KNOW THE HOLY GHOST- Witness

I was fortunate, after significant diligence, to Know the Holy Ghost.  Amongst  what I learned, was who the Holy Ghost is, his role and our relation to ourselves. I know that it speaks as one man to another in Our own language.

I found it is important for us to know who the Holy Ghost is. One of the basic mysteries is to know the third member of the godhead-- the Holy Ghost.  
His partnership with the Father and the Savior is highly important and naturally so is ours.

The night this happened I was pondering, studying at length and putting notes together as to my understanding of certain principles and patterns--In particular, the process of knowing the voice of God so that I might always have it and know His will. I felt it was the only way to get to know Christ and be assured of his will.  Specifically I was studying the correlation between the Kingdom of heaven being within us, us being a temple, us becoming a little child, and our relationship with the Savior and the Father, and ourselves sacrificing as a savior role.  Like a bolt, a voice came to my soul declaring things that had never entered my heart or mind previously. I opened myself up to prayer, entered the doorway of the temple within me, a holy of holies, and conversed with the Holy Ghost.

It was impressed upon me the importance of The Holy Ghost, and its relation to the Savior and yourself or your soul.  I am a witness of the Holy Ghost  and for  this reason only I am writing this. I have hopes to relay that there are great things to know and and important processes to learn how to know the Holy Ghost. I personally gained many things from this experience and a few of them I would like to express:

• -The Gap is so wide that we must have the Savior bridge the gap with His grace and mercy.  
• -Our Spirit is working in conjunction with the Father and the Son.
• -I viewed our Spirit was true and faithful to the Father in all things similar to the Savior before we entered this world respectively... or in other words we became innocent again.
• -I was amazed by this discovery but immediately comprehended a tremendous gap. The Savior lived perfectly and I had not, we all had not. All have lived so incredibly beneath the Savior and our spirit self. The gap which could be considered , our sin, or mishaps of missing the mark appears essentially equal to him from His vantage point.
• -I was and am still in awe of the understanding of how the Savior was able to live perfectly and we have strayed so far.
• -We descended for the purpose to overcome the carnal/mortal nature and raise it equal to our spirit. We are to look inside us to who we really are for the truth of all things. It is a huge self discovery process which requires faith and dedication to the needs of the spirit and not at all to the body. We are not to hate the body but love it into submission.
• -Seeing life through the eyes of the Holy Ghost makes everything ungodly beneath us… only good matters. Everything else is an illusion. Everything but (your) godliness is a deception.
• -We have a partnership with the Savior similar as the Savior has with the Father. This partnership we have with the Savior only is of value, if we serve others and bring them to know him. Of course, we must know him first and follow his next instruction or better said request.
• -We are the temple. We are to go to the temple to commune with Christ, the Spirit and even the Father. It is a spiritual temple with a holy of holy’s inside.
• -Worthiness was not why this happened to me. For I was am a sinner am amazed still a sinner. I was amazed because I was still a sinner in that moment. It was then presented to me that the purpose of sin and weakness is to get us to this point. Make us a little child to discover our true need and that our total existence is dependent on Christ.
• -There is a vast difference between the state of our Spirit and the state of our body due to the world and our natural man choices.
• -We are gods, in our true light, working through our probation with the ability to be like Him.
• -From this knowledge came a renewed love, intense and deep but not at all overwhelming. Also what I felt from this was a tremendous strength inside my existence… putting me in touch with my spirit. Wanting all to feel the same.
• -There is a more sure word of prophecy within our reach, that changes our being and vision which is powerful enough to give strength to overcome all things through Christ for salvation.
• -It is our role to live this life as Christ, choosing good, dispelling any illusions, constantly repenting so the Savior can merge the gap that is so wide. When we feel you haven't a need to repent we are wrong.
• -A great, great key is to knock and understand "need." Knocking is to be approached as an infant, completely void of ability. Mans natural mind is not close to being exactly right. Knowing that traditions fool is important so that our mind is willing to accept anything He says.
• -Also, Give up that you think you know something!

