Good Things To Come

Good Things To Come
By: Jacob Sok

Note: This week is General Conference, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. During the Broadcasted Proceedings---> found on lds.org, we will hear the Lord's Authorized and Duly Ordained Servants speak, giving us direction, hope, and counsel. I invite all to participate, and as I do not wish to detract from this special event, I only wish to share a humble testimony and prayer of good will to you this week.

There is a Christian saying that goes something to the effect, "God is good...all the time. And, all the time....God is good." To some this may seem a fleeting ideal of antiquated hope, or even a passing quote one may find in a local coffee shop or chocolate wrapper-- but the more breaths permitted me, by my Maker I receive, are slowly become more breaths of praise and gratitude to the God, you and I can call Father.


In the epistle to the Hebrews, found in the New Testament, I was touched this week by the beautiful simplicity of a few verses that attest to the goodness of our Lord Jesus Christ. One of the greatest blessings we can be assured of in this life, and all eternity is the fact that at the heart of our covenants is this truth; where the Lord said, "I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people."(see Hebrews 8:10). The beauty of this simple 'pearl of great price', is that we are promised that God--our loving Father, is whom we can learn of, be blessed by and return too. We are not merely seeking a philosophical idea, or some "unknown God", not an idle, nor mystical force---but a true being of love and power who is the very Father of us all.

He is our God, our strength and our all, and we get to be His people, chosen by Him not by chance! As such He has the joyous privilege to bless, shape, and heal us. Of the blessings most supreme, He gave unto us a Savior and Redeemer, even Jesus Christ. We all struggle, worry, and fear from time to time. How often do we forget the God's plan is one of Happiness. To simply put, as shared in the living scriptures "Christ being come an high priest of good things to come" (see Hebrews 9:11) .  I want you to know that I know, that God knows, we all need a little help, and we hope for the best! But, I also wish to testify of the goodness and reality of a loving God, in these our times. I know from experience that God is good, and we are what matters most to Him.

Sometimes blessings seem far away, or we feel alone and scared. But I would admonish to any of us that feel maybe "poor in spirit" that "[ours] is the kingdom of heaven" (see Matthew 5:3). Elder Jeffery R Holland, shares apostolically  "...Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don't come until heaven; but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come. Of that I personally attest. I thank my Father in Heaven for His goodness past, present, and future, and I do so in the name of His Beloved Son and most generous high priest, even the Lord Jesus Christ..."

Whether it is the beautiful generous miracles or the small and simple things, I hope we can all learn to trust and feel again of His love through the bright lens of hope, purchased for us in Christ. I love the lyrics of this sacred primary song that so profoundly say it best----

 Whenever I hear the song of a bird

 Or look at the blue, blue sky,

 Whenever I feel the rain on my face

 Or the wind as it rushes by,

 Whenever I touch a velvet rose

 Or walk by our lilac tree,

 I’m glad that I live in this beautiful world

 Heav’nly Father created for me.

He gave me my eyes that I might see

The color of butterfly wings.

He gave me my ears that I might hear

The magical sound of things.

He gave me my life, my mind, my heart:

I thank him rev’rently

For all his creations, of which I’m a part.

Yes, I know Heav’nly Father loves me.

 I love the Lord, and know that even on cloudy days and weaker moments , that His goodness and love are found in the small and simple wonders of everyday life. I once more echo the words of Elder Holland, when He said; "You keep your chin up...Trust God and believe in good things to come". 

AMEN. 

Sources:

-New Testament, Hebrews 

-A High Priest of Good Things to Come; Elder Holland.

-Google Imaging and LDS Art. 

"Put That On Mine Account"

“Put That On Mine Account”

By: Jacob Sok

I wish to share an experience that happened some time ago, and I do so praying it can help illustrate a message I feel impressed to share.  I recall a particular afternoon while serving as a missionary, when walking down the street with my companion —we were suddenly stopped by a taxi driver who pulled to side of the road, bidding us to come over to his passenger side window. I had not been serving for very long, having been in country about 4 or 5 months, I was still trying to learn the language. Yet, intrigued by the man’s earnest invitation, we approached the vehicle. As soon as we crouched down to a level through which we could converse through the window, things took an interesting turn. With no real chance to exchange pleasantries, the man with an aggressive tone and expression, directed all his attention towards me. With an inexplicable irritation, he began to ask me where I was from. Upon the disclosure of my home country, he began a series of assaulting questions, to suggest that he was obviously enraged with decisions of my country and its leaders.

