefully accepted the lost and was very sweet and professional about, but when he got home she cried and cried and cried. However, Aaliyah was determined to become a star. There were hardships and disappointments, but she came out with her first record at the age of 15 and it was a success. From there she used her talent to build the careers of other stars and produced many great records, one of the most successful being the red album known as Aaliyah. Aaliyah went on to be a successful actress, and many were saying she was going to be a mega star. However, her career became inactive in 2001 because of some unforeseen circumstances. #RandolphHarris 3 of 11
Although Aaliyah has been missing in action for 16 years, these experiences has some real value because she is still breaking news and making headlines. Recently, Aaliyah signed a deal with MAC cosmetics and her own makeup line is coming out. Fans fought hard to get this makeup line for Aaliyah. They petitioned, called radio stations, news outlets, and gathered thousands of signatures and MAC cosmetics finally agreed to the production. Therefore, the trials and tribulations endured by Aaliyah, her family, friends, and fans were not in vain, and it was the will of God that allowed this project to come to fruition. These experiences were of immense value to both the individuals involved and the Church. Because it that no matter what God is in control, and even in your absence, when God wants things will happen to extend your legacy. There are two ways of getting out of a trial. One is simply to try to get rid of the trial, and be thankful when it is over. The other is to recognize the trial as a challenge from God to claim a larger blessing than we have ever had, and to hail it with delight as an opportunity of obtaining a larger measure of divine grace. #RandolphHarris 4 of 11
Life is a hard fight, a struggle, a wrestling with the principle of evil. Every inch of the way must be disputed. The night is given us to take breath, to pray, to drink deep at the fountain of power. One of the darkest periods in the history of the Church was the Winter of 1838-1839. The Saints had been persecuted, robbed, and murdered. The Prophet and his associated had been betrayed and were imprisoned in Liberty jail. Dissension and apostasy were rampant, and the Church appeared to be faces with disintegration and ruin. However, emerging from this dark period were people who led the Church through trying experiences as well as amazing growth and development. Do not let your happiness depend on something you may lose, but only upon the Beloved God who will never pass away. It was during these dark days that the Lord gave to the Prophet Joseph Smith, while in Liberty jail, a great revelation. God armed him with the strength for this battler and told the Prophet that he could do all things through Christ who infused him with inner strength. The prophet was more than a conqueror, a victor, and not a victim, and Liberty jail for a time became a center of instruction. #RandolphHarris 5 of 11
Real satisfaction comes not in understanding God’s motives, but in understanding his character, in trusting in his promises, and in leaning on him and resting in him as Sovereign who know what he is doing and does all things well. The eyes of the saints turned Liberty Jail into a place where they could encourage people, counsel, and preach the word of the Lord. It was more of a temple than a prison, so long as the Prophet was there. Liberty Jail became the House of God, a place of prayer. God never said he would prevent life storms, but he did promise he would use every storm for his divine purpose. A temple, first of all, is a place of prayer; and prayer is communion with Go. It is the infinite in humans seeking the infinite in God. Where they find each other, there is holy sanctuary—a temple. Joseph Smith sound God in this rude prison, and found him. Having faith does not exempt us from difficult times. The storms of life come to every person. However, out of the midst of his tribulations, he called upon God in passionate earnestness. Here is the key: God will direct the winds of the storm to blow you where he wants you to go. #RandolphHarris 6 of 11
We see storms as being negative, but God uses the storm to move you from point A to point B. The winds may be stronger than tropical storm Harvey, the planet may quake, mountains may explode into the sky, the circumstances may look catastrophic, but these same circumstances are also responsible for why we are here in the first place. We can call it nature’s fury, but it is really just nature’s way. If you will stay in faith, not get bitter, not start complaining, the violent nature that has raged all about this little sphere of ours for billions and billions of years, will blow you to a new level in your destiny. Earth has been buffeted and flooded, frozen and thawed, burned and blown up, and at the end of the long, long day, nature has delivered us these gifts: our precious planet and life itself. Even as we bewail tragedies that occasionally afflict us—the killer storms the fiery lava flows may have been meant for your harm, but God knows how to shift the winds. Instead of blowing you backward, he can use them to blow you forward where you will come out better, stronger—and that storm will also move you to a place of greater blessing and greater influence. #RandolphHarris 7 of 11
Instead of using your faith to pray away difficulty, you should use your faith to believe that when the winds stop blowing and when Harvey and Sabrina get back together, you will be exactly where God wants you to be. May peace be unto your soul; your adversity and your afflictions shall be but a small moment. And then, if you endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high. The Prophet Joseph was told that if great tribulation should beset him and even if the very jaws of Hell shall gape open the mouth wide after him, know you are a child of God, and that all these things shall give you experience, and will be good for you. The Son of Man has descended below them all. Are you greater than he? One of the greatest truths that came from the so-called prison temple, Liberty Jail, has to do with priesthood and Church government. This is found in the 121st section of the Doctrine and Covenants, a part which reports: Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen? Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this World, and aspire to the honors of men and women, that they do not learn this lesson. #RandolphHarris 8 of 11
The rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of Heaven, and that the powers of Heaven cannot be controlled nor handled, but only upon the principled of righteousness. On one occasion, the Prophet Joseph Smith was asked how he governed his people. His replay was, there is a delivering faith and a sustaining faith. God keeps you from the fire. God keeps you out of the adversity. However, most of the time we need sustaining faith. Sustaining faith is when God takes you through the storm, through the difficulty, and the wind is blowing. You are filled with stress, fear, and angry. You will be discouraged, but when you know that God is in control of the storm, you will not be worried. He will put you in the armor of God. God has put an orb of protection around you and you will come out stronger, increased, promoted, and without smelling like smoke, just like those teens. These are the correct principles and the children of God govern themselves. We believe that one of the important purposes of this life is to be proved, tried, and tested. Love comes again. Just when you break out of love, you have to believe that love can come again. #RandolphHarris 9 of 11
The Liberty Jail experience truly constituted a refiner’s fire for those who participated in it and it truly empathizes the necessity of experiencing difficult and complex situations in life in order to properly develop and draw closer to our Heavenly Father. These experiences certainly give us a better understanding and appreciation of greatness of the Prophet Joseph Smith and the early leaders of the Church. Liberty Jail teaches us that faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and loyalty to our leaders and the Church is important, and we need to endure to the end regardless of how many difficulties we have to surmount. Why? Almighty God is in control of the furnace. He is in control of the winds. God is even in control of our enemies. Dinosaurs were the kings of the food chain until, for whatever reason, they were not. God told Noah that a food was coming and asked him to save the animals. The summit of New Hampshire’s Mount Washington, which today stands more than a mile above sea level, was buried under ice 18,000 years ago, and Most of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois was blanketed by a large white sheet. The Earth is always in the forge, or on the anvil; by trials God is shaping us for higher things. #RandolphHarris 10 of 11
We should be at peace today because God is in control of the winds and the storms of our lives. The writers of the Scripture knew what a torrential flood looked like and the power it possessed to destroy all in its path. We must believe that instead of defeating us, God will promote us. We have to commit ourselves to follow the counsel of our leaders, accept every opportunity to serve, and complete each assignment well—yes, endure to the end. Let us avoid setting our hearts upon the things of the World, and as we exercise our priesthood, let us incorporate the great principle of righteous dominion. By so doing and keeping the commandments of the Lord, we shall have joy, happiness, and development and eternal life, which is the greatest of all gifts of God. Like those who participated in Liberty Jail episodes, I can bear witnesses that God lives and the Jesus is the Christ—the Holy Ghost has borne this witness to me and that Joseph Smith was and is a prophet of God, and that through him the power to act in the name of God and the gospel in it fullness has been restored on Earth. Let us never forget the Liberty Jail and remember that when trials and tribulations, and hardships come to us, as they will, these are the tests that we must meet in order to enjoy eternal life. May we meet them successfully, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. #RandolphHarris 11 of 11
The Discovery of a Secret Implies No Obligation to Retain it
Grant me but health and give me but this fair goddess Liberty as my companion. Money is a thing which none of us can afford to hate, but it is neither God nor Devil; that should make one noble nor another vile. Money is the set of assets in the economy that people regularly use to buy goods and services. The cash in your wallet is money because you can use it to buy a meal at a restaurant or a house from a real estate agency. By contrast, if you happened to own most of Microsoft Corporation, as Bill Gates does, you would be wealthy, but this asset is not considered a form of money. You could not buy a meal or a house with this wealth without first obtaining some cash. Money includes only those few types of wealth that are regularly accepted by sellers in exchanges for good and services. Money is a medium of exchange, a unit of account and a store of value. When it comes to overcoming being greedy, selfish, and overly indulgent, we all need a lot more help. The worst fear I have about the people is that they will get rich in this country and forget God and his people, wax fat, and kick themselves out of the Church. My great fear is that they cannot stand wealth. Many people believe in money, power, and respect. It is believed that first you get the money, then you get the power. And after you get the power, people will respect you. Several individuals believe that money, power, and respect are what you need in life, and that it will help you eat right, sleep at night, and that you will see the light. These types of people worship money as if it is a God, and they will take your money while you pout about it because the things they can buy with your money will attract people to them, and make them desirable. RandolphHarris 1 of 13
These vipers will take a life to get rich quick. They will set you up to get your money and get away with it. There are people who gain from their wealth only the fear of losing it. If all you get from your wealth is the wrong view of it, wealth will destroy your peace and you are no different than a debt-ridden consumer. Therefore, the answer to happiness is emotional well-being, and spiritual maturity. True wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants. Be thankful for what you have; you will end up having more. If you concentrate on what you do not have, you will never, ever have enough. Money will bring about unlikely things. Try and keep clear of wanting small sums that you do not have. Our prosperity brings some real challenges because many are getting rich, more of us are waxing fat, and as a result of greed, selfishness, and overindulgence, we could lose the Spirit and literally kick ourselves out of the Church. Money and material things are on the mind of almost everyone. The great question many want to know is how they can acquire wealth? No question occupies a larger place in the minds and hearts of people today, and this is true of people in every occupation and in every walk of life. With the generality of humankind, money will purchase respect as well as everything else. Money in and of itself is not an evil, but it is the love of money that is the root of evil. Money, the common mistress of all cheats, makes them regard each other in the light of rivals. However, there are some of the wealthy who deal with their prosperity very well using their resources to bless others and build the kingdom. For man, however, wealth presents major difficulties. Loss of money is not the worst pain in itself, but loss of God is. #RandolphHarris 2 of 13
As we deal with the materialism that threatens us, we should not confuse wants with needs. My mother taught me an important lesson along these lines. For many years my father had a practice of trading for a new car every year. Then, shortly before recession in 2001, when the grain prices increased, we were surprised one day when my Dad drove home in a more expensive car. One morning my mother asked, “How much did the new car cost than the other one?” When my Dad told her, my mother said, “Well, the other car has always been able to get me where I need to go. I think we ought to give the difference to someone who needs it more than we do.” And so it was. The next year Dad returned to the less-expensive cars, and they continued their generous ways. Little did I know, he has saved the car for me and when I needed it, I went to pick it up, paid the registration on it, and am still driving it today. If we are not careful, it is easy for our wants to become needs. Remember the line, “There, there, little luxury, do not cry. You will be a necessity by and by.” God will take the stars of your life and turn them into stars, and will pay you back double for anything you lost. #RandolphHarris 3 of 13
We should avoid spoiling children by giving them too much. In our day, many children grow up with distorted values because parents overindulge them. Whether you are wealthy, or like most of us of more modest means, parents often attempt to provide children with almost everything they want thus taking away from them the blessing of anticipating, of longing for something they do not have. One of the most important things we can teach children is to deny themselves. Instant gratification generally makes for weak people. How many truly great individuals do you know who never had to struggle? A few of our wonderful youth and young adults in the Church are unstretched. They have almost a free pass. Perks are provided, including cars complete with fuel and insurance—all paid for by parents who sometimes listen in vain for a few courteous and appreciative words. What is thus taken for granted tends to underwrite selfishness and a sense of entitlement. When you become weary and feel like quitting, there is a way to have your strength renewed—wait on the Lord. #RandolphHarris 4 of 13
We all grow tired sometimes, tired of trying to make a business grow, tired of dealing with an ailment, tired of raising a difficult child, tired of being lonely and waiting to meet the right person. We can even be doing what we love, but if we are not careful, we can lose our passion and allow weariness to set in. Children who always get what they want will want as long as they live. And somewhere along the line it is important for the character development of our children to learn that the Earth still revolves around the Sun, and not around them. Rather, we should train our children to ask themselves the question: How is the World a better place because they are in it? We live in a world of entertainment in full color with a lot of fast action, a World in which many children grow up thinking that if it is not fun, it is boring and not worthwhile. Even in family activities, we need to strike a balance between play and work. Some of our most memorable experiences while growing up centered around family activities: learning how to shingle a roof, build a fence, or working in the garden. Rather than being all work and no play, for many of our children it is almost all play and very little work. #RandolphHarris 5 of 13
Frequently do we labor to secure the things that debase us into slaves, and overwhelm us with calamity. As a consequence of overindulgence, many children leave homes ill-prepared to meet the real World. Of course, we need to earn a living. The Lord told Adam that in the sweat of his face he should he eat bred all the days of his life, which means as long as you are doing something productive, you will be able to provide for yourself. It is important that we qualify ourselves to be self-reliant, particularly that every young person at the time of marriage be ready and able to assume the responsibilities of providing for one’s companion and for the children who may come to that home. All too many enter marriage who have never learned to cook, sew, or develop other important like skills. Ignorance of these skills, along with the lack of understanding of the management of money, sow the seeds for many failures in our marriages. Wisdom cannot be grafted on the stock of slavery: justice cannot be established without denunciation and disapproval of the wrong. I fear that in many cases we are rearing children who are slaves to expensive fads and fashions. For Where your treasure is, there your heart will also be. #RandolphHarris 6 of 13
People who have plots in their heads as seldom have good nights as deserve them. How do we determine where our treasure is? To do so, we need to evaluate the amount of time, money, and thought we devote to something. Might it not be well to evaluate how much focus we place on shopping and spending? This does not mean that our children should not dress in some of the appropriate clothing that is in fashion because that can be very important to them. As members of the Church, we have a responsibility to present ourselves in a well-groomed, attractive, and modest manner. With good planning, this can be done without being driven to spend extravagantly on our clothing. People of the church began to have egotistical pride and take advantage of others because of their exceeding riches, and their fine silks, and their fine-twined linen and in all these things were they lifted up in the pride of their eyes, for they began to wear very costly apparel. What sort of liberty is it whose chosen religion is its slave-market? #RandolphHarris 7 of 13