Below is the best description that I have found of what is within us (Separate & Distinct Attributes) Moses 6:61:
 Therefore it is given to abide in you;
-the record of heaven;
-the Comforter;
-the peaceable things of immortal glory;
-the truth of all things;
-that which quickeneth all things,
-which maketh alive all things;
-that which knoweth all things,
-and hath all power according to wisdom, mercy, truth, justice, and judgment.


There are many scriptures and references that helped me which I’m happy to share if interested and upon request.
___________________________________________________________________________________________

Below is a frequent question and I wanted to publish it in hopes it could be beneficial for anyone here. @jared: I've seen you post several times about seeking for answers within yourself and realizing it isn't something external. I've been trying to do that when I pray but it's confusing to me. Does it help to imagine something specific? What advice can you give?

Hey Tom,
I can give suggestions but I think it comes down to your own experimenting with confidence that God is actually in there.  As you see (or should I say become aware) of the evidence your confidence becomes stronger.  It's very tricky, in my opinion, because It's not the voice or evidence that one is used to.  It requires you to become aware of spiritual senses instead of physical ones.

I really like Joseph's description "then the voice of inspiration STEALS ALONG and whispers".  "Steals along" is an interesting way to word it.  Something that steals along does so not noticeable almost without movement or sound.  You could say the moon steals along the sky. There is movement there however it takes very close attention to perceive it.
Notice in the below statement that it was only after being locked up and void of the "sweet voice" and his "heart contrite" that the voice becomes apparent.

"but those who have not been enclosed in the walls of prison without cause or provocation, can have but little idea how sweet the voice of a friend is; one token of friendship from any source whatever awakens and calls into action every sympathetic feeling . . . until finally all enmity, malice and hatred, and past differences, misunderstandings and mismanagement are slain victorious at the feet of hope; and when the heart is sufficiently contrite, *then the voice of inspiration steals along and whispers,* (History of the Church, 3:293)
In prayer or meditation I believe getting to a quiet spot within yourself where you can ponder w/ your mind and pay attention to what comes into your heart. I typically spend more time in prayer pondering in prayer before I pray for anything.  A lot of my prayer is receiving from Him instead of giving.  I believe it is important to find and pray in the Holy Ghost so as to direct a prayer.  Here is a post I wrote if helpful http://latterdaycommentary.com/2015/01/06/praying-in-the-holy-ghost/.  While you ponder in prayer go with where it takes you.  At times it might feel like you want to resist and discount it but  just go with it and see if spiritual eyes can be opened up.  Be open for anything.

The reality of us is that we are made up of a spirit and body.  This body or tabernacle is simply a vehicle for your true self.  I have found it possible to find and be in the spirit at any point of the day. I find it interesting to test my consciousness. "Minded" is another way of describing consciousness.  Here are two different types of consciousness: Remember, to be carnally-minded is death, and to be spiritually-minded is life eternal.1 Nephi 14:7Carnally minded vs spiritually- minded.  Carnal consciousness vs spiritual consciousness
Carnally minded I think is easy for us to identify with however, spiritual maybe not so much. Since we know what is carnally minded maybe find what is not that and you will find your spiritual mind.

The word "voice" can be deceiving- because of what we typically associate with "voice".  But he further clarifies here what his voice is.

"Behold, that which you hear is as the voice of one crying in the wilderness—in the wilderness, because you cannot see him—my voice, *because my voice is Spirit*; my Spirit is truth; truth abideth and hath no end; and if it be in you it shall abound.D&C 88:66"

His voice is spirit.

He is in there.  He is in you.  In that wilderness.  Knowing that fact will build the confidence to find Him.  Confidence is built as we find it, listen and finally we realize...Holy shiz.. you've been in there the entire time...

Last edited by JaredAlmond on Sun Apr 20, 2014 9:43 pm, edited 9 times in total.

“In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer." Albert Camus

Posts: 46

Joined: Tue Feb 04, 2014 4:2

CELESTIAL FORM- Lining your all

by JaredAlmond » Sat Apr 12, 2014 5:17 am

I have visualized in my heart and mind an image of our body/divine soul that I would like to portray.

