D&C 31:11 -- On Going Our Way, In His Direction

"Go your way whithersoever I will, and it shall be given you by the Comforter what you shall do and whither you shall go."
Doctrine and Covenants 31:11


I love the idea of this... living by the spirit and not stressing out about what comes next or what *we* want, but willing to live according to what the Lord wants in each moment. The wording is awesome as well, because the Lord makes it clear that it is still our individual way. He's not asking everyone to go the same place and do the same thing... he's just asking us to go our way, and then let him guide us from there. The impetus for movement is ours, and the choice to be directed is also ours, and that choice can take us amazing and miraculous places.

I have had small bursts of this in my life, mostly on my mission, or on vacation... in situations where I needed to rely on the Lord more because I didn't know my own direction. And maybe that is the problem with the rest of life--that we cling to our direction (or non-direction) a little too well, and let ourselves get stuck in our own wills... what is comfortable and habitual instead of maybe what God wants us to change or do or be. In order to run into those sorts of things, we often have to be out there, going somewhere. Then the Holy Ghost can inspire us to go a little more in a certain direction... we just have to be going first. :) Still our way, but under His direction. :)

Today, let's try to get ourselves out of the rut of our own direction (or lack of direction) all the time and try letting ourselves be directed by the Lord more often. Even if going our way is virtual, let's do some things we wouldn't normally do and get going, then let God influence our direction. God's direction will always lead us to a far better place than our way alone.

2 Thessalonians 3:5 -- On Love and Patience

"And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ."
2 Thessalonians 3:5


Love and patience are good things to advocate for here... things that we too often have in short supply, or at least think that we do. Part of it is that we likely spend a lot of time on the wrong things, and if we switched our priorities around a little, we'd probably not only have more time for God's things, but we'd be a lot happier. I think waiting for Christ doesn't just involve sitting around, but being "anxiously engaged" -- focusing on Christ and building up positive things as we wait. :)

There are often valid reasons for leisure activities... managing stress levels for instance, but today let's take a look at where we can move things around and make more room for Christ in our lives. Let's fully commit to love, letting go of those activities that we engage in where love isn't involved, and then let's wait patiently, staying focused on Christ while doing something fun and worthwhile. We can't get there overnight, but if we think about it today and start choosing God more, we can get there. :)

Romans 14:19 -- On Edifying

"Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another."
Romans 14:19


I really like this verse because it helps us to understand how God wants us to behave towards each other. He doesn't want us to work towards conflict, but towards peace... towards love rather than hate, and part of that is lifting each other up and inspiring each other--unity rather than barriers.

Today, let's think about whether what we are doing is edifying. Edifying is uplifting, enlightening, and building up... helping each other. God wants us to be friends, not enemies, to work on understanding each other rather than arguing with each other. We even read that "that which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness" (D&C 50:23)... which just presses the point of this verse home even more. And when we think about it, if it isn't edifying, then maybe we should stop doing it. Something to consider. :)

Genesis 11:6-8 -- On Heaven and Influence

"And the Lord said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.
Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.
So the Lord scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city."
Genesis 11:6-8


The story of the Tower of Babel is interesting because it shows us the down side of things that we often see as ideals. These people were united in many ways, but they were unfortunately united in doing something that was contrary to God's will. In our society we sometimes believe that something is right if a lot of people are in favor of it, and maybe that's where all of these people were coming from as well... joining together to do something impressive--just not what the Lord had asked, or in the way that he required, thinking they could get to heaven in their own way.

This reminds me of the allegory of the tame and wild olive trees in Jacob 5. In that story, all the fruit becomes bad, and many branches and trees need to be burned because they don't have the capability of bringing forth the good fruit anymore, but some of it is redeemable, and the Lord of the Vineyard works with the trees and eventually coaxes the good fruit from the strong roots again. Perhaps by scattering the people here the Lord was able to preserve something good on a smaller scale, because there was more opportunity for good people to make a difference in small groups than there was for them to change things as a minority voice in the large group.

Today, let's first of all remember that the definition of good is God's will, and when we start thinking that God should change his mind about something that there is a change needed on *our* side, not his. We can't get to heaven doing things our own way... the only way is his way. And let's also remember that sometimes the reason we are isolated from a larger group is so that we can make a bigger difference. Let's do good wherever we are, helping to change the world for the better by whatever influence we have on the people around us, big or small.

