"Wherefore, hearken and I will reason with you, and I will speak unto you and prophesy, as unto men in days of old."
Doctrine and Covenants 45:15
I really like the idea of talking and reasoning with the Lord as the ancient prophets were able to. The reasoning wasn't about God possibly being wrong, because he never is, but more about a process of understanding, as in Isaiah: "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow..." (Isaiah 1:18). God wants to be able to comfort and explain and show us the right way.
Today, let's counsel and reason with God, listening to and learning from him, and allowing him to lead us to the happy ending he has promised to us if we follow his path.
Monday, January 31, 2022
Sunday, January 30, 2022
Luke 19:26-27 -- On Improvement or Death
"For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.
But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me."
Luke 19:26-27
These verses sound pretty scary out of context, but in context they aren't that bad. This is the very end of the parable of the pounds, which is very similar to the parable of the talents in Matthew 25. They are basically the same story, but they differ in minor ways. They might be each individual's retelling of the original story that Christ told, or Christ could have told it differently to different audiences as he traveled. The stories in context are clearly not about monetary wealth/consequences, but about spiritual wealth/consequences, but I think maybe the shock value of monetary inequity and deadly physical consequences is what either gets people to dig into it further or drives them away, thus separating those who are "able to hear" from those who are not yet ready (Mark 4:33).
Specifically for our purposes here, there are differences in the ending of the two versions of the story. Matthew's version says "cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness" rather than talking about slaying his enemies, which I think points to both of these parables being about the final judgement. At the judgement, everything will be taken into account... what we did with the life that God gave us. If we learned and grew and became better, then those improvements will be expanded upon, and if we did nothing, then we are going to lose the opportunities that we had in this life to grow and change and prepare ourselves to return to God.
It's sort of like the parable of the 10 virgins in that regard... if we have oil, we go into the wedding feast, and if we do not, we won't be admitted. The parable money or oil is spiritual so it isn't something that we can share or give away to others, it is something that each person gains through spiritual effort... such as baptism (symbolically asking God into our lives and being reborn into that relationship), prayer, repentance, studying the scriptures, attending church, joining in gospel discussion, following the prophets, obedience to the commandments, etc. It's similar to building your testimony. On the other side, the people who don't wish God to rule over them, and who accomplish nothing in life... or less than nothing because they are actively evil and make the world worse instead of better--those are the people that will be consigned to death, or outer darkness, or who are the tares, or the bad fruit, or who don't get into the feast (representing heaven) ... whatever parable you pick, they are the ones who are cast out or burned at the last day. Luckily, those people will be very few, because you have to actively work against God, knowing what you are doing, to get cast into outer darkness... that's satan-level stuff, not the mistakes that most of us or our friends are making, and likely zero of the people reading a scripture blog and actually trying to increase their understanding of the scriptures are going to fall into that category. :)
Today, let's make sure that we're improving on what God gave us, and working to be better people than we were yesterday. As we work to grow and help others, developing our relationship with and testimony of God, we're multiplying those spiritual pounds or talents, or gaining that oil, and we're preparing ourselves for a better life with God, rather than staying exactly as we are and wasting all that God has offered us. That's all he is asking us... to take advantage of the gifts that we are given, including the atonement, and embracing repentance and positive change. As we do, we will quite easily avoid outer darkness, and in time perhaps multiply our pounds or talents or oil even more.
But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me."
Luke 19:26-27
These verses sound pretty scary out of context, but in context they aren't that bad. This is the very end of the parable of the pounds, which is very similar to the parable of the talents in Matthew 25. They are basically the same story, but they differ in minor ways. They might be each individual's retelling of the original story that Christ told, or Christ could have told it differently to different audiences as he traveled. The stories in context are clearly not about monetary wealth/consequences, but about spiritual wealth/consequences, but I think maybe the shock value of monetary inequity and deadly physical consequences is what either gets people to dig into it further or drives them away, thus separating those who are "able to hear" from those who are not yet ready (Mark 4:33).
Specifically for our purposes here, there are differences in the ending of the two versions of the story. Matthew's version says "cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness" rather than talking about slaying his enemies, which I think points to both of these parables being about the final judgement. At the judgement, everything will be taken into account... what we did with the life that God gave us. If we learned and grew and became better, then those improvements will be expanded upon, and if we did nothing, then we are going to lose the opportunities that we had in this life to grow and change and prepare ourselves to return to God.
It's sort of like the parable of the 10 virgins in that regard... if we have oil, we go into the wedding feast, and if we do not, we won't be admitted. The parable money or oil is spiritual so it isn't something that we can share or give away to others, it is something that each person gains through spiritual effort... such as baptism (symbolically asking God into our lives and being reborn into that relationship), prayer, repentance, studying the scriptures, attending church, joining in gospel discussion, following the prophets, obedience to the commandments, etc. It's similar to building your testimony. On the other side, the people who don't wish God to rule over them, and who accomplish nothing in life... or less than nothing because they are actively evil and make the world worse instead of better--those are the people that will be consigned to death, or outer darkness, or who are the tares, or the bad fruit, or who don't get into the feast (representing heaven) ... whatever parable you pick, they are the ones who are cast out or burned at the last day. Luckily, those people will be very few, because you have to actively work against God, knowing what you are doing, to get cast into outer darkness... that's satan-level stuff, not the mistakes that most of us or our friends are making, and likely zero of the people reading a scripture blog and actually trying to increase their understanding of the scriptures are going to fall into that category. :)
Today, let's make sure that we're improving on what God gave us, and working to be better people than we were yesterday. As we work to grow and help others, developing our relationship with and testimony of God, we're multiplying those spiritual pounds or talents, or gaining that oil, and we're preparing ourselves for a better life with God, rather than staying exactly as we are and wasting all that God has offered us. That's all he is asking us... to take advantage of the gifts that we are given, including the atonement, and embracing repentance and positive change. As we do, we will quite easily avoid outer darkness, and in time perhaps multiply our pounds or talents or oil even more.
