LDS Perfect Days Podcast

We have been told that “When priesthood authority is exercised properly, priesthood bearers do what He would do if He were present.”. We have also seen church leaders lament the lack of this power, both in 2010 and 2018. What about you? If this “tragedy” is to be “eliminated”, then who does it realistically start with? If you have priesthood (“the authority and the power which God has granted to men on earth to act for Him”), do your blessings reflect “what He [Jesus] would do if He were present”? If you’re the recipient of a blessing, are you going to be satisfied with a blessing that’s incongruent with “what He [Jesus] would do if He were present”? How satisfied are you with generic, “cardboard-tasting” blessings? I certainly am not. Don’t settle for second best. Approach the throne of Grace with boldness. Ask God -- beg and plead with Him, weary Him with your importunings -- that a priesthood holder with true priesthood power will come and work a miracle in your life.

God will test you beyond what you think is your limit. This philosophy probably flies in the face of what you’ve been taught since you were a child -- that God will never test you beyond your known limits. But if God were to test you up to your self-appointed boundaries, then how would you ever experience true, meaningful spiritual growth? The Lord will give the righteous uncommon lessons in our path of discipleship: “God will deliberately give us further lessons and experience which take us beyond the curriculum common to man and on into uncommon graduate studies or even post-doctoral discipleship. These trials are often the most difficult to bear. Our Father is full of pressing, tutorial love: ‘The Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith’ (Mosiah 23:21). Nevertheless we are assured that "all these things shall give [us] experience, and shall be for [our] good," if we endure them well and learn from them (D&C 122:7; 121:8). For we are to learn much by our own experience." (Neal A. Maxwell, Not My Will, But Thine, p.5; emphasis mine) “All intelligent beings who are crowned with crowns of glory, immortality, and eternal lives must pass through every ordeal appointed for intelligent beings to pass through, to gain their glory and exaltation. Every calamity that can come upon mortal beings will be suffered to come upon the few, to prepare them to enjoy the presence of the Lord.” (Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 345)

Of all the relationships that exist on the earth, none are more important in the eternities than the ones which connect Jesus Christ with husbands and wives. As a healthy, functioning triad (where Christ is at the top and the husband and wife are at the bottom, and all three are connected), families can be raised and reared in the gospel of Jesus Christ and, ultimately, ascend to lofty, exalted spheres. In fact, the theory is that the closer the wife and husband are to Christ, the smaller the triangle, and hence both grow closer to Christ. Unfortunately, not everything on earth works out the way we planned. Our fairy tale endings can take unexpected twists and turns, sometimes tragically, and dash whatever hopes we had for eternal bliss. For example: * A spouse is misaligned with their spouse in terms of interests, values and beliefs. You may prefer a spiritual development podcast, and they may prefer video games. * Both spouses stay in the marriage, but one or both are not in love with another. * One or both spouses are abusive, neglectful or have spiritually harmful habits which conflict with the values expected in a son or daughter of God. * You are divorced or single. Whatever the reason, one or both parties in the bottom of this triad may feel frustrated, hurt, betrayed as well as helpless and hopeless that, because of their misaligned (or unaligned) spousal status, they, too, will never attain the heavenly happiness they yearn and long for. But is God content with one or both spouses living in eternal torment? For example, if one spouse is hell bent on being abusive, doing porn or drugs, does that mean you’re stuck with said spouse forever, even though you may have been sealed in a temple for time and eternity? I don’t think so.

(NOTE: The audio says "Part 6," but it's actually Part 7). Some of the best and brightest among us -- those who know the doctrines, scriptures, history and more better than most others -- are continually and increasingly believing teachings which are not grounded in scriptural truths. Today, it's getting harder and harder -- even among the very elect -- to discern truth from error. Why? Why does it seem that these kinds of isolated instances aren't so isolated anymore? And what can we do about it?

I've often stated on this blog that we, as a people, seem to know a lot about Christ. Unfortunately, it's been my observation that very few actually know Him. When you seek to know Him -- I mean, when you really endeavor to understand His post-resurrection personality and disposition -- you see a Savior you've rarely, if ever, contemplated. It's like your knowledge of (not about) Him transforms from black-and-white to full-on, vivid technicolor. With that in mind, I offer you an invitation: You can listen to talk after talk ABOUT Christ -- you know, the ones we hear every year at this time -- and walk away filled. Or you can choose to know Him better, and walk away transformed. Note: This is a unique podcast in that it begins with an intro (which you should also listen to). My part begins at 1:42.

We're far more capable of discerning things external to us only after we have discerned -- and are working with God in resolving -- the negativity within us which blocks effective discernment.

