1 Corinthians 4:6-7 -- On Differences

"And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.
For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?"
1 Corinthians 4:6-7


I really like the question "for who maketh thee to differ from another?"  That's really interesting to think about why all the differences.  Are some differences part of us, reflected in our intelligences/spirits?  Are others purely physical, meant to teach us? 

Another good point here is "what hast thou that thou didst not receive," or in other words, everything we have is a gift from God.  There is much of course that we work for in life, but I think the point here is that our hard work is only one aspect of the formula, and that there is a lot more to it, since not everyone has the same opportunities, and disasters can wipe out the most carefully-laid plans.  God's hand in a bigger part of the process than all of our efforts.

This is similar to the idea of earning our way to heaven.  That simply isn't possible.  It is something we definitely *should* strive for, and work at, but despite all we do, we can't possibly get there without the grace of God, who pays the price that we cannot pay, and makes up for our weakness.

Today, let's remember that our lives and all that we have are gifts from God, and let's work on being a little more thankful, and perhaps a little bit more humble when comparing ourselves to others.  Our differences don't make us better or worse: just different. :)  Let's be thankful and work with God on achieving good goals and assisting others to do the same, despite our differences.

Matthew 26:52-54 -- On Letting Go and What Must Be

"Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?"
Matthew 26:52-54


This might be the single most important example in human history of letting something go.  Christ had the power to escape his arrest, probably in several ways, and he knew where the whole thing was going, but he deferred to the Father's will and let it happen.

Sometimes, like Christ, we have to endure injustice rather than fight against it.  I'm not saying that we should stand aside and let others be harmed, but at least on a personal level, sometimes we have to let things go rather than raging against them and harming ourselves.  Sometimes even the most unfair things lead to later blessings and end up working for our good, through the grace of God.

Today, let's talk to God about what concerns us in our lives, and if he suggests that we let it go, then let's work to do that rather than letting resentment and anger build up.  God knows better than we do what "must be," and will come through with the eventual happy ending, even if right now is a little rough.

1 Peter 2:1-3 -- On Growing with God

"Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious."
1 Peter 2:1-3


It's interesting to think of accepting / thirsting for the gospel as a newborn.  And the analogy is pretty sound.  Even though we want to think that we are really grown up and wise, compared to God we really are children, in need of a lot of nourishment and help in growing up and reaching our potential.  And, honestly, laying aside all of the poisonous side of adulthood would be a relief.  Malice and guile and hypocrisy and envy... evil speaking... these are all things that we learn as we grow up, and we definitely don't need to become experts in those things.  Instead, let's work to unlearn some of that and get back to humility and a focus on spiritual nourishment.

If, of course, we have tasted that the Lord is gracious.  And that goes back to trying it and giving it a chance, because if we do, then we will know.  Today, let's go to God with our questions, and let's be humble, as children, and drink in the goodness of the gospel, and let it build us up.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 -- On Weakness and Power

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."
2 Corinthians 12:9-10


I like the idea here that our weaknesses are opportunities to connect to the strength of God.  It's not the way we usually think of things, but it's a true, and good, and better way to see.  When we're strong, we're relying on ourselves and our own (questionable) power.  But when we're weak, of necessity we rely on Christ's power.

Today, we might not be ready to "glory" in our infirmities, but let's take the first step and start considering the other perspective, and take advantage of the opportunity we have to humble ourselves in weakness and thus tap into the power of God. :)

Acts 28:22-24 -- On Believing and Not Believing

"But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.
And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.
And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not."
Acts 28:22-24


I really love the whole free agency thing.  God gives us all the ability to choose... to be interested in the gospel or not, to believe or not.  We often assume that everyone who hears the truth will believe it, and if they don't right away, we think there is something wrong.  However, God works with everyone in their own time, and still asks us to love our neighbors... whether or not they believe the same things that we do... in fact, specifically if they don't, right?, because that can be one interpretation of an enemy, and we are to love our enemies, and bless them that curse us.