Alma 12:34 -- On Change and Rest

"Therefore, whosoever repenteth, and hardeneth not his heart, he shall have claim on mercy through mine Only Begotten Son, unto a remission of his sins; and these shall enter into my rest."
Alma 12:34


It is interesting that "hardening not our hearts" is one of the requirements for remission of sins and rest, and that it is a separate thing from repentance. I mean, I think repentence might require a soft heart on some level too, but it is a good reminder that repentence takes more than just stopping sin. It isn't just a behavior modification, but instead it is an overhaul of a lot more than that... a change in what we want and who we are, not just what we do.

Today, let's remember to not harden our heats or get too cynical or desensitized to not be open to the Spirit. Let's remember that the rest we are working for requires a deeper sort of revision, and commit to real change in our lives.

Zechariah 8:17 -- On Not Imagining Evil

"And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour; and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate, saith the Lord."
Zechariah 8:17


Some reminders from the Lord about some very specific things today... not just loving our neighbors, but a specific behavior related to that: not imagining evil against them in our hearts. Dreams of revenge and holding grudges seem to be disallowed. :)

It might be a little bit more challenging changing our thoughts rather than just avoiding the behavior, but then again, loving other people isn't just about behavior. The way that we think and feel about people not only influences our behavior... it is basically who we are, and who we are becoming. If we're having a hard time with not imagining evil, let's talk to God about it and ask him for help. If we're willing to change, he will assist us, even with the difficult task of changing our own mind. :)

Proverbs 3:25-26 -- On the Lord as our Confidence

"Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.
For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken."
Proverbs 3:25-26


What I noticed with the first verse is where it says "when it cometh." It doesn't say "if" or talk about it as though it might not happen, but just assumes that it will... which I think is something that God is explaining to us throughout the scriptures. In Lehi's dream he started out in a bad place and the other people had to endure a mist of darkness and several other things that were intended to drive them from the path. The iron rod was there so that they could feel their wasy when they were blinded, not 'maybe if' that happened.

We're all going to go through hardship and trials. Fear and "the desolation of the wicked" are going to rear their heads at some point... but God has prepared us for these things. He can help us, and by trusting him and having faith in his deliverance, we can make him the stability in our lives, or as the verse says, he shall be our confidence. He will help guide our steps and prevent us from fallig into traps and snares laid by the adversary.

Today, let's remember that bad things are going to come, but also that God has prepared for all of these things. Let's work with him, and accept his help in eathering the storms and staying on the path to heaven and happiness.

Proverbs 29:1 -- On Reproof and Stiff Necks

"He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy."
Proverbs 29:1


This is a good thing to remember. It is easy to react against reproof/reminders from God, but if we get defensive, then we are working against ourselves. The destruction part is scary, but I think the real motivation here is improvement. If we remain open to advice from God, then we have the chance to become very much better than who we are now... getting closer and closer to our best selves.

Today, let's be humble enough to accept advice from God, who is the only one with the ability to get us to who we can be. Let's listen and learn and improve, working to help others and avoid destruction.

3 Nephi 13:7-8 -- On Prayer

"But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen, for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
Be not ye therefore like unto them, for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of before ye ask him."
3 Nephi 13:7-8


I think that "vain repetitions" probably includes anything that we say in a prayer (including the example prayer that Christ offers) that we're just saying out of habit and not out of sincerity and real feeling. As with any relationship, if we just brush off our conversations with the same old things and are insincere, that relationship is going to suffer.

Today, let's remember that when we talk to God, we really need to be communicating rather than just checking a task off the list. :) God loves us and he wants to hear what we sincerely feel and think, and he wants to teach us how to be better... but none of that works if we aren't really present and listening, participating in the conversation. Let's do our best to keep those communication channels open and really listen to what God wants, because as it says, he probably knows better than we do what we need.

1 Kings 19:12 — On Fire and Focus

"And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice."
1 Kings 19:12


I was talking to my grandmother today, who is hard of hearing, and although communication was sometimoes difficult, there were also some positives. She never noticed when someone tried to interupt her or when there was distracting activity around her, but instead maintained her focus through other conversations and bids for attention.

Maybe that is part of what God was trying to teach here... that if we stay focused on God through all of the drama and natural disasters, we'll learn how to listen and follow and maintain hope through whatever else is around us.
Today, let's try having that kind of focus by choice, and listen to what God has to say to us.