I'm not sure If what I describe is edifying but I pray it does. Inside each is a celestial fabric that consists and has form, inner lining your all. It is interconnected and directly connected to Christ himself. An inward naval that connects to a fountain of light and truth. Each stream we take in expands our mortal temple purging, purifying, sanctifying.,,,making it all one holy of holies. Internally it could look as an inner man, a tree or perfect flower.. The world has darkened our bodies with Selfishness, Pride, and Unbelief. Each particle of light and truth is removing the "self," the pride, the unbelief. Every worldly decision is tainted with "self" and only by removing that are we sanctified. The fabric form is thin at first but begins to expand with Light and Truth. This celestial fabric, the Holy Ghost, at first feels like a breath but inflates and inflates until it bursts arriving at the perfect day when the reflection of the sum resembles the Savior Himself.

Last edited by JaredAlmond on Tue Apr 22, 2014 11:16 am, edited 2 times in total.

Re: 

by Taliesin » Tue Apr 22, 2014 1:11 pm

My comments are in italics. I just tried to take your vocabulary and put it into my own vocabulary so I could better understand it. I think I have come to your understanding.

I have visualized in my heart and mind an image of our body/divine soul that I would like to portray. Maybe someone reading has the skills to externally visually construct. If so I would love to see it. I am far too left brained and would a kindergartner laugh when I attempt to put pen to paper.

I'm not sure if what I describe is edifying but I pray it does. Inside each is a celestial fabric that consists and has form, inner lining your all.

Celestial fabric = veil between the Terrestrial and Celestial rooms
Celestial = Heavenly = Holy = Sanctified
Your all = your “Holy Ghost”, your higher self, the record of heaven, the comforter [comforter = giver of strength], that has all power
Holy Ghost = Celestial Ghost = Celestial Spirit = Sanctified Spirit

If the galaxy is what the temple represents, then the center of the galaxy is the throne of God, the Celestial kingdom(s). Ringing the inner circle is the Terrestrial kingdom(s). Between the galactic Celestial and Terrestrial kingdoms is a ring of debris separating the two levels like a veil. A similar relationship exists between the galactic Telestial and Terrestrial kingdoms. The “small” LDS temples, which have the same basic layout as the Temple of Solomon, are a representation of a slice of the galaxy. This celestial fabric inside of us covers our “all”, our Celestial spirit and answers to the galactic center, the throne of God.

It [the Celestial fabric, “your all” that is covered by the fabric, or both together?] is interconnected and directly connected to Christ himself. An inward naval that connects to a fountain of light and truth.

Our Holy Ghost, which is Celestial, is veiled by a Celestial Fabric, but there is an opening in that veil/fabric that is like a tube that has a flow of spirit that goes directly to Christ, the fountain of light and truth.

Each stream we take in expands our mortal temple [our mortal temple = the Celestial fabric and Celestial spirit within it?] purging, purifying, sanctifying.,,,making it all one holy of holies [the Celestial spirit within crowds out or takes space away from the Telestial and Terrestrial outer layers]. Internally it could look as an inner man, a tree or perfect flower. The world has darkened our bodies with Selfishness, Pride, and Unbelief. Each particle of light and truth [coming from Christ, the fountain of light and truth] is removing the “self,” the pride, the unbelief. Every worldly decision is tainted with “self” [self = telestial identity and behavior] and only by removing that are we sanctified [sanctified = made Holy = made Celestial = made heavenly]. The fabric form is thin [rather than thin, maybe it is weak and easily collapsed?] at first but begins to expand [gets stronger and no longer collapses under the weight of telestial behavior]with Light and Truth. This celestial fabric, the Holy Ghost, [how about “This celestial fabric and the Holy Ghost that it veils?] at first feels like a breath but inflates and inflates until it bursts arriving at the perfect day [and your bodies are filled with light because all stumbling blocks of unbelief and sin have been removed] when the reflection [you see your reflection in the mirrors of the Celestial room, which represent truth where you see things as they really were, are and will be] of the sum resembles the Savior Himself.