Sometimes we *want* God to force us, as in John Donne's Sonnet 14: "Batter my heart" he asks, and "break, blow, burn, and make me new."  And God *can* make us into new creatures, but the choice must be our own.  It can't be through the imprisonment or violence that Donne asks, but rather the consent and surrender is a choice that that we must make to put God's will before our own.  ... Which can sound like some horrible loss on some level, but in actuality, God loves us way more than we have learned to love him, and he protects our "self" from any harm, helping us to stand up and become even more... turning us into our best selves.  It's more the welcome change and adjustment of choosing a relationship rather than the unwanted change of slavery... and God is scrupulously careful to make sure it is so, and that we always do the choosing when it comes to making a change to who we are.

Today, let's listen and learn and decide for ourselves what we want to do with God's advice and his gospel.  He will never force us to heaven, or cram a glorious eternity down our throats... but he offers it freely, if we will only turn to him, and count ourselves among the believers.

Hebrews 5:8 -- On Suffering and Growth

"Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;"
Hebrews 5:8


I think this is a really hopeful verse.  Sometimes it is hard to learn by making mistakes and what we go through, but since Christ learned in a similar way, I think it means that we are on the right track... and also that bad things aren't happening to us because we're horrible, unworthy creatures.  ... I mean, we might be that on some level, but we are also glorious and filled with potential, and that is why God loves us and is taking the time to teach us his ways.  It's okay to take a breather, but then let's get back in there and do our best... because it matters, and because with God's help, we can do anything he asks of us.  Yes, even that incredibly hard thing that pops into our minds at this point, making us wonder. :)

Let's pray and work with God to solve the next challenge, and work towards everything good. :)

Alma 7:15-16 -- On Working from Sin to Perfection

"Yea, I say unto you come and fear not, and lay aside every sin, which easily doth beset you, which doth bind you down to destruction, yea, come and go forth, and show unto your God that ye are willing to repent of your sins and enter into a covenant with him to keep his commandments, and witness it unto him this day by going into the waters of baptism.
And whosoever doeth this, and keepeth the commandments of God from thenceforth, the same will remember that I say unto him, yea, he will remember that I have said unto him, he shall have eternal life, according to the testimony of the Holy Spirit, which testifieth in me."
Alma 7:15-16


I like the phrase "bind you down to destruction" here because it illustrates the bondage of sin.  When we call on the Lord for help, he gives us a way out of sin, and helps us to become the people that we truly want to be rather than the people we feel forced into being because of our addictions and appetites.  He helps us to overcome ourselves, or the "natural" part of ourselves and get things back in order with our spiritual side in charge. :)

The whole keeping the commandments part can be tough sometimes, especially when we get into huge ones like "be ye therefore perfect" (Matthew 5:48), but that's why we have the sacrament, because God knows we have to work at it, and it isn't going to happen all at once--maybe not even in this life (see Jeffrey R. Holland's talk "Be Ye Therefore Perfect--Eventually").  The point is to keep striving to improve, and to be facing the right direction rather than giving up and giving in to sin.

Today, let's witness to God that we are willing to enter his covenant, or if we already have, let's renew our commitment, and keep striving to do the right, and keep the Spirit with us.

2 Nephi 24:3 -- On Rest and Faith

"And it shall come to pass in that day that the Lord shall give thee rest, from thy sorrow, and from thy fear, and from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve."
2 Nephi 24:3


I like the promise here that this time is coming.  We don't know exactly when, but it is something we can look forward to.  I think a lot of life is like that... anticipation of good things coming, even though the present is often imperfect and can be difficult.

Isn't that what faith is, really?  Trusting that the sun will come out again even though it is pitch black outside... knowing that God keeps his promises, believing that miracles happen, and that hope is not lost.

Today, instead of panicking or withdrawing when something goes wrong, let's try jumping in and researching a fix.  Maybe it's something that Google can help with, and maybe it is something that only God can do... but either way, let's look into it.  Let's read about what other people have done in similar situations, let's research what God's advice is about that subject, and then let's pray and work and do whatever we can.  And when we get to a point where there isn't anything left to do, then it is God's turn to work on it, and let's trust that it will work out exactly as it should.  That isn't always the happiest outcome, but even setbacks now lead to God's eventual happy ending for us all.  Let's believe and hold on to that. :)