Proverbs 20:29 — On Glory and Beauty

"The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head."
Proverbs 20:29


I like that the idea of aging here doesn't indicate that either is better, but talks about the glory or beauty of each. I think that is how God thinks about each of us... not as the sum total of our weaknesses, or as imperfect versions of ourselves, but there is a focus on the best parts of us... the glory and beauty that is there in everyone.

Today, let's focus on the glory and beauty of the people around us rather than pointing out the imperfections. :)

Moses 6:35-36 — On Seeing More

"And the Lord spake unto Enoch, and said unto him: Anoint thine eyes with clay, and wash them, and thou shalt see. And he did so.
And he beheld the spirits that God had created; and he beheld also things which were not visible to the natural eye; and from thenceforth came the saying abroad in the land: A seer hath the Lord raised up unto his people."
Moses 6:35-36


I think it is cool, and also a good thing to remember, that there are a lot of things out there not visible to the natural eye. Maybe that keeps us humble, remembering that God can see more, and that we need his help if we want to transcend our small perspective.

Today, let's look to God for guidance in seeing more, and thank him for everything we already have.

Psalms 18:35 — On Gentleness and Greatness

"Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great." Psalms 18:35


I love the idea here that gentleness (at least the Lord's) can make us great. This verse shows us a lot about the power of God... and it isn't in physical strength or the ability to control, but in gentleness, in allowing freedom, and in the hope of salvation. Because God is gentle and refuses to control us, we begin to know ourselves, and learn to walk the path, not because God demands it, but because we want to.

Today, let's find and emulate the greatness that is God's gentleness.

Ether 15:20 -- On Misdirected Focus

"And it came to pass that they fought all that day, and when the night came they slept upon their swords."
Ether 15:20


This is talking about the end of the Jaredite civilization, where they are so focusd on hating each other that they just spiral downward through war into the destruction of everyone. What I thought of when I was reading it is our tendency to obsess, and focus on the wrong things. If we use that tendency and focus on the Lord, then we can accomplish a lot, but if we try to put something (anything) in the Lord's place, then that intensity of focus turns against us, harming rather than healing.

Today, let's let our ability to be single-minded and stubborn work for us as we focus on good and the gospel, rather than letting it destroy us as it did the Jaredites.

James 2:26 -- On Faith and Works

"For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." James 2:26 This is an interesting comparison. The body without the spirit is dead, but the reverse isn't true. Spirits without bodies live on. Perhaps works are the same... our actions speak volumes about our hearts, even when faith is temporarily absent. In Revelation 20:12 it tells us that everyone will be judged according to their works. Now, that doesn't mean that spirits should be without bodies... God sent us here to get one after all, and it definitely doesn't mean that works should be without faith. Only that spirit and works can exist alone, but bodies and faith can't. Faith is a belief that leads to action, the impetus for what we do, and isn't any good without the actual doing something part. Today, let's fervently believe and have faith that God's way leads to happiness... but let's also think about what we can do about that in our lives--how we can live our beliefs and integrate them into our habits so that we can move forward and become those people that both we and God know we can be.

Psalms 90:4 -- On God's Perspective

"For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night."
Psalms 90:4


It's humbling to consider how much more vast God's perspective is compared to ours... and though it isn't always fun, it's probably a wise thing to remember now and then, since we tend to get big heads and think that we know best and that our ways makes more sense than God's way. ... But he can see eternity, and we can't. Any flaws that we see in the plan are flaws in our own vision. That's doesn't mean that we have to follow blindly--God wants us to learn his ways, and is willing to teach us. We just have to understand how limited we are as we approach all of this, and look to God as our teacher, coach, and father, not as an equal or lesser being that needs our instruction.

Today, let's "consider [our] ways" (Haggai 1:5), and remember that God's ways are higher (Isaiah 55:9).

D&C 88:86 -- On Freedom and Sin

"Abide ye in the liberty wherewith ye are made free; entangle not yourselves in sin, but let your hands be clean, until the Lord comes."
Doctrine and Covenants 88:86


Reading this, it seems to me that God is showing us that sin is the opposite of liberty, rather than something like slavery, which is an interesting thing to ponder. I can see it... the more we sin, the less free we are, getting bogged down in the consequences and the addictive behaviors. God's plan leads us to the real freedom... not freedom from rules, but understanding and knowledge to be able to create things, working with the rules. ...
I imagine it a little bit like language. If we see the rules of language as oppressive, then we can reject them and go off on our own, inventing our own way to communicate, but that leaves us very restricted as to who we can interact and communicate with. On the other hand, if we learn the rules of language, then we have a lot more freedom to create an almost unlimited amount of things and communicate freely.

