"For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known."
Luke 12:2
It is interesting that we value secrecy so highly, trying to protect or encrypt everything to keep it safe, when God's plan eventually heads us in the opposite direction, revealing everything. Not to say that there isn't a reason for it, now, but a good thing to keep in mind that the Lord's eventual solution is to reveal it all. I think that right there is a good motivation to live a better life. :) One in which we don't mind if everyone knows our secrets. Today, let's work on becoming those kinds of people, with God's help.
Friday, June 30, 2023
Thursday, June 29, 2023
Alma 34:17-27 -- On Calling Upon God in Every Circumstance
"Therefore may God grant unto you, my brethren, that ye may begin to exercise your faith unto repentance, that ye begin to call upon his holy name, that he would have mercy upon you;
Yea, cry unto him for mercy; for he is mighty to save.
Yea, humble yourselves, and continue in prayer unto him.
Cry unto him when ye are in your fields, yea, over all your flocks.
Cry unto him in your houses, yea, over all your household, both morning, mid-day, and evening.
Yea, cry unto him against the power of your enemies.
Yea, cry unto him against the devil, who is an enemy to all righteousness.
Cry unto him over the crops of your fields, that ye may prosper in them.
Cry over the flocks of your fields, that they may increase.
But this is not all; ye must pour out your souls in your closets, and your secret places, and in your wilderness.
Yea, and when you do not cry unto the Lord, let your hearts be full, drawn out in prayer unto him continually for your welfare, and also for the welfare of those who are around you."
Alma 34:17-27
This gives us an idea of what God means when he asks us to "pray always" (Luke 21:36, 3 Nephi 18:15). I think it is similar to the idea of putting God first and prioritizing that communication. If we treat him like we would treat a best friend or favorite person, we'll think of him more often and he will be the first person that we turn to when we need someone to talk to about anything, good or bad. That's the kind of relationship that Christ had with Heavenly Father, and it is something that we can work on as we strive to be more Christlike.
Today, let's talk to the Lord... about anything and everything, and work on incorporating a habit of prayer in our lives--on including God in everything that we do. The more we work on it, the closer we will get to that ideal, and that connection will bless every aspect of our lives.
Yea, cry unto him for mercy; for he is mighty to save.
Yea, humble yourselves, and continue in prayer unto him.
Cry unto him when ye are in your fields, yea, over all your flocks.
Cry unto him in your houses, yea, over all your household, both morning, mid-day, and evening.
Yea, cry unto him against the power of your enemies.
Yea, cry unto him against the devil, who is an enemy to all righteousness.
Cry unto him over the crops of your fields, that ye may prosper in them.
Cry over the flocks of your fields, that they may increase.
But this is not all; ye must pour out your souls in your closets, and your secret places, and in your wilderness.
Yea, and when you do not cry unto the Lord, let your hearts be full, drawn out in prayer unto him continually for your welfare, and also for the welfare of those who are around you."
Alma 34:17-27
This gives us an idea of what God means when he asks us to "pray always" (Luke 21:36, 3 Nephi 18:15). I think it is similar to the idea of putting God first and prioritizing that communication. If we treat him like we would treat a best friend or favorite person, we'll think of him more often and he will be the first person that we turn to when we need someone to talk to about anything, good or bad. That's the kind of relationship that Christ had with Heavenly Father, and it is something that we can work on as we strive to be more Christlike.
Today, let's talk to the Lord... about anything and everything, and work on incorporating a habit of prayer in our lives--on including God in everything that we do. The more we work on it, the closer we will get to that ideal, and that connection will bless every aspect of our lives.
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
Isaiah 55:8-12 -- On Thoughts, Words, and Joy
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:
So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands."
Isaiah 55:8-12
I love Isaiah. And I love the message here, that God doesn't speak frivolously. He isn't waiting to see how things will work out. He knows they will, and all that he has promised will come to pass. We just have to keep his commandments and our promises to him, for example by repenting, prioritizing him in our lives, and caring for his other children as well. God can't default on our agreement... only we can, so let's stick with it and do everything we can to draw closer to God and to be better people.
The other thing I really like here is that all of the work he is talking about accomplishing... all of that is us. We are his work, to lead us to joy and peace and help us to find happiness. None of the commandments are thoughtless or cruel... all of them are designed to help us to find that eternal life that we long for. He asks us to avoid things that won't bring us joy, which he knows better than we do, as we have a tendency to make ourselves miserable and dig ourselves into pits.
Today, let's trust God and wait for the amazing day when "the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands." I have no idea if that is literal, or if the idea is just that the joy will be so thick that it will seem like all of creation is participating in it, but either way it sounds awesome, and is something worth working for.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:
So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands."
Isaiah 55:8-12
I love Isaiah. And I love the message here, that God doesn't speak frivolously. He isn't waiting to see how things will work out. He knows they will, and all that he has promised will come to pass. We just have to keep his commandments and our promises to him, for example by repenting, prioritizing him in our lives, and caring for his other children as well. God can't default on our agreement... only we can, so let's stick with it and do everything we can to draw closer to God and to be better people.
The other thing I really like here is that all of the work he is talking about accomplishing... all of that is us. We are his work, to lead us to joy and peace and help us to find happiness. None of the commandments are thoughtless or cruel... all of them are designed to help us to find that eternal life that we long for. He asks us to avoid things that won't bring us joy, which he knows better than we do, as we have a tendency to make ourselves miserable and dig ourselves into pits.
Today, let's trust God and wait for the amazing day when "the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands." I have no idea if that is literal, or if the idea is just that the joy will be so thick that it will seem like all of creation is participating in it, but either way it sounds awesome, and is something worth working for.
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
Hebrews 3:1-4 -- On He That Built All Things
"Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.
For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.
For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God."
Hebrews 3:1-4
I like this analogy of Jesus as the owner of the household, while Moses was a member of it. No dishonor to Moses of course, but Christ transcends all, and the analogy helps us to remember that Christ wasn't just a normal man, but a God. This is why Christ "taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes" (Matthew 7:29)... because he was the author of those scriptures, not just a prophet or an amazing interpreter of them.
Today, let's remember the overwhelming awe of who Christ is and the amazing idea of being able to talk to "he that built all things" and work with him to build something good in our lives and the lives of the people around us. Like the apostles, we have a chance to know this incredible being. Let's take that opportunity, and reach out to God.
Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.
For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.
For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God."
Hebrews 3:1-4
I like this analogy of Jesus as the owner of the household, while Moses was a member of it. No dishonor to Moses of course, but Christ transcends all, and the analogy helps us to remember that Christ wasn't just a normal man, but a God. This is why Christ "taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes" (Matthew 7:29)... because he was the author of those scriptures, not just a prophet or an amazing interpreter of them.
Today, let's remember the overwhelming awe of who Christ is and the amazing idea of being able to talk to "he that built all things" and work with him to build something good in our lives and the lives of the people around us. Like the apostles, we have a chance to know this incredible being. Let's take that opportunity, and reach out to God.
Monday, June 26, 2023
1 Corinthians 3:7-9 -- On Building Ourselves with God
"So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building."
1 Corinthians 3:7-9
The planting and watering thing here is symbolic of growing in the gospel, and I really like the last line, which is basically saying that we're part of God's work... we, and all the people around us, ARE God's work. This is the point of everything... to help each other to become better, kind of like the scripture that says "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend" (Proverbs 27:17). We're here to sharpen each other and to grow together in unity as we work with and for God.
Today, let's work with God to build ourselves and to build others up as well, creating something good.
Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building."
1 Corinthians 3:7-9
The planting and watering thing here is symbolic of growing in the gospel, and I really like the last line, which is basically saying that we're part of God's work... we, and all the people around us, ARE God's work. This is the point of everything... to help each other to become better, kind of like the scripture that says "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend" (Proverbs 27:17). We're here to sharpen each other and to grow together in unity as we work with and for God.
Today, let's work with God to build ourselves and to build others up as well, creating something good.
Sunday, June 25, 2023
Proverbs 22:24-25 -- On Avoiding the Snare of Anger
"Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:
Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul."
Proverbs 22:24-25
This struck me today, I think because it is easy to get angry sometimes, and it is something we could use a reminder about. We can't control the external circumstances, but we can choose how to react to them. In the Come, Follow Me lessons we've been reading about the time leading up to the crucifiction, and in that context, Christ's behavior as he was mistreated and ulitimately killed, when he had done nothing wrong, seems incredible. I typically get angry about things like that, and I need to learn more patience and faith, trusting that God knows what he is doing and that everything will work out for good in the end.