Saturday, January 29, 2022
John 11:33-35 -- On Eternal Emotion
"When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled,
And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.
Jesus wept."
John 11:33-35 I like this as a reminder that God is an emotional being. Not that he is a slave to them as we sometimes feel that we are, but that he cares when we are suffering, and truly knows what he is talking about when he sooths our griefs and promises us joy.
Today, let's remember that God truly cares, and understands our emotions. He may ask us to learn how to bridle them a little better and to step down the drama, but since he feels emotion, we know that emotions are part of the ideal. We need to make good decisions despite any emotions to the contrary, but God is working tirelessly to help us to eternal happiness, which, you know, is an emotion too. :)
And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.
Jesus wept."
John 11:33-35 I like this as a reminder that God is an emotional being. Not that he is a slave to them as we sometimes feel that we are, but that he cares when we are suffering, and truly knows what he is talking about when he sooths our griefs and promises us joy.
Today, let's remember that God truly cares, and understands our emotions. He may ask us to learn how to bridle them a little better and to step down the drama, but since he feels emotion, we know that emotions are part of the ideal. We need to make good decisions despite any emotions to the contrary, but God is working tirelessly to help us to eternal happiness, which, you know, is an emotion too. :)
Friday, January 28, 2022
Hebrews 11:13-16 -- On Faith in the Future
"These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city."
Hebrews 11:13-16
This is part of the follow up to a verse that says "without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" (verse 6). I think that it is interesting, because these later verses seem to add a little bit of understanding to that first statement. It seems to be about believing that there is more than this life, earnestly desiring something better than this, connected to the idea that God exists and can help us find a better place.
Without that desire for something better, or that idea that it is possible, then we just stay where we are... no impetus to move or reach for something higher. I think what we are talking about here is another way of saying that we need hope... we need to want to believe that there is more, and have hope that the universe isn't a dark and bleak place... that the inequity and tragedy that we see around us can be made right, and that the happiness and goodness can be added upon. It's that belief in something higher and better than ourselves that gives us the motivation to find God, and to follow him, believing in his promises, and covenanting with him in return.
Today, let's "desire a better country" and seek the promised land and city and future that God has prepared for us. :)
For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city."
Hebrews 11:13-16
This is part of the follow up to a verse that says "without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" (verse 6). I think that it is interesting, because these later verses seem to add a little bit of understanding to that first statement. It seems to be about believing that there is more than this life, earnestly desiring something better than this, connected to the idea that God exists and can help us find a better place.
Without that desire for something better, or that idea that it is possible, then we just stay where we are... no impetus to move or reach for something higher. I think what we are talking about here is another way of saying that we need hope... we need to want to believe that there is more, and have hope that the universe isn't a dark and bleak place... that the inequity and tragedy that we see around us can be made right, and that the happiness and goodness can be added upon. It's that belief in something higher and better than ourselves that gives us the motivation to find God, and to follow him, believing in his promises, and covenanting with him in return.
Today, let's "desire a better country" and seek the promised land and city and future that God has prepared for us. :)
Thursday, January 27, 2022
Matthew 7:5 -- On Getting the Gospel in Order
"Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye."
Matthew 7:5
This is a good reminder that we sometimes get things out of order. When we're considering the gospel, we often mentally jump to other people and what they are doing and apply the gospel to them, but a wiser course is to apply the gospel to ourselves first. God said something similar to Hyrum Smith in Doctrine and Covenants 11:21: "Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word." It is like the oxygen mask rule on planes... first we have to make sure our own masks are secure, then we can help others.
Today, let's reduce the hypocrisy in our lives and make sure we're applying the gospel to our own potentially bigger problems first. Once we get our own lives squared away, we'll have plenty of time to help others to improve in a certain principle. Meanwhile, it is good mental exercise as we read, study, attend church, watch conference, etc. to figure out how the current lesson applies to ourselves and how much we can learn from it rather than letting our minds wander to how much all those other people need to hear it. :)
Matthew 7:5
This is a good reminder that we sometimes get things out of order. When we're considering the gospel, we often mentally jump to other people and what they are doing and apply the gospel to them, but a wiser course is to apply the gospel to ourselves first. God said something similar to Hyrum Smith in Doctrine and Covenants 11:21: "Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word." It is like the oxygen mask rule on planes... first we have to make sure our own masks are secure, then we can help others.
Today, let's reduce the hypocrisy in our lives and make sure we're applying the gospel to our own potentially bigger problems first. Once we get our own lives squared away, we'll have plenty of time to help others to improve in a certain principle. Meanwhile, it is good mental exercise as we read, study, attend church, watch conference, etc. to figure out how the current lesson applies to ourselves and how much we can learn from it rather than letting our minds wander to how much all those other people need to hear it. :)
Wednesday, January 26, 2022
Moroni 7:5-8 -- On Attitude and Action
"For I remember the word of God which saith by their works ye shall know them; for if their works be good, then they are good also.
For behold, God hath said a man being evil cannot do that which is good; for if he offereth a gift, or prayeth unto God, except he shall do it with real intent it profiteth him nothing.
For behold, it is not counted unto him for righteousness.