Today, let's take a minute to think about freedom and sin, and determine to choose God, and his better path to true freedom.

Isaiah 62:1 -- On Ceaseless Salvation

"For Zion’s sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth."
Isaiah 62:1


Sometimes we just want everyone to shut up and leave us alone... which is a fair request temporarily, when we're trying to manage anxiety or need some space, but I appreciate this scripture because the Lord reminds us that he won't shut up and go away permanently... he will always be there to keep trying to help us, and won't ever give up leading us to righteousness, helping us burn off the dross and prepare for our salvation.

Today, let's trust that the Lord will be there to help us whenever we reach out... knowing that he won't rest until we are better than we are. Maybe we need to rest once in a while, but let's make sure it isn't for long... let's get back in there and do everything we can to help God to save both ourselves and others.

2 Nephi 9:15-16 -- On Restoration and Becoming

"And it shall come to pass that when all men shall have passed from this first death unto life, insomuch as they have become immortal, they must appear before the judgment-seat of the Holy One of Israel; and then cometh the judgment, and then must they be judged according to the holy judgment of God.
And assuredly, as the Lord liveth, for the Lord God hath spoken it, and it is his eternal word, which cannot pass away, that they who are righteous shall be righteous still, and they who are filthy shall be filthy still; wherefore, they who are filthy are the devil and his angels; and they shall go away into everlasting fire, prepared for them; and their torment is as a lake of fire and brimstone, whose flame ascendeth up forever and ever and has no end."
2 Nephi 9:15-16


I kind of like the fact that we aren't judged until we're immortal... maybe we'll hold up better. :) I also think it is really important that the judgement is basically backing up what we have become. It isn't going to be a surprise to us what happens... we're going to be restored to who we are, what we have become, whether that is righteous or "filthy" or whatever. So, good idea to work on that righteousness and on being the kind of person that we want to be forever.

Today, let's think about how we would be judged if it happened today, and then work on making that judgement better.

1 Nephi 13:21-22 -- On Seeking

"And the angel said unto me: Knowest thou the meaning of the book?
And I said unto him: I know not."
1 Nephi 13:21-22


Short one today, but just this little part made me think about how God teaches us, and it is often by asking questions... getting us to think about it and then seek the answer. In this case, as with many others, God gave Nephi part of the answer, just as he did for the Brother of Jared... solving one problem while leaving him to think about another (Ether 2:18-23).

I think God interacts with us in a similar way sometimes. He solves some problems, but with others he asks questions, sometimes gives us hints, knowing that we can solve it ourselves, and that we will be better for doing so.
Today, let's do more than just pray and expect answers... let's seek for more, seeking the answers to God's questions, and learning to develop our minds and spirits as we learn and explore the world and the gospel.

Alma 42:27-29 -- On Good Advice

"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.
And now, my son, I desire that ye should let these things trouble you no more, and only let your sins trouble you, with that trouble which shall bring you down unto repentance."
Alma 42:27-29


This is Alma to his son Corianton, who he was lecturing a bit because he had made some unwise choices including boasting, leaving his mission, and getting mixed up with a harlot. In this chapter Alma is answering his questions about justice and mercy and how God works with his children.

In the first verse of the selection he makes it clear that God invites everyone to be saved, but he will never force anyone. It is entirely our choice, and everyone will be restored according to our actions in this life, whether we have desired and done good, or evil... as he explains in the next verse.

Corianton is also encouraged not to worry too much about his questions now that they have been answered, but rather to worry about his actions, because they are at the core of who he is and what the gospel is about.

I think we can probably all use some of this advice in our own lives. If we need answers, by all means let's go and get them... but our actions are what we should be worried about, making sure they are actions that we would be happy to have returned to us at some point. :) Today, let's move forward trying to be better people, and as kind as we wish God to be to us.

Galatians 5:16-17 -- On Spirit before Flesh

"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would."
Galatians 5:16-17


It's interesting here that it says that the Spirit and flesh are "contrary" to each other, which gives us some good insight into what is going on within ourselves when we come to earth and our spirits and bodies are merged. There's some serious conflict within us, and when the conflicts happen, if we want to let God prevail, then we have to choose to let our spirits triumph over our bodies. ... That doesn't mean that we shouldn't take care of our bodies of course, but I think it helps us understand fasting a little bit more--the idea is to grow closer to God, embracing the spiritual part of ourselves and focusing on that alone for a day, helping us remember that God should be our top priority.