Alma 42:27-28 -- On Freedom and Restoration

"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 42:27-28


This whole chapter gets into the purpose of life and mercy and justice, and is super interesting.  I chose this part because I think it shows God's emphasis on freedom.  God invites us all to come to him, but he isn't going to force anyone.  If we are out there looking for the good and trying to make the world a better place, that is what we are going to get as a reward... really, the natural consequences of all of those good actions has turned us into wholly good people, and we'll be lucky enough to inherit that better world that we were really trying to build. :)

And if we're out there looking for the bad, and making the world a worse place, then that, again, will be our reward.  The natural consequences of our actions will have hardened us into bad people.  It's what the scriptures are talking about when they say that we have become "fully ripe in iniquity" (2 Nephi 28:16).  ... Which is why if we are going down that path even a little bit, we really need to turn around now, before we get into that hardened/ripened state.  Going that way usually makes it harder to remember what a different life was like, and if we don't listen to God calling us back, we will get completely lost.

Today, let's accept God's invitation to partake of the waters of life.  Let's not risk losing ourselves to addictions, obsessions, or lifestyles that drag us farther and farther from the safety of God until we don't even remember why we should go back.  Let's exercise our freedom and choose good. :)

Romans 13:7-8 -- On Love and Obligation

"Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law."
Romans 13:7-8


In the beginning of this chapter Paul explains that we should be subject to rulers, and pay tribute, which seems applicable to tax season. :)  I really like also the idea that we shouldn't owe anyone anything, except love... and that is a big obligation right there, but I think it helps if we aren't burdened with other obligations that get in the way.

Today, let's make sure we fulfil our other obligations and get those out of the way... but let's really focus on our obligation to love each other, and take it seriously.  Love can be hard work, but it is the most rewarding thing that we can do. :)

Hebrews 13:16 -- On Communicating Good

"But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased."
Hebrews 13:16


I like this because sometimes these things do feel like a sacrifice.  It's hard to reach out to others sometimes, and it is also hard to reach out to God.  Sometimes we just want to curl up into a little ball and binge watch our favorite show and let the world go by.

I don't think that is a bad thing occasionally.  We need rest and a break from stress sometimes... but as with everything, we can overdo it.  When our focus becomes escaping reality rather than living in it or learning from it, perhaps we need to listen to this scripture and engage positively with the world a little more, setting a good example and doing what we can to make things better. :)

Today, let's crawl out of our comfortable hobbit-holes and do some good and communicate... or even combine the two and communicate some good, which seems an awful lot like publishing peace, which we know is also a good thing to focus on. :)  As we do, God will bless us with an increased capacity to deal with reality in a positive way. :)

James 2:5-9 -- On Love and Avoiding Bias

"Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?
Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?
If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors."
James 2:5-9


The whole avoiding respect of persons, or in other words treating one person well because he is rich and dressed nicely and treating another person badly because he is poor and not dressed nicely (James 2:1-4), is a tough one.  It seems like we have a lot of ways to discriminate, and a lot of categories we place things in, sometimes unconsciously.

We're also way too quick to get on the other side of this one and think about the ways that we have been treated as "less than" for some reason, and not the ways that we do that to others.  I think that (like all of the gospel), we should first apply the rules to ourselves, and probably (since it is the way God generally works), as we improve in how we treat others, we are likely to see our own situation improve as well.

Today, let's really think about the way that we are treating others, and make sure we put in an extra effort to love and to be kind to people that we don't naturally feel affection for.  God will bless us with an increased capacity to love as we exercise our faith to love despite our weakness and bias.  Let's love our neighbors, and build up God's kingdom, as well as a nicer world for all of us to live in. :)

Ecclesiastes 9:11 -- On Rules and Faith

"I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all."
Ecclesiastes 9:11


This seems like a good reminder that what the world, and often we ourselves, think are the rules of life are not really the rules. :)  That of course doesn't mean that we shouldn't strive and work for things, because that is part of what God asks us to do, but it does mean that craziness is going to happen in our lives.  The job we thought was perfect we might not get.  The house that seemed ideal someone else might buy, or perhaps we'll lose that job and have to sell it.  Health problems can get in the way of the career or achievement that we were striving for.