I'm not saying we should just live with abuse. If we have a way out of a situation like that, we should take it, and work with God to help us. I think God is just saying that anger isn't the best choice, no matter the circumstances. It's a trap/snare from Satan that we choose to fall into. We don't want to learn those ways or become angry people. Let's turn to God with our troubles, and work to be the best people that we can be, no matter what is currently going on around us.
Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul."
Proverbs 22:24-25
This struck me today, I think because it is easy to get angry sometimes, and it is something we could use a reminder about. We can't control the external circumstances, but we can choose how to react to them. In the Come, Follow Me lessons we've been reading about the time leading up to the crucifiction, and in that context, Christ's behavior as he was mistreated and ulitimately killed, when he had done nothing wrong, seems incredible. I typically get angry about things like that, and I need to learn more patience and faith, trusting that God knows what he is doing and that everything will work out for good in the end.
I'm not saying we should just live with abuse. If we have a way out of a situation like that, we should take it, and work with God to help us. I think God is just saying that anger isn't the best choice, no matter the circumstances. It's a trap/snare from Satan that we choose to fall into. We don't want to learn those ways or become angry people. Let's turn to God with our troubles, and work to be the best people that we can be, no matter what is currently going on around us.
Saturday, June 24, 2023
Isaiah 53:10-12 -- On Pain and the Plan
"Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.
He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors."
Isaiah 53:10-12
This is a prophecy of Christ in Isaiah, and I think it is interesting that it says that "it pleased the Lord to bruise him." It sounds kind of mean, but I think it points to God's different perspective on all of life. Christ death was both a tragedy and a triumph. Christ asked for the cup to pass, and God held firm, asking Christ to drink it, and he did. It was a tragedy because of lost years of life that Christ could have spent with his friends and disciples, but it was also a triumph, as Christ overcame death so we could all be resurrected, and also suffered for our sins, to gave us the time to improve spiritually before being judged. Because of him, we all have guaranteed physical immortality, and a good shot at spiritual eternal life as well, if we learn and allow God to help us change for the better.
I would submit that our lives also contain some things that seem like tragedies that are also triumphs. When people die, they are going to a much better place. We often just say that, I know... but it is also true. God sees the pattern, and knows the timing of everything. He'll deliver us from some trials, and others we have to endure, but all of it is part of the larger plan, and God is pleased with it, not because he is happy about any individual tragedy, but because his plan--all of this around us--this is the way to give everyone the best chance at eternal joy. If we choose to, we can reach out for it by turning to God and following his commandments. That is the way.
Today, let's turn to God and follow his plan. It isn't always fun in the moment, but it *definitely* leads to long-term, eternal joy.
He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors."
Isaiah 53:10-12
This is a prophecy of Christ in Isaiah, and I think it is interesting that it says that "it pleased the Lord to bruise him." It sounds kind of mean, but I think it points to God's different perspective on all of life. Christ death was both a tragedy and a triumph. Christ asked for the cup to pass, and God held firm, asking Christ to drink it, and he did. It was a tragedy because of lost years of life that Christ could have spent with his friends and disciples, but it was also a triumph, as Christ overcame death so we could all be resurrected, and also suffered for our sins, to gave us the time to improve spiritually before being judged. Because of him, we all have guaranteed physical immortality, and a good shot at spiritual eternal life as well, if we learn and allow God to help us change for the better.
I would submit that our lives also contain some things that seem like tragedies that are also triumphs. When people die, they are going to a much better place. We often just say that, I know... but it is also true. God sees the pattern, and knows the timing of everything. He'll deliver us from some trials, and others we have to endure, but all of it is part of the larger plan, and God is pleased with it, not because he is happy about any individual tragedy, but because his plan--all of this around us--this is the way to give everyone the best chance at eternal joy. If we choose to, we can reach out for it by turning to God and following his commandments. That is the way.
Today, let's turn to God and follow his plan. It isn't always fun in the moment, but it *definitely* leads to long-term, eternal joy.
Friday, June 23, 2023
Zechariah 10:1-2 -- On Shepherds and Rain
"Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain; so the Lord shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field.
For the idols have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie, and have told false dreams; they comfort in vain: therefore they went their way as a flock, they were troubled, because there was no shepherd."
Zechariah 10:1-2
I like that we can ask God for rain, and the contract here with God vs. Idols, which can't do anything and don't take care of anyone.
There are times in our lives when we seek comfort and want someone to comfort us and tell us that it is okay. It is tough to face the world alone. With God we don't need to. Even when everything else doesn't work or falls through, God is there to comfort and help us. He knows the good that comes after the bad and the better opportunity that comes after the failure. He can call the rain or calm the storm. Let's trust the shepherd rather than lies and false dreams.
For the idols have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie, and have told false dreams; they comfort in vain: therefore they went their way as a flock, they were troubled, because there was no shepherd."
Zechariah 10:1-2
I like that we can ask God for rain, and the contract here with God vs. Idols, which can't do anything and don't take care of anyone.
There are times in our lives when we seek comfort and want someone to comfort us and tell us that it is okay. It is tough to face the world alone. With God we don't need to. Even when everything else doesn't work or falls through, God is there to comfort and help us. He knows the good that comes after the bad and the better opportunity that comes after the failure. He can call the rain or calm the storm. Let's trust the shepherd rather than lies and false dreams.
Thursday, June 22, 2023
Proverbs 14:22 -- On Devising Good
"Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good."
Proverbs 14:22
Thinking about all of the complex plans to steal money and information that are out there, I was thinking that this verse is suggesting that we should be equally inventive and plan better ways to promote good. :)
Today, let's take some time away from worrying or doing other things, and let's devise some good. It doesn't have to be earth-shattering (but it could be)... just something to make the world a little bit better. As we devise some good, we'll be blessed with mercy, truth, and a lot of other good things, of God's devising. :)
Proverbs 14:22
Thinking about all of the complex plans to steal money and information that are out there, I was thinking that this verse is suggesting that we should be equally inventive and plan better ways to promote good. :)
Today, let's take some time away from worrying or doing other things, and let's devise some good. It doesn't have to be earth-shattering (but it could be)... just something to make the world a little bit better. As we devise some good, we'll be blessed with mercy, truth, and a lot of other good things, of God's devising. :)
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
John 21:21-22 -- On Comparing and Following
"Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?
Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me."
John 21:21-22
This is an interesting interaction, after Christ's resurrection, when Christ was instructing Peter about his future mission, and Peter asked about John. Jesus gently told Peter a little, but also to focus on his own life, which I think is a lesson we could all use sometimes. We get wrapped up in what is going on with other people, and God asks us "what is that to thee?" Our job is to focus on Christ, and follow him, not worry about comparing ourselves to other people or worrying about our rank or reward.
I believe that if we stick with God, we are going to be incomprehensibly happy... and that goes for everyone, even though we all have different personal tastes and God might bless us in different ways. It isn't about who has more toys, or titles, or children, or followers, or whatever. It is about our relationshio with God, and what God asks us collectively and individually to do, which is all designed to bring out the best in us and to help us find that perfect eternity of happiness that God wants for us.
Today, let's follow God and try to worry less about how our blessings compare to other people's.
Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me."
John 21:21-22
This is an interesting interaction, after Christ's resurrection, when Christ was instructing Peter about his future mission, and Peter asked about John. Jesus gently told Peter a little, but also to focus on his own life, which I think is a lesson we could all use sometimes. We get wrapped up in what is going on with other people, and God asks us "what is that to thee?" Our job is to focus on Christ, and follow him, not worry about comparing ourselves to other people or worrying about our rank or reward.
I believe that if we stick with God, we are going to be incomprehensibly happy... and that goes for everyone, even though we all have different personal tastes and God might bless us in different ways. It isn't about who has more toys, or titles, or children, or followers, or whatever. It is about our relationshio with God, and what God asks us collectively and individually to do, which is all designed to bring out the best in us and to help us find that perfect eternity of happiness that God wants for us.
Today, let's follow God and try to worry less about how our blessings compare to other people's.
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
Psalms 47:1 -- On The Voice of Triumph
"O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph."
Psalms 47:1
I like the idea of being so overjoyed with God that we were clapping our hands. And really, life is like that if we focus on the good. We should be clapping and saying "well done, God" every minute. But of course it is hard to keep that perspective. :)
I also like the idea of triumphing. In the Old Testament here I think they meant literal triumph in battle, but triumphing with God can mean a lot more than that as well. In D&C 121:8 it says "if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes," and it that case it is triumphing through exaltation, and the foes at that point are just the people who chose not to join God as well. That section is interesting in a similar way, too. There is a stark contrast between the prophet pleading for earthly, physical triumph up until verse 6 and then God's reply starting in verse 7.