While I cannot recall the specific dialogue, I do remember the absolutely helplessness I felt as this man unleashed his, parasitical grudge on me. Not knowing really what to say or do, my dear companion stepped in and boldly (yet kindly) defended me to the cab driver. As harsh words were then directed to him, we simply stated that we were there not as anything—but representatives of the Lord, to help those around us. Again, not much of what was exchanged, was retained in memory, but what was etched in my heart was the feeling of having someone come to my defense in moment of absolute need. In that moment of tension, someone had my back, and stood by my side. I will forever be grateful for the moment, and even more the love I felt and continue to feel for my companion has been the seed of much happiness in my life and great lasting friendship.

I think many of us have been in those moments when we need to know who will have our back, standby our sides. If I can proclaim anything, it is that Jesus Christ, came to earth to and suffered to the infinite extremes, so that we would be forever protected in the “arms of his love”. Now borrowing from a recent commentary, I heard, “Christ did not die on the cross to make a point, he died because he loves us”. There was no political statement to be made, not hidden inner motive to the most heroic act of all time, save it be out a bequeathed love so pure and alive, He acted to always be able to have our backs in our helplessness.

In the Pauline epistles of the New Testament, we find a great single page epistle, to a man named Philemon. This compact letter on the surface may just appear to be nothing more than a quaint exchange of dialogue between former missionary and converts, but if we dig a little deeper with a spiritual sense of fresh eyes and ears we actual can discover a powerful representation of Christ. 

It would seem that the wealthy labor master Philemon, was wronged by a servant. This grievance sent the servant away distraught. Coming in to contact with Paul the servant explains his predicament to Paul, who's incredible assistance--stands as a timeless testament  of the Savior. I would invite you with follow this interesting parallel, and look for the Savior in this story. 

Paul upon hearing the plight of this distressed servant writes the following epistle to Philemon, on behalf of this servant; saying,

 "I beseech thee (Philemon) for my son Onesimus (the servant), whom I have begotten in my bonds. Which in times past was to thee unprofitable, but now is profitable to thee and me. ...For perhaps he therefor departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me...If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account." (Philemon v.10-18, emphasis added).

I think this story illustrates beautifully a role that Christ plays in our lives, as the Savior--Redeemer--and Mediator, of the world he pleads for us, advocates our cause to the Father, and stands by our side. How many times have we liked the servant, been 'unprofitable' or have 'departed' from the Lord's ways. Much like the servant in this story, we stand helpless, encompassed about by the mistakes and errors, with the laws of justice demanding to be satisfied. However the story does not end with a cast out servant, but by the grace-goodness-and merits of mediator, who takes to the stand to defend this servant.

I testify that Christ is that very Mediator, one who like my companion or Paul, who stands before the Father, and pleads on our behalf. As He suffered so as to have the capacity to have our backs, we spend our time in mortality learning to give Him our hearts. He will ask the Father to 'receive [us] as himself'. The Atoning Sacrifice of Jesus Christ, is the very act that allowed Him to pay the ultimate price. He will gladly help us in our struggles and promises to forgive and forget, taking our errors and debts, by simply saying 'put that on my account'. 

I pray the spirit of this very real promise will help us all to remember our Judgment, and defense, are entrusted to the very Being who loves us perfectly. Neal A Maxwell was quoted to say "there would have been no atonement, save it be for the character of Christ". Our salvation is in His character, our forgiveness in His character, and our chance to come unto Him day by day is in our developing of His character. By no means does suggest that He condones sins. The promise is and will always be, Come, to the great feast of Christ, partake and, be filled, because the bill was paid in full! I promise if there is anyone who will standby your side it's the Savior. As we trust in this truth I promise hope will glisten, and light those steps to that future where with we can in turn stand by the Savior, back in our heavenly home.

Amen.

Sources:

- Personal Account, J. Matthew Sok

- NT Philemon

- Character of Christ, Elder David A Bednar (Quoting Elder Neal A Maxwell.)

- Media/ Pictures: Google Images, and LDS Artwork

Of Dreams and Contentment

Of Dreams and Contentment
By: Jacob Sok

 While preparing what I wanted to share in this piece, I came across a quote by the world renowned surgeon, Dr. Ben Carson, who said, "Through hard work, perseverance and a faith in God, you can live your dreams".  Living your dreams, is something I believe truly envisions a big part of what God hopes for us in mortality. I think for many of us we have (or have had) those dreams, we wish to fulfill, or hopeful reflections for things that might have been. It would seem in most cases that as children we, even if not taught, tend to dream big, with eyes not yet diluted with the lenses of pessimism or self-doubt. Then as we mature we are taught to plan, prioritize and set goals as means by which to achieve. At those times when things don't go according to plan, we are taught to be content and pick ourselves back up again.