Children today are often left with no role model in the home. Instead they turn to the television and video games. It seems that for many people in today’s society, money has become the thing they most cherish. It is apparent in the endless hours many people devote to their job. For some, their identity is wrapped into how much money they have. Money may be the only thing they even want to talk about, or the measure by which they judge themselves and others. With the constant talk of how to make money, or save money, it may lead you to wonder: Is money more important than family in today’s society? For millions of people, family still comes first. Without family, many people realize they would have very little in their lives, or that the things they had would no longer mean much. For people with real values, they realize that money is a means to support their families. However, as long as their basic needs are being met, they would rather be poor but surrounded by family than rich and alone. Such people recognize the value of love and of human connectedness. They realize that life about giving and being there for others. #RandolphHarris 8 of 13
However, not all people feel this way, especially in today’s materialistic society. Many, in fact, value money far more than anything else. They dream of having money, and they will go to any end to acquire it. They will sacrifice having a family, in the name of attaining a certain career level. Some may have a family, but completely neglect it due to work and the priorities placed on work. These people may think they love their families, but their energies, time and devotion are all dedicated to their jobs. Remember, it is in our actions that we truly show where are priorities are. Even worse, countless people feel that as long as they make money and can buy their kids whatever gadgets or clothes they may desire, then they are being good to their family. People mistakenly believe that they can buy their children’s love, or substitute their lack of parenting with monetary things. The priority placed on money is evident everywhere you look. You can read the news on any given day and see tragic and horrific results of the breakdown of the family. Those who place money before the family are failing to teach their children proper values, and they are not properly guiding them through key stages of a child’s development. #RandolphHarris 9 of 13
Clearly, they will not be taught values or compassion through such medium. Instead, they are more likely to be exposed to violent images or self-centered fictitious characters. And, there will late be consequences for these children’s lack of parenting. Many say that money is not more important than family, but live in ways that does not reflect this sentiment. In fact, these people instead worship money and do not prioritize being there for their family. They would even set a family member up to die, as long as they could profit for the death and demise. Let us hope that one day soon there will be a shift—one in which people start to realize that money will not buy them happiness, especially not if they have to result to criminal activity. A guilty conscious is a normal human response experienced by someone who is aware of having done something wrong. We should live modestly and avoid debt as if it were a plague. If there is any one thing that will bring peace and contentment into the human heart, and into the family, it is to live within our means, and if there is any one thing that is grinding, and discouraging and disheartening it is to have debts and obligations that one cannot meet. #RandolphHarris 10 of 13
Do not accustom yourself to consider debt as an inconvenience, you will find it to be a calamity. How much house do we really need to accommodate our family comfortably? We should not endanger ourselves either spiritually or economically by acquiring homes which are ostentatious, feed our vanity, and go far beyond our needs. If we are to be self-reliant and in position to share, obviously we must acquire some resources. If we live within our means and avoid debt, resources can be accumulated. There are those with average incomes who, over a lifetime, do amass some means, and there are those who receive large salaries who do not. What is the difference? It is simply spending less than they receive, saving along the way, and taking advantage of the power of compound intertest. Most people have it all wrong about wealth. Wealth is not the same as income. If you make a good income each year, and spend it all, you are not getting wealthier. You are just living high. Wealth is what you accumulate, not what you spend. Be generous in giving and sharing with others. #RandolphHarris 11 of 13
The more our hearts and minds are turned to assisting others less fortunate than we are, the more we will avoid the spiritually canker effects that results from greed, selfishness, and overindulgence. Our resources are a stewardship, not our possessions. I am confident that we will literally be called upon to make an accounting before God concerning how we have used them to bless lives and build the kingdom. However, before you seek for riches, seek the kingdom of God. And after you have obtained a hope in Christ you shall obtain riches, if you seek them for the intent to do good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted. We must have the courage to examine honestly where our treasures lie and avoid the pitfalls that result from greed, selfishness, and overindulgence. Remember, do not confuse wants with needs. Avoid spoiling our children. Live modestly, and avoid debt. Be generous in giving to others. Let me tell you a secret you should disclose, giving really is at the heart of our faith. #RandolphHarris 12 of 13
God, our Heavenly Father, so loved the World that he gave his only begotten son, who came to the Earth and could have possessed any material thing but rather chose to give to all us an example of a simple life free from any shade of greed, selfishness, or overindulgence. May we strive daily to love more like Christ lived, the ultimate example of a life of depth and meaning. I testify that Jesus is Christ, this is His Church led by living prophets, and His tomb was literally empty on that third day. Your challenge may be difficult, but you can handle it. God have given you the grace for this season. If we were not up to this, God would not have brought it across your path. In tough times, remind yourself there is always a reward for doing what is right. God never fails to compensate you. He pays very well. The season may be difficult because the reward is coming. Perhaps the battle you are facing has lasted long than you though it would. You have prayed. You have believed. You have done what you are supposed to, but there it is. How will you shake off the weariness and see God’s promises come to pass? A big part of faith is trusting God when you do not understand why things happen the way they do. Strength is coming into your body and mind. Just receive it by faith. In Jesus name, Amen. #RandolphHarris 13 of 13
I Love Friendly Deeds Better than Fair Words
Friendship begins at home. Money can only give happiness where there is nothing else to give. True faith rests upon the character of God and asks no further proof than the moral perfections of the One who cannot lite. It is enough that God has said it. We must rise above the plateaus we have been on. Understand that mortal life is purposefully designed to place us in circumstances where we can be individually tested and where, by the exercise of the agency God has given us, we can determine what our future possibilities will be. Humans have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon. On one occasion, the Lord explained that it was his desire that every person may act in doctrine and principle pertaining to futurity, according to the moral agency given unto him or her, and that every person be made accountable. When we understand what is right and what is wrong, we are in a position to exercise our freedom in making choices. We must stand accountable for our decisions, and we cannot escape the inevitable consequences of these choices. Such freedom to exercise moral agency is essential in an environment where people have the highest prospects for progress and development. #RandolphHarris 1 of 9
The darkest and most contemptible ignorance is that of not knowing oneself. Self-consciousness comes into being out of the unconscious. Ideas that define the “what” of the World; Will determines its “that.” The opposition of Will to the ordering of the Ideas brings about the emergence of consciousness and individuals. Individuation results from the conflict of purposes into which the universal Will is driven through its resistance to its logical counterpart, the Ideas. Consciousness is required to emancipate the Ideas from bondage of the Will and its torments. Since space and time are the sole principium individuationis known to us, the result is a phenomenal but real evolutionary process of nature involving the greatest possible emergence of purposes. Consciousness, when it attains its maturity, will suffice to hurl back the total actual volition into nothingness, by which the process and the World ceases without any residuum whatever. The undifferentiated, substantial Will might continue to proliferate other orders of consciousness after this destruction. By our very endowment as children of an Eternal Father, we have had implanted within our souls the urgency to be free. #RandolphHarris 2 of 9
Instincts are unconsciously purposive, for example, and unconscious ideation in the nerve endings must be assumed to explain the slightest voluntary bodily movements. It is natural for us to want to be accountable for our own fates, because there is a whispering within us confirming that this accountability is absolutely essential to the attainment of our eternal destiny. The infinite purposiveness of the particulars in it makes it the best of possible Worlds. There is a remarkable combination of neurological and psychological considerations with commonsense considerations about the misery in the World. The existence of laws, regulations, and procedures has never been sufficient to compel people to obedience. Productive obedience comes through the exercise of free will. The first stage of happiness has already actually been attained in the present state of the World; the second is that happiness can be attained in transcendent life after death; and the third is that happiness will be attained in a future state of this World. The goal of the absolute religion of the future must be to save God, as Will, from the agony involved in his own inevitable creativity. #RandolphHarris 3 of 9
The essence of vital Christianity lies in its pessimism about the present World, and liberal Protestantism is the last dying phase of Christian ethics because, by adhering to faith in social progress, it has lapsed into the first stage of optimism. Because supernatural beliefs are at odds with a scientific understanding of the World, tension may arise between religious individual who believe that a belief in God, which is a supernatural force, serves psychological functions. Many people who enslaved the Africans were surprised to find that they were not suicidal nor depressed because they had faith in God. In fact, in ancient text it was recorded that the only time the enslaved people were depressed is when they were first kidnapped from their homes and subjected to relentless physical and mental abuse, but then their faith in God increases and they matured and developed a sense of security and stability. Many people who do not believe in God would like you to think that they own you and that their money is your master, they do not want you to have faith in God because it shakes their foundations to realize that there is someone more powerful than they are and they are not in control. #RandolphHarris 4 of 9
Also, people who view themselves as highly desirable and celebrated individuals do not often cope will with the fact that people move on. Some parents raise their children to understand that celebrities and politicians are just people. In fact, some may argue that a religious belief in a supernatural force is antiquated and inferior to a more scientific, technological Worldview. They may even consider our devotion to that ancient religion sad because it has not helped us conjure up stolen data tapes or given us the clairvoyance enough to physically escape. They even brag that the computer skills, money and technology make their superior to God. However, the testimony in the scriptures conveys that prior to the creation of this Earth, fully thirty three percent of all the hosts who contemplated the challenges of mortal life allowed themselves to be deluded into thinking that there were acceptable alternatives to the essential risks that accompany the exercise of agency and free will. The price they paid is beyond comprehension. Today, we are being encouraged to accept greater responsibility for the allocation of our times, for our spiritual development through personal and family study of the gospel, and for giving loving Christian service. Chemistry is an explanation of the supernatural. For instance, why do balloons float. Well, gaseous hydrogen and helium are lighter than air, and when contained in a small space, like a latex balloon, it makes it float. To many that seems like magic. Also, because helium is much less dense than regular is, it can affect the sound quality of your voice (its tone or timbre) by allowing sound to travel faster and thus change the resonances of your vocal tract by making it more responsive to high-frequency sounds. So, as you see technology and science are finding ways to explain things that at one time seemed supernatural. #RandolphHarris 5 of 9
We must be willing to respond to this new challenge, our willingness to accept this add accountability will exert an influence that will reach far beyond our worship service, strict moral code, and religious life rooted in God. It is amazing that people who force the public to loan them $300 million dollars to build a gentrification center do not see the fact that they are the biggest welfare recipients in the community. Unless we retain a vibrant desire to be free, and unless we understand and practice the principles that give life to essential freedoms, we have little reason to hope they will endure. If we allow ourselves to accept dependency and regulation and to cease valuing independence and self-accountability, then we are vulnerable to the forces that destroy freedom. If righteousness is judged primarily by the degree to which one responds to programmed activity, then a condition develops within which opportunities for progress decline. The resulting tragedy affects the mortal potential of human beings and has a profound effect on our eternal possibilities as well. When people are exposed to religious themes or call to mind their religious beliefs, they are better able to endure discomfort, delay gratification, and follow through on challenging tasks. #RandolphHarris 6 of 9
God loves with a great love the people whose heart is bursting with a passion for the impossible. All our difficulties are only platforms for the manifestations of God’s grace, power, and love. Self-control is at the core of Christian lifestyle. Psychologist have proposed that religious-inspired practices can benefit mental and physical health by helping people exercise willpower. Studies have revealed that self-control promotes adaptive psychological functioning because it helps people regulate their emotions and behavior. Religious doctrines include prescriptions for taking care of one’s own body (your body is the temple of God), and support psychological traits that are associated with self-control, such as humility, patience, mindfulness, and compassion. In addition, religious doctrines offer behavioral techniques, including prayer, which helps people regulate their emotions and actions. Programed behavior cannot produce the level of spiritual development required to qualify one for eternal life. A necessary range of freedom and self-determination is essential to one’s spiritual development. While we rely on technological advancements and medical interventions, we believe that there are metaphysical forces beyond science at work in the World. #RandolphHarris 7 of 9
If you are to become all God created you to be, you cannot let a hurt, a loss, a bad break, or disappointment cause you to sit inactively and not be involved in something advantageous. With an understanding of correct principles and an intrinsic desire to apply them, one must be motivated within oneself to do many good things of his or her own free will. The revelation says, the power is in the person who is an agent unto oneself. In preserving our freedom for self-determination, we cannot ignore the need for carefully ordered structure and procedure within government or any other organization. A careful balance must be maintained between that which is ordered for the well-being of the group and that which is reserved for the conscience and the incentive of the individual. This necessary balance of freedom and restraint is essential to right relationships within families and communities, and it cannot be ignored in our assignments within the Church. Our individual spiritual growth is the key to major numerical growth in the Kingdom of God. We must also exercise the necessary degree of freedom and self-accountability. Anything less will guarantee stunted spiritual growth. #RandolphHarris 8 of 9
Our friendships and intimacies are only calculated for strong life and health. To scrutinize and ascertain our own principles is abundantly difficult. To exhibit those principles to the World with absolute sincerity can scarcely be expected. However, our obedience to God preserves for us the elements of individual life which makes individual progress possible. What then are we to do about our problems? We must learn to live with them until such time as God delivers us from them. We must pray for grace to endure will without murmuring. Problems patiently endured will work for our spiritual perfecting. They harm us only when we resist them or endure them unwillingly. Faith in God makes life purposeful and full of promise and will lead us to eternal progress. Humanity cannot fulfill its destiny when these truths are disregarded and abused. I cherish them with all my soul and am unreservedly committed to their promulgation among all the peoples of the Earth. There is no happiness like that of being loved by your fellow-creatures, and that feeling your presence is an addition to their comfort. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. #RandolphHarris 9 of 9
God Wants You to Fulfill Your Destiny!