I think the difference is the "things" that we should be striving for... for instance, to be of service to our fellow men, to help other people, to endure to the end and be able to return to the presence of God.  Maybe if we prioritize God and put feeling the spirit before accumulating wealth, things would go better.  In part, this is what tithing is about.  It's a law that shouldn't work according to the world's way of thinking... but it does work, and all of life is like that, if we put God first, things will work out... not always the way we want them to, but always the way they should to help us learn and get back to God.

A lot more of life than we think is wrapped up in faith.  Today, let's remember that, and work on ours. :)

Also, bonus for today: found an old talk from 1976 when I was researching today, and that is where I found today's verse.  Good one.  Go ahead, read it. :)

Which Road Will You Travel (Thomas S. Monson)

1 John 4:19-21 -- On Love

"We love him, because he first loved us.
If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also."
1 John 4:19-21


The first idea here is interesting because God is our example of what love should be.  We may or may not have other good examples in our lives, but he is the only perfect example.  We learn what love is from God, and we learn how to love by being loved, and then we are asked to pass that on to other people.  As we learn from Lehi's dream, the love of God "is the most desirable above all things" and "the most joyous to the soul" (1 Nephi 11:22-23).

Today, let's look to God to learn how to love.  Let's do some research in the scriptures.  I think we'll find that no matter how old we are, we all still have a lot to learn from God. :)

2 Nephi 9:13-14 -- On Resurrection and Repentance

"O how great the plan of our God! For on the other hand, the paradise of God must deliver up the spirits of the righteous, and the grave deliver up the body of the righteous; and the spirit and the body is restored to itself again, and all men become incorruptible, and immortal, and they are living souls, having a perfect knowledge like unto us in the flesh, save it be that our knowledge shall be perfect.
Wherefore, we shall have a perfect knowledge of all our guilt, and our uncleanness, and our nakedness; and the righteous shall have a perfect knowledge of their enjoyment, and their righteousness, being clothed with purity, yea, even with the robe of righteousness."
2 Nephi 9:13-14


It's a little scary that the verse says "we" shall have a knowledge of our guilt and "the righteous" shall have a perfect knowledge of their enjoyment, squarely placing us in the guilt category.  ... I guess Jacob knew we had a little more work to do. :)

The whole idea of becoming incorruptible and immortal is awesome.  And both are super important.  I was watching Doctor Who the other day and she was up against some evil immortals... don't want to end up like those guys. :)  And honestly, I really like the fact that there isn't an eternal struggle between good and evil.  After this life that war is over for us, and although we might be helping future people with their mortal struggles, we don't have to constantly fight that battle ourselves.

Today, let's work on making sure we repent and clear the potential guilt out, so we don't have to remember it perfectly forever.  And if purity is a way to avoid some embarrassment in the afterlife, as the whole clothing analogy hints at, then we'll be on the right track for that as well.

Proverbs 15:2 -- On Knowledge and Foolishness

"The tongue of the wise useth knowledge right: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness."
Proverbs 15:2


This is interesting because I think sometimes we think of knowledge as inherently good, or an end unto itself.  This reminds me of the Garden of Eden as well, with the temptation of knowledge, but without the wisdom to use it perfectly.

That's where God comes in.  Knowledge is awesome if we know how to use it well, which is basically what God teaches us.  He grants us knowledge not to bludgeon other people over the head with, but for self-improvement and the betterment of the world.

Today, let's not boast or think that our knowledge makes us better than anyone else.  Instead, let's see how what we know can be used to improve ourselves and the world around us, and work on being wise rather than foolish. :)

Numbers 22:38 -- On Connecting with God

"And Balaam said unto Balak, Lo, I am come unto thee: have I now any power at all to say any thing? the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak."
Numbers 22:38


I was thinking about this idea of saying what God wants him to say, and not having power to say what he wants to say, and I think it is probably more along the lines of, when we speak God's will then our words have power and are true, but when we speak what we want to speak, the same isn't true... and so the prophet Balaam is basically saying here... you think I make this stuff up?  I can't tell you that you are going to win for money, or it wouldn't *be* prophecy.  I have to say what God tells me to say.

I think this applies to our lives as well because the same thing is true.  God's word and will have power in our lives, and our words and our wills have power and inherent truth only when connected to that source.  Want more willpower?  Connect with God.  It's slightly more complex than that, of course.  It's still his will and not our own, so we have to work on things where we're on the same page with God for that to work.  But hey... that's part of the point anyway, right?  Figuring out how we can improve and what God's will is is part of the process.