For behold, if a man being evil giveth a gift, he doeth it grudgingly; wherefore it is counted unto him the same as if he had retained the gift; wherefore he is counted evil before God."
Moroni 7:5-8
This is a good reminder that our intentions and internal desires count just as much as our actions. Often we focus on actions or looking good, fulfilling the letter of the law, but as we're told here, good actions don't matter unless we also have good hearts.
That said, I don't think that we need to despair if our hearts aren't pure yet... we still have time to work on that, and God wants us to start where we are, with action or desire or whatever. We just can't stop there. It isn't enough to play the part, but it is okay to play the part while we are learning to *become* the part. :)
Today, let's go forward remembering that actions *and* desires matter, and work on becoming good internally and externally. Instead of just going through the motions, let's really examine where we are inside and start practicing things that we really believe in just as much as we do good things... working from both ends in trying to become truly good.
For behold, God hath said a man being evil cannot do that which is good; for if he offereth a gift, or prayeth unto God, except he shall do it with real intent it profiteth him nothing.
For behold, it is not counted unto him for righteousness.
For behold, if a man being evil giveth a gift, he doeth it grudgingly; wherefore it is counted unto him the same as if he had retained the gift; wherefore he is counted evil before God."
Moroni 7:5-8
This is a good reminder that our intentions and internal desires count just as much as our actions. Often we focus on actions or looking good, fulfilling the letter of the law, but as we're told here, good actions don't matter unless we also have good hearts.
That said, I don't think that we need to despair if our hearts aren't pure yet... we still have time to work on that, and God wants us to start where we are, with action or desire or whatever. We just can't stop there. It isn't enough to play the part, but it is okay to play the part while we are learning to *become* the part. :)
Today, let's go forward remembering that actions *and* desires matter, and work on becoming good internally and externally. Instead of just going through the motions, let's really examine where we are inside and start practicing things that we really believe in just as much as we do good things... working from both ends in trying to become truly good.
Tuesday, January 25, 2022
Luke 8:11-15 -- On Parables and Explanations
"Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.
They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.
But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience."
Luke 8:11-15
I love symbolism, but I also love here that God is willing to help us out with an interpretation, helping us to learn how to deal with and understand symbolism. This is a good parable about how we interact with the gospel and get different results from the gospel because of how we treat it. The explanation helps us to understand that we need to have patience and wait for the goodness in our lives to ripen and grow strong.
Today, let's think about the symbolism here, not just to figure out what we might need to change about how we treat the seeds of the gospel, but let's go farther, and take a stab at understanding another parable as well... any one. As we read and ponder and commune with God, he will help us understand the symbols and the message that God has for us.
Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.
They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.
But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience."
Luke 8:11-15
I love symbolism, but I also love here that God is willing to help us out with an interpretation, helping us to learn how to deal with and understand symbolism. This is a good parable about how we interact with the gospel and get different results from the gospel because of how we treat it. The explanation helps us to understand that we need to have patience and wait for the goodness in our lives to ripen and grow strong.
Today, let's think about the symbolism here, not just to figure out what we might need to change about how we treat the seeds of the gospel, but let's go farther, and take a stab at understanding another parable as well... any one. As we read and ponder and commune with God, he will help us understand the symbols and the message that God has for us.
Monday, January 24, 2022
Psalms 25:4-8 -- On Being Taught By the Lord
"Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.
Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.
Remember, O Lord, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.
Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness’ sake, O Lord.
Good and upright is the Lord: therefore will he teach sinners in the way."
Psalms 25:4-8
Reading this made me wonder what would be left if we were truly cleansed from evil. I think part of our job in this life is just making sure that we have something to build on in that respect, so that when God refuses to remember out sins and transgressions, he'll still have something to remember. :)
I love the idea of God as our teacher, showing us his paths and his way, helping us to find more peace and happiness than we would ever find on our own. He's helping us find the good in ourselves and build on it...even when we've favored the evil over the good in the past, or made poor choices and don't know how to get in touch with our good anymore, God can help us.
Today, let's look to God for help in building ourselves up as good creatures. :) Let's allow him to lead us in truth, help us find and choose good, and show us how to love ourselves and who we are becoming.
Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.
Remember, O Lord, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.
Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness’ sake, O Lord.
Good and upright is the Lord: therefore will he teach sinners in the way."
Psalms 25:4-8
Reading this made me wonder what would be left if we were truly cleansed from evil. I think part of our job in this life is just making sure that we have something to build on in that respect, so that when God refuses to remember out sins and transgressions, he'll still have something to remember. :)
I love the idea of God as our teacher, showing us his paths and his way, helping us to find more peace and happiness than we would ever find on our own. He's helping us find the good in ourselves and build on it...even when we've favored the evil over the good in the past, or made poor choices and don't know how to get in touch with our good anymore, God can help us.
Today, let's look to God for help in building ourselves up as good creatures. :) Let's allow him to lead us in truth, help us find and choose good, and show us how to love ourselves and who we are becoming.
Sunday, January 23, 2022
Moses 6:31 -- On Questioning the Lord
"And when Enoch had heard these words, he bowed himself to the earth, before the Lord, and spake before the Lord, saying: Why is it that I have found favor in thy sight, and am but a lad, and all the people hate me; for I am slow of speech; wherefore am I thy servant?"
Moses 6:31
I like this verse because I think we all have these moments of just not understanding how any of this makes sense... why us, when we're so imperfect and so unsuited to whatever it is that we're being asked? We doubt ourselves and we *know* that there are better suited people out there, and we have these flaws and these obstacles, and... etc.