Today, let's remember that we can't always do the things that we would, because our physical desires aren't what should drive us, and not what we should choose to allow to rule us. Let's put God and our spiritual needs first, and let other things fall into their proper places in our lives.

Alma 31:38 -- On Overwhelming Joy

"And the Lord provided for them that they should hunger not, neither should they thirst; yea, and he also gave them strength, that they should suffer no manner of afflictions, save it were swallowed up in the joy of Christ. Now this was according to the prayer of Alma; and this because he prayed in faith."
Alma 31:38


I like the way God blesses the missionaries here with things that they needed in their individual circumstances, saving them from suffering in many ways. Even better, when they did run into afflictions, the joy they were blessed with overcame the negative emotions and stress that the afflictions caused... or at least that is what I take from the "swallowed up in the joy of Christ" part. :)

Also notable is that all of this was done because of prayer.

Today, let's pay attention to the things that the Lord saves us from as well as the things that overwhelmingly make up for the things that are still hard. ... And let's pray like mad that we can stick close to God and that his blessings will continue in our lives as we work to be close to the Spirit. :)

Isaiah 45:22 -- On Choosing God

"Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else." Isaiah 45:22 What this sparked for me today is the idea that we so often think that we can customize our faith... believe in part of the gospel, or certain aspects of God, while rejecting the parts that we don't understand or don't like. This scripture helps us to understand that customization isn't an option. Although the Lord definitely loves us individually and will bless us and teach us in individual ways, he isn't a changeable God that bends to *our* wills. We definitely have a choice in life, but it isn't between aspects of God or principles of the gospel. It is God or Satan. There is one path to salvation, and "none else." We of course have choice and individual opportunities to learn and grow and serve others, but today let's remember that there is only one place to look to be saved. Let's make sure that we do that. God will help us to understand all the things that we don't yet understand, and help us change our hearts if we are willing to give up our souvenirs of hell, but let's not try opting out of commandments or commitment to the gospel... if we end up not wanting part of God, then that means we won't want part of heaven, and that means choosing something worse. Instead let's go straight to God with any concerns, and he will help us understand and learn about those things... and as we learn and we're open to adapting to God's views rather than expecting him to adapt to ours, we will eventually learn how things fit together better, and that God is wiser than we are, even in that thing that is bothering us.

Psalms 107:26-30 -- On Desired Havens

"They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.
They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits’ end.
Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.
He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.
Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven."
Psalms 107:26-30


This is basically the story of our lives, right? It illustrates the dramatic ups and downs we go through, and I love some of the imagery here: "their soul is melted" for instance. I think that is very relatable, and I love the end where God calms our storms and brings us to our "desired haven," which I suppose may or may not be the haven that someone else desires.

Today, in our tulmultuous, soul-melting lives, let's cry unto the Lord, and be thankful for quietness... looking forward to our desired haven.

Ezekiel 21:25-27 -- On Overturning

"And thou, profane wicked prince of Israel, whose day is come, when iniquity shall have an end,
Thus saith the Lord God; Remove the diadem, and take off the crown: this shall not be the same: exalt him that is low, and abase him that is high.
I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it: and it shall be no more, until he come whose right it is; and I will give it him."
Ezekiel 21:25-27


Part of this is historical, talking about a clash between Israel and Babylon long ago, but perhaps like other scripture there is a way to liken it unto ourselves for "our profit and learning" (1 Nephi 19:23). The part about iniquity could mean the final act of iniquity/final straw, or it could mean when iniquity is actually over, which is an interesting idea, and something to look forward to. :)

The central part that seems interesting to me is the idea of lifting people up that used to be low, and vice versa. The "overturn, overturn, overturn" part makes it seem like a very important thing, which we see elsewhere in the scriptures when the Lord commands us to take care of the poor and needy, widows, orphans, etc. He expects us to lift each other, and to "be one" (D&C 38:27).

Today, let's work towards the time when iniquity will end, working to lift the people around us and to be one. And let's look forward to the day when the crown will be given to Christ.

Romans 6:16-18 -- On Yielding

"Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness."
Romans 6:16-18


This is an interesting way to think about the choices that we make in life. It matches what a lot of the scriptures tell us about the world--that we are "enticed by the one or the other" in order to act for ourselves (2 Nephi 2:16), and that "no man can serve two masters" (3 Nephi 13:24). Instead of thinking about walking a forking path, this perspective explains that we are being pulled in different directions, and the one that we yield to is the one that we serve. Whether symbolically or literally, there is value here in considering our position, and make sure that we aren't willingly being pulled into a vortex of evil because that is the side that we give in to.