I think that we often want the same thing that Joseph wanted there, or that David is talking about here, in this Psalm. We so often want to "win," to triumph in all ways, to show our superiority and to prove our way is right... but God is teaching us to triumph over ourselves... to win supremacy over the natural man, to let our goodness shine through and defeat our tendencies to evil. That is the triumph that really matters... that is the way to exaltation.
Today, let's work with God on finding that voice of triumph--winning in a good way, beating back our evil and finding the strength of righteousness. And let's remember to appreciate God and his amazing plan and creations today as well that help us to triumph in so many ways. Totally worth some applause. :)
Psalms 47:1
I like the idea of being so overjoyed with God that we were clapping our hands. And really, life is like that if we focus on the good. We should be clapping and saying "well done, God" every minute. But of course it is hard to keep that perspective. :)
I also like the idea of triumphing. In the Old Testament here I think they meant literal triumph in battle, but triumphing with God can mean a lot more than that as well. In D&C 121:8 it says "if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes," and it that case it is triumphing through exaltation, and the foes at that point are just the people who chose not to join God as well. That section is interesting in a similar way, too. There is a stark contrast between the prophet pleading for earthly, physical triumph up until verse 6 and then God's reply starting in verse 7.
I think that we often want the same thing that Joseph wanted there, or that David is talking about here, in this Psalm. We so often want to "win," to triumph in all ways, to show our superiority and to prove our way is right... but God is teaching us to triumph over ourselves... to win supremacy over the natural man, to let our goodness shine through and defeat our tendencies to evil. That is the triumph that really matters... that is the way to exaltation.
Today, let's work with God on finding that voice of triumph--winning in a good way, beating back our evil and finding the strength of righteousness. And let's remember to appreciate God and his amazing plan and creations today as well that help us to triumph in so many ways. Totally worth some applause. :)
Monday, June 19, 2023
Proverbs 28:25-28 -- On Hearts and Trust
"He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made fat.
He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase."
Proverbs 28:25-28
The whole idea of trusting in our own hearts making us foolish here I can really relate to. It reminds me of 1 Kings 8:38, talking about us knowing the plague of our own hearts.
I think we get really off track in life thinking that we can trust ourselves... this having a body thing is a challenge. A good, worthwhile challenge, but one that can lead us seriously astray when we trust in our flesh rather than in God, who knows our Spirits and how to help that part of ourselves retain mastery in the resultant unified being. Our hearts are often proud, thinking that we know better than the Lord, or thinking we can have our souvenirs of Hell and still keep heaven.
The truth that we need to come to, whether through trust or through hard experience, is that we can't trust our own "lusts" (not just sexual) or other inclinations, except as we are submitting our will to God. He will give us what we want in the end, but *we* can't trust what we want, just like a child that wants to touch the pretty fire or play in traffic--we don't know the dangers and the reality well enough. We have to learn over time and experience that "mighty change" of heart (Mosiah 5:2, Alma 5:12-14) that God offers us as we seek it.
Today, let's trust in the Lord rather than our own hearts. Let's give to the poor, let's make sure we aren't the wicked, and that we grow wildly for good when God makes space for us to increase. Let's remember that we are as children compared to God and that we need his help to see things as they really are. Let's take whatever is occupying our lives as the central focus and move it down a step in favor of the Lord. The more we make small adjustments like that, the more God can teach us, and the better people we will be--people who would be comfortable in heaven, and not wanting to hide from the Lord or the other really good people there.
He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase."
Proverbs 28:25-28
The whole idea of trusting in our own hearts making us foolish here I can really relate to. It reminds me of 1 Kings 8:38, talking about us knowing the plague of our own hearts.
I think we get really off track in life thinking that we can trust ourselves... this having a body thing is a challenge. A good, worthwhile challenge, but one that can lead us seriously astray when we trust in our flesh rather than in God, who knows our Spirits and how to help that part of ourselves retain mastery in the resultant unified being. Our hearts are often proud, thinking that we know better than the Lord, or thinking we can have our souvenirs of Hell and still keep heaven.
The truth that we need to come to, whether through trust or through hard experience, is that we can't trust our own "lusts" (not just sexual) or other inclinations, except as we are submitting our will to God. He will give us what we want in the end, but *we* can't trust what we want, just like a child that wants to touch the pretty fire or play in traffic--we don't know the dangers and the reality well enough. We have to learn over time and experience that "mighty change" of heart (Mosiah 5:2, Alma 5:12-14) that God offers us as we seek it.
Today, let's trust in the Lord rather than our own hearts. Let's give to the poor, let's make sure we aren't the wicked, and that we grow wildly for good when God makes space for us to increase. Let's remember that we are as children compared to God and that we need his help to see things as they really are. Let's take whatever is occupying our lives as the central focus and move it down a step in favor of the Lord. The more we make small adjustments like that, the more God can teach us, and the better people we will be--people who would be comfortable in heaven, and not wanting to hide from the Lord or the other really good people there.
Sunday, June 18, 2023
Isaiah 52:11 -- On Staying Clean
"Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord."
Isaiah 52:11
Clean and unclean had some specific meanings in the Old Testament, but I think the overall symbolism is also at work here. When we are baptized, we are symbolically washed clean of our sins, and the idea of being clean spiritually is throughout the scriptures.
Today, let's think about our lives and the things that might get us dirty spiritually, just by getting too close. Let's watch where we go, what we do, and what we participate in, so that we can stay clean from the influence of the world and able to hear our Father in Heaven as he guides us.
Isaiah 52:11
Clean and unclean had some specific meanings in the Old Testament, but I think the overall symbolism is also at work here. When we are baptized, we are symbolically washed clean of our sins, and the idea of being clean spiritually is throughout the scriptures.
Today, let's think about our lives and the things that might get us dirty spiritually, just by getting too close. Let's watch where we go, what we do, and what we participate in, so that we can stay clean from the influence of the world and able to hear our Father in Heaven as he guides us.
Saturday, June 17, 2023
Luke 22:67-71 -- On Further Witness and Avoiding Poor Choices
"Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:
And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go.
Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.
Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.
And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth."
Luke 22:67-71
This conversation stands out to me, as the chief priests and scribes were questioning Jesus, specifically the last part where they seem to condemn themselves. They ask Jesus if he is the Christ and he says basically, why are you asking me... you aren't going to believe me, or answer me yourselves, even though you already know that I am. Then they ask him again, and he basically tells them that he knows they have discussed it and that they already know the answer, even if they are trying to repress it. When they say "why need we any further witness" ... that is exactly the question that *they* need to answer. They've been there the whole time. They've seen the miracles, talked to the people that he healed, and have been in his presence, trying to catch him with manipulative questions. *They* don't need any further witness that Jesus is the Christ. They are just determined to take him down anyway.
There is a similar situation when Abinadi is testifying before King Noah: "And now king Noah was about to release him, for he feared his word; for he feared that the judgments of God would come upon him. / But the priests lifted up their voices against him, and began to accuse him, saying: He has reviled the king. Therefore the king was stirred up in anger against him, and he delivered him up that he might be slain" (Mosiah 17:11-12) ... Just a group of bullies that probably knew better individually, but when you put them together they brought out the worst in each other and ended up ruining their own lives as well as many others.
Today, let's consider this story and make sure that we take the time to pray, think, and listen to our consciences / the Spirit as we make decisions rather than joining in mocking, ridiculing, or harming any person, no matter who or how crazy we might think they are. That is exactly what happened to Christ, and "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" (Matthew 25:40). We don't want to be in such company as this.
And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go.
Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.
Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.
And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth."
Luke 22:67-71
This conversation stands out to me, as the chief priests and scribes were questioning Jesus, specifically the last part where they seem to condemn themselves. They ask Jesus if he is the Christ and he says basically, why are you asking me... you aren't going to believe me, or answer me yourselves, even though you already know that I am. Then they ask him again, and he basically tells them that he knows they have discussed it and that they already know the answer, even if they are trying to repress it. When they say "why need we any further witness" ... that is exactly the question that *they* need to answer. They've been there the whole time. They've seen the miracles, talked to the people that he healed, and have been in his presence, trying to catch him with manipulative questions. *They* don't need any further witness that Jesus is the Christ. They are just determined to take him down anyway.
There is a similar situation when Abinadi is testifying before King Noah: "And now king Noah was about to release him, for he feared his word; for he feared that the judgments of God would come upon him. / But the priests lifted up their voices against him, and began to accuse him, saying: He has reviled the king. Therefore the king was stirred up in anger against him, and he delivered him up that he might be slain" (Mosiah 17:11-12) ... Just a group of bullies that probably knew better individually, but when you put them together they brought out the worst in each other and ended up ruining their own lives as well as many others.