Interestingly, God doesn't answer this question directly in the verses that come after. He just tells Enoch to do it anyway, and offers a lot of reassurance that he can do it, and also that God will back him up. To me, this makes a lot of sense. Maybe the whole question is wrong in the first place. God wasn't choosing him because he was popular or well-spoken, and God doesn't choose any of us because we are the poster-children for dazzling obedience or whatever it is we're worried about. He chooses us because he loves us, he wants to help us grow, and because he knows we can do whatever he asks, if we try, with his help. And Enoch did, and he became one of the greatest men ever.
Today, let's remember that even the greatest people have weaknesses and doubts. We all have moments where we want to give up, or let the cup pass from us. God doesn't ask us to do things that we can't do... but it takes courage and perserverence. Even though we can do it, it might not be on the first try, and sometimes we don't know a better way. So maybe the better question here isn't why, but how. Enoch was able to build a perfect society even though he had no idea how to start... God redirected his question and got him going. Several people in the scriptures who didn't have any idea of how to lead people, or how to build boats or arks or barges were told how to do it when they had no idea as well. Let's go forward, and if we fail at first and get stuck or can't find our way, let's get back up and ask God for further instructions. :)
Moses 6:31
I like this verse because I think we all have these moments of just not understanding how any of this makes sense... why us, when we're so imperfect and so unsuited to whatever it is that we're being asked? We doubt ourselves and we *know* that there are better suited people out there, and we have these flaws and these obstacles, and... etc.
Interestingly, God doesn't answer this question directly in the verses that come after. He just tells Enoch to do it anyway, and offers a lot of reassurance that he can do it, and also that God will back him up. To me, this makes a lot of sense. Maybe the whole question is wrong in the first place. God wasn't choosing him because he was popular or well-spoken, and God doesn't choose any of us because we are the poster-children for dazzling obedience or whatever it is we're worried about. He chooses us because he loves us, he wants to help us grow, and because he knows we can do whatever he asks, if we try, with his help. And Enoch did, and he became one of the greatest men ever.
Today, let's remember that even the greatest people have weaknesses and doubts. We all have moments where we want to give up, or let the cup pass from us. God doesn't ask us to do things that we can't do... but it takes courage and perserverence. Even though we can do it, it might not be on the first try, and sometimes we don't know a better way. So maybe the better question here isn't why, but how. Enoch was able to build a perfect society even though he had no idea how to start... God redirected his question and got him going. Several people in the scriptures who didn't have any idea of how to lead people, or how to build boats or arks or barges were told how to do it when they had no idea as well. Let's go forward, and if we fail at first and get stuck or can't find our way, let's get back up and ask God for further instructions. :)
Saturday, January 22, 2022
Psalms 92:4-5 -- On The Deep Thoughts of God
"For thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.
O Lord, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep."
Psalms 92:4-5
This selection sort of made me grin when I read it because "thy thoughts are very deep" seemed like a funny thing to say to God. True though, and perhaps an indication and reminder of how differently the Lord thinks compared to the way we think. In Isaiah he reminds us "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways" (Isaiah 55:8). I think that is a valuable thing to remember because too often, perhaps, we assume that God will agree with us about things... that our way of thinking is obvious and true, and it's hard to understand why anyone else would disagree with such obvious golden nuggets of inspiration. And we all love to be right, but if we all were actually right, we would probably not be at odds so often.
Part of the gospel is about being unified. God tells us "if ye are not one ye are not mine" (Doctrine and Covenants 38:27). One way to become one is to try to see things from other perspectives... to consider what someone else would think about something and try to understand them. Not to make them understand us, but to learn to understand their perspective and take it into account when we are making decisions for the group. Because Christ suffered for our sins, he is the ultimate example of this--he can actually see the exact perspective of each one of us, and understands (and loves) us completely. This isn't an excuse for doing things our own way though, because just because God can understand us doesn't mean we are right, or that our choice is the best choice. We can't see what he sees, and unifying ourselves with the Spirit and that higher perspective is infinitely wiser than expecting everyone to change their minds and embrace our individual viewpoints. :)
Today, let's focus on the greatness of God's works, and be glad and triumph in him, as we learn to understand God and his thoughts and become one by learning and understanding *his* perspective.
O Lord, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep."
Psalms 92:4-5
This selection sort of made me grin when I read it because "thy thoughts are very deep" seemed like a funny thing to say to God. True though, and perhaps an indication and reminder of how differently the Lord thinks compared to the way we think. In Isaiah he reminds us "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways" (Isaiah 55:8). I think that is a valuable thing to remember because too often, perhaps, we assume that God will agree with us about things... that our way of thinking is obvious and true, and it's hard to understand why anyone else would disagree with such obvious golden nuggets of inspiration. And we all love to be right, but if we all were actually right, we would probably not be at odds so often.
Part of the gospel is about being unified. God tells us "if ye are not one ye are not mine" (Doctrine and Covenants 38:27). One way to become one is to try to see things from other perspectives... to consider what someone else would think about something and try to understand them. Not to make them understand us, but to learn to understand their perspective and take it into account when we are making decisions for the group. Because Christ suffered for our sins, he is the ultimate example of this--he can actually see the exact perspective of each one of us, and understands (and loves) us completely. This isn't an excuse for doing things our own way though, because just because God can understand us doesn't mean we are right, or that our choice is the best choice. We can't see what he sees, and unifying ourselves with the Spirit and that higher perspective is infinitely wiser than expecting everyone to change their minds and embrace our individual viewpoints. :)
Today, let's focus on the greatness of God's works, and be glad and triumph in him, as we learn to understand God and his thoughts and become one by learning and understanding *his* perspective.