The Path is Unique - The Rod of Iron 

by JaredAlmond » Sun Apr 20, 2014 12:22 pm

I had to reconsider my understanding of “The Rod of Iron”.

Let me explain:
I was hiking mountains near my home and had chosen the steepest mountain I could see, which had a most rigorous ascent. I learned a lot on this ascent and found something very valuable at the summit—“The Rod of Iron” (I would like to show you and explain.)

From the base, I gazed up to the top as if the summit above was issuing a call. Feeling up to the challenge I had to answer the call. This is a steep climb… I had made my decision to ascend. The climb was challenging and I noticed I didn't have any tracks to follow. It seemed that there hadn't been many on this path before and it required me to navigate it uniquely to my skill. As I climbed I felt the strength of the opposing challenge. Due to this, I had to particularly focus on each step at hand constantly being focused on the finding the strength in me. I repeatedly had to dig deep inside and hold onto the strength I found inside.

As I climbed I imagined and could feel a divine thread(See post- Celestial Form) that ran within me and would guide me up to the summit as long as I stayed focused and patiently followed. It reminded me of rod of Iron I’ve tried to follow in life. It was easy to get distracted by how tired I had become or how beautiful the views were. It became apparent that I had to climb without haste so that each step retained my strength for the following stride.

The views were sufficiently beautiful. I would pause to gaze but found I was tempted to be satisfied with the spot at which I had arrived. I felt often that I was satisfied with the view.. voices attempting to mislead, saying it wasn't necessary to reach the summit. I pressed and pushed on with my eye focused on my end goal. As I was reaching the top I couldn't help notice the deer that I could spot on the terrain observing me-- appearing as angels giving notice from a far.

I finally reached the top of the mountain, happy to be finished with my ascent. Where I was sitting I looked down and found something that changed my perspective. Sitting on the ground was “The Rod of Iron” (see the picture below.) I picked up the 2 foot Rod made out of Iron and my mind opened up. With a pondering spirit I realized that this is more like the Rod of Iron. On my descent I carried it on my journey to the bottom.

My prior understanding of the rod of Iron was that it was extending on a fixed path that I had to follow and hold onto to know the word of God or his will.  I found it is not that but a rod that we have individually and carry in whatever path we are on. It is unique to us and always in reach. It is not a Rod that leads along a predetermined path. It doesn't follow a path from which you get lost and have to find your way back in order to hold on. It is a Rod of Iron that is always with you(see post- Witness) but you must find it and hold on tightly.  It will take you where ever you are to go.

20140412_133236 (1).jpg (131.89 KiB) Viewed 28 times

I found this definition interesting.
Rod definitions
Webster's 1828 Dictionary
ROD, n. [L. radius, ray, radix, root.]
A king of scepter.
A long thin implement made of metal or wood
a staff or wand. 2 Samuel 14.
Support.
Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Psalms 23.
Power; authority. Psalms 125.
Rod of iron, the mighty power of Christ. Revelation 19. Psalms 2.

Last edited by JaredAlmond on Sun Apr 20, 2014 9:30 pm, edited 3 times in total.

“In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer." Albert Camus

JaredAlmond

Posts: 46

Joined: Tue Feb 04, 2014 4:27 pm

ThisTop

Re: This path is unique- The Rod of Iron

by Taliesin » Sun Apr 20, 2014 7:41 pm

Yes! Nice insight! A while ago I looked up every reference to a rod in the scriptures. Every single time that the scriptures talk about a rod they mean a hand-hald rod, not a long-bannister-type rod. I don't see why the iron rod in 1 Nephi would be any different. To add more to the symbolism, I recently learned that iron has special spiritual/energetic properties.

- Joe

Taliesin

Posts: 16

Joined: Fri Apr 05, 2013 10:26 am

Top

Re: This path is unique- The Rod of Iron

by JaredAlmond » Sun Apr 20, 2014 9:15 pm

Thank you for the insight Joe. You are right. I think it is important to realize this because there is essential strength that has to be found within. We each have been sufficiently equipped for this journey. The prophets are trying to relay meaning to us that will change our life and elevate our minds to higher plains.