For many years, I've watched dozens of my friends -- and a few loved ones -- not only turn their backs on the church, but also the gospel of Jesus Christ and even Christianity itself. Several were friends I could go out to lunch with, sit down and talk about profound, spiritual things. I'd share, they'd share, and we'd all come away from those lunches not only fatter, but also filled with a renewed determination to seek God and be better people. Now, those lunches are no more. And for someone like me, who has no opportunity to discuss such fantastic topics with extended family, I considered these friends to be like my extended family. The reason I have spiritual cooties: I've stayed put in the revealed, restored latter-day gospel and church, while they have moved on to supposedly more spiritually enlightened endeavors. I don't think I'm alone in this. Perhaps you, too, have lost a mom or dad, brother or sister, child or grandchild, spouse, relative or close friend to a competing church, quasi-church, movement, religion or gospel. If you haven't, then count yourself very, very lucky. For years, I've prayed for understanding about this situation. Over time, it's come, incrementally. I've also prayed for hope. Lots of hope. Enormous amounts of hope, that these friends and loved ones will eventually see the light...and perhaps in the short term, be spared the worst of the latter-day calamities which will soon be on top of us. And then, two days ago, I awoke from my sleep with six words in my head. On that day and yesterday, I received three emails and one telephone call from friends who all felt prompted, for some unknown reason, to share something with me...never knowing that their inspired input actually aligned with my six words.

For millennia, the Lord has invited us to "feed my sheep". But all too often, we find few, if any, places where we are safe to share, and learn from others who are sharing as well. This Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/PerfectDayPontius/) is for the serious seeker of Jesus Christ. The dedicated -- yet highly imperfect -- disciple. It's not about other people or other teachers or other organizations or other churches. It's not about John Pontius or The Perfect Day. It's about Jesus Christ, and growing closer to Him. This group is co-owned by the owner of the popular LDS-related blog, "The Perfect Day" as well as the wife of acclaimed LDS author John Pontius. Imagine interacting with others who are themselves passionate about growing closer to the Lord. Imagine learning from others about hearing and feeling the Spirit, pursuing and exercising spiritual gifts, mighty prayer, calling and election, faith that moves mountains and parts veils, Zion and more. Imagine asking the Lord for experiences which will feed you -- and other -- sheep, no matter if they're on the Facebook group or not. Don't you think He'll jump at the chance? We invite you today to join this new, exciting Facebook group. It's a place where you'll find others who have the same desires and wishes you do, maybe in your same area. It's a place where you'll find opportunities to share to the Lord's sheep, and to be fed by others who share as well. It's a place where -- hopefully -- you'll find answers to your questions about how to grow closer to, and enjoy a greater relationship with, the Lord.

My invitation: In 2018, make your New Years resolution to quit focusing on you. Just...stop it. Don't focus on the end destination, because -- rest assured -- He who is omniscient already knows the desires of your heart, and will grant them (Alma 29:4). Instead, focus on the thing that's a little more demanding, and requires more effort. It's your journey, which should have, as a key cornerstone, your desire to L-O-S-E Y-O-U-R-S-E-L-F in the work of the Son, which is to feed His sheep. Feed them with love. With hope. With mercy. With forgiveness. With non-judgmentalism. With Him.

The more I study the Gift of Discernment, the more I discover it is an extremely, highly sensitive gift from Father. When we are even slightly less-than-honest with others, we inject imbalance not only into our own souls, but also those around us. You can't be seeking discernment and even be slightly dishonest at the same time, no matter how well-intentioned you are. I think that now, more than ever, we need to be making bold statements and highlighting the many miracles God performs in our lives. And we should be doing so without the routine clichés and with the utmost honesty and solemnity. When such testimonies are borne, we can rest assured the Spirit will deliver our message into the hearts of those ready to receive it.

Lehi taught, "It must needs be that there is an opposition in all things." (2 Nephi 2:11) "All things." That's a pretty big statement. Not "most things." Not "a lot of things." Not "a boatload of things." No. Go read it again. Lehi said, "ALL things." Think about it. So where does this opposition -- these sophisticated, cunning imitations of the truth -- exist? Could some of our most cherished and esteemed measuring sticks of truth also have their imitations? Could you possibly be among those who are "the very elect, who are the elect according to the covenant" who are susceptible to deception?

How can you create an environment so you're better able to exercise the Gift of Discernment? What's the secret weapon the Lord has provided you to cast out evil and enjoy a peaceful, spirit-filled environment? How can one seek after and receive the Gift of Discernment? What are some of the things the Lord will teach you as you nurture the Gift of Discernment? Do you wonder where you were when spiritual gifts were handed out? Where can you go for real multimedia resources which will help you feel happier and possibly the Spirit?