While some tend to focus more on one or the other, it is my conviction that neither is superior, nor a replacement for is counterpart. But rather both have a harmonious dichotomy, that suggests that we can both dream big, and be content with our current circumstances. While these two principles may at first glance appear to be contradictory, I hope today we can explore some counsel, that will help us both find an renewed sense of hope in our dreams, and gratitude for what the Lord has done for us.

There have been times in my life where I couldn't sleep, because my brain and my heart would go a mile a minute, thinking of things I would love to do and live in my life. But, yet there have been times in my life when I have been so encapsulated by gratitude in the moment, I have been perfectly content with the here and now. It may seem to come in shifts but, I feel that there is way for us to use both gifts for our progression and happiness simultaneously.

While we could argue all day with philosophies and opinions of dreams and being content, I hope that what I share does not seem esoteric, or to be theoretical social fluff. Its my prayer that this article might help in proper spirit, reshape how we can use both dreams and contentment, in our plans and mortal sojourn. Wherever you are in your life, whether you look up at a star filled sky--- filled with invigorating dreams of far way places--creations--and possibilities. Or you look up at those same stars, just content to know you have a place among those, as a distinctly important and valued creation of our Heavenly Father; I know that both are divinely directed perspectives, in helping our eternal progression unfold.

          To Dream:

In the epistle to Paul to the Philippian Saints, we read of the famed, admonition of Paul. This is that of(see Phil."[Being] careful of nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication ... let your requests be made known unto God."  4:6). To 'be careful of nothing', is Paul's apostolic counsel, to not feel scared or have unduly concern (see footnote 4:6a), of dreaming and sharing those things with God. He further more in later verses, says "whatsoever things are [true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report], if there be any [virtue, praise] think on these things." (see Phil. 4:8). As we dream and plan, and take those things to the Lord in prayer, we can 'think on' or dream about those hopes we have, anything that meets those attributes is encouraged by our Father in Heaven. Why, because He hopes we can be co-creators with Him in our futures. This by any means does not belittle or undermine His will and counsel, nor make us His equal in anyway. But as any loving Father would, He hopes that we can take hold of the gifts of this life and share those hopes with Him, including Him in our dreams, becoming active participants in achieving great things. Elder Jeffery R. Holland, said "God is eagerly waiting for the chance to answer your prayers and fulfill your dreams, just as he always has. But he can't if you don't pray, and he can't if you don't dream. In short he can't if you don't believe." 






    To Be Content:
Paul's powerful invitation is not just about dreaming however, and I find great power behind a second principle he shares with us. While we prayerfully share those dreams with God we are admonished to do all our prayers and dreaming with "thanksgiving" (see Phil 4:6). Paul continues saying, "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content" (see Phil 4:11).  To be content is not to give up on what we hope for, rather it is a power that allows us to find the simple joys of the everyday, in the process of living our dreams. For if to dream righteously, is that of seeking a hopeful perspective of the future; to be content is that of finding hope with a grateful perspective, in the here and now. A modern Apostle would invite us to "Come what may, and love it" (Elder J. B. Worthlin).  Part of being content is not focussing on what we can't do or change. Paul taught with all sincerity, "this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before" (see Phil. 3:13). While some of our dreams reflect on what we could have done better or changed in days past, the whole purpose of dreams and goals is to move forward. By doing doing so in and with Christ, Christ will change the past, making all experience for our good!

If I have learned anything in my life, it would be that dreams are like unto a river, that with each ebb and flow, carve the landscape of our lives. Some dreams change over time, as they should; for coming closer to Christ, will help us dream of the truly eternally wondrous possibilities. As we cultivate our relationship with Christ, we not only learn to dream bigger of the blessings we can't even comprehend, but also we learn to recognize how much He blesses us in the everyday and to be content/ and grateful, for our river's flow for the time.

The best dream and truest sense of contentment will be that of coming to know our Savior. Paul testified of how he spent his life seeking after Christ and those blessings He promises us; only to find that Christ in all His love and grace spends His whole life seeking us, and Has already made those dreams available. (see Phil. 3:12). For I am sure the our Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ, also have dreams of helping us become the best people we can be, and returning to be with them someday.