Today, let's consider this story and make sure that we take the time to pray, think, and listen to our consciences / the Spirit as we make decisions rather than joining in mocking, ridiculing, or harming any person, no matter who or how crazy we might think they are. That is exactly what happened to Christ, and "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" (Matthew 25:40). We don't want to be in such company as this.
Friday, June 16, 2023
Exodus 18:19-24 -- On Advice, Delegation, and Unity
"Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:
And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.
Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:
And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.
If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace.
So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father in law, and did all that he had said."
Exodus 18:19-24
I like the idea here of delegation and not getting overwhelmed, even for a prophet, and I also think that it is cool that God blessed Moses' father in law to know what to say here. I mean, Moses was a prophet and he could have just told him directly, but the idea of sharing the burden was illustrated in the previous chapter where Aaron and Hur held up Moses' hands when he got tired (Exodus 17:11-12), and also here, where Moses learns that he needs support and advice from others, and the people learn that they can participate in God's kingdom even if they aren't prophets... that there is more for them to do than just ask Moses for everything. Kind of like Nephi and his brothers. Nephi knew that he could learn to know the Lord the way his father knew him, but his older brothers just assumed that they couldn't. The whole working together and participating and learning thing helps us grow and develop our relationship with the Lord.
Today, let's remember that God doesn't want us to be overwhelmed and that he also wants us to work together to come unto him, united. Let's work together for good, and know that it is okay to ask for help.
And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.
Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:
And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.
If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace.
So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father in law, and did all that he had said."
Exodus 18:19-24
I like the idea here of delegation and not getting overwhelmed, even for a prophet, and I also think that it is cool that God blessed Moses' father in law to know what to say here. I mean, Moses was a prophet and he could have just told him directly, but the idea of sharing the burden was illustrated in the previous chapter where Aaron and Hur held up Moses' hands when he got tired (Exodus 17:11-12), and also here, where Moses learns that he needs support and advice from others, and the people learn that they can participate in God's kingdom even if they aren't prophets... that there is more for them to do than just ask Moses for everything. Kind of like Nephi and his brothers. Nephi knew that he could learn to know the Lord the way his father knew him, but his older brothers just assumed that they couldn't. The whole working together and participating and learning thing helps us grow and develop our relationship with the Lord.
Today, let's remember that God doesn't want us to be overwhelmed and that he also wants us to work together to come unto him, united. Let's work together for good, and know that it is okay to ask for help.
Thursday, June 15, 2023
3 Nephi 9:13 -- On Conversion and Healing
"And many great destructions have I caused to come upon this land, and upon this people, because of their wickedness and their abominations.
O all ye that are spared because ye were more righteous than they, will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?"
3 Nephi 9:13
This is after the massive upheavals before Christ appeared to the Nephites... they hear God's voice talking to them and detailing the things that have happened, and then, here, telling them why they were spared and asking them to be converted, and telling them that he wants to heal them.
I think it is a powerful and beautiful moment as God pauses to plead with the people. It reminds me of Matthew 23:37: "how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" ... It seems like the sort of thing that earthy parents want to say to their children who go astray as well. Please... I want to help if you will only allow me to.
I also submit that this destruction and healing is an ongoing process. As we learn in the allegory of the tame and wild olive trees (Jacob 5), the Lord is continually pruning and nourishing, and clearning away the bad "according as the good shall grow" (verse 66).
Since it is an ongoing process, I further submit that God is pleading with us in this way right now. He wants to gather us. He wants to heal us. Today, let's remember that we are spared, and be willing to turn to him, repent, and be converted.
O all ye that are spared because ye were more righteous than they, will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?"
3 Nephi 9:13
This is after the massive upheavals before Christ appeared to the Nephites... they hear God's voice talking to them and detailing the things that have happened, and then, here, telling them why they were spared and asking them to be converted, and telling them that he wants to heal them.
I think it is a powerful and beautiful moment as God pauses to plead with the people. It reminds me of Matthew 23:37: "how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" ... It seems like the sort of thing that earthy parents want to say to their children who go astray as well. Please... I want to help if you will only allow me to.
I also submit that this destruction and healing is an ongoing process. As we learn in the allegory of the tame and wild olive trees (Jacob 5), the Lord is continually pruning and nourishing, and clearning away the bad "according as the good shall grow" (verse 66).
Since it is an ongoing process, I further submit that God is pleading with us in this way right now. He wants to gather us. He wants to heal us. Today, let's remember that we are spared, and be willing to turn to him, repent, and be converted.
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
Psalms 147:2-5 -- On Infinite Understanding
"The Lord doth build up Jerusalem: he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel.
He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.
He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names.
Great is our Lord, and of great power: his aunderstanding is infinite."
Psalms 147:2-5
The whole "infinite understanding" idea here is amazing. Even though we know from other scriptures that God is above all, it is still pretty cool to hear that he knows the names of all the stars, or that he can heal broken hearts, which is not a paltry talent.
Today, let's remember how amazing and vast God's ablities are, and remember that infinite understanding means that he can even understand us, hard as it may be. :) Let's go to him and get help, because we can't even understand ourselves most of the time, and we definitely need some assistance in that regard. :) And of course, he can help us with everything else as well, so pretty good package deal. :)
Sincerely, God loves us and can heal our hearts. Let's seek his help, and learn from him.
Psalms 147:2-5
The whole "infinite understanding" idea here is amazing. Even though we know from other scriptures that God is above all, it is still pretty cool to hear that he knows the names of all the stars, or that he can heal broken hearts, which is not a paltry talent.
Today, let's remember how amazing and vast God's ablities are, and remember that infinite understanding means that he can even understand us, hard as it may be. :) Let's go to him and get help, because we can't even understand ourselves most of the time, and we definitely need some assistance in that regard. :) And of course, he can help us with everything else as well, so pretty good package deal. :)
Sincerely, God loves us and can heal our hearts. Let's seek his help, and learn from him.
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
Mosiah 25:5-7 -- On Reading and Learning
"And it came to pass that Mosiah did read, and caused to be read, the records of Zeniff to his people; yea, he read the records of the people of Zeniff, from the time they left the land of Zarahemla until they returned again.
And he also read the account of Alma and his brethren, and all their afflictions, from the time they left the land of Zarahemla until the time they returned again.
And now, when Mosiah had made an end of reading the records, his people who tarried in the land were struck with wonder and amazement."
Mosiah 25:5-7
These verses make me think about the importance of history and on learning from other people. Too often we insist on making our own mistakes and starting from scratch in areas where we could learn a lot if we took some time to read about other people's experiences, especially from the scriptures. God gives us the "words of life" (D&C 84:85) that can help us through anything. Today, let's scrape together enough humility to admit that we might be able to learn a thing or two from God, and from the records that he has preserved for us of other people who struggled with similar things. Then let's pray and ask God to lead us to a good resource that can help us through our current struggles. Then, even if we can't hear the spirit clearly enough to follow it as Nephi did, God can guide us through what we read. Let's have faith and go to the scriptures to find out what he has to say.
And he also read the account of Alma and his brethren, and all their afflictions, from the time they left the land of Zarahemla until the time they returned again.
And now, when Mosiah had made an end of reading the records, his people who tarried in the land were struck with wonder and amazement."
Mosiah 25:5-7
These verses make me think about the importance of history and on learning from other people. Too often we insist on making our own mistakes and starting from scratch in areas where we could learn a lot if we took some time to read about other people's experiences, especially from the scriptures. God gives us the "words of life" (D&C 84:85) that can help us through anything. Today, let's scrape together enough humility to admit that we might be able to learn a thing or two from God, and from the records that he has preserved for us of other people who struggled with similar things. Then let's pray and ask God to lead us to a good resource that can help us through our current struggles. Then, even if we can't hear the spirit clearly enough to follow it as Nephi did, God can guide us through what we read. Let's have faith and go to the scriptures to find out what he has to say.
Monday, June 12, 2023
Numbers 22:30-33 -- On Considering the Unknown
"And when the ass saw the angel of the Lord, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam’s anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff.
And the Lord opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?
And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee.
And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he said, Nay.
Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face.
And the angel of the Lord said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me:
And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive."
Numbers 22:27-33
I like this story because God opens the mouth of an animal and it gets to talk... even though the conversation doesn't go all that well. :) I think it is a good lesson for us as well. Just like with Elisha and his servant (2 Kings 6:15-17), there are things that we can't hear, that we can't see, and that we can't possibly know... we *never* have all the information. God is the only source that can take all the information into account and help us make the best decisions, because only he can see how everything works together and where it is all going.