Friday, January 21, 2022
1 Corinthians 11:29-32 -- On Judging Ourselves
"For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.
For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world."
1 Corinthians 11:29-32
Well, first of all, eating and drinking damnation sounds really bad, and I imagine it tasting awful as well, although it could be one of those deceptive things that tastes sweet, but the aftertaste burns out your insides or something. Either way, ugh. That first verse is talking about taking the sacrament, and doing it worthily, sincerely considering Christ and all he did for us. I like how that idea leads into the idea that if we would judge ourselves that the Lord wouldn't need to judge us. In that case, maybe we could just self-correct and do better. Unfortunately, we normally hang onto our errors far too dearly.
The Lord chastens up to help us realize where we are going wrong and how to make course corrections that will get us back to him and to heaven. Today, let's listen to that kind correction and take it to heart, and as much as we can, let's judge ourselves... not in a way that leaves us feeling pathetic and hopeless, but in a way where we recognize what went wrong and are determined and hopeful that we can do better next time... the same way God corrects us. :) As we learn to do so, the less we will hear admonishment from God and the more we will feel his praise and enjoy his blessings. God loves us either way, but he doesn't loves us in a thoughtless way where he will leave us to destroy ourselves, but like a father and a friend, he seeks to save us and correct us so that we don't have to suffer. Let's turn to him and seek to do better.
For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world."
1 Corinthians 11:29-32
Well, first of all, eating and drinking damnation sounds really bad, and I imagine it tasting awful as well, although it could be one of those deceptive things that tastes sweet, but the aftertaste burns out your insides or something. Either way, ugh. That first verse is talking about taking the sacrament, and doing it worthily, sincerely considering Christ and all he did for us. I like how that idea leads into the idea that if we would judge ourselves that the Lord wouldn't need to judge us. In that case, maybe we could just self-correct and do better. Unfortunately, we normally hang onto our errors far too dearly.
The Lord chastens up to help us realize where we are going wrong and how to make course corrections that will get us back to him and to heaven. Today, let's listen to that kind correction and take it to heart, and as much as we can, let's judge ourselves... not in a way that leaves us feeling pathetic and hopeless, but in a way where we recognize what went wrong and are determined and hopeful that we can do better next time... the same way God corrects us. :) As we learn to do so, the less we will hear admonishment from God and the more we will feel his praise and enjoy his blessings. God loves us either way, but he doesn't loves us in a thoughtless way where he will leave us to destroy ourselves, but like a father and a friend, he seeks to save us and correct us so that we don't have to suffer. Let's turn to him and seek to do better.
Thursday, January 20, 2022
1 Thessalonians 5:15 -- On Returning Evil
"See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men."
1 Thessalonians 5:15
This is a good reminder that we get nowhere by "paying back" those that have harmed or hurt us. It doesn't matter who started it--we need to be the ones to end it by letting go of our anger and desire for vengeance and turning to the Lord. He will replay, if it is needed, but he asks us to "ever follow that which is good."
Letting go is hard; we want things to be fair and just. Let's remember though that a completely just world would condemn us as well, and doing as God wishes and letting him be the judge allows everyone more time to repent and a better chance for a better outcome when that day comes... including of course ourselves. :)
Today, let's avoid offering or returning evil to anyone. Let's do and be good, and make things always better and never worse, as we follow God's instructions/commandments that will lead us back to him and eternal joy.
1 Thessalonians 5:15
This is a good reminder that we get nowhere by "paying back" those that have harmed or hurt us. It doesn't matter who started it--we need to be the ones to end it by letting go of our anger and desire for vengeance and turning to the Lord. He will replay, if it is needed, but he asks us to "ever follow that which is good."
Letting go is hard; we want things to be fair and just. Let's remember though that a completely just world would condemn us as well, and doing as God wishes and letting him be the judge allows everyone more time to repent and a better chance for a better outcome when that day comes... including of course ourselves. :)
Today, let's avoid offering or returning evil to anyone. Let's do and be good, and make things always better and never worse, as we follow God's instructions/commandments that will lead us back to him and eternal joy.
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Psalms 126:1-6 -- On Sowing in Tears and Reaping in Joy
"When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them.
The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.
Turn again our captivity, O Lord, as the streams in the south.
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."
Psalms 126:1-6
This is actually the entirety of the psalm, because I love how it works as a poem. The first line talks about the past when the Lord delivered his people, and how joyful that time was. This is compared to verse/line 4, asking that the Lord once again deliver his people, and predicting that tears now will turn to the same kind of rejoicing that was happening after the first deliverance.
One of the things that this brings to mind for me is that with God it isn't just a one-time salvation where we accept God once and everything is then golden. It's more like the story of Brigham Young and the people he sent to settle Arizona. They went out, ran out of water, thought they would all die, but they prayed to the Lord, and it rained, and they were okay. They came back saying that they were delivered, but that Arizona was no place anyone could live. Another man, listening to the story with Brigham, mentioned that they should have kept going and prayed again, and Brigham Young agreed (see "Abound with Blessings" in the April 2019 General Conference for a version of the story). Faith is being continually saved, not just relying on God when we're desperate and then relying on ourselves again... it's learning to do it all together, with the Lord. Looking back on inspiration and even revelation in our lives is awesome, and those memories can help us stay on track... but even better to be in tune with the spirit now, and have that ongoing inspiration.
Today, whether we're captive or delivered, in tears or laughter, let's remember the Lord and call on his name. Let's sow in tears and reap in joy, always turning quickly to the Lord for deliverance and help in doing his will, and always willing to change and become better, learning from God and making the world around us better and better as we go.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them.