Adam and Eve walked and talked with God, face-to-face, and were worthy of our admiration as a man and woman in their glory. I think they were quite likely literally and figuratively head-and-shoulders better than us. And yet, they were deceived. That fact alone ought to give us all a healthy respect for what our common enemy is capable of. Satan is a liar, “the father of lies” (John 8:44). He is so utterly convincing, that he deceived a glorious man and woman -- the physical father and mother of our world -- to betray God, with whom they walked every day. Even the best of us can be taken in. In this blog post, you'll learn all about the Gift of Discernment -- What it is, what it isn't, how to discern truth from falsehood and even how to obtain inside information about Satan's plans for you.

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." (2 Timothy 4:3-4) Inevitably, as we either embrace untruths or don't stand up for the truth, we unknowingly merrily march through the morass of muddied misinformation. We degrade our discernment. We acclimate our spirits to the normalcy of mediocrity at best, and falsehood at worst. We get used to the static, and not the Spirit, signaling our souls.

Do we see these signs in existence today? Are the lame walking? Are the blind seeing? Are the deaf hearing? Do we see the gift of tongues, and interpretation of tongues? Do we see prophesying? Do we see glorious visions? Do we see angels? Do we see the Heavens being opened? Do people see Jesus Christ sitting at the right hand of the Majesty on high? If we're truly honest with ourselves, we must admit that collectively, as a people, we do not see these gifts evidenced as outwardly and conspicuously as they were on Pentecost AD 1 or AD 1836. Why is that so? And what can we do about it?

In my immediate past post, "Lectures on Faith 6: A Sacrifice That Means Something", I mentioned two movies with concepts we would be wise to remember: * "Small moves, Ellie. Small moves" comes from the movie Contact. It reinforces the fact that God is a god of gradualism, who gives unto the faithful line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, and there a little (D&C 98:12; Isaiah 28:9-10) * "Taking the Leap of Faith" is accompanied by a scene from "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade", where Indy must take a literal step into thin air in order to retrieve the Holy Grail and save his father's life. When I posted these segments to this blog, I was unaware that I wasn't the only one who held these scenes in special significance. Others did as well. In fact, they had been taught identical concepts using these movie clips as teaching tools...sometimes, within the temple. I'm grateful for these blog readers coming forward to share their parallel stories, which witness each other -- as well as my previous blog post -- that when we learn the will of the Lord and then do it, we are empowered to become FEARLESS.

It's ludicrous for you to think you can make it to the same degree of heaven (or exaltation) as those who made such sacrifices, when you yourself would not. So here's my personal invitation to you: What's your sacrifice? What is the Lord requiring you to do that may likely be very uncomfortable, even dangerous? I invite you to ask the Lord. If you're feeling your spirituality stalling, then there's nothing that'll un-stall it faster than asking God to help turn you away from the telestial straight to the celestial. I also invite you to join me in consecrating your heart, mind and body. Put your hand on your heart, put one foot in front of the other, and step onto what appears to be thin air. Sometimes it's tough deciding to stand where the Lord wants you. He'll invite you to take that multi-hour trip and turn your back on what many would consider a pretty good thing. But when you take Him up on that offer...when you stand exactly where He wants you, when you seek that totality, and spend even just a couple of minutes in it... You'll be amazed at how far the Lord will lift you and how much He will show you. And in the process, your life will never, ever be the same.

I believe that God is communicating with us all the time. He's far more loving, caring and wanting to be involved in our lives than we may suppose. The fact that we don't hear Him (in our hearts and minds) as often likely isn't a deficiency on God's part, but ours. When we're able to clear the static from our spiritual radio tuners, and able to tune into the signals that God is constantly broadcasting, we are far more able to hear Him. And in the process, we're sent on the most thrilling, exciting journey of our lives. Because it's with Him.

170-ish years ago, many of our ancestors were pioneers. They traversed hundreds, perhaps thousands, of miles in search of truth, of a better life, of God. They hoped, they dreamed, they envisioned what their new homes in the fabled Rocky Mountains would look like. Today, the Lord beckons you to also be a pioneer. Only this time, it doesn't involve walking many physical, but spiritual, miles. The journey is just as tough, and its stakes much, much higher. He beckons you not to the Rocky Mountains, but into His presence. He encourages you to dream, to imagine, to visualize His presence, and like our pioneer ancestors, literally step foot into that envisioned realm. This blog post won't get you there. Instead, I hope it serves as kind of a booster, an ever-so-slight push forward, with you on your spiritual bicycle. Keep pedaling. Stay straight. And definitely...keep smiling!