A couple additional things I found helpful-

Aaron and Moses both carried hand held rods.

The word rod is "shebet" in Hebrew. This word is defined as following in Strong's Hebrew Lexicon #7626: rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe a. rod, staff b. shaft (of spear, dart) c. club (of shepherd's implement) d. truncheon, sceptre (mark of authority) e. clan, tribe

From Visions of Glory.. Spencer explains--- My hearing was acutely attuned to the word of the Lord. Revelation became constant and unending. I no longer walked through mists of darkness. I didn't hold onto the Iron Rod because it became a part of me, a part of my soul, what I was.

“In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer." Albert Camus

JaredAlmond

Posts: 46

Joined: Tue Feb 04, 2014 4:27 pm

Top

Re: This path is unique- The Rod of Iron

by Jeremy » Mon Apr 21, 2014 10:47 am

20 And I also beheld a strait and narrow path, which came along by the rod of iron, even to the tree by which I stood;and it also led by the head of the fountain, unto a large and spacious field, as if it had been a world.

Similar descriptions of "led" is used for the rod and the path. This leads (lol - pun intended) me to believe what was seen was much like a hand rail. I know it is the general assumption but it happens to be one I agree with. :)

1 Nephi 8 wrote:24 And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree.

In Jared's picture, catching hold of the end doesnt seem to have the same implications as it would if the rod was long and covered some distance. Though I see the insight and appreciate what Jared is sharing. I find this discussion very interesting and I think I will have to do a similar word search and investigate this "rod" idea more. :) Thank you both.

-Jeremy

Jeremy

Posts: 253

Joined: Tue Oct 09, 2012 2:19 pm

Top

Re: This path is unique- The Rod of Iron

by JaredAlmond » Mon Apr 21, 2014 12:22 pm

Thanks Jeremy, I liked your pun you threw in there:) The insight I had wasn't to explain what exactly Nephi saw but expand on the image and meaning that I held in my head... also the meaning of the Rod of IRON. I've seen and heard the interpretation of Lehi/Nephi's analogy throughout my life portrayed in one way through our church, the insight was a little mind opening and welcoming.

One of the restrictions, at least for me, with the narrative that i've heard traditionally is that it leads me to visualize a predetermined path that I am either on or am not on. once I have left it can be hard to find or must take a long time. Also that it makes me look more outwardly to find the path. Looking for someone or something to guide me there- instead of looking within...

Nephi gives us the meaning of the Rod of Iron (not Iron Rod) as the word of God. The word of God and the association with the Rod of Iron and how it is to lead us to the Love of God is important and deep with meaning. As we can see from the dream it is essential to find it and hold on at all times. The path and midsts of Darkness are rigorous and can mislead if our hold isn't firm. Our hold or better said "connection" seems to be particularly important to Nephi. How spencer explains it connects with my visualization-- "My hearing was acutely attuned to the word of the Lord. Revelation became constant and unending. I no longer walked through mists of darkness. I didn't hold onto the Iron Rod because it became a part of me, a part of my soul, what I was."
In relating my hiking experience I attempted, with steep meaning, to relate lessons the Lord has taught me on this "journey to the fullness". The holy Ghost, who speaks the word of God, that leads me to the veil, that leads me to the Savior is a guide God has endowed us with. I do appreciate and love the discussion.

Note- Rods were used historically for measurement purposes. See Below. I can see how both visualizations of a long rod vs one that fits in your hand can be reconciled. If you were to explain a path, what led you and the length it took to get you there it could be explained by a Rod.