The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.
Turn again our captivity, O Lord, as the streams in the south.
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."
Psalms 126:1-6
This is actually the entirety of the psalm, because I love how it works as a poem. The first line talks about the past when the Lord delivered his people, and how joyful that time was. This is compared to verse/line 4, asking that the Lord once again deliver his people, and predicting that tears now will turn to the same kind of rejoicing that was happening after the first deliverance.
One of the things that this brings to mind for me is that with God it isn't just a one-time salvation where we accept God once and everything is then golden. It's more like the story of Brigham Young and the people he sent to settle Arizona. They went out, ran out of water, thought they would all die, but they prayed to the Lord, and it rained, and they were okay. They came back saying that they were delivered, but that Arizona was no place anyone could live. Another man, listening to the story with Brigham, mentioned that they should have kept going and prayed again, and Brigham Young agreed (see "Abound with Blessings" in the April 2019 General Conference for a version of the story). Faith is being continually saved, not just relying on God when we're desperate and then relying on ourselves again... it's learning to do it all together, with the Lord. Looking back on inspiration and even revelation in our lives is awesome, and those memories can help us stay on track... but even better to be in tune with the spirit now, and have that ongoing inspiration.
Today, whether we're captive or delivered, in tears or laughter, let's remember the Lord and call on his name. Let's sow in tears and reap in joy, always turning quickly to the Lord for deliverance and help in doing his will, and always willing to change and become better, learning from God and making the world around us better and better as we go.
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
Joel 2:12-13 -- On Tearing our Hearts
"Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:
And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil."
Joel 2:12-13
The message here is clear: God wants us back, no matter what we've done in the past. He offers us the chance to come back, but it isn't some trivial thing. We can't just say we're sorry, knowing that we'll behave exactly the same again. We have to come to him humbly, seeking his help to change, and commit to him fully. It was a tradition in Old Testament times to tear your clothing as a sign of mourning or extreme sadness, and here God asks us to tear our hearts instead... that's where the change needs to happen, not externally. It's the same thing that God asks when he asks us to come unto him with a "broken heart and a contrite spirit" (3 Nephi 12:19). Even if we can only desire to change, we can go to God with that desire, and he can help us turn it into real results... as long as we are willing to work for it. God can change our hearts for us, if we ask (Alma 5:7, Mosiah 5:2).
Today, let's be serious about our desire to turn to God and not put it off any longer. Let's stop saying we're going to change, and actually start doing it. The first step (as with everything) is to pray. Pray through the whole process. We can tell God what is holding us back, but that we want to move forward. We can ask for his help, and talk through all the reasons we need to change, how we want to feel more hope and happiness, and ask God to bless us with those things as we change. If we're sincere... if we truly want to turn back to God, he will help us mightily, and walk with us through the process. It still won't be fun, because tearing part of ourselves and letting God remake us is painful... but in the end if we can let go of the darkness and be filled with more and more light, totally worth it. Let's get started, and stay the course.
And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil."
Joel 2:12-13
The message here is clear: God wants us back, no matter what we've done in the past. He offers us the chance to come back, but it isn't some trivial thing. We can't just say we're sorry, knowing that we'll behave exactly the same again. We have to come to him humbly, seeking his help to change, and commit to him fully. It was a tradition in Old Testament times to tear your clothing as a sign of mourning or extreme sadness, and here God asks us to tear our hearts instead... that's where the change needs to happen, not externally. It's the same thing that God asks when he asks us to come unto him with a "broken heart and a contrite spirit" (3 Nephi 12:19). Even if we can only desire to change, we can go to God with that desire, and he can help us turn it into real results... as long as we are willing to work for it. God can change our hearts for us, if we ask (Alma 5:7, Mosiah 5:2).
Today, let's be serious about our desire to turn to God and not put it off any longer. Let's stop saying we're going to change, and actually start doing it. The first step (as with everything) is to pray. Pray through the whole process. We can tell God what is holding us back, but that we want to move forward. We can ask for his help, and talk through all the reasons we need to change, how we want to feel more hope and happiness, and ask God to bless us with those things as we change. If we're sincere... if we truly want to turn back to God, he will help us mightily, and walk with us through the process. It still won't be fun, because tearing part of ourselves and letting God remake us is painful... but in the end if we can let go of the darkness and be filled with more and more light, totally worth it. Let's get started, and stay the course.
Monday, January 17, 2022
D&C 54:10 -- On Patience in Tribulation
"And again, be patient in tribulation until I come; and, behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, and they who have sought me early shall find rest to their souls. Even so. Amen."
Doctrine and Covenants 54:10
This is a tough one. I'm not sure that any of us appreciate being told to be patient when we are in the midst of tribulation, but God asks it with the promise that things are going to be okay in the end, as well as being willing to strengthen and support us during our trials... he's not just asking us to suffer with a smile, but rather to look forward to better days ahead, and to have faith in God's salvation. "Quickly" to God doesn't always fit our definition of speed. We tend to want everything to change right NOW. Some things in our lives might not change the way we want them to, because God is adding new things to our lives. Often challenges turn out to be blessings in the long run becuase of how they change our lives and help us find new people and new paths. If we can find patience and focus on the good things in our lives rather than on our tribulations, that's one thing that will help, as well as just turning to God and being humble.
Today, Let's stick with God even in the challenging times, and remember that He can help us "bear our burdens with ease" and "submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord" (Mosiah 24:15), if we have faith and look to him in our troubles. He can help us see the good, and lead us to peace and rest.