Today, let's make sure we're in tune with God in our words and in our efforts, and we'll have more power and hope and light in our lives. :)

Alma 33:19-21 -- On Looking to Christ

"Behold, he was spoken of by Moses; yea, and behold a type was raised up in the wilderness, that whosoever would look upon it might live. And many did look and live.
But few understood the meaning of those things, and this because of the hardness of their hearts. But there were many who were so hardened that they would not look, therefore they perished. Now the reason they would not look is because they did not believe that it would heal them.
O my brethren, if ye could be healed by merely casting about your eyes that ye might be healed, would ye not behold quickly, or would ye rather harden your hearts in unbelief, and be slothful, that ye would not cast about your eyes, that ye might perish?"
Alma 33:19-21


This is an interesting reference to a story where Moses made a brass serpent that healed the people from bites by the "fiery serpents" that God had sent among them.  In the Bible the story is in Numbers 21:6-9, but we know that the Nephites had a similar but not identical record in the brass plates, so they may have had more detail.

It seems almost crazy to not look at something that will heal you... even if you aren't quite sure, you could hope enough to try it, you know?  And yet, I feel like we do this in our lives every day in a way.  We try to reconcile or justify things that just aren't going to work.  We ignore God when we know he could help.  We trust in ourselves rather than relying on the Lord.  ... I'm not saying that all of those things are as easy as looking, but the beginning of each of them is.  Looking to God rather than looking to ourselves or the world begins with that first look, that first change-of-attention and adjustment-of-focus, and that is really what keeps us focused on God... that reminder to look, because no matter what is wrong, God can help.

Today, let's remember this story, and not be one of those people who refuse to shift our attention even to save our lives.  Instead, let's look to God and keep practicing that refocusing in our lives, so that we stay firmly focused on Christ's healing power (which the snake symbolized), and maintain that connection so that we can receive his help in our lives.

As Alma says a couple of verses after this:

"And now, my brethren, I desire that ye shall plant this word in your hearts, and as it beginneth to swell even so nourish it by your faith. And behold, it will become a tree, springing up in you unto everlasting life. And then may God grant unto you that your burdens may be light, through the joy of his Son. And even all this can ye do if ye will. Amen." (Alma 33:23).

I think so many things could be easier, and our burdens could be so much lighter, if we would remember to look to Christ.  :)  Let's do it. :)

Mormon 8:5 -- On Finishing The Work

"Behold, my father hath made this record, and he hath written the intent thereof. And behold, I would write it also if I had room upon the plates, but I have not; and ore I have none, for I am alone. My father hath been slain in battle, and all my kinsfolk, and I have not friends nor whither to go; and how long the Lord will suffer that I may live I know not."
Mormon 8:5


This is Moroni speaking, after the destruction of the Nephite nation.  And although hopefully we've never been in that exact situation, I think that we can all relate to that sense of isolation and loss that Moroni is feeling, not just about his people but personally about his father, as he tries to fulfil the responsibility that Mormon gave him to finish the record.

What is there to learn from this?  Well, I was thinking about that, and I think one thing is that God has a work for us to do, even when we feel utterly crushed and like we can't function... and I also thing that doing that work that God gives us helps us by giving us direction and purpose and hope for the future.

I think it is also about recordkeeping as well, whether it is keeping a journal or doing family history, or something more ambitious like this.  That connection of the past and the present is a real connection, and reading about those people who came before us can teach us a lot about how to live even though they lived in that lost time before bendy straws. :)

Today, let's honor that connection that we feel with Moroni and let's read and learn and find out what he has to say and how he was directed by the Lord.  And let's learn from the record of his people, and try not to repeat their mistakes. :)

Jacob 6:11-12 -- On Wisdom and the Narrow Way

"O then, my beloved brethren, repent ye, and enter in at the strait gate, and continue in the way which is narrow, until ye shall obtain eternal life.
O be wise; what can I say more?"
Jacob 6:11-12


Wouldn't it be nice if "O be wise" were enough to remind us to get back on track?  And maybe it can be... maybe a sign by the door, on a keyring, a blinking neon sign that follows you around... okay, maybe it isn't always enough. :)  But it is a good idea, to be wise, and I like the first verse in the selection here as an illustration of one of the wise things that we often forget.