We obviously can't ever take everything into account, and we don't need to lose sleep over the things that we just can't know... but what we can do is pray. That is how we can consider the unknown and take it into account in our decision making. If Balaam had all the information, he might have made different decisions, and so in our own lives perhaps we should remember that when things don't go as we expect, that perhaps there is good reason for it, and talk to God about it before we start flipping out and getting frustrated enough to threaten our animals (or anyone else). God knows exactly what is going on, no matter how confused we are, and if we pray and tap into that power, we might not always get that knowledge ourselves, but we will always get the benefit of God's advice through his spirit, and as we learn to listen to that spirit, we will learn to make better and better decisions. Today, let's be humble and wise enough to include God in our decision-making.
And the Lord opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?
And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee.
And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he said, Nay.
Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face.
And the angel of the Lord said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me:
And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive."
Numbers 22:27-33
I like this story because God opens the mouth of an animal and it gets to talk... even though the conversation doesn't go all that well. :) I think it is a good lesson for us as well. Just like with Elisha and his servant (2 Kings 6:15-17), there are things that we can't hear, that we can't see, and that we can't possibly know... we *never* have all the information. God is the only source that can take all the information into account and help us make the best decisions, because only he can see how everything works together and where it is all going.
We obviously can't ever take everything into account, and we don't need to lose sleep over the things that we just can't know... but what we can do is pray. That is how we can consider the unknown and take it into account in our decision making. If Balaam had all the information, he might have made different decisions, and so in our own lives perhaps we should remember that when things don't go as we expect, that perhaps there is good reason for it, and talk to God about it before we start flipping out and getting frustrated enough to threaten our animals (or anyone else). God knows exactly what is going on, no matter how confused we are, and if we pray and tap into that power, we might not always get that knowledge ourselves, but we will always get the benefit of God's advice through his spirit, and as we learn to listen to that spirit, we will learn to make better and better decisions. Today, let's be humble and wise enough to include God in our decision-making.
Sunday, June 11, 2023
Alma 42:25-28 -- On Justice, Mercy, Restoration, and Repentance
"What, do ye suppose that mercy can rob justice? I say unto you, Nay; not one whit. If so, God would cease to be God.
And thus God bringeth about his great and eternal purposes, which were prepared from the foundation of the world. And thus cometh about the salvation and the redemption of men, and also their destruction and misery.
Therefore, O my son, whosoever will come may come and partake of the waters of life freely; and whosoever will not come the same is not compelled to come; but in the last day it shall be restored unto him according to his deeds.
If he has desired to do evil, and has not repented in his days, behold, evil shall be done unto him, according to the restoration of God."
Alma 42:25-28
The ideas here about how mercy and justice work together and "the restoration of God" are interesting. It is a good warning for us when we forget and think that God will put up with our crap forever. He is merciful and will give us whatever chances and replays that we need during this life... he offers this to all of us, which is why evil exists in the world, because he delays judgement through the atonement, Christ paying for our sins and for every wrong deed, if we repent. That way we won't have to suffer the eternal consequences of our mistakes OR our maliciousness, as long as we take his gift to us and use it to become better people, to find our way out of our own darkness and stupidity into his light and his saving grace--the power to make us into better and purer people. The kind that wouldn't do those harmful things that we have done.
However, even though so much of what God offers us is given without any requirements--resurrection and immortality for instance. Those are ours without obligation. Physically, we all will get to be immortal, in perfect bodies. Which is already amazing. The spiritual part of the atonement though requires us to make some choices, and is where the scriptures talk about things like heaven and hell and kingdoms of glory. We don't get a free pass on sin for eternity. That one is a limited-time offer, only available while we're alive. And the reason that it is limited is because God can't delay justice forever. Mercy can't rob justice--eventually every single wrong will be corrected, and every injustice answered. God is a God of mercy, but also of justice, and he can't ignore the blood of his children crying out to him against those who have murdered and wronged them. He won't stop justice. He just stands between us and it, if we are willing to repent and change. He isn't saving us in our sins, but from them... we have to step away and change and reject being the person who did them, so that we have room to become something infinitely better.
Today, let's make sure that we are choosing salvation and redemption rather than destruction and misery. Let's plead with God for help with changing ourselves into better people... for help with using our second chances wisely and improving as we go. Direction is more important than velocity... we can't achieve perfection in this life, but if we are moving towards God and working to change, we have time, and will have time to keep working towards that perfect day. If we're headed in the wrong direction though, let's be careful that we don't run out of time, and start repenting now.
And thus God bringeth about his great and eternal purposes, which were prepared from the foundation of the world. And thus cometh about the salvation and the redemption of men, and also their destruction and misery.
Therefore, O my son, whosoever will come may come and partake of the waters of life freely; and whosoever will not come the same is not compelled to come; but in the last day it shall be restored unto him according to his deeds.
If he has desired to do evil, and has not repented in his days, behold, evil shall be done unto him, according to the restoration of God."
Alma 42:25-28
The ideas here about how mercy and justice work together and "the restoration of God" are interesting. It is a good warning for us when we forget and think that God will put up with our crap forever. He is merciful and will give us whatever chances and replays that we need during this life... he offers this to all of us, which is why evil exists in the world, because he delays judgement through the atonement, Christ paying for our sins and for every wrong deed, if we repent. That way we won't have to suffer the eternal consequences of our mistakes OR our maliciousness, as long as we take his gift to us and use it to become better people, to find our way out of our own darkness and stupidity into his light and his saving grace--the power to make us into better and purer people. The kind that wouldn't do those harmful things that we have done.
However, even though so much of what God offers us is given without any requirements--resurrection and immortality for instance. Those are ours without obligation. Physically, we all will get to be immortal, in perfect bodies. Which is already amazing. The spiritual part of the atonement though requires us to make some choices, and is where the scriptures talk about things like heaven and hell and kingdoms of glory. We don't get a free pass on sin for eternity. That one is a limited-time offer, only available while we're alive. And the reason that it is limited is because God can't delay justice forever. Mercy can't rob justice--eventually every single wrong will be corrected, and every injustice answered. God is a God of mercy, but also of justice, and he can't ignore the blood of his children crying out to him against those who have murdered and wronged them. He won't stop justice. He just stands between us and it, if we are willing to repent and change. He isn't saving us in our sins, but from them... we have to step away and change and reject being the person who did them, so that we have room to become something infinitely better.
Today, let's make sure that we are choosing salvation and redemption rather than destruction and misery. Let's plead with God for help with changing ourselves into better people... for help with using our second chances wisely and improving as we go. Direction is more important than velocity... we can't achieve perfection in this life, but if we are moving towards God and working to change, we have time, and will have time to keep working towards that perfect day. If we're headed in the wrong direction though, let's be careful that we don't run out of time, and start repenting now.
Saturday, June 10, 2023
Isaiah 33:1 -- On Not Dealing Treacherously
"Woe to thee that spoilest, and thou wast not spoiled; and dealest treacherously, and they dealt not treacherously with thee! when thou shalt cease to spoil, thou shalt be spoiled; and when thou shalt make an end to deal treacherously, they shall deal treacherously with thee."
Isaiah 33:1
I'm in the process of buying a house right now, which will be my fourth time through the process. It's a complex thing, and there is a lot of back and forth with everyone trying to get the best deal possible. Reading this with that as background, I think I realized that at least for me a lot of the process was about "winning," or getting a good deal, rather than it being about people, and the whole thing where God asks "as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise" (Luke 6:31).
So today, my lesson is to go back to the table and try to treat the people on the other side as I would want to be treated, or as I would treat my favorite person... to make sure that I am not trying to spoil or deal treacherously. I don't know if you all ever have things like that in your life where you depersonalize and it becomes about some generic process rather than about real people, but if you do maybe there is a bigger lesson there for us all.
Let's try to remember that even when we are stressed out about spending a lot of money, or when we don't feel like we have a lot of choices and we want to scrape every last bit of value from a situation, we need to remember God and his children... our brothers and sisters out there on the other side. Sales calls maybe, or door to door proselyting (I was a missionary, I know how that feels on both sides)... even in uncomfortable or annoying situations or where we think the whole thing is stacked against us, let's take a step back and make sure that we aren't answering spoiling and treachery with our own, and let's *definitely* make sure that we aren't the ones starting it. :) I don't think that God wants us all to bankrupt ourselves, but if it is something that we would do for someone that we love, then why not do it for a stranger that we know God loves? Maybe that will help us learn to love others better than we do now.
Isaiah 33:1
I'm in the process of buying a house right now, which will be my fourth time through the process. It's a complex thing, and there is a lot of back and forth with everyone trying to get the best deal possible. Reading this with that as background, I think I realized that at least for me a lot of the process was about "winning," or getting a good deal, rather than it being about people, and the whole thing where God asks "as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise" (Luke 6:31).