So it becomes my humble invitation, that we can all learn to dream and contently walk to their fulfillment. I know that our Savior, Lord of the Universe, hopes that we can find joy and hope in the perceptive power of our righteous dreams, goals and plans, and as we strive to be content, will will find the renewal we need to perpetually fuel those hopes we have. For He that did the impossible will help us do the same! May we all learn to believe and achieve.

Amen




Sources:

- New Testament, Philippians Chapters 3&4
- Elder(s) Jospeh B. Worthlin & Jeffery R. Holland.
- Goggle Images: Media Photos and LDS Art Work.

Happily Guilty By Association

Happily Guilty By Association

By: Jacob Sok

There is an old adage I have heard, saying, "Call me whatever ya' like, just don't call me late to dinner".  I have been called many of things in my lifetime, ranging from Jake to Chico-Pollo (Chicken-Little in Spanish). I have been accused of singing in the shower, jumping in the rain, procrastinating homework, and occasionally watching a romantic comedy (the later claim-- coming from my 3 sisters, mother, grandmothers, father, and brother in law). Of course I speak in good fun,  and I hope you will all pardon a bit of humor; but of all the titles, accolades and accusations, there is one thing I pray that if anything and above all else, that my life could be associated with is that of loving Jesus Christ. 

I was touched this week in reviewing passages of the New Testament, of Paul's noble and unapologetic witness of the Savior to King Agrippa. As previously foretold by the Savior Himself, whom visited Paul, while imprisoned-- telling him to, "Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome" (see Acts 23:11). Paul taking this charge begin to pass through a series of dramatic and quite intense events, leading to his eventual appeal and appearance to Cesar in Rome. As part of his journey to Rome, he is brought by enraged Jewish citizens to the local authorities, for his teachings and ministry. This yields the encounter before King Agrippa, who takes personal interest in Paul's case, which will be brought to the attention of Rome's elected officials. It is here in their dialogue, where the heart of what I feel to share with you is to be found. 

The King regally conducts the exchange, saying to Paul, "Thou art permitted to speak for thyself." (see Acts 26:1). To which then Paul "stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself." (see Acts 26:1 emphasis added). Paul profoundly accounts, "I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things wherefore I am accused of the Jews" (see Acts 26:2 emphasis added).

Paul gives testimony of his great conversion story, begining from his his time a Pharisees, to his personal encounter with the Lord on the Road to Damascus, where upon he received his apostolic calling. He shares with the king, that he was called of Christ to minister to the people, and share His name and gospel to all the world, "that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among which are sanctified by faith that is in [Christ]." (see Acts 26:18). He witnesses to the king, that he followed that charge given him, and has been brought before the courts, accused of being a servant of Christ. (see Acts 26:19-21). 

While there is much to be learned from the events rehearsed by Paul to King Agrippa, and his conversion story in truly one of the most inspiring accounts of biblical history; I for one wish to emphasize another part of this episode. I love Paul's words and spirit, as he boldly declares that he was happy to be accused of the charges accredited to him; that of being a servant of Christ, associated with His gospel and message of hope and healing. He, as the scriptures share, joyfully 'answered for himself', standing with and for Christ amidst the looming pressures of the world. 

I pray the Holy Spirit will accompany the heart of what I hope to express, and that is I pray to be accused of believing in Christ, and I would hope to have the courage as Paul to gladly admit of being 'guilty as charged'. I have been associated with, everything from the Boy Scouts of America to a Star Wars fan, but by the time my mortal sojourn ends I pray that if, when, people think of me, they will think of Christ; not because I believe myself worthy to be an equal in anyway to Him or by any means deserving of praise or recognition-- but rather I hope if people could link anything to me its that Jacob Sok, loves the Lord, and I would happily stand accused of that any day. 

Again I say that in spirit not of seeking accolades or fame, not even approval of my peers. I just pray that I can by the time my life is through have earned the privilege of be accused of believing Christ, trying serve love and heal as He would, teaching and sharing as He does, and being a conduit for those around me to feel of His love for them. Elder Jeffery R Holland once shared the commentary "If in a court of law, if accused of being a Latter-Day Saint, would there be enough evidence to convict you?". I hope that through the atoning power of the savior I can become more like, Him, and truly develop a character similar to His. 

I would like it absolutely clear, that even in my imperfect and rather weak and feeble attempts to achieve what I can out of this life; that I in recognition of all that, I still which to express that I love Jesus Christ, and I know in my own humble and simple way that He is the Savior of the world, and I would count my self lucky to be guilty of association with Him whom I love. I hope and pray His mercy and grace upon us all, for heaven knows I need them too. He loves you, that I know. He lives. I hope that those around me, will find the evidences sufficient, through the way I try to love, improve, and serve others-- to accuse me of that hope I hold on to.