Measuring rod
From Wikipedia, A measuring rod is a tool used to physically measure lengths and survey areas of various sizes. Most measuring rods are round or square sectioned, however they can be flat boards. Some have markings at regular intervals. It is likely that the measuring rod was used before the line, chain or steel tapes used in modern measurement.
Graeco-Egyptian God Serapis with measuring rod (Image from Wikipedia)

330px-Serapis_on_crocodile.png (60.5 KiB) Viewed 14 times

“In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer." Albert Camus

JaredAlmond

Posts: 46

Joined: Tue Feb 04, 2014 4:27 pm

Top

Re: This path is unique- The Rod of Iron

by Jeremy » Mon Apr 21, 2014 4:09 pm

JaredAlmond wrote:One of the restrictions, at least for me, with the narrative that i've heard traditionally is that it leads me to visualize a predetermined path that I am either on or am not on. once I have left it can be hard to find or must take a long time. Also that it makes me look more outwardly to find the path. Looking for someone or something to guide me there-instead of looking within.

Ah yes. I understand more what you were sharing now. And I agree completely. Great insights. Thank you.

-Jeremy

Jeremy

Posts: 253

Joined: Tue Oct 09, 2012 2:19 pm

Top

Re: This path is unique- The Rod of Iron

by JaredAlmond » Mon Apr 21, 2014 4:17 pm

Great Thanks. I'm glad you presented the questions to consider.

“In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer." Albert Camus

JaredAlmond

Posts: 46

Joined: Tue Feb 04, 2014 4:27 pm

Top

Re: This path is unique- The Rod of Iron

by Taliesin » Tue Apr 22, 2014 8:53 am

JaredAlmond wrote:Nephi gives us the meaning of the Rod of Iron (not Iron Rod) as the word of God. The word of God and the association with the Rod of Iron and how it is to lead us to the Love of God is important and deep with meaning. As we can see from the dream it is essential to find it and hold on at all times. The path and midsts of Darkness are rigorous and can mislead if our hold isn't firm. Our hold or better said "connection" seems to be particularly important to Nephi. How spencer explains it connects with my visualization-- "My hearing was acutely attuned to the word of the Lord. Revelation became constant and unending. I no longer walked through mists of darkness. I didn't hold onto the Iron Rod because it became a part of me, a part of my soul, what I was."
In relating my hiking experience I attempted, with steep meaning, to relate lessons the Lord has taught me on this "journey to the fullness". The holy Ghost, who speaks the word of God, that leads me to the veil, that leads me to the Savior is a guide God has endowed us with. I do appreciate and love the discussion.

Note- Rods were used historically for measurement purposes. See Below. I can see how both visualizations of a long rod vs one that fits in your hand can be reconciled. If you were to explain a path, what led you and the length it took to get you there it could be explained by a Rod.

Measuring rod
From Wikipedia, A measuring rod is a tool used to physically measure lengths and survey areas of various sizes. Most measuring rods are round or square sectioned, however they can be flat boards. Some have markings at regular intervals. It is likely that the measuring rod was used before the line, chain or steel tapes used in modern measurement.

On your shirt there is a square, a compass, and another mark over the bellybutton. Can you guess what that other mark represents? It is a measuring rod. And you are supposed to lay hold on it. When you are at the veil, you "lay hold" on, or grab, a hand that is protruding from a cut in the veil that corresponds to the mark over your bellybutton. Holding the hand of the Lord is associated with laying hold on the rod of iron. What happens after you lay hold on the hand of the Lord? Your knowledge is tested, or measured. Proverbs 3:8 says "It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones". In the Hebrew, the word 'navel' is actually 'umbilical cord'. In this context, the umbilical cord is a connection between you and God. D&C 112:10 gives some more insight into this concept of umbilical cord, iron rod, and hand shakes - "Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers."

The navel mark is (depending on your perspective) the iron rod as described in 1 Nephi. As long as I'm here, I might as well mention another perspective. The compass mark is the two spindles on the Liahona, also described in 1 Nephi. I haven't thought about the square mark being described in 1 Nephi, but it might be in there as well.

Taliesin

Posts: 16

Joined: Fri Apr 05, 2013 10:26 am

Top

Re: This path is unique- The Rod of Iron

by JaredAlmond » Tue Apr 22, 2014 11:15 am

That is great Joe. Thank you for adding this and giving an important direction to ponder. This direction is essential in understanding ourselves and the Holy Ghost.