In the consciousness of God’s indwelling in life, inspires character to the highest achievements. Do we never perceive our own foibles? It is happy we can find consolation in the follies of our neighbor. The other day, as I overheard one neighbor criticizing another, I was reminded, perhaps we need to investigate why it is so important to consciously choose where we put our attention and how we spend our time. Are we finding fault and tearing down or uplifting and helping to heal? When you are being negative towards another people you are hurting that individual, and the negative energy you put their way changes who they are and how they perceive the World around them. At the same time, that negative energy you are putting out there will come back to you. What you put out is what you get in return. Every action creates a separate, but equal reaction. When you make a derogatory comment about others, you are really talking about yourself. It is a form of projection, it is a defense mechanism, and when you speak badly about others know you are off kilter, and that there is an imbalance in your life which requires you to place the blame somewhere else. That is your ego at work. All emotions toward others involve the basic belief that we are incomplete within ourselves, and therefore, others are viewed and utilized as a means to an end. #RandolphHarris 1 of 14
Sin never fails to find an echo in the souls of some people. The inner-actions between create vibrational energies that their emotions are radiating into space. Once the mind is supplied with simple ideas, the association of sensations and ideas may come into play. Nations as well as individuals commit sin, and sin is more than a simple injustice. The first requirement is that we must have a given set of sensations a sufficient number of times. These sensations then acquire such a power over their corresponding ideas that when any member of the set is impressed on the senses, it is able to excite in the mind the rest of the corresponding ideas that belong to the set. In this way, simple ideas collect and become a complex idea. There is a kind of association that depends on the sensory vibration. Regularly occurring sensory vibrations leave behind in the nerves miniatures of themselves which are called vibratiuncles; and even as a general sensation is able to call up a corresponding set of ideas in the mind, so a sensory vibration is able to call up a corresponding set of vibratiuncles in the nerves. Similarly, a complex idea may call into being the set of vibratiuncles attending upon complex ideas may be as vivid as any of the sensory vibration excited by the direct action of objects. The energy of the vibration, and thought form with which it is associated, creates a readable record. #RandolphHarris 2 of 14
It seems common practice for people to talk about their friends and neighbors and to criticize their seeming peculiarities and weaknesses. In fact, it is so general that one would think that gossiping about and judging others was the thing to do. How often have we heard of young people who were criticized, judged, and ridiculed because of their peculiarities and yet who eventually become leaders in their different fields. One of our most respected community-minded citizens began to act as though his feelings had been hurt and would stay away from socials where, in the past, he had gone and taken a most active part. People started accusing him of being a sorehead, a poor sport, antisocial, and even evaded him whenever possible. Later, a medical diagnosis showed that he was suffering from serious medical conditions, which had been the cause of his lack of interest in activities that he had previously attended and even sponsored. Let the divine love become the inspiration of personal and social life and a host of evils will disappear, and only those would remain which result from our naivety of Nature’s laws and forces, and from the limitations of human intelligence. #RandolphHarris 3 of 14
Do not prejudge, but give a person an opportunity. Let individuals decide for themselves what is best for them. Sometimes when others invade a person’s privacy, they illegally disclose personal information that will allow people to expose a person’s defects and exploit that individual. When you pry into someone’s personal medical business, not only is it unrighteous, but it probably causes people to treat them and their family with prejudice and causes them to lose respect for their family member and will weaken their faith. This shows how important it is that we do not judge, but encourage rather than denounce. Jesus Christ some 2,000 years ago, realizing the human tendency to make unrighteous judgments said, “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you shall be judged: and the way you have treated others, you will be treated the same way.” Before you take it upon yourself to get involved in someone’s private life, you should make sure your life is perfect. The reason we cannot judge is obvious. We cannot see what is in the heart. We do not know motives, although we impute motives to every action we see. They may be pure while we think they are improper. #RandolphHarris 4 of 14
Ethical societies aim is not speculation, but the alleviation of human wickedness. It is not possible to judge another fairly unless you know an individual’s faith, desires, and goals. Because of a different environment, unequal opportunity, and many other things, people are not in the same position. One may start with success and privilege, and the other may start with a meager background and oppression, and they may meet as they are going in opposite directions. However, it is not where you are, but the direction in which you are going that counts; not how close you are to failure or success, but which way you are headed. How can we, with all our weaknesses and frailties, dare to arrogate to ourselves the position of a judge? At best, a person can judge only what they see; one cannot judge the heart nor the intention, usually, or begin to judge the potential of another individual they do not know. When we try to judge people, which we should not do, we have a great tendency to look for and take pride in finding weaknesses and faults, such as vanity, dishonesty, immorality, and intrigue. As a result, we see only the worst side of those being judged. And when people sin against another openly, cruelly, the speculations of the cloister, in which sin is treated as an illusion magnifies. #RandolphHarris 5 of 14
Our news media today also seems to be interested mainly in controversial subjects or someone who is being attacked; and regardless of the ninety-nine good things one may do, it is the one weakness or error that alone is emphasized and heralded to the World. We are too prone to listen to, accept, and repeat such adverse criticism, such maliciously spoken or printed words, without stopping to realize the harm we may be doing to some noble person. In contrast to bullying among children, it workplace bullying, the instigators are very often people in positions of organizational leadership, or who have the organizational support of someone in a position of leadership. Reporting a bully in the workplace thus puts the worker at risk of being targeted by management for retaliation and ever more aggression. More importantly, when bulling in the workplace is instigated or condoned by someone in a position of organizational leadership, efforts to report or stop it can quickly escalate from bullying to mobbing. Mobbing involves a group of people, acting under the influence of someone in a position of organizational leadership, who become increasingly aggressive and increase in number until the targeted worker is removed from the group, or the gang is completely disempowered. The fire is malice is usually started by some envious person. #RandolphHarris 6 of 14
Mobbing is not the same as being disliked by a lot of people. Mobbing starts when someone in a position of authority communicates to the population that they want a particular person gone. When this happens, people in the community will be encourage to target and exploit and attack the individual and report them for any infraction, real or rumored, and they quickly learn that any adversarial action, physically or verbally, taken against the individual, is acceptable. The mob also will quickly mobilize to protect their own interest and align with community leaders, and recast the target as a trouble maker who must be removed by any means necessary—but most will do so under the genuine perception that it is the targeted individual who is the problem, and not the instigating aggressor(s). The aggression is often unfair and illegal, and the purpose is to facilitate and reinforce a shared negative perception of the targeted worker, regardless of the individual’s prior reputation or value to the community. Sometimes even when our friends are accused of wrongdoing or gossip is started about the, we disloyally accept and repeat what we hear without knowing all of the facts. It is sad indeed that sometimes friendships are destroyed and enmity created on the basis of misinformation. Secretive and specious investigations will rapidly frighten, anger, and exhaust the individual while tension, fear, and compliance are heightened among others. #RandolphHarris 7 of 14
If there be one place in life where the attitude of the agnostic is acceptable, it is in this matter of judging. It is the courage to say, I do not know. I am waiting for further evidence. I must hear both sides of the question.” Or when it comes to mobbing a person, we could say, “That is not something I am interested in doing. It does not sound rational.” Only by suspending judgment do we exhibit real charity. It is hard to understand why we are ready to condemn our neighbors and our friends on circumstantial evidence or by request, while we are all so determined to see that every criminal has a fair and open trial. Surely we can try to eliminate pride, passion, personal feeling, prejudice, and pettiness from our minds, and show charity to those around us. Let us look for the good rather than try to discover any hidden evil. We can easily find fault in others if that is what we are looking for. Even in families, divorce has resulted and families have been broken up because the husband or wife was looking for and emphasizing the faults rather than loving and extolling the virtues of the other. Also, if you are trying to attract business to your company, city, or trying to find a new job, it is not going to help you get a contract if it is known that you are involved in mobbing oppression. Even some people may shy away from you just for being associated with an evil cult. #RandolphHarris 8 of 14
Let us remember too that the further out of line or out of tune we ourselves are, the more we are inclined to look for error or weaknesses in others and to try to rationalize and justify our own faults rather than to try to improve ourselves. I want to reduce the amount of negativity in my life because I do not want it to affect the people around me, so I have to remove myself from certain groups. When you keep a private journal, and are not expressing to anyone what is going on, but trying to appear happy all the time, if you know someone is reading it, it is a good idea for your sake and the sake of others to stay away from the unnecessary problems. I do not want to be responsible for someone finding my private journal and getting upset and taking it out on someone else, especially when they have a touch job. So, I have to stay away from some of my friends because they are associated with people involved in mobbing and I do not want that energy to affect anyone in my life, nor myself. Almost invariably, we find that the greatest criticism of Church leaders and doctrines come from comes from those who are not doing their fully duty, following the leaders, nor living according to the teaching of the gospel. #RandolphHarris 9 of 14
An outstanding example of bullying and oppressive behavior can be found in the story of Cain and Able. Cain neglected his own stewardship and became so bitter over Abel’s righteousness and favor in the eyes of the Lord that his insane jealousy caused him to murder his brother. How much better would his situation have been had he congratulated and honored his brother and set about to improve himself and correct his own failings. Those who cannot do for themselves get jealous and try to hurt others. Let us examine or own lives and actions, bring ourselves in tune with righteous principles, and never attack or spread misinformation about others. Gossip is the worst form of judging. The tongue is the most dangerous, destructive, and deadly weapon available to human beings. A vicious tongue can ruin the reputation and even the future of the one attacked. Insidious attacks against one’s reputation, loathsome innuendoes, half-lies about an individual are as deadly as those insect parasites that kill the heart and life of a might Cyprus tree. They are so stealthy and cowardly that one cannot guard against them. It is easier to dodge an elephant than a microbe. What a different World it would be if we could learn to love each other. Instead, we are all so inclined to judge others by a standard different from the one why which we wish or be willing to be judged. #RandolphHarris 10 of 14
If Jesus were to stand by and be asked to judge those whom we accuse and should say to us, “One that is without sin among you, let one cast a stone,” and then should stoop and write in the sand, how many of us would feel to steal away shamed convicted of our own conscience. How sound is his counsel. The form of the Son of God stands forth pre-eminent; his cross rises against the sky; the perfect ideal of love is realized. The secret of the victories of Christianity is revealed at the conquest of human nature by Eternal Love immanent in the World from the first, and struggling for recognition. If we could accept and practice the second great commandment to love others as we love ourselves, and really learn to love our neighbors, there would be no vicious gossip or bearing false witness. In the Lord’s prayer, we have these words, “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. For if you forgive people their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if you forgive not people of their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matt. 6.12-14-14.) Christ is our greatest example of forgiveness. On the cross he prayed, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23.34.) Relinquishing anger brings many benefits. It allows us to move up to a more effective and effortless state of inner freedom. #RandolphHarris 11 of 14
