Israel's Caduceus

Years and years of manna
Fed the rodents around
Which spread across the land
Feeding serpents then more found

The fortieth year had come
Soon they'd claim their holy place
Where they'd build up God's kingdom
But, first they'd a king to face

And, the king of Edom
Turned poor Israel away
Unto the hills where on
The poisonous snakes did prey

And hot like an oven
Was their fiery bite
So full of venom
Death soon was found in sight

Moses made a serpent
At the end of a rod
When looked at t'would send
A quick healing from God

To look at and live
Was the easy way
It was allusive
To: look to Christ with faith

For He as our Savior
Was lifted upon a tree
To grant us living favor
And pay our ransom fee

He's given us laws to ponder
And on Him our eyes must rivet
For the world would we wander
Unto perishable things there to pivot

For, when the viper struck
Along the detour pass
Not all trusted to look
Upon the snake of brass

Some would rather perish
Than to listen and then do
They knew not what to cherish
Nor what their eyes could fix unto

For there's a way to be trained
On how to always look up
And this is how it is gained:
Through living bread and life cup

For we've made covenants
That lead and keep us safe
And, thereon mercy grants
From the increase of our faith

Some of this poem is speculative...

[Verse 1] Years and years of manna Fed the rodents around Which spread across the land More snakes could then abound The fortieth year had come Soon they'd claim their holy place Where they'd build up God's kingdom But, first they'd a king to face And, the king of Edom Turned poor Israel away Unto the hills where on The poisonous snakes did prey It felt like an oven Each fiery bite So full of venom Death soon was in sight [Pre-Chorus] Moses made a serpent At the end of a rod When looked at t'would send A quick healing from God To look at and live Was the easy way It was allusive To: look to Christ with faith [Chorus] Look to Christ with faith Look to Christ with faith He was lifted up And He makes us live Look to Christ with faith Look to Christ with faith Keep your eyes on Him And you shall not perish [Verse 2] For He as our Savior Was lifted upon a tree To grant us living favor And pay our ransom fee He's given us laws to ponder And on Him our eyes must rivet For the world would we wander Unto perishable things there to pivot For, when the viper struck Along the detour pass Not all trusted to look Upon the snake of brass Some would rather perish Than to listen and then do They knew not what to cherish Nor what their eyes could fix unto [Pre-Chorus] For there's a way to be trained On how to always look up And this is how it is gained: Through living bread and life cup For we've made covenants That lead and keep us safe And, thereon mercy grants From the increase of our faith [Chorus] Look to Christ with faith Look to Christ with faith He was lifted up And He makes us live Look to Christ with faith Look to Christ with faith Keep your eyes on Him And you shall not perish [Bridge] For there's a way to be trained On how to always look up And this is how it is gained: Through living bread and life cup When the venom comes around And the road looks full of grief Keep your eyes on the lifted One And find your healing in belief [Final Chorus] Look to Christ with faith Look to Christ with faith He was lifted up And He makes us live Look to Christ with faith Look to Christ with faith Keep your eyes on Him And you shall not perish

Numbers 21

"We, like Israel of old, must rivet our eyes and minds upon the cross of Christ if we hope to gain eternal life...Our looks must not be allowed to wander across the way or to become fixed upon the perishable things of the world. The eye, 'the light of the body'- (Matt 6:22), must be trained to look upward. We must look to God and live.
Carlos E. Asay
'Look to God and Live,’
Ensign, Nov. 1978, 54.

quoted in
Look and Live
Elder Glen O. Jenson
Ensign March 2002, 32

Knowing God's Love for all Mankind- Keepers of His Light

Knowing God's love for all mankind
Let's safeguard the truth's He's given
All over the world He lights minds to find
A glimpse of Him and of heaven

We can be keepers of His light
As we perceive where it goes
God's wisdom pure and bright
To the seeker brilliantly flows

If there is anything virtuous,
Lovely, or of good report
Let us share it more amongst us
And feel warmth through God's support

Then, as with light we speak
Others come to where we stand
Unto our lamp to seek,
Feel, and understand

[Verse 1]

Knowing God's love for all mankind

Let's safeguard the truths He's given

All over the world He lights minds to find

A glimpse of Him and of heaven

[Pre-Chorus]

We can be keepers of His light

As we perceive where it goes

God's wisdom pure and bright

To the seeker brilliantly flows

[Chorus]

Keepers of His light

Keepers of His light

We share what is true

And make the dark grow dim

Keepers of His light

Keepers of His light

Through every good thing

We lead them back to Him

(keepers of His light)