Amen. 

Sources:
-New Testament, Acts 26
-"Unless, You're a Mormon" By Elder and Sister Holland, BYU Speeches.
-Google Images/ LDS Gospel Art.

"I Had Learned to Call Thee Father"

"I had Learned to Call Thee Father"
By: Jacob Sok


Many a times I can recall when explaining the daily vicissitudes of my life to my blessed father, I'll hear something to effect of this kind of loving accolade being attributed to my rather eventful escapades; "Jake, you're a beautiful mess. A mess, but my mess". All said in love, I can help but feel that such a title rings true with the adventures of my day.  I love my father and neither pen nor psalm could express adequately enough, the love I have for him. I can't help but feel like a beautiful mess sometimes, and I often wonder what my Father in Heaven must think of me. I jokingly have said over the years that He must often look down on me, scratching His head at why I sometimes do what I do. However, over the years I tried to refrain from using such humorous imagery, because even though I may feel like a mess, I am as my dad would say "His".

This week I again find myself at a loss for words when trying to express what I feel in my soul, but I was reminded this week of a truth and comforted by the Spirit to know the God is our loving Heavenly Father. While reviewing passages of the New Testament, I was directed by a Professor to consider a few passages in Paul's epistle to the Romans, specifically chapter 8. What then ensued was a special simple reassurance to my soul of the beloved majesty of God.

Looking at Paul's life, we see the grand conversion of from his sincere repentance in Damascus, to the incredible refining fires of his missionary efforts; being shipwrecked, mocked, stoned, beaten, persecuted, and more. A life full of almost every kind of affliction, one would expect such a man to be bitter maybe even strict teacher. While Paul is none the less bold and direct for much of his teachings, I can not help but feel the radiance of hope from his writings in Romans 8; a type of writing that can only come from a man who has, in his afflictions, come to find such a hope.

I love the line from the hymn "Oh My Father" that reads, "I had learned to call thee Father". The lyric suggests that of a life, full of experience in which the individual has had to come to comprehend his or her, true relation to the Divine. This to me is the very fountain of hope, that Paul so tenderly campaigned in his epistle, for he had learned too, to call the Lord, Father through his sojourn.

For we read Paul's words in Romans 8, "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father"(see verse 15).  It is with great reverence that, I add the commentary of former professors, explaining that "Abba" connotes a truly intimate and sacredly personal way to call someone father or dad, the very name our Savior cried out during the events of His Atoning Sacrifice. "The Spirit itself beartheth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." (see verses 16-17).

I am not sure why life takes its turns, or why we must pass through moments of confusion and hardship, but this I know the more experiences I pass through, good or bad, I am learning to call God, Father. That is as Paul said, while many things wish to communicate to us to keep us captive and fearful, God has promised that The Spirit, even His Spirit, is that which touches our very spirit saying we are His children, we are His. We are His heirs, and it is not for that reason that we must suffer or feel alone, I truly feel that this life is only a supermarket sample of the glorious joys and blessings that are to come; and our afflictions and joys here are those special tools that craft us to being joint with Christ, in our heavenly home.

As we learn to call the Lord Father, we will come to see that this life is a gift, even when it seems hard. "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy  to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us" (see verse 18).  This verse made my soul sing this week, as I have in special moments of late come to realize that He is my Father. And, while I am a mess, He loves me not because of what I have done, or despite of what I have done, He loves me because I am His.

Our beloved Prophet, President Russell M Nelson has said, "One of the most important things you ned to lean in life is to know who you are. Know that you are an elect son or daughter of God, created in His very image."   So what ever hardship or turning-point, or heck even if its just a typical Monday, I pray we call have a renewed sense of hope, of the promised glory yet to be reveled not just to us but "in us" as Paul promised. Might I just add my humble testimony to the fact that as I learn to call Him Father, I know that while am "prone to wonder" as the hymn might say, that I am His, and that says something about my worth and potential. I am still learning how to know, feel, retain, and share this hope, but in the learning processes I will encourage all to remember as Paul says, "If God be for us, who can be against us?" (see verse 31). This hope I pray can begin to grow and light our everyday.

Amen.

Sources:
- Romans Chapter 8, New Testament.
-President Nelson, Twitter Comments.
- Google Imaging/ Gospel LDS Art.