The tongue of a viper is less hurtful than that of a slanderer. Slander: a lot of that often falls from bad people’s mouths upon good people’s names and professions. Regardless of our ego, our pride, or our feeling of insecurity, our lives would be happier, we would be contributing more to social welfare and the happiness of others, if we would love one another, forgive one another, repent of our wrongdoings, and judge not. It is true that we must have appointed judges to deal with the laws of the land and judges in the Church to deal with its members; and they are given the heavy duty and responsibility of judging, which they must not neglect, but they must give righteous judgment according to the law of the land and of the Church. Let us stand on principle—high principle. Also, it is important that all of us, including our politicians, strive to live so that our actions will be above reproach and criticism. We never gain anything nor improve our own character by trying to tear down another. We have seen close friendships destroyed, and families ripped apart by words spoken and accusations made in the heat of a campaign. There have been tirades against people and families that tend to cause our youth to lose faith in humanity and others in government and often even our form of government itself. #RandolphHarris 12 of 14
As mature individuals, we have the responsibility in our houses to guard against anything that is foul from taking root in our foundation. It is important to protect your family and children. Also, we must realize that every word and every act influences the thinking and attitude of the child. It is in the family that the child picks up the elementary lessons in getting along with people and the virtues of love, compassion, and concern. These lessons will have been well taught if parents can bring up their children without prejudicing them by precept or example against any other children on the grounds of color, race, religion, social status, physical capacity, or intellectual capacity, and if they teach them to love the Lord. I am so thankful that my parents, through their tolerance and understanding, were able to accomplish this with their children. May I humbly say in all sincerity that I love the Lord with all my heart and that I love my fellow human beings, the animals and nature. I hold no hard feelings of any kind toward any people, and I sincerely pray for forgiveness wherein I have offended anyone. To all the World, and especially to those who do not understand, but who ridicule the teachings of the Church, judge not until you know and understand those teachings which are contained in the restored gospel. #RandolphHarris 13 of 14
We believe, with you, that God lives, and that Jesus Christ is his Only, but truly Begotten Son in the flesh, who came and gave his life and was resurrected so that all humankind might enjoy immortality. He said, “This is my work and my glory—to being to pass the immortality and eternal life of human beings” (Moses 1.39). And he gave us the gospel plan by which we can prepare ourselves to go back into his presence and enjoy eternal life. Know that the Lord has loved you and kept the oath he swore to your ancestors that he brought you out with a hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery. Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. If you ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it on to you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost, you may know the truth of all things. God is saying you need to get ready. He is going to finish what he started. No one and nothing can stop him from fulfilling his promises. He will complete your incompletions, even the secret petitions of your heart. This is the promise and testimony I leave you with in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. #RandolphHarris 14 of 14
I Give the Truths of Tomorrow, I Prefer the Mistakes of Today
Even though it is a painful for a time, it is not the end. The World may be regarded as in some way an emanation from, or self-expression of, God. God, as first cause, can suspend or transform secondary causes in order to perform his will. When he does so, his action is called a miracle. A miracle does not violate nature. It is a case of nature behaving in an abnormal way through a special act of the same creative power which is at work in the normal process that can be subsumed under scientific laws. If the essence of finite being is to be dependent on God’s will (and so to possess a potential obedientialis in relation to it), miraculous acts are not less natural than nonmiraculous one. However, while the abnormal character of an event is empirically verifiable, its miraculous character as an act of God can be discerned by faith alone. Faith is the subtle chain that binds us to the infinite. In God’s plan of happiness, we are not so much looking for someone perfect but for a perfect person with whom, throughout a lifetime, we can join efforts to create a loving, lasting, and more perfect relationship. That is the goal. Those who save their relationships understand that pursuit takes time, patience, and above all, the blessing of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. #RandolphHarris 1 of 9
Patience will cure all evils. God acts on people both by nature (through his general providence) and by grace (through the supernatural gift of the Holy Spirit). Omniscience is entailed by infinity. God knows the future freely chosen human acts, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ requires you to be kind, envy not, seek not your own, not be easily provoked, think no evil, and rejoice in the truth. In other words, it requires charity, the pure love of Christ. All this will not happen in an instant. Great relationships are built by time, devotion, commitment, and love over a life time. And that is good news. God’s nature cannot change (for change implies imperfection) and this was affirmed by Plato and the Old Testament. God cannot suffer change from an external nor an internal cause. No matter how flat your relationship may be at the present, if you keep adding gems of kindness, compassion, listening, sacrifice, understanding, and selflessness, eventually a might pyramid will begin to grow. Uncommon faith believes above and beyond and gives you a boldness and a confidence to believe for the extraordinary. #RandolphHarris 2 of 9
If your perfect relationship takes forever, remember that it may be a gradual work, but it does not have to be a cheerless one. In fact, at the risk of stating the obvious, divorce rarely happens when the husband and wife are happy. So be happy! There is no obstacle too difficult for you to overcome. No dreams put in your heart by God are too big to accomplish. And astonish your spouse by making him or her happy. Those who save their relationships choose happiness. Do not be intimidated. Those for you are greater than those against you. You are not weak, defeated, nor powerless; you are a child of the Most High God. Most people are about us happy as they make up their minds to be. Seek happiness and you will find it. If we look for imperfections in our spouse or irritations in our relationship, we will certainly find them, because everyone has some. On the other hand, if we look for good, we will surely find it, because everyone has many good qualities. The greatest force in the Universe is breathing in your direction. If anyone would tell you the shortest, surest way to happiness, one must tell you to make it a rule to yourself to thank and praise God for everything that happiness to you. #RandolphHarris 3 of 9
Those who save relationships pull out the weeds and waters the flowers. For it is certain that whatever seeming calamity happens to you, if you thank and praise God for it, you turn it into a blessing. The same power that raised Christ from the dead lives on inside of you. You are greater than anything against you, and God controls your destiny. No weapon formed against you shall prosper. It is just a matter of time before God promotes you to a new level. It is important to celebrate the small acts of grace that spark tender feelings of charity. Those who save marriages save future generations. Remember why you fell in love and work each day to make your marriage stronger and happier. If you are to become all God created you to be, you cannot let a hurt, a loss, a bad break, or disappointment cause you to sit on the sidelines. If you are facing a big giant challenge, do not focus on the size of the problem; focus on the size of your God. He has brought you through in the past, and he will bring you through in the future. God has something amazing just up in front of you. He has a new level of your destiny God will not only bring you out, he will bring you out better off than you were before! #RandolphHarris 4 of 9
My dear friends, let us do our very best to be numbered among those hallowed and happy souls who save their marriages. Every family have moments of awkwardness. We all have unique spirits and are influenced in different ways by our experiences. We can choose to celebrate these differences and appreciate them for adding richness and constant surprises to our lives. Self-concepts have a major impact on behavior. We creatively build our self-concepts out of daily experiences. Then we slowly revise them as we have new experiences. Once a stable self-concept exists, it tends to shape our subjective World by guiding what we attend to, remember and think about. Sometimes members of our families make choices or do things that are thoughtless, hurtful, or immoral. What should we do in these cases? Whatever problems your family is facing, whatever you must do to solve them, the beginning and the end solution is charity, the pure love of Christ. Without this love, even seemingly perfect families struggle. With it, even families with great challenges succeed. Charity never fails. It is true for saving marriages! It is true for saving families! #RandolphHarris 5 of 9
When we have problems we have to learn to live with them until such a time as God delivers us from them. We must pray for the grace to endure them without murmuring. Problem patiently endure will work for our spiritual perfecting. They harm us only when we resist them or endure them unwillingly. In addition to natural knowledge of God, there is a supernatural knowledge revealed by Christ and received through faith. The great enemy of charity is egotistical pride. Egotistical pride is one of the biggest reasons marriages and families struggle. Egotistical pride is short-tempered, unkind, and envious. It exaggerates its own strength and ignores truth and virtues of others. Egotistical pride is selfish and easily provoked. It assumes evil intent where there is none and hides its own weaknesses behind clever excuses. Egotistical pride is cynical, pessimistic, angry, and impatient. Indeed, if charity is the pure love of Christ, then egotistical pride is the defining characteristic of Satan. Society is to be transformed, then (even if only Slowly and gradually), by means of a change in people’s opinions—chief among them their opinions about is desirable. #RandolphHarris 6 of 9
The right action is the one that makes for the greatest happiness of the greatest number. However, this is not derived from egoism: the greatest happiness principle is ultimate, and cannot be derived from self-interest. Egotistical pride may be a common human failing. However, it is not of our spiritual heritage, and it has no place among holders of God. Life is short. Regrets can last a long time—some will have repercussions that echo through eternity. The way you treat your spouse, children, parents, siblings or friends may influence generations to come. What legacy do you want to leave your posterity? One of harshness, vengeance, anger, fear, or isolation? Or one of love, humility, forgiveness, compassion, spiritual growth, and unit? People can never fully understand the principle of Universal benevolence, simply because they cannot hope to know all their fellows intimately. However, this is an ideal toward which we can strive and which, even if it can never be reached, can always be brought a little closer. For the sake of your family relationships, for the sake of your soul, please be merciful, for mercy triumphs over judgment. Set aside egotistical pride. #RandolphHarris 7 of 9
The right to emotions are those that we feel when we see all the facts clearly. When we analyze these emotions, we find that they are consistent with the greatest happiness principle. Sincerely apologizing to your children, your wife, your family, or your friends is not a sign of weakness but of strength. Is being right more important than fostering an environment of nurturing, healing, and love? There are good and bad reasons for feeling frightened or angry. Fear is appropriate in a situation of danger. We do not doubt that if once we make a person see the facts of the situation, the emotion of fear will come of its own accord. In the same way, if we want people to feel the appropriate emotions of benevolence, pity, affection, and so one, we can do it by making them realize the full facts about human beings. It is in this sense the people are naturally good. Even when you are not at fault—perhaps especially when you are not at fault—let love conquer egotistical pride. If you do this, whatever adversity you are facing will pass, and because of the love of God in your hearts, contention will fade. These principles of saving relationships apply to all of us, regardless of whether we are married, divorce, windowed, or single. We all can be saviors of strong families. #RandolphHarris 8 of 9
Since we cannot know everyone intimately, we have to rely on generalizations, any one of which may be seriously misleading when applied to a given individual. Such generalizations form, as it were, a distorting glass through which we look at the World. And, since virtue depends on feeling the appropriate emotions toward other human beings, emotions which depend on a clear perception of all particulars, the logical proposition is an adequate explanation of human frailty. It is also what is meant by prejudice. In our efforts to save our marriages and families, as in all things, let us follow the example of the One who saves us. The Savior won our souls with love. Jesus Christ is our Master. His work is our work. It is a saving work, and it begins in our houses. Love in the fabric of the plan of salvation is selfless and seeks the well-being of others. That is the love our Heavenly Father has for us. A we emulate the Savior’s love, he will surely bless and prosper our righteous efforts to save our marriages and strengthen our families. May the Lord bless you in your untiring and righteous efforts to be numbered among those who save. This is my prayer in the name of Christ, amen. God is going to make the rest of your life the best of your life. #RandolphHarris 9 of 9
The Brain is Wider than the Sky