[Verse 2]

If there is anything virtuous

Lovely, or of good report

Let us share it more amongst us

And feel warmth through God's support

[Pre-Chorus]

Then, as with light we speak

Others come to where we stand

Unto our lamp to seek

Feel, and understand

[Chorus]

Keepers of His light

Keepers of His light

We share what is true

And make the dark grow dim

Keepers of His light

Keepers of His light

Through every good thing

We lead them back to Him

(keepers of His light)

[Bridge]

Let our words be clean

Let our hearts be still

Let our hands give way

To His perfect will

One small flame can call

Many home again

When we shine His love

Heaven leans in

[Final Chorus]

Keepers of His light

Keepers of His light

We share what is true

And make the dark grow dim

Keepers of His light

Keepers of His light

Through every good thing

We lead them back to Him

(keepers of His light)

Pondering: God's love for man and the internet. How seeing the inspiration of things around us and mentioning it actually draws seekers to the gospel as they search the internet to know more of what is praiseworthy. The Article of Faith- which says: If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things. (for they've come of light and truth) Wouldn't it be pleasing to God if we sought after these things more. No wonder the Conference talks quote from many things that show God is lighting all mankind?

'In 1855, in an address delivered in the Bowery at Salt Lake City, Elder Parley P. Pratt, an early leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said: "We would do well to look into the bearings of the history of nations, and the dealings of God with them, as impartially as we can, at all times, and cull out all the good there has been, is, or may be, and acknowledge the hand of God in all things, in His dealings with the nations as well as in other things" (Journal of Discourses, 3:42).'
Elder Pratt's thoughts echo the teachings of some ancient American prophets. Permit me to quote from the Book of Mormon:


'And the Lord God hath sent his holy prophets among all the children of men, to declare these things to every kindred, nation, and tongue. (Mosiah 3:13; emphasis added)
For behold, the Lord doth grant unto all nations, of their own nation and tongue, to teach his word, yea, in wisdom, all that he seeth fit that they should have. (Alma 29:8; emphasis added)
Thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little.... I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth...For I command all men...that they shall write the words which I speak unto them.... I shall also speak unto all nations of the earth and they shall write it. (2 Nephi 28:30; 29:7, 11, 12; emphasis added) '


'How very fortunate for mankind that God's word was given in diverse ways to the people of India, of Persia, of Babylon, of Arabia, of China, of Greece, of Rome, and of America. Each spark of inspiration, each revealed law, and each guideline for living was an expression of God's limitless love for the family of Adam. It mattered not whether the word came in high or low places or whether it was conveyed in loud or in muted voices. Some of God's light was reflected through a religious leader in ancient Arabia; additional light was received by an American religious leader in the nineteenth century. What mattered was that saving truth was received by man from God-the divine fountain of eternal truth. And what mattered even more was whether those who received such truths had sufficient reciprocating love and faith to live accordingly.'
'On 15 February 1978, the First Presidency of the LDS Church issued a statement to the world regarding God's love for all mankind. I desire to read portions of that statement. As I do so, you will note that thoughts previously mentioned are amplified. '
'Based upon ancient and modern revelation, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gladly teaches and declares the Christian doctrine that all men and women are brothers and sisters, not only by blood relationship from common mortal progenitors but also as literal spirit children of an Eternal Father.
The great religious leaders of the world such as Muhammad, Confucius, and the Reformers, as well as philosophers including Socrates, Plato, and others, received a portion of God's light. Moral truths were given to them by God to enlighten whole nations and to bring a higher level of understanding to individuals...
Consistent with these truths, we believe that God has given and will give to all peoples sufficient knowledge to help them on their way to eternal salvation, either in this life or in the life to come...
Our message therefore is one of special love and concern for the eternal welfare of all men and women, regardless of religious belief, race, or nationality, knowing that we are truly brothers and sisters because we are sons and daughters of the same Eternal Father.'

God's Love for Mankind
Elder Carlos E. Asay
Mormons and Muslims: Spiritual Foundations and Modern Manifestations, ed. Palmer, Spencer J., (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University 2002), 51-61.