Repentance is necessary, but not just once.  It's a daily thing at least, because we're always forgetting and losing the spirit and letting ourselves fall into anger or frustration or other uncharitable emotions, and those things pull us off the path.  We have times in our lives when we can see the hope, and everything seems to be working together for good, and then later it starts falling apart.  It isn't always that we're falling off the path... sometimes it is just a test, but it is *often* that we aren't as in tune with the Spirit as we were when we felt that hope.  The answer isn't to give up, but to get that feeling back, and to learn what caused us to fall off the path, so we can avoid repeating that pattern in the future.

Today, let's do some course correction.  Let's repent of today's sins, and of any others that are waiting in the wings, and let's work to get the spirit back in our lives and get back in the narrow way. :)

And hey, let's remind ourselves to be wise too.  Couldn't hurt. :)

Mosiah 27:37 -- On Publishing Peace

"And how blessed are they! For they did publish peace; they did publish good tidings of good; and they did declare unto the people that the Lord reigneth."
Mosiah 27:37


I love this idea of publishing peace and "good tidings of good" and the connection of good and peace with the Lord.  ... I think sometimes that we get the idea of what peace and goodness are supposed to be confused though.  We often think that peace is the same thing as relaxation or idleness.  And there is certainly some crossover.  In Alma 40 it is talking about the state between death and resurrection and it says "the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow" (Alma 40:12).  Rest *and* peace there.  However, I think that the most remarkable thing that God does for us is to grant us peace in this life, even in the midst of afflictions.

One of my favorite scriptures says this: "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; / Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed" (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).  In the midst of their troubles, they were okay, because they had that peace of God.  Later in the same chapter it says "For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. / For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" (2 Corinthians 4:16-17).  And that's the idea that I am talking about... the peace of the inward man, and the weight of glory that outweighs any trouble or burden that we could be presented with.

Thus, the honor and blessings bestowed upon those who publish peace, I believe--because it isn't in ignorance or innocence or naivety.  It is in the midst of hardship and failure and pain... and yet, they proclaim God's message of peace and hope and love, and "good tidings of good" upon the housetops anyway, telling people there is a way to peace and happiness even in the midst of the darkness and sorrow of the world, and that Christ can show us all how to transcend the world and find the peace and the goodness that flows from God.

Today, let's work with God to find that internal peace, no matter what is going on externally... and when we find it, let's help publish peace to the world. :)

2 Nephi 4:27-28 -- On Frustration and Prayer

"And why should I yield to sin, because of my flesh? Yea, why should I give way to temptations, that the evil one have place in my heart to destroy my peace and afflict my soul? Why am I angry because of mine enemy?
Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul."
2 Nephi 4:27-28


I can relate to Nephi here, feeling frustrated with his weaknesses.  I think we probably all get frustrated at times at our inability to be perfect. :)  Normally I'm guessing that when we feel that way it is a sign that Satan is trying to get us down rather than a sign that we are bad people or anything.  I mean, Nephi was amazing, and he felt that way, so maybe there is hope for us all. :)

There are some good points here as well.  When we give way to temptation, we are allowing Satan to destroy our peace and afflict our souls.  We're basically just inviting him in.  Here, it seems like Nephi was trying to turn his anger into rejoicing.  Not an easy task, but I think that is exactly why this  chapter turns into a prayer... because he turned to the Lord for help.  And that is exactly what we can do in similar situations.  We can talk it out or write it out as Nephi did, and at first maybe it isn't a prayer because we're not there yet, so we're just venting... but if we keep working towards that prayer, and direct our communications to God, we'll get there, and God will be able to help us turn all of that frustration into something better. :)

Today, let's not give space for the evil one in our hearts.  If we're failing or we feel like we are spinning out of control, let's ground ourselves the way Nephi did... by getting it out, and turning it into a prayer for help.