So today, my lesson is to go back to the table and try to treat the people on the other side as I would want to be treated, or as I would treat my favorite person... to make sure that I am not trying to spoil or deal treacherously. I don't know if you all ever have things like that in your life where you depersonalize and it becomes about some generic process rather than about real people, but if you do maybe there is a bigger lesson there for us all.
Let's try to remember that even when we are stressed out about spending a lot of money, or when we don't feel like we have a lot of choices and we want to scrape every last bit of value from a situation, we need to remember God and his children... our brothers and sisters out there on the other side. Sales calls maybe, or door to door proselyting (I was a missionary, I know how that feels on both sides)... even in uncomfortable or annoying situations or where we think the whole thing is stacked against us, let's take a step back and make sure that we aren't answering spoiling and treachery with our own, and let's *definitely* make sure that we aren't the ones starting it. :) I don't think that God wants us all to bankrupt ourselves, but if it is something that we would do for someone that we love, then why not do it for a stranger that we know God loves? Maybe that will help us learn to love others better than we do now.
Friday, June 9, 2023
Isaiah 28:22 -- On Not Being Mockers
"Now therefore be ye not mockers, lest your bands be made strong: for I have heard from the Lord God of hosts a consumption, even determined upon the whole earth."
Isaiah 28:22
This seems like a tough one. So much of our society seems to be about mockery. Lots of our humor is based on it, and it is well accepted to mock certain groups of people or certain types of people. Mockers are warned about in several other places in the scriptures as well (for example Proverbs 17:5, Jude 1:18, 1 Nephi 8:27, Alma 5:30-31), but by far the worst kind of mockery is the mockery of God (hint: that doesn't turn out well).
Although it is admittedly a challenge to change the way we think, let's take a step back today and think about what we are saying. Who are we mocking in our everyday speech? If other people, that's bad, but if also God, even worse. We definitely don't want that sort of thing to turn back to us in the restoration of all things. Let's ask God to notice when we are mocking, and to work to treat people not just as we would want to be treated, because sometimes we beat ourselves up, but let's also think about how we treat our favorite people... how we show our love by the different ways we talk to them and have more patience and belief in their good intentions. Let's work on treating people that way, even in our generic comments. As we sincerely work on learning to love others, God will be with us, and help us to become the best people that we can be.
Isaiah 28:22
This seems like a tough one. So much of our society seems to be about mockery. Lots of our humor is based on it, and it is well accepted to mock certain groups of people or certain types of people. Mockers are warned about in several other places in the scriptures as well (for example Proverbs 17:5, Jude 1:18, 1 Nephi 8:27, Alma 5:30-31), but by far the worst kind of mockery is the mockery of God (hint: that doesn't turn out well).
Although it is admittedly a challenge to change the way we think, let's take a step back today and think about what we are saying. Who are we mocking in our everyday speech? If other people, that's bad, but if also God, even worse. We definitely don't want that sort of thing to turn back to us in the restoration of all things. Let's ask God to notice when we are mocking, and to work to treat people not just as we would want to be treated, because sometimes we beat ourselves up, but let's also think about how we treat our favorite people... how we show our love by the different ways we talk to them and have more patience and belief in their good intentions. Let's work on treating people that way, even in our generic comments. As we sincerely work on learning to love others, God will be with us, and help us to become the best people that we can be.
Thursday, June 8, 2023
Isaiah 5:18-21 -- On Sweet and Bitter, Light and Dark, Good and Evil
"Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope:
That say, Let him make speed, and hasten his work, that we may see it: and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw nigh and come, that we may know it!
Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!"
Isaiah 5:18-21
Lots of things to look out for here, unless we want woe. :) I like the idea here of not trying to accelerate God's timetable. He knows the timing of all things, and trying to give God deadlines seems to be inviting trouble, and assuming that what we want is more important than what he wants. Instead of demanding, we should just ask for what we want and need, undertstanding that he knows the timing better than we do, and trusting him.
The whole sweet for bitter and bitter for sweet/good vs evil thing I think we do a lot. We get things backwards and value the wrong things sometimes. For example, I had a friend once who went on a trip to Europe, and when he came back he told me the story of going to the beach and being one of the only people with clothes on. He felt uncomfortable, but over the week that he was there he got up the courage to remove his clothing too, and everyone on the beach cheered for him. In his story, it was a triumph. He was proud that he had overcome his antiquated sense of discomfort and freed himself from that outdated mental limitation. Another example is once on my mission we tracted into a woman's house who told us that she had just been to a religious retreat, and as we started to share a message, every time the spirit started to come in, she would start chanting. It soon became clear that we weren't going to be able to share anything with her because she was treating the spirit as an adversary. We said a closing prayer before we left and she was practically shouting her chant as the spirit was trying to speak to her. She clearly thought that she had overcome something evil that day, and it saddens me to think about how many of us do something similar... fight against God, getting things totally backwards, truly thinking that we are overcoming something bad when we resist the Spirit, or that we are accomplishing something good when we harden our hearts against the gospel.
Today, let's be careful to not put ourselves before God and think that we know better than He does. Let's be humble enough to counsel with him and talk to him about everything, and listen. He will tell us the truth of all things by his Spirit, and he will help us to not be led astray as we turn to him. Let's be careful not to drag our sins with us with vanity or cart ropes or whatever, but to ask God to help us see in his light, and let go of those things that are darkening our lives.
That say, Let him make speed, and hasten his work, that we may see it: and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw nigh and come, that we may know it!
Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!"
Isaiah 5:18-21
Lots of things to look out for here, unless we want woe. :) I like the idea here of not trying to accelerate God's timetable. He knows the timing of all things, and trying to give God deadlines seems to be inviting trouble, and assuming that what we want is more important than what he wants. Instead of demanding, we should just ask for what we want and need, undertstanding that he knows the timing better than we do, and trusting him.
The whole sweet for bitter and bitter for sweet/good vs evil thing I think we do a lot. We get things backwards and value the wrong things sometimes. For example, I had a friend once who went on a trip to Europe, and when he came back he told me the story of going to the beach and being one of the only people with clothes on. He felt uncomfortable, but over the week that he was there he got up the courage to remove his clothing too, and everyone on the beach cheered for him. In his story, it was a triumph. He was proud that he had overcome his antiquated sense of discomfort and freed himself from that outdated mental limitation. Another example is once on my mission we tracted into a woman's house who told us that she had just been to a religious retreat, and as we started to share a message, every time the spirit started to come in, she would start chanting. It soon became clear that we weren't going to be able to share anything with her because she was treating the spirit as an adversary. We said a closing prayer before we left and she was practically shouting her chant as the spirit was trying to speak to her. She clearly thought that she had overcome something evil that day, and it saddens me to think about how many of us do something similar... fight against God, getting things totally backwards, truly thinking that we are overcoming something bad when we resist the Spirit, or that we are accomplishing something good when we harden our hearts against the gospel.
Today, let's be careful to not put ourselves before God and think that we know better than He does. Let's be humble enough to counsel with him and talk to him about everything, and listen. He will tell us the truth of all things by his Spirit, and he will help us to not be led astray as we turn to him. Let's be careful not to drag our sins with us with vanity or cart ropes or whatever, but to ask God to help us see in his light, and let go of those things that are darkening our lives.
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
Isaiah 33:13-17 -- On Beholding the Beauty of the King
"Hear, ye that are far off, what I have done; and, ye that are near, acknowledge my might.
The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?
He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;
He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.
Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off."
Isaiah 33:13-17
This is talking about the Second Coming, and about who will be able to bear his presence and live there with him when he comes again. I think the devouring fire and everlasting burnings part sounds scary, but in this context, it also seems like part of the beauty of the king... like the pillar of fire that went with Moses and the Children of Israel in the wilderness.
The specific requirements here are good things to consider. Reading through this chapter I know I felt more corrupt than is required, so perhaps we should work on walking more righteously and speaking more uprightly, and the other things in this selection as well as before this... the first verse warns us not to deal treacherously.
Today, let's make sure we're on the same page with God... that we are ridding our lives of the things that will prevent us from being there with him... that we are learning how to let go of our bad habits and attitudes and open to God's help as he teaches us accept a change of heart and a new way of living and of thinking about other people... not as our adversaries, but as our friends. As we learn, we'll be closer to being able to see the beauty of our king and God, and to dwell with him.
The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?
He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;
He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.
Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off."
Isaiah 33:13-17
This is talking about the Second Coming, and about who will be able to bear his presence and live there with him when he comes again. I think the devouring fire and everlasting burnings part sounds scary, but in this context, it also seems like part of the beauty of the king... like the pillar of fire that went with Moses and the Children of Israel in the wilderness.