Doctrine and Covenants 54:10
This is a tough one. I'm not sure that any of us appreciate being told to be patient when we are in the midst of tribulation, but God asks it with the promise that things are going to be okay in the end, as well as being willing to strengthen and support us during our trials... he's not just asking us to suffer with a smile, but rather to look forward to better days ahead, and to have faith in God's salvation. "Quickly" to God doesn't always fit our definition of speed. We tend to want everything to change right NOW. Some things in our lives might not change the way we want them to, because God is adding new things to our lives. Often challenges turn out to be blessings in the long run becuase of how they change our lives and help us find new people and new paths. If we can find patience and focus on the good things in our lives rather than on our tribulations, that's one thing that will help, as well as just turning to God and being humble.
Today, Let's stick with God even in the challenging times, and remember that He can help us "bear our burdens with ease" and "submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord" (Mosiah 24:15), if we have faith and look to him in our troubles. He can help us see the good, and lead us to peace and rest.
Sunday, January 16, 2022
John 20:29-31 -- On Signs and Faith
"Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:
But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name."
John 20:29-31
This is interesting concerning signs. The story of Thomas ends, where Christ did show him a sign, proving to him that he was alive, and Thomas believed even though he had refused to at the testimony of his fellow apostles. Christ mentions how important faith is, and then John ends with a message to the reader that there were many signs, and he is sharing some of them with us so that we will believe. The message seems clear: Accept the witness and seek Christ and the life that he offers. Don't require additional signs.
Alma 32 addresses this subject as well, explaining that many people seek signs, that sure knowledge carries heavy responsibilities, and that faith isn't about having a perfect knowledge (Alma 32:17-21). We're also reminded of several people in the Book of Mormon who asked for signs, and got them, but not ones that they enjoyed. For instance, Sherem was smitten as a sign (Jacob 7:13-15), and Korihor was struck dumb (Alma 30:49-51). Christ basically tells us that he *was* a sign in Luke 11:29, mentioning that he is like the sign of Jonas/Jonah to the city Ninevah. That city accepted the word of the prophet and repented in sackcloth and ashes, and the Lord turned his anger away... suggesting that we, too, should listen when the prophets speak to us, and trust the word of Christ as it is delivered.
It's natural, perhaps, to want proof, but there *is* proof all around us. How much do we need to start our journey with God? Today, let's trust our spiritual sides rather than our "natural" sides, and work on accepting the signs we have already been given. Let's start building a relationship with God, which if we begin, will carry reassurance with it as we communicate with Him through prayer. If we want more signs, let's read the scriptures which are full of them, and trust John and all the rest of the prophets. Before we go demanding our own proof, let's test what we have already, and get on our knees and ask God personally if he is there. That's exercising faith... acting on imperfect knowledge and trusting it enough to try to talk to God directly. Moroni promises us that if we try sincerely, we'll be able to know the truth (Moroni 10:3-5).
And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:
But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name."
John 20:29-31
This is interesting concerning signs. The story of Thomas ends, where Christ did show him a sign, proving to him that he was alive, and Thomas believed even though he had refused to at the testimony of his fellow apostles. Christ mentions how important faith is, and then John ends with a message to the reader that there were many signs, and he is sharing some of them with us so that we will believe. The message seems clear: Accept the witness and seek Christ and the life that he offers. Don't require additional signs.
Alma 32 addresses this subject as well, explaining that many people seek signs, that sure knowledge carries heavy responsibilities, and that faith isn't about having a perfect knowledge (Alma 32:17-21). We're also reminded of several people in the Book of Mormon who asked for signs, and got them, but not ones that they enjoyed. For instance, Sherem was smitten as a sign (Jacob 7:13-15), and Korihor was struck dumb (Alma 30:49-51). Christ basically tells us that he *was* a sign in Luke 11:29, mentioning that he is like the sign of Jonas/Jonah to the city Ninevah. That city accepted the word of the prophet and repented in sackcloth and ashes, and the Lord turned his anger away... suggesting that we, too, should listen when the prophets speak to us, and trust the word of Christ as it is delivered.
It's natural, perhaps, to want proof, but there *is* proof all around us. How much do we need to start our journey with God? Today, let's trust our spiritual sides rather than our "natural" sides, and work on accepting the signs we have already been given. Let's start building a relationship with God, which if we begin, will carry reassurance with it as we communicate with Him through prayer. If we want more signs, let's read the scriptures which are full of them, and trust John and all the rest of the prophets. Before we go demanding our own proof, let's test what we have already, and get on our knees and ask God personally if he is there. That's exercising faith... acting on imperfect knowledge and trusting it enough to try to talk to God directly. Moroni promises us that if we try sincerely, we'll be able to know the truth (Moroni 10:3-5).
Saturday, January 15, 2022
Matthew 6:14-15 -- On Forgiveness and Perspective
"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
Matthew 6:14-15
A good basic reminder about how restoration works... God restores to us whatever we give out, which is how the whole "unto one of the least of these" verses work (Matthew 25:40, 45). As we forgive, love, help, support, and bless other people's lives, we'll see those things in our lives, and if we refrain from those things, then we will see less of them in our lives as well... like the parable of the talents. If we don't do anything with what we have, we'll end up with nothing, but if we do something with it, then we multiply what we have. Not in a casino way, where someone always loses, but in a God way, where as many as want to can "win." Abundance follows generosity, both materially and spiritually. As we give, we learn to be different people, better ones by the things that we do, and perhaps even in the ways that we think, as we think generously about other people rather than thinking about how much they annoy us or other negative things.