Moses 3:17 -- On Choices and Consequences

"But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it, nevertheless, thou mayest choose for thyself, for it is given unto thee; but, remember that I forbid it, for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die."
Moses 3:17


Reading this today, I was thinking about how this is kind of the part where God is setting up the game board and explaining the rules.  I don't intend the analogy of a game as a dismissive thing.  Fiction teaches us about reality by blowing truths up to bigger-than-life size and showing them to us in a different way.  Games and toys can also teach us about what we value and assist us in dealing with the real world, either by modeling it or offering respite. 

Life is obviously important and really matters to the rest of eternity, and should never be dismissed as trivial.  In other ways though, it has similarities to a game because this earth life is a largely symbolic subset of reality where we experience limitations we wouldn't normally have, and some of our memories are hidden.  When the veil is drawn back, then we'll see how things really are, and nothing will be hidden from us anymore.  For now though, we play the game by making choices and working to learn and improve... there is just a lot more on the line than play money. :)

God is talking to Adam here and sets up a choice, defining the rules and explaining the consequence of disobedience, which set up the fall and resulted in all of us.  We usually don't face such massive consequences, but what God asks of us is similar.  He gives us commandments, and lets us know that it is our choice whether to follow them or not... but there are consequences for disobedience, and they often are serious as well, and can lead to physical death in some cases, but very much worse, can also lead to spiritual death.

Today, let's remember what God forbids, and that the consequences are real.  Let's use the information that we have to learn and grow and if we don't have enough information, let's pray and ask for more.  We do have limitations here, but also ways around those limitations as we learn more about our capabilities and about faith.

Helaman 5:5-7 -- On Goodness

"For they remembered the words which their father Helaman spake unto them. And these are the words which he spake:
Behold, my sons, I desire that ye should remember to keep the commandments of God; and I would that ye should declare unto the people these words. Behold, I have given unto you the names of our first parents who came out of the land of Jerusalem; and this I have done that when you remember your names ye may remember them; and when ye remember them ye may remember their works; and when ye remember their works ye may know how that it is said, and also written, that they were good.
Therefore, my sons, I would that ye should do that which is good, that it may be said of you, and also written, even as it has been said and written of them."
Helaman 5:5-7


I love how Helaman gives the advice to his sons here to be good.  Sometimes the gospel seems complicated, and at other times, it seems this simple... that we should strive to be good, so that people can remember us the way that we remember those people who have touched our lives in the same way.  Like "Goodness--Pass It Along!" right? :)

I think that this is one of the big steps in life.  One is to not be evil... which can be hard, and sometimes just getting that one down takes a large portion of our lives.  But another one is to actively be good, and chasing down that one can be challenging, but also really fun sometimes and consistently rewarding.

Today, let's work on the actively being good thing... so good that people will notice and remember that goodness is part of who we are. :)

1 Samuel 17:45-47 -- On the Lord's Battle

"Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.
This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.
And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hands."
1 Samuel 17:45-47


This speech is from the story of David and Goliath, and I was thinking about how this parallels things that Nephi and other people in the scriptures did as well--they didn't get caught up with how things seemed from an earthly perspective, where we, like everyone at that time, would probably have looked at Goliath and said, yeah, no.  David though had faced similar odds before as a shepherd against a lion and a bear, and he was able to come out ahead because the Lord was with him.

Nephi couldn't have taken Laban on a normal day, or known how to construct a ship, or probably even been able to survive the cruelty of his brothers.  All of those things he did because the Lord helped him.  The same is true with Moses, the Brother of Jared, Noah, Ammon, and so many others.

Today, let's see past the large and mighty obstacles in our lives, and trust in God.  He can and will help us to accomplish great things--greater than we believe possible--if we walk in his paths and know that the battles are his.  As we work with him, he will help us to overcome our weaknesses, and do all that he asks.