Every impulse of feeling should be guided by reason; and exertion should always be in proportion to what is required. Rarely people are taught that stepping into their power actually includes including softness and vulnerability, but such inclusion is a central component of what constitutes real power (power meaning the capacity to take action). The seeking of power, especially over (whether of oneself or others), is a common trait of conventional adulthood—and, at the same times, a confession of already existing powerlessness. Quite often, people pursue a sense of power, of reliable potency, through membership in a dominant group—be it a work crew, an army, a team, a political organization, or a bunch of friends with a common culture. Such membership provides a sense of security and commonly held power. The price is steep—personal integrity usually being peripheral to fitting in—but for most, this matters little, at the time. People who thus involve themselves become cool and sophisticated in their own minds, which offers them a secondhand sense of power. In doing so, they get to shift much of the responsibility for themselves and their choices onto the group. Because they never really grew up, they lack heart and empathy. #RandolpHarris 1 of 13
Certainly is true that many are searching for peace in the World, and yet some follow paths in their search that could only leads in the opposite direction–paths of avarice, ambition, envy, anger, and pride. Surely the greatest enemy of peace is selfishness and with it the desire to pile up treasures on Earth. Life for people who are desperate for power and attention becomes a popularity contest. They feel the need to belittle others, achieve material success by any means necessary, and always out do others. These power-hungry individuals may not even know what they really like because their goal is to be better than you. The constant one-upping is not meant to make you feel like number two. However, this is usually a way for the one-upper to feel better about his or her own life. The one-upper has low self-esteem. If these power-driven people were self-confident, the need to always be one-up would diminish or disappear. Take heed, and beware of a covetous: for our lives do not consist in the abundance of things which we possess. It is nice to see people prosper, but it should not be at our expense, and you can tell when some takes an idea you had or a dream and is trying to outdo you because it was never an authentic desire of theirs. #RandolphHarris 2 of 13
A person may have a great house, possessions, a charming family, and yet are not inspired by or happy with these things because they feel inadequate. It is not that he or she does not possess enough of his or her wants, but rather that others possess more. It is the more that haunts them, making them depreciate himself or herself and minimize their real achievements. A one-upper is not necessarily trying to convince you that he or she is more better, best looking, smartest, fastest, most popular, or vastly more interesting—these types of individuals have an inferiority complex and are trying to convince themselves of their value you through obtaining material things and boasting about them. You know how one-uppers get down, they find out you were in line from a promotion and steal it from you. They are condensing towards you, or they find out you wanted something like a car and go out and buy the exact car or house they think you wanted before you do. Nevertheless, most of the luxuries, and many of the so-called comforts of life, are not only indispensable, but they can be hindrances to the elevation of humankind if all one focuses on is material advancement. #RandolphHarris 3 of 13
Wealth comes in different forms, you may be happy with you have and you may not feel like you have much, but sometimes there is a spiritual wealth that others can detect within you and that is what is fueling their jealousy. Or perhaps you have overcome great burdens and created things of great beauty that makes them envious. Just because you have not necessarily gained material wealth or acclaimed success, it does not mean that you are not successful. Often times people who feel empty inside or are jealous of your inner peace trying to outdo you with their material success. However, times has come when a person must no longer be interested in how much power or wealth another person possesses so long as one can attain enough for the dignity and security of one’s family and oneself. We have to break through this vicious circle of comparison. It does not matter who is bigger, richer, or has more. We have to set our goals for ourselves rather than borrow them from others. Many people see the transitory worth of material things. They recognize that ambition over others leads people to seek power and domination and it does not bring peace, but frustration. #RandolphHarris 4 of 13
Certainly, history is repeated with examples of yesterday’s millionaire, the rise and fall of ambitious people. However, what makes you happy? Love? Money? Success? Music? Sports? Partying? Religion? Clearly, there is no simple, universal formula for enjoying happiness. Nevertheless, recent studies point to one generalization that can be made: Overall, people tend to be happy if they are meeting their personal goals. This is especially true if you feel you are making progress, on a day-to-day basis, on smaller goals that relate to your long-term, life goals. The relationship between personal goals and happiness shows how closely connected motivation and emotion are. Be careful in choosing your goals: They influence not only how you spend your time and energy, but your prospects for happiness as well. Today, we have a Universal search for peace—a generation of peace; yet most of those who discard the grasping, selfish race for power know not where to turn to find a way of life to take its place. Peace cannot be achieved by making a sign or by writing words on fences. It must come first and foremost completely to an individual through one’s own efforts in keeping the commandments of our Lord and Savior, for God made all people to enjoy such peace. #RandolphHarris 5 of 13
Just as running madly after Worldly things does not bring peace, neither does sitting idly. Because our modern conveniences often leave us much time beyond that which is necessary to sustain ourselves and our families, it becomes important not to spend this time idly for there is much to be done if we are to partake of the Lord’s peace. Psychiatry recognizes an automation syndrome in which older workers, replaced by a machine, may break down, suffer amnesia or commit suicide. One sociologist predicts increasing alcoholism in the automated factory—this in a nation which now has one of the World’s most substantial alcoholism problems. For some the strain of contemporary life is already too great. Medicine links the stress ailments—heart disease, mental aberration, ulcers (which appear commonly in overcrowded animals)—to the tempo of modern life. There are some people who are working themselves hard to achieve success in life and fitness and have not seemed to get anywhere materially, but people envy them because they have the peace of the Lord through all the adversity. #RandolphHarris 6 of 13
Without doubt machines will be able to determine the means and avenues to goals, but people will continue to set the goals themselves. For what machine can ever apply the considerations of compassion and justice which, as human enlightenment spreads, it will enter ever more into the decisions that affect our future in the Universe. Probably there is no quicker way to enjoy inner peace than by serving one another. There is recorded in history a marvelous period of time when this peace did indeed banish avarice, ambition, envy, anger, and pride from human hearts. It was shortly after the Savior’s visit to the American continent after his death and resurrection. The people were all converted unto the Lord and there were no contentions and disputations among them, and every person did deal justly one with another. And they had all things common among them; therefore, there were not rich and poor, bond and free, but they were all made free, and partakers of the Heavenly gift. And there were great and marvelous works wrought by the disciples of Jesus, insomuch that they did heal the sick, and raise the dead, and cause the lame to walk, and blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear. #RandolphHarris 7 of 13
Some people believe that the whole work-sin notion is dead and done with. However, there are still others who believe it, and they still give people hell if they do not find something productive to do regularly. It is ingrained in all our lives that nothing short of a massive revolutionary action, or the End of the World, will really eliminate the belief that if you are doing something that can be considered productive, then you are worthwhile. And, possibly, we should not try to end this belief. What benefits can come from the attitude that work is good? One is that many useful things will continue to be accomplished. Two, work will continue to provide satisfaction to those people whose products are sources of pride and pleasure. And the skills we possess not only create new work—as invention gives rise to advanced technology—but new work may also create new skills that enhance the creative process. And the Lord did prosper them exceedingly in the land because they kept God’s commandments. The people became exceedingly fair and delightsome. They continued praying, and meeting together to pray and hear the word of the Lord. #RandolphHarris 8 of 13
And it came to pass that there was no contention among all the people, in all the land; but there were mighty miracles wrought among disciples of Jesus because the love of God which dwell in the hearts of people. There was no envying, nor strife, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lying, nor murder, nor any manner of lasciviousness; and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God. They were one, the children of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of God. During those periods of time when people were keeping God’s commandments did they enjoy peace, love, happiness, and prosperity. God is the only complete personality, and the relationship of people to God is not the objective aim of worship, but the subjective one of identity of purpose in every creative act. It is through personality that the totality of existence is unified, not as a completed organic or hierarchical whole, but as a meaningful unity in process of realization in and through many individual centers of activity. #RandolphHarris 9 of 13
The pleasure Christ brought about, the assistance he offered, the love he showed and the life he lived made following God’s commandments more amiable and respectable with every passing year in the hearts of the people. Moreover, each entity is internally related to other entities, for spirit is concretely universal, existing only as individuals whose fullest potentialities are realizable only in communion with and dependence upon God. Whenever spirit takes the special form of human existence, it constitutes an ego; but in accordance with the form of relation between spirit and personality, not all egos are actually persons. Only when the ego freely acts to realize its own concrete essence, rather than abstract or arbitrary goals, is it a person. A society that furthers the goal of development of egos into persons is a true community, and the relationship existing among its member is communality. Communality is opposed by the process of individualization and socialization. Socialization is the tendency of an ego to assume the characteristics of objectified, abstract society, there by sacrificing its true nature for the false role of theatrical ego. #RandolphHarris 10 of 13
The goal is not economic forces, but in love, for only love transforms the Ego into personality. People are not only morally or immorally, but also to decide for themselves what is moral or immoral. No truly human act can use a person as a means; the ethics of freedom and creativity must also be ethics of compassions. The moral ideal is complete, harmonious being, manifesting beauty in the form of creative energy guiding and unifying the entire World in the project of value realization. If such a goal seems overly optimistic, the historical perspective tends to promote a realistic balance. The current realization of our very structure of existence forbids the realization of any utopia, not only because some actions fail to achieve their intended results, but also because some goods are mutually exclusive. Moreover, since the goal is the fullest development of spirit, and since the spirit has unlimited freedom, our greatest desire and hope is to find a life of peace and joy, progress, and freedom, which can only be found in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Yet, paradoxically, we live in a World where war, destruction, contention, law-breaking, and immorality surrounds us, and many become lost. #RandolphHarris 11 of 13
We have to accept the knowledge from God the fact that each human being lived preexistent spiritual World as a child of God and came to this mortal life for a great and necessary part of eternal life. This mortality provides the opportunity to choose the right and to obtain knowledge by faith in the revealed plan of God, which will bring peace and freedom for mortal as well as eternal life. Human passions for mortal gratification, including selfishness, envy, anger, and pride must be replaced by spiritual ideals, and sin must become abhorrent to us, for we know that all we do here will affect our lives in eternity. We believe that only through this knowledge and way of life can an individual or a nation achieve that peace which is so desired and sought after. And, so we say to this generation, which is so verbally calling for peace, that this thought toward peace today is indeed significant, for it is true that peace is in our hands—our own personal peace as well as in great measure the peace of the World. Believe in it, work for it, live for it; for in it, as you follow through and work for the establishment of peace first in your own souls, you will then have true peace. #RandolphHarris 12 of 13
Prayer moves the hand that moves the World. Pray for great things, expect great things, work for great things, but above all, pray. We have been charged with the Spirit of God, which has been in our presence and is now in our presence. Let us go forth with our personal testimonies that we know God lives. God tells us to ask and he will make the nations our inheritance, the ends of the Earth our possessions. Father, you have promised to give us the desires of our hearts. We have dreams in our heart that may seem impossible. However, God promised it, and now we know we cannot do this on our own, but God is all-powerful. God has no limitations. There is nothing too difficult for God, so we ask for your favor to shine down on us. God, please make a way, even though we may not see a way. God, we are asking you to open doors that no human can shut. Let us see the greatness of God’s power. God be with us and bless us as we go forth to carry out our assignments, whatever they are, we pray humbly in the name of Jesus Christ let us see the Kingdom of God. Remember your word to your servante, for you have given us hope. Amen. #RandolphHarris 13 of 13
Southern Living–It is Fall Y’all!