Today, let's consider how we yield, and be sure that we're letting ourselves be pulled towards God rather than anything or anyone else.

John 6:13-15 -- On Pressuring God

"Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.
Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.
When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone."
John 6:13-15


It seems that the five thousand people that Christ fed wanted to make him a king, by force, and so he left to get away from them. To me, that reinforces the idea that no matter how much we love God, sometimes we get it wrong... maybe loving him for the wrong reasons, or expecting him to take a certain role in our lives or in the world. When we feel that we want to force God to do something, then we've lost the thread of understanding that we need in order to work with him according to *his* will.

Today, let's look to God for help, but when we are blessed let's not assume it is because God approves of us giving him deadlines or ultimatums, or is willing to bow to any "force" that we could bring to bear. Instead of seeing blessings as God's unlimited approval of our opinions and attitudes, let's humbly work with him to learn *his* opinions and commandments, bending our lives and our will to his rather than foolishly expecting it to be the other way around. God loves us and wants to bless us, but as with any parent, there are rules and boundaries that we need to cooperate with in order to stay safe, sane, and to grow and learn further. Let's remember who is the parent (and immortal, all-wise deity) and who the child in this relationship, and respect God accordingly.

Mark 14:18-19 -- On Looking at Ourselves

"And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me.
And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I?"
Mark 14:18-19


I really like the idea here that when the disciples heard that someone among them was going to betray Christ that they looked to themselves first. It might just be cynicism, but I feel like most of us if we heard something similar would be looking around at the others, wondering who else was the bad guy, and maybe even accusing someone else. I don't think we're very into self-examination and improvement. But the gospel is all about that, and so we have to get outside of ourselves at some point and start looking at ourselves for improvements rather than expecting others to shape up. :)

Today, when we are thinking about things that need to be done, or the failure points in a relationship or process, let's remember to look to ourselves first, not in a way where we start hating ourselves or beating ourselves up, and I definitely don't mean accepting blame from anyone besides God judging us, but rather in an honest and constructive way where we're actually considering ideas for improvement, what we might be able to do that will make a positive difference, and getting help from God to move forward and become better. With God, let's be willing to ask "Is is I?"

Psalms 18:32 -- On Strength and Perfection

"It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect."
Psalms 18:32


I like this because it reminds me that my strength, and my potential, comes from God. I think maybe we all get prideful sometimes, thinking that we can stand on our own strength, and often think that our opinions are perfect. :) If we take the time to remember God it helps us to gain a little bit of humility. Humility helps us to listen and work to understand different perspectives and to respect other people, as well as helping us to listen to God, and accept his guidance and instruction.

Today, let's remember that all the good that we have comes in some way from God. Let's be thankful and humble, working with God to move towards perfection.

Isaiah 51:11-13 -- On Worry and Compassion

"Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.
I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass;
And forgettest the Lord thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor?"
Isaiah 51:11-13


There are a lot of good things here, but the biggest thing that struck me today about this passage is the "hast feared continually every day" part, I think indicating that the Lord is worried for us / has compassion for our circumstances. Not in a sense where he doesn't have the ability to intervene or anything, but in the same sense that Jesus was sad at the death of Lazarus. He knew that Lazarus would rise again, and that sorrow would turn into joy, but sorrow still had its place, and his emotion was appropriate to what was going on then. God knows that we can get through the trials that we go through, and that after this life we are going to experience so much joy that any pain will shrink in our memories and be as nothing in comparison... but just like a parent wouldn't dismiss a child's pain because he knows it will feel better in a few hours, he doesn't dismiss the way that we feel now, or the challenges that we face. He worries for us, and is willing to reach out and help us in our moments of pain and fear and temptation, because those things matter to us now, so they also matter to him.

Today, let's remember that God has true compassion for us, understanding what we are going through in the moment and caring enough to help, even when he knows that our challenges are temporary. He honestly worries about us as his children, and will do all that he can to help us overcome our challenges and learn from our experiences. I think if we could get just a tiny glimpse of how much he cares about us, we wouldn't hesitate to turn to him for help, and we would trust his guidance. Maybe a good idea is to read this verse and other verses about God's love, and pray for that small glimpse. He loves us so very much, and he will help us feel that and gain comfort.