Each Spark of Inspiration

Each spark of inspiration
Each revealed law
Is a blessing to that nation
And is available to all

The greatest leaders the world has known
From Muhammad to Confucious
To them a portion of God's light shown
To bless, inspire, and move us

'How very fortunate for mankind that God's word was given in diverse ways to the people of India, of Persia, of Babylon, of Arabia, of China, of Greece, of Rome, and of America. Each spark of inspiration, each revealed law, and each guideline for living was an expression of God's limitless love for the family of Adam. It mattered not whether the word came in high or low places or whether it was conveyed in loud or in muted voices. Some of God's light was reflected through a religious leader in ancient Arabia; additional light was received by an American religious leader in the nineteenth century. What mattered was that saving truth was received by man from God-the divine fountain of eternal truth. And what mattered even more was whether those who received such truths had sufficient reciprocating love and faith to live accordingly.'
'On 15 February 1978, the First Presidency of the LDS Church issued a statement to the world regarding God's love for all mankind. I desire to read portions of that statement. As I do so, you will note that thoughts previously mentioned are amplified. '
'Based upon ancient and modern revelation, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gladly teaches and declares the Christian doctrine that all men and women are brothers and sisters, not only by blood relationship from common mortal progenitors but also as literal spirit children of an Eternal Father.
The great religious leaders of the world such as Muhammad, Confucius, and the Reformers, as well as philosophers including Socrates, Plato, and others, received a portion of God's light. Moral truths were given to them by God to enlighten whole nations and to bring a higher level of understanding to individuals...
Consistent with these truths, we believe that God has given and will give to all peoples sufficient knowledge to help them on their way to eternal salvation, either in this life or in the life to come...
Our message therefore is one of special love and concern for the eternal welfare of all men and women, regardless of religious belief, race, or nationality, knowing that we are truly brothers and sisters because we are sons and daughters of the same Eternal Father.'

God's Love for Mankind
Elder Carlos E. Asay
Mormons and Muslims: Spiritual Foundations and Modern Manifestations, ed. Palmer, Spencer J., (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University 2002), 51-61.

They Are the Enemy

The enemy, with full artillery,
Persists and inhabits globally.
As an invisible and insidious army,
They've infiltrated every border.
Untoward- this scheming smarmy
Collaborates for claim and disorder.

Thus, as Christians, we must beware
And pray to avoid being caught unaware.
For the naïve are easy to boss, set off or sway,
While distracting idle minds with current trends.
Who become pawns in the endless ploy of our day
In this appalling game of maneuvers that descend

Imperceptibly, at first, one's trapped to their avail
By the devil's wiles, drowned to a state of peril.
Then, it's as though bombs are exploding all about
And, too, bullets whizzing above one's head.
For the turmoil thrashes both inside and out
Grasping for spiritual defeat and dread.

Thus we must be steadfast and vigilant,
Keeping our armor in place lest evil implant.
Whose loins are fed of truths to be tightly girt?
And hold firmly the sword of words given of God?
Who wields a shield of faith to deflect all hurt,
While to the feet the gospel of peace is shod?

Yet, still, new threats are made
And armor must be displayed.
As to our heads we place the helmet of salvation,
Lest we become idle, we must repent oft and be strong.
For those who never sleep make their preparations...
Seeking to find each weakness as they advance along.

Is there anything more that we can wear?
To keep us safe from a freshly layed snare?
Yes, a protective garment for the mortal body,
Which completes and makes the armor whole;
As a token of our pure and modest offering
That reminds us, day and night, of our divine role.

With the love of God and His Gospel laws,
We have faith in ourselves for His cause.
Clad with this sacred covering, we will withstand
Satan and his legion's subtle and fiery darts.
For, though they've insidious influences in hand,
We've a safe barrier. We've God deep within our hearts


Elder Carlos E. Asay
The Temple Garment: "An Out ward Expression of an Inward Commitment

Eph. 6: 12-18
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

The Temple Garment: An Outward Expression of an Inward Commitment

A worthiness confession:
Our sacred temple garments
Are an outward expression
Of our inward commitment
To live in Light's succession

Of all the covenants we have made
It's a tangible reminder
That when devotion's displayed
The wearer is found the finder:
That we've God's instruction and His aid

What's of the world should not be lusted
As with the Lord we are betrothing
We have been endowed by Him and intrusted
With the sacred nature of our clothing
Which like His laws are not adjusted

The garment of the holy priesthood
Will protect and save us from perish
Let's serve Him and go about doing good
For it's more than laws that we cherish
As, out of love, we commit as we should

Elder Carlos E. Asay
The Temple Garment: "An Outward Expression of an Inward Commitment"
Esign, Aug. 1997, 19

Matt. 23: 23-26
23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
24 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.
25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.