This blog is to record in writing many of my musings that turned into the first 80 or so episodes of my podcast, which used to be called Know and Do, which is now called Journey Through Life. This first blog post shares the idea behind Know and Do and why it became such an important thing to me. Please enjoy this post and all of the others that will follow hereafter. This was, is, and will be a very meaningful project to me. - Justin Barton
Welcome to the very first episode of the podcast, Know AND Do (Now called Journey through Life). I am Justin Barton, a son of God, and host of this program. As a new podcast, and as the first podcast I have ever done, I would like to give a little background on why I have felt to create this podcast.
I have had a recurring theme in the lessons I am learning from life and from the Lord over the last while. I have given a name to that theme; it is the "Know AND Do" principle. I am developing that theme into a bit of a way of life for me. And while I am not perfect, nor do I expect to become such anytime soon, I am finding that there are treasures of the Spirit when I choose to live this way.
In the Know AND Do principle, I seek the Lord's will through prayer and meditation (Know), I then ask for the power to carry it out (Do), when His will is manifested (Know). I then go throughout my day, keeping my eyes and ears open to opportunities to lift and serve and share (Do). When they arise, hopefully I act on them (Do).
As I have been experiencing this, some lessons have been learned (Know). A few of those have been quite eye-opening and painful to me, but I know in whom I trust, and I know that He lifts me and puts me on His path as I allow Him to.
Here are some of those lessons:
1. If I have knowledge (Know) yet I don't act on it (Do), it doesn't do me, or anyone else, any good.
2. If I have an education (Know) yet I don't apply it (Do), it doesn't do me, or anyone else, any good.
3. If I have faith (Know) yet I don't have works (Do), that faith is dead, and it doesn't do me, or anyone else, any good.
4. If I have a testimony of any principle (Know) yet I am not converted or practicing that principle (Do), it doesn't do me, or anyone else, any good.
5. If I have received a calling or assignment (Know) yet I choose not to magnify it (Do), it doesn't do me, or anyone else, any good.
In this light, the following passage of scripture from the New Testament comes to mind wherein the lit candle is the "Know" and the shining/sharing of it is the "Do".
Matthew 5:15-16
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Throughout my life, God has blessed me with a lit candle (Know). There have been times where I have chosen to hide that light and even be ashamed of it. Sometimes that light has grown quite dim and neared being extinguished; not because the light wasn't real, but because I hid it and tried to smother it (NOT Do). But, as I choose to Do and lift that light by acting (Do) on what I receive (Know), not only is the path illuminated for me, but it also "giveth light to all that are" upon that path with me. And all are edified (Know) and can rejoice (Do) together.
The premise of Know AND Do is to share my personal experiences of faith and hope, tie those to either a verse of scripture from one of many sources that people all over the world consider as inspired and holy, or a quote from Godly men and women from throughout history. From these experiences and sources, I will then issue an invitation to myself, and in turn the audience to Do what is now Known. I also believe that when people share honest experiences of faith and hope that the entire group is strengthened, edified, and can rejoice together. So, if you accept one of these invitations and experience the love of God in your life by doing so, we would love to hear your experience in the comment section.
I do not pretend to be an expert on doctrine or on any of the subject matters that will be shared. I only claim to be one of God’s children, walking through life in the best way I know, and sharing what I experience.
I am an unashamed follower of Jesus Christ and a practicing member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am one who believes and has experienced that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and that all are strengthened and lifted as we strive to live what He and His disciples teach and follow Him. I have been rescued by Him, and continue to be rescued, one day at a time. I know that I have been saved by Him FROM sin and death... But I also believe that I have been saved by Him FOR something. I am striving to live my life in a way that this "FOR something" can be made manifest in what I do. That perhaps someone may see my good works and glorify my Father in Heaven.
This is why I have felt to start this daily devotional podcast called Know AND Do. The plan is to keep each of these episodes/entries to an average of about 7 minutes. Thus it will be simple to listen to while eating breakfast, going to work, or any other of your morning activities that could be elevated with a little spiritual meal each day.
If you feel this a positive influence in your life, please subscribe to this podcast or follow this blog. Also, please like and follow Know And Do on Facebook. Find us there by searching for Know And Do and to find our current and more active Facebook page, come to JTL Podcast.
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