The specific requirements here are good things to consider. Reading through this chapter I know I felt more corrupt than is required, so perhaps we should work on walking more righteously and speaking more uprightly, and the other things in this selection as well as before this... the first verse warns us not to deal treacherously.
Today, let's make sure we're on the same page with God... that we are ridding our lives of the things that will prevent us from being there with him... that we are learning how to let go of our bad habits and attitudes and open to God's help as he teaches us accept a change of heart and a new way of living and of thinking about other people... not as our adversaries, but as our friends. As we learn, we'll be closer to being able to see the beauty of our king and God, and to dwell with him.
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
D&C 42:51-52 -- On Leaping
"The lame who hath faith to leap shall leap.
And they who have not faith to do these things, but believe in me, have power to become my sons; and inasmuch as they break not my laws thou shalt bear their infirmities."
Doctrine and Covenants 42:51-52
There is a lot of amazing stuff in this section, so if you get a chance, read more... but what sparked my thoughts today was the phrase "leap of faith." It isn't in this verse, and actually isn't anywhere in the scriptures, but I was thinking about it and looked it up. Some sources attribute the phrase to Kierkegaard, even though he never used that exact phrase. It seems to be a negative thing to some people, describing a leap of thought that doesn't really make sense... isn't reasonable. And then of course others see the idea as positive, as trusting God and taking that step into the darkness even though we don't really know what is coming next. Like anyone who goes seeking a promised land, perhaps.
The cool thing I found in these verses is that God provides both for high faith and low faith... he accepts both, loves both, and is willing to work with both. (And from high to low there is likely a spectrum, not an off/on switch, so I mean he is willing to work with all of us in our varying degrees of faith. Maybe we have faith to take a leap in one area, and not another... and that's okay. We're learning, and as we grow in faith and the knowledge of the Lord, we'll be able to see greater and greater things. And as a people we're asked to bear the infirmities of those who have less faith, which is merciful for all of us, since we all have some imperfections that other people have to bear.
Today, let's exercise the faith we have to leap as far as God asks. That's going to be a larger or smaller leap depending on who we are, and in some cases we will have to ask God to help us in our unbelief, when we want to believe, but just don't have that foundation yet. And let's also be willing to bear the infirmities of each other as we have weaknesses and doubts and concerns. Let's lift each other up rather than tearing each other down. Helping everyone find joy is God's goal, not just seeing how far we can individually high jump. :)
And they who have not faith to do these things, but believe in me, have power to become my sons; and inasmuch as they break not my laws thou shalt bear their infirmities."
Doctrine and Covenants 42:51-52
There is a lot of amazing stuff in this section, so if you get a chance, read more... but what sparked my thoughts today was the phrase "leap of faith." It isn't in this verse, and actually isn't anywhere in the scriptures, but I was thinking about it and looked it up. Some sources attribute the phrase to Kierkegaard, even though he never used that exact phrase. It seems to be a negative thing to some people, describing a leap of thought that doesn't really make sense... isn't reasonable. And then of course others see the idea as positive, as trusting God and taking that step into the darkness even though we don't really know what is coming next. Like anyone who goes seeking a promised land, perhaps.
The cool thing I found in these verses is that God provides both for high faith and low faith... he accepts both, loves both, and is willing to work with both. (And from high to low there is likely a spectrum, not an off/on switch, so I mean he is willing to work with all of us in our varying degrees of faith. Maybe we have faith to take a leap in one area, and not another... and that's okay. We're learning, and as we grow in faith and the knowledge of the Lord, we'll be able to see greater and greater things. And as a people we're asked to bear the infirmities of those who have less faith, which is merciful for all of us, since we all have some imperfections that other people have to bear.
Today, let's exercise the faith we have to leap as far as God asks. That's going to be a larger or smaller leap depending on who we are, and in some cases we will have to ask God to help us in our unbelief, when we want to believe, but just don't have that foundation yet. And let's also be willing to bear the infirmities of each other as we have weaknesses and doubts and concerns. Let's lift each other up rather than tearing each other down. Helping everyone find joy is God's goal, not just seeing how far we can individually high jump. :)
Monday, June 5, 2023
Helaman 4:14-15 -- On Repentance and Prospering
"But behold, Moronihah did apreach many things unto the people because of their iniquity, and also bNephi and Lehi, who were the sons of Helaman, did preach many things unto the people, yea, and did prophesy many things unto them concerning their iniquities, and what should come unto them if they did not repent of their sins.
And it came to pass that they did repent, and inasmuch as they did repent they did begin to prosper."
Helaman 4:14-15
This is a good reminder that some of the roadblocks we encounter in life can be overcome through repentance. ... I'm definitely not saying that all bad things come into our lives as divine punishment. I don't think that God works that way. We do however dig holes for ourselves through sin that need the Lord's help to crawl out of, and just being in tune with the Spirit can help us through anything else, whether natural or circumstantial or criminal, so being in tune with that Spirit can bolster and strengthen us through the normal ups and downs, and the fiery trials of life.
Today, let's remember the value of repentance as we seek to grow and prosper and to connect to God and his blessings. Sin can get in the way of so much that is good because it is basically putting walls up between ourselves and God. Let's work to tear down those walls and to get that connection back, which will help us to be in harmony with God and his plan again, and to prosper as we work together with all other things for good.
And it came to pass that they did repent, and inasmuch as they did repent they did begin to prosper."
Helaman 4:14-15
This is a good reminder that some of the roadblocks we encounter in life can be overcome through repentance. ... I'm definitely not saying that all bad things come into our lives as divine punishment. I don't think that God works that way. We do however dig holes for ourselves through sin that need the Lord's help to crawl out of, and just being in tune with the Spirit can help us through anything else, whether natural or circumstantial or criminal, so being in tune with that Spirit can bolster and strengthen us through the normal ups and downs, and the fiery trials of life.
Today, let's remember the value of repentance as we seek to grow and prosper and to connect to God and his blessings. Sin can get in the way of so much that is good because it is basically putting walls up between ourselves and God. Let's work to tear down those walls and to get that connection back, which will help us to be in harmony with God and his plan again, and to prosper as we work together with all other things for good.
Sunday, June 4, 2023
Matthew 28:16-17 -- On Doubts
"Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted."
Matthew 28:16-17
The whole idea of doubt is an interesting one. It seems really bad sometimes because it seems like the opposite of faith, and we know we need that, and so we either beat ourselves up over doubts or take them too seriously and let them overcome the knowledge, faith, and testimony that we do have.
Christ was kind to doubters. If they were honestly doubtful and not pretending to be (he often condemned hypocrisy), he would talk to them and open the scriptures to them. He told Thomas to feel his scars so that he could have that physical evidence that he wanted, and here he tells all of his disciples, even though they doubted, to go forward and do as he asked anyway. And they were willing to worship him even though they had doubts... they knew him, and believed in what they had seen previously. They just needed some time to work through and understand all of this new information.
I don't necessarily think that the opposite of faith is doubt. It might be complacency instead... willing to just accept ourselves the way we are without examining our lives, not being willing to find and work on our faults, and not feeling motivated enough to seek a better world. Doubt can spur us to action, if we are willing to put in the work to find out the answers that we don't know. That is why God tells us to ask and seek... he is willing to reason with us, to answer our questions, to help us to know by the spirit the truth of his existence and the reason for his various commandments.
On the other hand, we can't just say to the air "prove yourself to me," not really believing in God enough to really ask sincerely or try to make a connection. Doubt is not active disbelief. If we aren't sure, then we have room to try the experiment and to be willing to follow God if he is actually there. If we have already decided that God is impossible, then that connection is also impossible because we aren't going to be listening for an answer. Open hearts and minds are required, if we want to really know.
Today, if we have doubts, let's go to the Lord with them. If we are patient and diligent, God will help us to find the answers we seek, on his timetable and not ours. In the meantime though, let's not throw the entire gospel away because we don't understand one part of it, or have doubts about a person or a policy. Let's go forward with the faith and knowledge that we do have, being willing to accept the answers that the Lord offers. As we do, he will help us to understand.
Matthew 28:16-17
The whole idea of doubt is an interesting one. It seems really bad sometimes because it seems like the opposite of faith, and we know we need that, and so we either beat ourselves up over doubts or take them too seriously and let them overcome the knowledge, faith, and testimony that we do have.
Christ was kind to doubters. If they were honestly doubtful and not pretending to be (he often condemned hypocrisy), he would talk to them and open the scriptures to them. He told Thomas to feel his scars so that he could have that physical evidence that he wanted, and here he tells all of his disciples, even though they doubted, to go forward and do as he asked anyway. And they were willing to worship him even though they had doubts... they knew him, and believed in what they had seen previously. They just needed some time to work through and understand all of this new information.