There are people who exercise a tremendous amount of faith in seeking God. They climb a metaphorical mountain and escape all that's below. They turn off their TV, their car radio, their cellphone and internet -- anything and everything that's telestial -- so all they're left with is the terrestrial. Then they invite Jesus into their homes, their offices, their daily commutes, their walks, their souls. It's as if anywhere and everywhere they go, they invite Him. Then they wait... They wait for a word from Him. They do this day in, and day out, demonstrating to God that above all the commotion and chaos of Babylon, that His voice -- His thoughts -- are what they seek. This is a blog post about two of those people, and how they unlocked the combination lock to the veil of unbelief.

The Lord told the Brother of Jared that it was his "exceeding faith" which rent the veil of unbelief. Moroni says the same thing, and that those who do so can see things with their eye of faith and then, later, with their actual eyes. This follows the divine pattern of the spiritual creation preceding the physical creation. We are encouraged first to perceive with the eye of faith. So, how do we do that? Amazingly, the answers have been under your nose the whole time.

Embedded within the scriptures is a little-known strategy for those wanting to see the Savior. It's rarely, if ever, mentioned in the books, blog posts, papers and podcasts regarding the Second Comforter. Yet there it is, staring us in the face, waiting for us to implement it as well. "Hidden in plain sight"? Definitely. This is the first of four blog posts about this strategy.

The Prodigal Son and the Brother of Jared. Both were humbled. Both repented. Both returned to God. Both were not only forgiven, but also given, far beyond their expectations. How about you?

In my last post, I mentioned studying books -- outside the official church curriculum -- which would help bring you closer to Christ. After reading the post, one astute reader emailed me and asked what I would consider to be some good non-curriculum books to read. Fair question. This blog post has some picks. My recommendations. No one has influenced these selections. No one has told me that it'd be good to promote them. Instead, these books are about Christ's character. His personality. Once you know those aspects, it becomes much easier to know what to listen for, so that you may converse with Him as one man converses with another. They have changed me, and will likely change you -- no matter what your faith is. They have inspired me to center my life on God, helped me better understand God and to have a more fulfilling relationship with Him. Words of wisdom? Check. Learning? Check. Encourage you to study? Check. Help stimulate faith in God? Big time check. In fact, as I've asked God for opportunities to experentially learn what I've read in these books, He's over-delivered results, which have been far beyond my wildest dreams and anything I remotely deserve. So, here are "The best (mortal-written) books", according to Mr. LDS Perfect Day...

[ ] Do you enjoy studying the gospel beyond an official curriculum? [ ] Are you sometimes caught enjoying a book on doctrine/the scriptures rather than playing video games or watching sports events? [ ] Are you sometimes bummed that you don't know very many people to share your passion for enjoying a deeper, more profound relationship with God? [ ] Do you sometimes think, "Wow, this is SUCH a cool doctrine! Too bad I can't share it at church!"? [ ] OK, let's call it like it is: Do you sometimes feel like a freak or wierdo because one of your hobbies is learning about the mysteries of godliness? If any of the above may apply to you, I invite you to read (or even better, listen to) "Well-Informed, Unquestioned Desire (aka The Parable of the Advanced Placement Student)".

I believe there are some things which we can do, based on Christ's own words, to improve the chances of seeing Him in this life. So, I'd like to ask a favor from you. I'd like you to try an experiment...

You have the very real potential to not only have the Lord's spirit with you, but to ALWAYS have it with you! Yet the truth is, none of us are doing a terrific job of enjoying His spirit with us. Why?

When I published "Why the Word 'Kintsukuroi' Means So Much To You" on December 28, 2013, I had no idea it would become one of the most popular posts of this blog. All of us are broken vessels before God. Yet when you invite Christ into your life, He replaces the brokenness with a sense of beauty, honor and self-worth you'd never be able to obtain for yourself.

We are bombarded by prophecies both false and true. And so far, it seems the false ones are louder and more popular than the true ones. Do you really know where the true prophecies can be found? How can you sift out the true from the false ones? I look forward to hearing how you do with the exercise mentioned towards the end of this podcast!

In the quietness, seek Him. You'll find Him. In the quietness, invite Him. He'll come. In the quietness, expect Him. He'll provide you plenty of experiences...with Him.

This Christmas season, I'd like to highlight four gifts Father has already given you. While most choose to minimize and walk away from them, I'd like to challenge you to take them seriously. Receive them. Use them. Often. I have no doubt that as you cherish these gifts, our overly-generous Father will be more inclined to bless you with more.

Amidst all the darkness and despair, chaos and contention we see all around us, the Lord is quietly, and very subtly, creating what I call "Proto-Zions". That's right -- the very small, almost imperceptible, stirrings of Zion. And it's happening in ways and places you'd never expect. Because that's precisely how He rolls.

If you think you can become eligible for Zion by focusing on just little 'ol you and your idols, think again. Instead, focus on others. It truly is a fact that when you have another's back, the Lord has yours.