Abraham 5:20 -- On Names and Choices

"And out of the ground the Gods formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air, and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them; and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that should be the name thereof."
Abraham 5:20


I think it shows a particular lack of ego for the Gods to allow Adam to name all the animals, perhaps emphasizing the parent-child relationship going on there kind of like parents giving a child a pet, both because they will love it and also because it will teach responsibility.  And I wonder if Adam enjoyed doing it... trying to come up with all those names. :) 

I read an article recently about some brothers from Africa who invented a written language to go along with a language that had been passed down only verbally for a long time, and how much it was helping the people to be able to keep records, etc.  This reminded me of that because it was talking about how the brothers kind of closed their eyes and thought about the sounds and traced things on paper, and then they would talk and discuss how the alphabet should work, and I wondered how Adam did it.  He apparently came with language already built in (though I could be wrong about that.  Perhaps he had heavenly teachers for that as well), but how did he decide on animal names... and was he thinking in terms of the whole species of animals, or about individual animals, like "we will call this kind of creature a turtle," "we will call this creature Simon the turtle," or just "We will call this creature Turtle," as a personal name that eventually became a species name?

How does this relate to the gospel?  Well, obviously everything relates to the gospel, but uh... maybe what we should think about today is how to take the ego out of our own lives and empower other people to make decisions... or about how much God leaves up to us in our lives, not because he doesn't care, but because he wants us to learn and make choices and maybe some of that responsibility stuff. :)  Let's take that freedom and choose to do something good with it. :)

2 Nephi 24:32 -- On Zion and Being Poor

"What shall then answer the messengers of the nations? That the Lord hath founded Zion, and the poor of his people shall trust in it."

2 Nephi 24:32

This is a verse from a section that talks about God coming to make things right, leading into the Millennium.  I really like the idea that Zion is about taking care of the poor people.  When we think of there being "no poor among them" (Moses 7:18), we can sometimes think that being poor is a side effect of unrighteousness, but just as all righteous people are not rich, all poor people are not unrighteous. :)  Although a lot of other wrongs will be righted, Christ *specifically* establishes Zion (the Millennial version) in order to take care of the poor.  Which makes me wonder if we are doing enough, even our small spheres of influence and responsibility, to help.

Today, let's think about how we can help (not assuming that *we* are the poor, but thinking about how we can help others).  As we reach out people who are poor in any way, not necessarily monetarily, but that too, God will bless us as though we had helped him personally. :)  And on the days that we are poor, in whatever way, let's remember to reach out to God, who will not leave us comfortless.

1 Nephi 18:16 -- On Keeping the Faith

"Nevertheless, I did look unto my God, and I did praise him all the day long; and I did not murmur against the Lord because of mine afflictions."
1 Nephi 18:16


This is actually pretty remarkable under the circumstances.  Nephi had been tied up for four days at this point and was in a lot of pain, and it would have been easy to wonder why God was allowing him to suffer... or why he allowed them to suffer the whole time, really.  They had been in the wilderness for eight years before they got to the seashore and the Lord commanded Nephi to build a ship.  They had been a wealthy family, and left that all behind.  The complaining, bitterness, and/or resentment of all of them at one time or another seems understandable... even Sariah, even Lehi.

Nephi had a lot of faith in the Lord, and even though it didn't always save him from pain, God did watch over him, and delivered him, while still allowing Laman and Lemuel their free agency.

I guess in some ways it comes down to that in life.  Life is going to be hard at times--maybe a lot of the time, for years.  It's part of life.  And we can look at our lives and murmur and wonder why God is afflicting us or allowing bad things to happen to us, or we can trust him that it will work out okay in the end, and keep the faith, and keep trying.  It's those down times where our faith is tested, and how we react determines whether we are going to be a Nephi on one end of the spectrum, or a Laman on the other end (or maybe Christ versus a Gadianton Robber).  There are a lot of in-between positions of course, but today, let's work on moving towards the complete trust end of the spectrum.  God will come through for us if we keep the faith. :)

2 Nephi 5:27 -- On the Manner of Happiness

"And it came to pass that we lived after the manner of happiness."
2 Nephi 5:27


This is an interesting scripture, because it is talking about happiness being the result of a way of living.  In the context of Nephi's life, that way isn't about comfort and ease, and it isn't about lack of conflict, because starting from scratch in a new land and having your brothers trying to murder you, and starting wars against you when you move away... that isn't easy or conflict-free. :)  But it sounds like they were happy anyway, which likely means that we can be too, despite difficulties and persecution. :)

Today, let's follow Nephi's example, and live "after the manner of happiness." Let's keep the commandments, and look to God in all that we do.  Let's trust God and ask for what we need, and study and pray and work to be better and to make the world around us better. :)