Watching Good Times, I always wanted to see them come up out of the transient high rise building. I used to not like the show, but after ever episode, I thought maybe the tide would turn in their favor, so I keep tuning in. We are not here to punish the innocent. Forgiveness is the economy of the heart. The focus of life should be on the calmness of the mind. Only when the mind is calm—that is, free from selfishness, cunning, and deliberate effort—can it be peaceful. One can then respond to things as they come and naturally maintain a balance between the internal and the external. Changes have exerted tremendous influence throughout the ages, and progress is naturally turned to for inspiration and support. We live in the most enlightenment since the creation of the World. Scientific achievements of today are staggering to the human mind. We realize that the law under what these achievements have been accomplished has always been in existence, but it was not until this era that human learning and understanding have sufficiently increased to make use of natural laws to produce the accomplishments of today’s World. A few generations ago, goods were manufactured with hand tools from crude materials; but in these times, mass production has replaced the antiquated methods with greater efficiency and in some cases superior quality because of the genius and skills of humans and the machines that have been developed. #RandolphHarris 1 of 17
However, much of modern architecture cannot rival the hand built houses, with decadent materials, and geometrical shapes of the Victorian era, which proves old is sometimes superior. Perspective is a study of human nature and destiny on the basis of principle ascetics. The spirit of life is in everything. It is the principle of Nature, the self-evident Universal truth that carries with it the dictate to distinguish right from wrong and the imperative to do good. Agriculture is the means of livelihood for more than half of the World’s population. As we pass through modernized farming areas, we no longer see farmers tilling the land with horse and plow, cutting one furrow at a time, or families working together in the fields at harvest time. These things seem to have disappeared. Today, large pieces of mechanical equipment with the strength of a hundred horses plow many furrows at one time. Not many years ago, the hand sickle was used to harvest the fields of ripened grain. The sheaves were flailed by hand and tossed into the wind to separate the chaff. Large combines now do all of the work in one operation as they mow the fields. #RandolphHarris 2 of 17
Unfortunately, ducks build nests in the fields and because humans are no longer harvesting the fields by hand, many duck eggs are being destroyed before they even hatch. However, because humans were originally good and endowed with the innate knowledge of the good and the innate ability to do good, some farmers are inviting dozens of volunteers to scour their fields over a few weekends before the harvest to collect the wild eggs. Over the past 15 years, on just one farm, more than 30,000 eggs were brought to a local wild bird hatchery before the tractor blades got there. Inside of those little eggs, it starts with a little tiny heart and little tiny veins going to the inner lining of the egg. That is the embryo, and it just grows and grows and eventually turns into a little duck in there. And that is amazing. It is life. It is amazing how it happens. Also, eradicating the wild grasses and then over-farming the land leads to deep erosion that helped contribute to the Dust Bowl crisis. People hope that in Sacramento, California America that we can sustain the land and leave this ground better than we found it. We do not want be mining the soil, and chasing away wild life, instead we want to build it up and improve it. #RandolphHarris 3 of 17
We have to be ecologist and keep the spirit. Happenings in faraway places are viewed in the quiet of our own houses, a phenomenon which would have been considered a miracle in the generations preceding ours. Modern living requires that we have instantaneous communications at our side so that we may quickly dial and transact business or have the luxury of visiting, regardless of long intervening distances. Animals provided human beings transportation for centuries, but these have now been replaced by vehicles of great speed and comfort. There has always been a curiosity to what lies beyond the river. Today’s rapid flight through the air has made the oceans no wider than the rivers of years past and humans have quick access to the World. We take great pride in modern accomplishments—the fact that we are better housed and fed, have greater conveniences, improved medical facilities, greater advantages in education, and the highest standard of living ever enjoyed in the history of the World. Currently, President Trump set up a new hotline to help the 470,000 veterans who are appealing their denied claims for financial and medical disability assistance with the Department of Veteran Affairs. #RandolphHarris 4 of 17
Many of my ancestors were engaged in the World’s most followed occupation of tilling the soil. Some of them left their old moorings in England and came to the shores of the New World, settling in the Plymouth and Massachusetts colonies. I get a warm feeling when I read the soul-stirring accounts of their conquest against hardships and the difficulties that faced them and their families. They used to rotate their crops—letting the fields go fallow every other year to replenish the soil’s nutrients, and used cover crops in the off season. We have to stop paving over our food-producing land. Also, I do not think what the ordinary farmer is doing can be long-term, because pretty soon the ground will not produce anymore. It will just be poison. If you want sustainability, you protect the land that grows our food. Early missionaries of the Church went to Germany, Italy, Scotland, Denmark, Africa, and Norway where other of my early ancestors lived. They accepted the teachings of the gospel, gave up the security of their homelands, and participated in the gathering of Zion’s descent from Heaven. #RandolphHarris 5 of 17
These people faced hardship and sudden death, as they walked across the dust plains of the Middle West and over the Rocky Mountains, pushing all of their Earthly belongings in carriages. The difficulties they endured brings tears to their eyes of those who are their beneficiaries today. The stories of these people who have gone before us are ones of faith, devotion, and dedication. Although there were trials, hardships, and lack of the conveniences we think necessary in our World today, there seems to have been a happiness in their living, in their individual lives, and in their families. In their houses, there was faith and prayer—faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and prayers asking God for their needs and thanking him for his goodness to them. The Good Book (Bible) was read in the house and there was profound belief in its teachings. America would be the place of the New Jerusalem, where the Saints believed they could find protection from the desolation and tribulation soon to descend upon the wicked. Life was more simple, but can we say that there was less happiness in simplicity? #RandolphHarris 6 of 17
Today, many people have all the riches they could dream of, but wake up to sin and make life hard on others. They actually dream of ways to offend people they do not like and find ways to make life difficult for them. That is so wicked and so far from God. We learn American history for its purpose, discipline, and solidarity that is supposed to show us what people have overcome and how, through the evolution of time and the cultivation of the human mind, we should treat people with kindness and show them the love of God. The purpose of learning history is so people do not repeat the mistakes of the past. If you are walking around with 525 years of hate and animosity, one-sided in your emphasis on principle and the investigation of things, and looking to hurt others, it is important to seek professional help because you have invited the Devil into your soul and he is planting roots of hatred and poison in your heart and mind. Both the principle and Nature of human desires are good, and they should not be constrained. The mind fills the whole Universe. Throughout all ages and in all directions, there is the same mind. It is identical with all things, for there is nothing outside of God and there is no God outside of things. #RandolphHarris 7 of 17
The mind is the Universe. To investigate things, then, is to investigate the mind. Since all principles are inherent and complete in the mind, there is no need to look outside, as do people who worship Satan do. In the writings of Enoch, revealed in December of 1830, the Saints found a concrete example in the righteous achievements of Enoch and his city: “And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them” (Moses 7.18). We must honor moral nature, which will give rise to intellectual creativity by means of moral vigor in it. This idealistic movement can take us to the highest point in American and World history. The direction of the mind is the will. A thing (or affair) is nothing but the mind determined to realize it. There is no such thing as a filial piety, for example, unless one is determined to put it into practice and actually does so. The investigation of things is the investigation of the mind. However, since the most important aspect of the mind is the will, the sincerity of the will must precede the investigation of things. #RandolphHarris 8 of 17
Because of one’s innate ability to do good, one necessarily extends the innate knowledge into action. Knowledge and action are really identical; one is beginning and the other the completion. The extension of the innate knowledge and the unity of knowledge and action, both of which represent new steps in American thought. Society has made a great effort to modernize the World in education, communication, travel, health, commerce, housing, and in many other ways, so as to increase the standard of living; but what has this socialization and modernization done to the family—the basic institution of society? The spirit of the time demanded the evident, the concrete, and the practical. Never before has there been greater instability. The divorce rate is 53 percent, and is higher than any time in history. Modernization has transferred the responsibility of education from the family to public institutions where modern thoughts has become paramount and moral principles have become abandoned. The crime rate has increased alarmingly, in 2016, there were 762 homicides in Chicago, Illinois. Drug addiction, disobedience to the law, increase in venereal disease, and corruption in all forms seem to be accepted in this new tradition. #RandolphHarris 9 of 17
In this day of modernization, and this new doctrine of consciousness and freedom of thought and action is sponsored and promoted without consideration of the responsibilities that must accompany such freedoms if society is to be stabilized. Ungendered species are spreading and the youth are being brainwashed at young ages to be unsure of their gender and question their sexuality. The perpetual transition of deviance being spread by the media at every instant is continually arising anew and this resulting in many ungodly manifestations. When a three-year-old boy comes back to the house from school telling his grandfather he is not a boy, something is very wrong with our system because that thought surely came from somewhere outside the house. Surely we would agree that the family institution has been seriously, if not irreparably, damaged, in our society. In the past, churches have taken a leading role through extensive and vigorous religious and intellectual reform in teaching men and women and children to have faith in God and to develop moral stability. Their work and advancement is quickly disappearing. What is happening to organized religion as a stabilizing force in society? #RandolphHarris 10 of 17
To my grandparents, church was the order of things, and by things they mean daily affairs, it was as important as drinking water and eating food. The way to investigate principle is by critical, analytical, minutely detailed, and objective study of things based on concrete evidence. Many of the largest Christian churches have reported losses in membership and also in income to carry on the work of their religious endeavors. Here again, modernization has taken a heavy toll and created a burden on society. Modernism has become the order of the day in some religious thought. Modernists advocate a restatement of traditional doctrine on the grounds that today’s modern scholastic and scientific advances require a new critical interpretation of The Gook Book, and the history and doctrines. The term “modernism” is often used interchangeably with “liberalism.” Its advocates claim that religious truths are subject to constant reinterpretation in the light of modern knowledge; therefore, new and more advanced concepts are required to express modern thought and progress. Principle can never prevail when feelings are not satisfied, for principles are merely feelings that do not err. #RandolphHarris 11 of 17
God knows what he is doing in your life. Do not be discouraged. Healing is coming. Promotion is coming. We are the leaders of an intellectual revolution and must remain strong, as we establish our state philosophy. The Bible has been subject of attack by modernists. It is said by some that science refuses to support the authenticity of God, his Son, and the Biblical accounts as the creation of the World, placing life upon Earth, Adam and Eve and the Garden of Eden, the flood, and many other happenings in Old and New Testaments. However, these same people who refuse to believe in God think The Queen of the Damned is a true and factual documentary and that they have a legal and moral right to eliminate certain bloodlines by any means necessary. What is claimed to be superior knowledge in this day of enlightenment causes some people to look upon these accounts as fables. Because of this, can believers in Christ repudiate them? In an attempt to regain the confidence of communicants who have ceased to believe, many liberal churches have abandoned one doctrine after another, even to extent of failing to stand by the doctrine of the existence of a personal God. #RandolphHarris 12 of 17
Reality is endless transformation of closing and opening, which constitutes a process of unceasing production and reproduction. The original substance is in perpetual transition at every instant, continually rising anew and thus resulting in many manifestations. People no longer uphold as reality the resurrection of the crucified Savior, they believe the World would be better off if he had stayed dead, and the atoning sacrifice has lost its credibility. Under such circumstances, how can organized religion maintain its place as a stabilizing influence of society? In its closing, the aspect original substance has the tendency to integrate, resulting in what may temporarily be called matter, whereas in its opening aspect is has the tendency to maintain its own nature and be its own matter, resulting in what may temporarily be called mind. This mind itself is one part of the original mind, which in its various aspects is minds, will, and consciousness. In this day of increased knowledge, higher thought, and a modernization of the antiquated, the simple has been overlooked and the profound sought after. The basic, simple, fundamental truths of the gospel are being ignored. #RandolphHarris 13 of 17
We marvel at so many of your who are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. Perception, conception, mind, and consciousness are all syntheses, or constructs, and constructs are products of society and culture. Although we have combined Western logic with modern psychology and sociology, this system is our own. It is the gospel of Christ. However, in modern times, we are surrounded by people who will murder a father so they can torture, experiment on and kill his son. There are people who will take money from a dead man, renovate their house, then let it go into foreclosure, and let his family suffer, while they marry Satan, and steal money and use it to abuse the righteous. This seems to drag down people, destroy faith and morality. Where, then, is hope in this World of frustration and moral decay? It lies in the knowledge and understanding of the truths taught by the Master, which must be taught by the Church of Christ without deviation and believed in and lived by in its membership. #RandolphHarris 14 of 17
We can be modern and enjoy the benefits of a modern World and its high standard of living, and we can have the benefits of modern scholarship and scientific advances without turning to the theories of the modernist. The principles of the gospel announced by Jesus Christ is our Heavenly Father’s plan for the happiness and salvation of his children. According to his plan, our Heavenly Father sent his Son, Jesus Christ, into the World to show us how to live meaningful and happy lives and experience eternal joy after this life. Through the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ, you can become clean from sin and enjoy peace of conscience. You can become worthy to live in Heavenly Father’s presence after this life by enduring to the end. Truth is eternal and never changing. These are eternal truths and will be so perpetuity regardless of changing circumstances in society, development of new scientific achievements, or increase of human knowledge. The gospel of Jesus Christ is ever contemporary in a changing World. The knowledge explosion which the World is so proud of is not of human creation. It is their discovery of portions of the unlimited knowledge and information which is part of God’s knowledge. #RandolphHarris 15 of 17
How we use knowledge is determined by whether we are of the eternal kingdom of God are a part of the temporary understanding of the World. The question is simply this: are we seeking to find our place in the World in the realm of the Worldly, or are we seeking to find our place in the unchanging kingdom of God? Knowledge is a function of reason. Since actual existence, as distinct from the merely possible, is not an indeterminate, anarchic chaos, there must also be an initial creative, purposeful act, determining the pure possibility; this is God. Through God, possibility becomes identified with potentiality; and one may speak of the tendency of freedom to become, or of freedom linked with cosmic aim. Insofar as this aim achieves existential embodiment, God is the Creator bringing value into being ex nihilo; that is, out of freedom. Since all existents (but especially human) participate in the determination of value, God and creatures are mutually related in the pursuit of the common goal or realizing maximum value. Due to this fundamental correlation, all beneficial value experience may be interpreted as the immanence of God. #RandolphHarris 16 of 17