I don't necessarily think that the opposite of faith is doubt. It might be complacency instead... willing to just accept ourselves the way we are without examining our lives, not being willing to find and work on our faults, and not feeling motivated enough to seek a better world. Doubt can spur us to action, if we are willing to put in the work to find out the answers that we don't know. That is why God tells us to ask and seek... he is willing to reason with us, to answer our questions, to help us to know by the spirit the truth of his existence and the reason for his various commandments.
On the other hand, we can't just say to the air "prove yourself to me," not really believing in God enough to really ask sincerely or try to make a connection. Doubt is not active disbelief. If we aren't sure, then we have room to try the experiment and to be willing to follow God if he is actually there. If we have already decided that God is impossible, then that connection is also impossible because we aren't going to be listening for an answer. Open hearts and minds are required, if we want to really know.
Today, if we have doubts, let's go to the Lord with them. If we are patient and diligent, God will help us to find the answers we seek, on his timetable and not ours. In the meantime though, let's not throw the entire gospel away because we don't understand one part of it, or have doubts about a person or a policy. Let's go forward with the faith and knowledge that we do have, being willing to accept the answers that the Lord offers. As we do, he will help us to understand.
Saturday, June 3, 2023
Doctrine and Covenants 45:6-10 -- On Listening and Reasoning
"Hearken, O ye people of my church, and ye elders listen together, and hear my voice while it is called today, and harden not your hearts;
For verily I say unto you that I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the light and the life of the world—a light that shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehendeth it not.
I came unto mine own, and mine own received me not; but unto as many as received me gave I power to do many miracles, and to become the sons of God; and even unto them that believed on my name gave I power to obtain eternal life.
And even so I have sent mine everlasting covenant into the world, to be a light to the world, and to be a standard for my people, and for the Gentiles to seek to it, and to be a messenger before my face to prepare the way before me.
Wherefore, come ye unto it, and with him that cometh I will reason as with men in days of old, and I will show unto you my strong reasoning."
Doctrine and Covenants 45:6-10
There is a lot of cool stuff going on in this selection, but I think my favorite part is God telling us that he will reason with us as he did with people in the "days of old" and show us his strong reasoning. I think sometimes we believe that we have to take everything on faith, but that isn't really what God is going for. Faith is ultra important of course, and some things we have to take on faith, but God tells us that by the Holy Ghost that we "may know the truth of all things" (Moroni 10:5), and that he will give us answers in our minds and hearts (D&C 8:2), as well as telling us many times to ask him, and to look unto him "in every thought" (D&C 6:36). Sometimes what we start in faith leads us to knowledge because after we have enough faith to go looking and search it out, we often find the answers we are looking for.
Today, let's remember that God is willing to reason with us; to help us understand his plan and his gospel in a way that we can understand and relate to. Let's listen, and ask, and reason in prayer with our father, and he will teach us.
For verily I say unto you that I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the light and the life of the world—a light that shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehendeth it not.
I came unto mine own, and mine own received me not; but unto as many as received me gave I power to do many miracles, and to become the sons of God; and even unto them that believed on my name gave I power to obtain eternal life.
And even so I have sent mine everlasting covenant into the world, to be a light to the world, and to be a standard for my people, and for the Gentiles to seek to it, and to be a messenger before my face to prepare the way before me.
Wherefore, come ye unto it, and with him that cometh I will reason as with men in days of old, and I will show unto you my strong reasoning."
Doctrine and Covenants 45:6-10
There is a lot of cool stuff going on in this selection, but I think my favorite part is God telling us that he will reason with us as he did with people in the "days of old" and show us his strong reasoning. I think sometimes we believe that we have to take everything on faith, but that isn't really what God is going for. Faith is ultra important of course, and some things we have to take on faith, but God tells us that by the Holy Ghost that we "may know the truth of all things" (Moroni 10:5), and that he will give us answers in our minds and hearts (D&C 8:2), as well as telling us many times to ask him, and to look unto him "in every thought" (D&C 6:36). Sometimes what we start in faith leads us to knowledge because after we have enough faith to go looking and search it out, we often find the answers we are looking for.
Today, let's remember that God is willing to reason with us; to help us understand his plan and his gospel in a way that we can understand and relate to. Let's listen, and ask, and reason in prayer with our father, and he will teach us.
Friday, June 2, 2023
Alma 32:37-40 -- On Seeds and Nourishment
"And behold, as the tree beginneth to grow, ye will say: Let us nourish it with great care, that it may get root, that it may grow up, and bring forth fruit unto us. And now behold, if ye nourish it with much care it will get root, and grow up, and bring forth fruit.
But if ye neglect the tree, and take no thought for its nourishment, behold it will not get any root; and when the heat of the sun cometh and scorcheth it, because it hath no root it withers away, and ye pluck it up and cast it out.
Now, this is not because the seed was not good, neither is it because the fruit thereof would not be desirable; but it is because your ground is barren, and ye will not nourish the tree, therefore ye cannot have the fruit thereof.
And thus, if ye will not nourish the word, looking forward with an eye of faith to the fruit thereof, ye can never pluck of the fruit of the tree of life."
Alma 32:37-40
This whole chapter is amazing, but what struck me today was the idea of nourishment. I think there are a lot of things in our lives that we want to do in varying degrees, but we only make time for and work diligently for a few of them... thus choosing what is important to us. Here, God is using an analogy to talk to us about testimony and the gospel, and eternal life, and reminding us that these are things that are worth working for.
Today, let's be sure to nourish our testimonies, and build up the kingdom of God. As we work for God, our rewards will be much greater than if we only work for ourselves, and seeking God and his gospel will not only change our hearts, but fill them up so that we won't feel our lives to be empty or meaningless... which, especially when we've lost our way, is a big blessing that helps us find our reason for being and for working at something each day. Let's nourish the seed of the gospel in our lives, look to God for help with whatever we need, and look forward to the fruit of the tree of life.
But if ye neglect the tree, and take no thought for its nourishment, behold it will not get any root; and when the heat of the sun cometh and scorcheth it, because it hath no root it withers away, and ye pluck it up and cast it out.
Now, this is not because the seed was not good, neither is it because the fruit thereof would not be desirable; but it is because your ground is barren, and ye will not nourish the tree, therefore ye cannot have the fruit thereof.
And thus, if ye will not nourish the word, looking forward with an eye of faith to the fruit thereof, ye can never pluck of the fruit of the tree of life."
Alma 32:37-40
This whole chapter is amazing, but what struck me today was the idea of nourishment. I think there are a lot of things in our lives that we want to do in varying degrees, but we only make time for and work diligently for a few of them... thus choosing what is important to us. Here, God is using an analogy to talk to us about testimony and the gospel, and eternal life, and reminding us that these are things that are worth working for.
Today, let's be sure to nourish our testimonies, and build up the kingdom of God. As we work for God, our rewards will be much greater than if we only work for ourselves, and seeking God and his gospel will not only change our hearts, but fill them up so that we won't feel our lives to be empty or meaningless... which, especially when we've lost our way, is a big blessing that helps us find our reason for being and for working at something each day. Let's nourish the seed of the gospel in our lives, look to God for help with whatever we need, and look forward to the fruit of the tree of life.
Thursday, June 1, 2023
Acts 20:34-35 -- On Giving
"Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive."
Acts 20:34-35
I like Paul's message here, with the general idea that we should work to support ourselves as well as to help the people around us, and to put giving before recieving.
We often think about things that we want, and perhaps less so about the things that other people around us need or how we can help, so maybe that is a good thing to work on... thinking about, and praying about, how we can help others rather than focusing on how we can help ourselves. It isn't wrong to ask for the things that we desire from the Lord... he has asked us to do so, and to think about what we want, and work for those things. However, by stating that is is "more blessed" to give, God is reminding us of things that he has also said elsewhere... that we need to learn to be one, to lift up people in need and to give of our abundance.
Today, let's focus on how we can help and give to others, and talk to God about how to do good in the world around us, and what we can do to work for those ideals in our lives.
I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive."
Acts 20:34-35
I like Paul's message here, with the general idea that we should work to support ourselves as well as to help the people around us, and to put giving before recieving.
We often think about things that we want, and perhaps less so about the things that other people around us need or how we can help, so maybe that is a good thing to work on... thinking about, and praying about, how we can help others rather than focusing on how we can help ourselves. It isn't wrong to ask for the things that we desire from the Lord... he has asked us to do so, and to think about what we want, and work for those things. However, by stating that is is "more blessed" to give, God is reminding us of things that he has also said elsewhere... that we need to learn to be one, to lift up people in need and to give of our abundance.
Today, let's focus on how we can help and give to others, and talk to God about how to do good in the world around us, and what we can do to work for those ideals in our lives.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)