Contrariwise, all evil and frustration, as instances of unrealized potentiality, involve a separation between the divine purpose and the creatures’ actuality that may be described as the transcendence of God. How grateful am I for my membership and association in The Church of Jesus Christ. I know that God, our Eternal Father lives; that the Bible is inspired writing; that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is real and also lives, having shed his blood for us, and is truly and literally resurrected. I also bear witness that there is a prophet of God on Earth today. May the Lord bless us in our righteous endeavors to shun the influences that lead into the ways of the World, that we may take our place, in faith, and believing, in the kingdom of God. Enlarge your vision. Make room in your thinking for the new thing God wants to do. Do not let your temporary provision become permanent. If you will learn this principle of faith in God and not settling, then you will see the fullness of what God has in store and make it all the way to your Promised Land. I humbly pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. #RandolphHarris 17 of 17
All is One and One is All
When acknowledged, love authorizes freedom; and freedom begets freedom. Society should be governed by people of virtue who, through personal examples and moral persuasion rather than law or punishment, bring out the people’s welfare and social order. If a ruler applies his or her originally humane mind to the administration of government, we will have a humane government. However, since some people have an evil nature, we need rulers to regulate them by law and teachers to guide society by the rule of propriety and righteousness so we can have a well-ordered society. God promises that out of suffering, sorrow, and sadness that joy will come. Sometimes we cannot understand that mortal suffering can bring eternal blessings. The Son of God promised deliverance from the chains of death, and declaring liberty to the captives who have been faithful. We should not blame God for our sufferings nor assume we know the cause of another’s suffering. Suffering is not always bad, as it will allow us to develop strength and will not exceed our ability to endure to the end. When we are experiencing misery, we tend to look for things that will bring us joy. #RandolphHarris 1 of 7
A person must earn their freedom daily, or one will become a slave in some form or another: and the way to earn it is by work and obedience to right direction. Like every other privilege, the liberty of the press must be restrained within certain bounds; for if it is carried to a breach of law, religion, and charity, it becomes one of the greatest evils that ever annoyed the community. Sometimes people hurt the people they know because they cannot hurt a stranger as much as they can a loved one. People who know you know just what to do to hurt their companions, parents, or brothers and sisters. They know just where their loved ones are vulnerable. They know just how you can be hurt the most by their actions. To many, it seems to be a test of faith in life to be wounded by those closest to us. However, is it not true that God, our Father, and his Son grieve when we sin? When we fail to be obedient and accept the atoning sacrifice of our Lord, are we not hurting him who loves us most? More bounteous run rivers when the ice that locked their flow melts into their waters. And when fine natures relent their kindness is swelled by the thaw. #RandolphHarris 2 of 7
The test of suffering can dim our eyes, but we also realize the joy we will receive when we receive perfect immortal bodies. Also, our joy of service in helping others we love in time of need brings us greater appreciation for one another. If the jaws of Hell shall gape open the mouth wide after you, know that the Son of God will turn all these things you experience into a miraculous blessing. Not only will you survive, but it will also foster the ability to have concern for others while we are suffering. It is a key element in our spiritual growth. Suffering is Universal; how we react to suffering is individual. Suffering can take us one of two ways. It can be a strengthening and purifying experience combined with faith, or it can be a destructive force in our lives if we do not have the faith in the Lord’s atoning sacrifice. Some people are so tired and weak, but have appointments that are mandatory to attend, and the meetings may take a lot out of them. Some days they may even be too weak to drive, but still have to go because their income and house depends on them enduring the suffering. #RandolphHarris 3 of 7
When the mind is unperturbed by selfishness or deliberate effort and is left to take its own course, it will reveal its pure nature, and enlightenment will come suddenly. The purpose of suffering, however, is to build and strengthen us. We learn obedience by the things we suffer. We should be humbled and drawn to the Lord. The harmony of the individual and society rests on several basic ideas. Foremost of these is humanity. Humanity is a particular virtue, such as kindness, benevolence, and affection. Humanity is the general virtue, the foundation of all other virtues. Humanity is the moral character developed in oneself and in one’s relations with others. The will of Heaven is that humans should practice humanity and righteousness, be economical, and practice Universal love, and it is our duty as members of the human population to obey the will of Heaven. After a number of mistakes and failures to live as we know we should, we may lose confidence in ourselves and have a poor self-image of who we are and what we are capable of becoming. We may forget that we are children of God and have the potential of dwelling with him and his Son if we accept the Atonement and keep the commandments. By keeping faith in God and living right, this benefits Heaven, spiritual beings, and all humans. #RandolphHarris 4 of 7
Ultimately, through the moral principle, Heaven and Earth will attain their proper order and all things will flourish in a harmonious Universal operation. When the individual behaves correctly and society operates in right manner, the way of God is said to prevail. God is moral law and moral order. It is the way of Heaven. Heaven is the origin of all things, the Supreme Reality, whose purposive character is being manifested on Earth. By this time, there is a clear distinction between what is good, correct, or proper and what is evil, incorrect, or improper. The first of the commandments we must keep is to have faith. First, we must gain faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Faith that he lives. Faith that he hears and answers prayers. Faith that he will forgive us of our transgressions. Faith in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Why is the Savior’s atonement so important as the central gospel principle in the Church and in our lives? Jesus was born of Heavenly parents in a premortal World—he was the first born of our heavenly Father. Only he could make the atoning sacrifice—having received the power over death from his Father. Eventually, all alternatives will be synthesized so that harmony reigns over conflict and unity exists in multiplicity. #RandolphHarris 5 of 7
Jesus Christ overcame death, the grave’s power was nullified, and he became our Savior, Mediator, Master of the Resurrection—a means of salvation and immortality to all of us. We will be resurrected and become immortal because of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. In the study of the Atonement, most of us have probably asked the question: Why is it so easy for the World to see and believe that in Adam all people died and were cast out from the presence of our Heavenly Father, yet it is so hard for the World to understand how Jesus Christ can bring us back in the same manner? Because people want an excuse to sin, they want someone to blame. However, scriptures are clear on this. For as by one man’s disobedience [Adam] many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. As sin has reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness until eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. Jesus will take upon him death, that he may lose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy. Jesus will take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverances. #RandolphHarris 6 of 7
The whole focus in one process, order, and laws of operation. Existence is viewed as a dynamic process of change obeying definite laws, following definite patterns, and based on a pre-established harmony. Wherever harmony is sought or change takes place, the forces of God are at work. “For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; but if they might not repent, they must suffer even as I.” I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me, confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me; I tremble to know that for me he was crucified, that for me, a sinner, he suffered, he bled, and died. I marvel that he would descend from his throne divine to rescue my soul; that he should extend his great love unto such as I, sufficient to own, to redeem, and to justify. I think of his body beaten, pierced and bleeding to pay the debt! Such mercy, such love, and devotion can I forget? No, no I will praise and adore at the mercy seat, until at the glorified throne I kneel at his feet. It is my prayer that our sorrow and suffering will strengthen our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, that our sorrow shall be turned to joy, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. The World is in reality a perfect harmony in all its flowery splendor. #RandolphHarris 7 of 7
Ignorance and Prejudice are the Only Real Evils
Material force exists after physical form and is therefore with it whereas God exists before form and is therefore without it. Until our minds are blank, naked, and ready to receive the divine revelation on faith alone, our own capacities are so limited and unreliable that it is doubtful that we could really know anything in either the natural or supernatural realm. God’s nature is infinite and therefore surpasses all attempts to define or limit it. Skepticism is a means of destroying the enemies of the true faith while preparing the soul for salvation. No philosophy can ever absolutely hope to reach the truth, for the truth is discovered not necessarily by reasoning, but by some inner light, a kind of feeling (sentiment), perhaps what is called the heart. God is considered to be the form of all being, a view which has been called pantheistic. The sense of individuality induces an absence of all distinct thoughts and feelings, a kind of mystical union with that God who is nature itself. The spirit of life is in all things. This creative quality is the highest good and becomes humanity and love, which makes humans the moral beings that they are. It enables us to embrace all things and Heaven and Earth as one body. May we so live that we may always have the companionship of the Holy Spirit and be blessed by these beautiful spiritual gifts. #RandolphHarris 1 of 12
Being humans, we would expel from our lives physical pain and mental anguish and assure ourselves of continual ease and comfort, but if we were to close the doors upon sorrow and distress, we might be excluding our greatest friends and benefactors. Suffering can make saints of people as they learn patience, long-suffering, and self-mastery. Evil is due not to one’s nature, but to a bad environment, lack of education, and casting oneself away. The superior person is one who develops their mind to the utmost and nourishes one’s nature. The effectual and fervent prayer of a righteous person will avail much. Walk upright before God and you will not be seduced by evil spirits, nor doctrines of devils, nor the commandments of humans; and so, you may not be deceived, seek earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given. Both the one receiving the blessing and the one given it should be in tune with the Spirit through their worthy lives. The accounts of miraculous healing are numerous. They warm one’s soul and give great strength of testimony as to the divinity of this great work. They come by faith, not the will of humans, nor as they please, but by the will of God. #RandolphHarris 2 of 12
How would you like to create your own mind? Is that not what usually happens? The mind is made up by what it feeds upon. The mind, like the dyer’s hand, is colored by what it holds. If I hold in my had a sponge full of blue dye, my hand becomes blue. And if I hold in my mind and heart great ideas of faith and enthusiasm, my whole personality is changed accordingly. If we think negative thoughts, we develop negative minds. On the other hand, if we think celestial thoughts, which are the kind of thoughts that God thinks, then we develop celestial minds. My mind to me is a kingdom, such present joys therein are found, that excels all other bliss that the Earth afford or grows by kind. Perhaps you may not have yet made glorious achievements or articles, but you have the song of love in your heart and mind, so deeply, so unrestrained. Effective mental, physical, and spiritual health is propelled by a consciousness of love and a realization that the Creative Spirit is always at work. We do not have to compel the force to work. It is the nature of the Creative Power to take form, and it is our nature to use it. We develop our own Godliness when we listen to inspiring music, hear sacred prayers, and comfort others, and stimulate ourselves with the greatest idea. For a wise and glorious purpose, God has placed us here on Earth. #RandolphHarris 3 of 12
Just think what would happen in our lives if each of us memorized a good number of poems of love. As I walk through the park each day, the light of love shines on my daily life as the lighting turns the mediocre gullies and lush forests into legendary mirages. And I think to myself: God, thank you for each sight of beauty that your World gives. For sunny skies and air and light. God, I thank you that I live. Some memories are unforgettable, remaining ever vivid and heartwarming. We honor God by making him an intrinsic part of our every thought and action. We honor God through prayer, pure thoughts, clean language, wholesome appearance, service to others, and through striving for the powerful, personal conversation that will help us to withstand the temptations of the day. In addition to being shining examples in our individual lives, let us make sure that we strengthen our houses and families and, at the same time, do all we can to reach out with understanding to encourage and bring blessings into the lives of others. You are the light of the World and a city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. #RandolphHarris 4 of 12
One should learn to consider the beautiful soul more valuable than the figure. If one meets a beautiful soul, let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven. Happiness is not hidden in the satiation, but in the yearning. How far is it from the eyes to the heart? If we live the principles of the gospel, we are the fulfillment of the Savior’s light of the World. And possessing this light, we can shine among our fellow humans through our lives and deeds, influencing them to glorify our Father in Heaven. Jesus wants every one of us to know him because of the transforming power of that knowledge and because of the indescribable joy it brings into our lives. However, the influence of the gospel is to extend beyond each individual. Your love-lit eyes should be like sparking stars, dispelling loneliness from the hearts of others. No one of us is saved solely and simply for oneself alone, just as no chandelier is lighted merely for its own benefit. The state of the World being what it is, we must take advantage of every opportunity to testify of the Savior and teach and exemplify gospel truth, letting his light so shine before friends and strangers alike to perpetuate the truth concerning our Savior, Jesus Christ. #RandolphHarris 5 of 12
Upon us is rich blessings and unbounded love and encouragement. God is wonderful in his design and excellent in his workings. Believer: God overrules all things for your good. The needs-be for all that you have suffered has been most accurately determined by your God. Your course is all mapped out no novelties to him. There will be no occurrences which God did not foresee, and for which, therefore, he has not provided. God has arranged all, and you have but to patiently wait, and you shall sing a song of deliverance. Real satisfaction comes not in understanding God’s motives, but in understanding his character, in trusting in his promises, and in leaning on him and resting in him as the Sovereign who knows what he is doing. The wounds of those who suffer spiritual can be healed when you and I put forth the extra personal effort required to reach out to them. Our lives are touched in an unforgettable way when the love of God is bestowed on us and are especially grateful. The Savior’s touch can reach others through individuals with big hearts. Tears will follow, attitudes will change, directions will become clear, and commitments will be made. Peace will come into your heart. The Master’s touch will fall upon all of us. We can feel the Savior’s touch, and can help others feel that divine touch. We can bless each other by reaching out. We somehow need to realize the vital importance of feeling of the gospel and the peace of the Lord in our lives individually. #RandolphHarris 6 of 12
Many people are very conscious of the needs of others, and cannot do much more. However, let us make the choice never to let a day pass without striving to be a blessing in the life of someone through our service. Some of the sweetest memories of my childhood center in the occasional Summer and Autumn days spent with my parents and siblings at my grandfather’s house in rural North Carolina. There, we enjoyed his yard with fragrant wildflowers. We marveled at the flying squirrels, colorful bird, and occasionally discovered a deer, fox, or pheasant. Meandering stream invited us to catch sunfish, and a cool, pure spring satisfied our thirst. There were roasted hot dogs, potato salad, sweet pickles, and of course hot apple pie with homemade ice cream. Every turn of the crank heightened our anticipation of that seldom-savored treat. Be sure to enjoy the countless edifying experiences, precious wholesome relationships, and wondrous beauties of the Earth the Lord has given for our happiness. You may be tired of others trying to run your life—always telling you what to do. Please understand that no one can change the truth. Rationalization, overpowering self-interest, all of the arguments of people, anger, or self-will cannot change the truth. #RandolphHarris 7 of 12
Satan knows that he cannot change the truth, so he tries to create an atmosphere where one unwittingly beings to feel that he cannot only choose what to do, but can determine what is right to do. Satan strives to persuade us to live outside truth by rationalizing our actions as the right of choice. However, our Eternal Father defined truth and established what is right and wrong before the creation of this Earth. God also fixed the consequences of obedience to those truths. God defended our right to choose our path in life so that we would grow, develop and be happy, but we do not have the right to choose the consequences of our acts. Those who willfully, consistently disobey God’s commandments will inevitably learn that truth. When we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated. Please understand, no one has the privilege to choose what is right. God reserved that prerogative to himself. Our agency does allow us to choose among alternate paths, but then we are bound to the consequences God has decreed. Later, if we do not like where the path takes us, the only out is through repentance. #RandolphHarris 8 of 12
By nature, people are alike, but through practice thy have become far apart. We know that humans can be good. Our Heavenly Father gave us truth, some as statements of cause and effect. We call them commandments. They guide our live to happiness. He knew that Satan would try to persuade some to live without fixed standards in life so that decision would be based on current circumstances, what appears convenient, or what provides the greatest personal return. In this way, Satan removes the power of truth from one’s life so he can take that soul captive. If you are trapped and there is no way out, remember that the best way out is always through. You must face the challenges and conquer it. The way through is based on faith in Jesus Christ and obedience to his commandments. It is the only way to permanently cure damage to mind and spirit caused by unrighteous acts. It also provides healing, within the bounds of eternal law, to a body devastated by the effects of transgression. You may have found change is hard, but know you can do it. Recognize that it takes time to build a reputation that overcomes the effects of past deliberate decision to deceive and to take advantage of others—but it is worth it to change from a life of disobedience to one of integrity and truth and compliance. #RandolphHarris 9 of 12
Have you ever noticed that no matter how worthy your intent and how many procedures you follow precisely, if you make the tiniest mistake with a computer, it will not respond? All of your effort is futile. That is not the way the Lord works. There is nothing tricky about God’s commandments. Where there is purity of heart and real intent, it is known to the Lord. Your obedience to truth and proper use of agency opens the doors to his divine help. Initially, perhaps only you and God will believe your sincerity. However, you will be rewarded by the joy that comes from real personal progress. In time, others will recognize your consistent righteous act and support you. Many people offer advice, but one’s suggestion often directly contradict another’s. How do you know whom to believe? Ask yourself what motivated the offer of help? Does your common sense confirm it is right? If so, it will be consistent with the teachings of the Savior. Has the advice offered been followed in the giver’s life? Has it improved the quality of that life? Below the fine fabric of all that is good in some runs the foul stream of hereditary evil, like a sewer. #RandolphHarris 10 of 12
We have to have a knowledge of the heart, an insight into the soul. If the human mind is not actively good, it will generally be actively evil. Honest evaluation of advice against these standards will help you decide whether it is motivated for your benefit or another’s self-interest. A true friend is not one that always encourages you to do what you want to do, but one who helps you do what you know you ought to do. You can block the corrective power of truth in your life by constantly letting others protect you from the consequences of your unworthy acts, without being smart enough to change your life. Your failure to properly respond to help will fix false concepts in your mind, and you will see no need to repent. Your negative patterns will be reinforced, not rejected. How can one decide when to help you and when to let you grow from facing reality? When you show genuine remorse, a contrite heart, a recognition of guilt, movement in the direction of improvement even through there may be slippage—when there is acceptance of responsibility for improper acts, support and help are needed and will be productive. #RandolphHarris 11 of 12
Should you continue to manipulate, blame others for improper decisions, be deceitful and determined to continue the path of transgression by camouflage or cover-up, you are reinforcing false principles and have chosen to head for a showdown with tough reality. It is one thing to know how to heal your damaged life. It is quite another to do it. You will change only when you recognize that it will bring lasting personal benefit. Deep down, you know that breaking the commandments does not bring anything productive and does cause a lot of grief for yourself and others. Do not wait to hit rock bottom. That is painful and could leave physical scars that cannot be healed. You can fool others who want to believe you, but you cannot deceive the Lord. Because of his justice, God will one day have to confront you with the consequences of your unrepented acts. No one wants that to happen. Some transgressions are so powerful that it is unlikely that you will begin to overcome them without another’s help. Seek that help. In time, with the strength that comes from continued use of agency to love truth and live it, you will be healed through the Savior. Please find someone you can trust, who is trustworthy, who understands agency and truth. There is no dignity in wickedness, whether in purple or rags; and Hell is a democracy of devils, where all are equals. #RandolphHarris 12 of 12
The Evidences of Revealed Religion
There is no creature whose inward being is so strong that it is not greatly determined by what lies outside. A cause has traditionally been thought of as that which is produced, its effect, can be explained. That which is caused might be either some new substance or simply a change in something that already exists. This appears to be only a relative distinction, however, for outside Christian theology philosophers have usually taken for granted that no new substance can be produced out of nothing by a cause. A statue, for example, results from imposing changes on something that already exists. The most general idea of a cause, then, is that which produces, and thus accounts for, some change. If the change is sufficiently striking to warrant applying a new name to what results, then it is natural to speak if the cause as producing a new substance. The Devil is mustering his forces to full strength to bring about discord, sin, and sorrow among the human family. These calamities can be averted to the extent that people live the basic principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is love. Love the Lord, God, with all of your heart, and with all of your soul, while you still have one, and with all of your mind. #RandolphHarris 1 of 10
Some beings on this Earth and evil and hard to escape from. God has given us a rational nature, and will call us to account for it. We should reason about the Bible precisely as civilians do about the Constitution under which we live. It is not because God’s will is irresistible, but because his will is the perfection of virtue that we pay him allegiance. We cannot bow before a being, however great and powerful, who governs tyrannically. Since the first great commandment is to love our God, how can he show love for him? We can show our love in our prayers to the Father, given in the name of the Son, and also through our worship of those divine Beings. Our Eternal Father and his Only Begotten Son both have intense, comprehensive, and full love for us. They have much greater intelligence and understanding than we have, and so their feelings of love go far beyond our capabilities to love. The attribute of love is so highly developed in these divine Beings that the scriptures state: God is love. In fact, God’s transcendent love is above and beyond our deepest feelings and keenest conception. At times of great spiritual experience when we feel an abundance of the Spirit, we have a greater realization of the magnitude of God’s love. #RandolphHarris 2 of 10
God is the Father of our spirits. He placed us upon this Earth and provided a gospel plan of salvation through his Only Begotten Son, thereby making it possible for us to come back into his presence and receive exaltation or eternal life. Those who attain that glorious condition will experience the sweetness of love, which surpasses our present. God so loved the World, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Jesus Christ loved us so much that he freely laid down his life and shed blood for our sins, and also to bring about a Universal resurrection. Can you imagine that? The Son of God wanted us all to live, so he gave his own life. This is not an example to follow, but the purpose is to understand that your life means so much to God that he gave up something so precious. The reason he did that is so you could understand the power of love and see how important your life is and why you should be a good person. By being good, it makes God feels like he did not give up his son in vain. Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. So, do not give up your life so easily. Live right. Sometimes we feel lost. Sometimes we feel drained and unprepared. However, sometimes we feel free and what will be will be. No matter what they say it is going to be okay. #RandolphHarris 3 of 10
Sometimes you need more than you can say, taking it all inside. To take your faith from no human creed, to submit your conscious to no human authority, but to repair to the gospel, to read it with your own eyes, to exercise upon it your own understanding, to search it, as if not a sect existed around you, and follow it wherever it may lead you. Hold fast to your Christian and protestant liberty. We wish you continued peace, and growing prosperity. We pray God, that your good works may glorify your Christian profession, that your candour and serious attention may encourage our young people in the arduous work, and that your union with a loved one may begin in hope, may continue in joy, dancing like an angel in your eyes. Dive into the sea of love and climb the ocean waves until they fall at your door, and perfectly in place. In the stillness of the night, whispers float on by, until they break, where the moonlight hits your eyes. Time will just fall away between us, perfectly embraced. Everything is beautiful. May you continue in joy, and may issue in the friendship and union of Heaven. To all who hear me, prove all things hold fast that which are good. #RandolphHarris 4 of 10
Do not shrink from the duty of searching God’s word for yourselves, through fear of human censure and denunciation. Do not think that you may innocently follow the opinions which prevail around you, without investigation, on the ground, that Christianity is now so purified from errors, as to need no laborious research. There is so much reason to believe, that Christianity is at this moment dishonored by gross and cherished corruptions. If you remember the darkness which hung over the gospel for ages; if you consider the impure union, which still subsists in almost every Christian country between the church and the state, and which enlists people’s selfishness and ambition on the side of established error; if you recollect in what degree the spirit of intolerance has checked free inquiry, not only before, but since the reformation; you will see that Christianity cannot have freed itself from all the human inventions which disfigured it under the papal tyranny. No. Much stubble is yet to be burnt; much rubbish to be removed; many gaudy and false traditions must be swept away; and the Earth born fogs, which have long shrouded it must be scattered, before this divine fabric will rise before us in its native and awful majesty, in its harmonious proportions, in its mild and celestial splendors. #RandolphHarris 5 of 10
Some aspire to walk on water like Christ and make their dreams come true. Nothing is impossible! This glorious reformation in the church we hope, under God’s blessing, from the demolition of human authority in matters of religion, from the fall of those hierarchies, huge establishments, general convocations or assemblies and other human institutions, by which the minds of individuals are oppressed under the weight of numbers, and a papal dominion is perpetuated in the protestant church. Our earnest prayer to God is, that he will overturn and overturn, and overturn, the strong holds of spiritual usurpation until he shall come whose right it is to the minds of humans; that the conspiracy of ages against the liberty of Christianity may be brought to an end; that the servile assent, so long yielded to human creeds, may give place to honest and fearless inquiry into the Scriptures; and that Christianity thus purified from error, may put forth its almighty energy and prove itself, by its ennobling influence on the mind, to be indeed the power of God unto salvation. Among the entire human family, there is no example where the principle of love was demonstrated as perfectly as was shown in the life of Jesus. He healed the sick, raised the dead, restored sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf, and cleansed people. His heart was filled with compassion upon the poor and any who suffered afflictions. He lifted them spiritually with his deep understanding. #RandolphHarris 6 of 10
Heaven and Earth had been separated, the dark and windy chasm of Chaos was transformed, through the appearance of Eros, into the background against which the World was created. This fertilizing force of Eros brought back Heaven and Earth into a productive embrace, and the resulting rain helped to separate the Wet and the Dry, the Cold and the Hot. Fire exhalations then created the stars; waters surrounded the land; and the starry sky, like a hollow hemisphere, covered the Earth. Christ’s love and compassion is demonstrated when he spoke unto the children and blessed them, and as they cast their eyes towards Heaven, and they saw the Heavens open, and they saw Angels descending out of Heaven as it were in the midst of fire; and they came down and encircled the little ones about, and they were encircled about with fire; and the Angels did minister onto them. They reached a new realization of a significant humanitarian influence. There was a belief in the parental character for God and the dignity of humanity provided an ideological base for humanitarian efforts. Our Father in Heaven is perfect and we should become like him. #RandolphHarris 7 of 10
Starting a long way off the true point, and proceeding by loops and zigzags, we now and then arrive just where we ought to be. What should be the relationship between husbands and wives? A husband and wife should always be gracious and kind to each other. Neither of them should ever say nor do anything to hurt the feelings of the other. Deepest love and affection should be shown toward each other continuously. At all times, each should make a conscious effort to do everything possible to bring joy and happiness into the life of the other. A husband should show and express appreciation for the accomplishments of his mate, and she should do likewise. We should look for ways to build each other up and make each other happy. Neither the husband nor the wife should let a day pass without expressing love for the other. We should not assume that our mate knows and that it is not necessary to express it. Under these circumstances, God’s blessings will shower down from Heaven upon the married couple and especially for those married by the power of the Lord. The power from on high will bind the love and married of such couples for eternity. Homes are made permanent through love. #RandolphHarris 8 of 10
God loves with a great love the person whose heart is bursting with a passion for the extraordinary. Learn the value of self-control. You are never sorry for the word unspoken. The lack of self-control is one of the most common contributing factors of unhappiness and discord. We see something in the other which we dislike. It is easy to condemn it. And that condemnatory word arouses ill feeling. If we see it, and refrain from speaking, in a few moments all is concord and peace instead of animosity and ill will. Controlling your words is one of the greatest contributing factors to concord in the house, and one which too many of us fail to develop. Love should also characterize the center of the family life. Each child should be made to feel at all times by one’s parents that he and she are of great importance in the family. Parents should express their love to their children and show them in numerous ways that they love them dearly. Then the Spirit of the Lord will reside in the house. The family will be love-centered and thereby God-centered. The children in turn will reciprocate the love to the parents and strive to please them. The goal of families who are actuated deeply by love will be to keep the commandments of our Savior in every detail and someday come back into the presence of the Eternal Father and his Only Begotten Son to dwell. The true gospel of our Lord has been restored to Earth again. #RandolphHarris 9 of 10
True faith rests upon the character of God and asks no further proof than the moral perfections of the One who cannot lie. It is enough that God has said it. Faith is living, daring confidence in God’s grace, so sure and certain that a person could stake their life on it. We all face challenges, but it is not the size of the problem that is important, it is our perception of that problem; it is how big or small we make it in our minds. I am not focusing on how big my problems are. I am focusing on how big my God is. Magnify the Lord with me. What you focus on, you magnify. Failure is really a matter of conceit. People do not work hard because, in their conceit, they imagine they will succeed without ever making an effort. Most people believe that they will wake up some day and find themselves rich. Actually, they have it half right, because eventually they do wake up. Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they do not quit. If you learn to do what you must, you will be able to do what you want. You can achieve your dreams only if you focus on your priorities. God will take you away from the pain and bring you into paradise. #RandolphHarris 10 of 10
Randolph Harris II International Institute 