Obviously none of this is easy, but God made the rules this way so that we would try. He gives us the basic rule which we usually call the golden rule, or "do unto others" (Matthew 7:12, 3 Nephi 14:12) because we're all tied together and part of each other as a heavenly family. If we want goodness and blessings, then all we have to do is start giving those things out. But if we're trapped in negativity and bitterness, then we're likely to see reflections of our own attitudes in the world around us. And that includes forgiveness... if we forgive others and let go of past harm they have done to us, then we will find it a lot easier to let go of the past harm that we ourselves have done to others, and the more God can teach us to be healers rather than harmers. This doesn't mean that if we were mugged that we should load up on the cash and walk that way again, or repeatedly place ourselves into danger in other ways, only that we work on letting go of hatred in our lives, because hatred given out will also return to us.
Today, let's work on forgiving and loving and giving of ourselves in service and kindness to others, and as we do, let's change our focus and look for those things in the world rather than looking for the negative. As we focus on the good in our actions and in our thoughts, we'll see more of it in the world and in our own lives, for God is faithful, and will bless us as we bless others.
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
Matthew 6:14-15
A good basic reminder about how restoration works... God restores to us whatever we give out, which is how the whole "unto one of the least of these" verses work (Matthew 25:40, 45). As we forgive, love, help, support, and bless other people's lives, we'll see those things in our lives, and if we refrain from those things, then we will see less of them in our lives as well... like the parable of the talents. If we don't do anything with what we have, we'll end up with nothing, but if we do something with it, then we multiply what we have. Not in a casino way, where someone always loses, but in a God way, where as many as want to can "win." Abundance follows generosity, both materially and spiritually. As we give, we learn to be different people, better ones by the things that we do, and perhaps even in the ways that we think, as we think generously about other people rather than thinking about how much they annoy us or other negative things.
Obviously none of this is easy, but God made the rules this way so that we would try. He gives us the basic rule which we usually call the golden rule, or "do unto others" (Matthew 7:12, 3 Nephi 14:12) because we're all tied together and part of each other as a heavenly family. If we want goodness and blessings, then all we have to do is start giving those things out. But if we're trapped in negativity and bitterness, then we're likely to see reflections of our own attitudes in the world around us. And that includes forgiveness... if we forgive others and let go of past harm they have done to us, then we will find it a lot easier to let go of the past harm that we ourselves have done to others, and the more God can teach us to be healers rather than harmers. This doesn't mean that if we were mugged that we should load up on the cash and walk that way again, or repeatedly place ourselves into danger in other ways, only that we work on letting go of hatred in our lives, because hatred given out will also return to us.
Today, let's work on forgiving and loving and giving of ourselves in service and kindness to others, and as we do, let's change our focus and look for those things in the world rather than looking for the negative. As we focus on the good in our actions and in our thoughts, we'll see more of it in the world and in our own lives, for God is faithful, and will bless us as we bless others.
Friday, January 14, 2022
Isaiah 66:13-16 -- On Comforting and Pleading at the Second Coming
"As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem.
And when ye see this, your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like an herb: and the hand of the Lord shall be known toward his servants, and his indignation toward his enemies.
For, behold, the Lord will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire.
For by fire and by his sword will the Lord plead with all flesh: and the slain of the Lord shall be many."
Isaiah 66:13-16
These verses are talking about the Second Coming, and contain an interesting contrast between the comforting of a mother (earlier verses have the analogy of breastfeeding), and the pleading of a sword, which can obviously be very persuasive, but is likely not our first choice when someone is trying to convince us of something.
Perhaps these two things don't normally make a lot of sense together, but because it is the Second Coming, I think that they make sense as part of a whole. Similar to what we see in 3 Nephi, there is going to be a lot of destruction before the Second Coming... finally the time will come to divide the wheat and tares (Matthew 13:30), to burn the branches that don't bring forth good fruit (Jacob 5:66) and to fulfil the promise of a better world--one where good can thrive without fearing evil. In this way, the Lord will comfort his people, but the destruction of the tares and the bad fruit will also be the impetus perhaps some of us need to see that the Lord is real, and to begin a relationship with him. Both milk and sword will have the potential to change us, depending on what we need at the time.
As strong as the message of the sword is, God will still never force us to turn to him. That's not the point of it. God doesn't change our minds for us, though he could. Rather, He says either be part of this good society or you need to leave, and it is a necessary change at this point for the growth of the society. It can't progress to a higher good while still allowing so much evil. The good society will happen... it is just up to us whether we are going to be a part of it. Leaving in this case does mean death, but it isn't a permanent death, and whatever our choice we will still be raised at the last day and enter into an immortal state, which is where the true, permanent dividing will happen, and then we will be placed with others like ourselves. As long as that doesn't scare us, then we'll be golden. :)
Today, let's look forward to the Second Coming of the Lord, and maybe try to be one of the servants helping to make the world better rather than one of the enemies who is making it worse.
And when ye see this, your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like an herb: and the hand of the Lord shall be known toward his servants, and his indignation toward his enemies.
For, behold, the Lord will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire.
For by fire and by his sword will the Lord plead with all flesh: and the slain of the Lord shall be many."
Isaiah 66:13-16
These verses are talking about the Second Coming, and contain an interesting contrast between the comforting of a mother (earlier verses have the analogy of breastfeeding), and the pleading of a sword, which can obviously be very persuasive, but is likely not our first choice when someone is trying to convince us of something.
Perhaps these two things don't normally make a lot of sense together, but because it is the Second Coming, I think that they make sense as part of a whole. Similar to what we see in 3 Nephi, there is going to be a lot of destruction before the Second Coming... finally the time will come to divide the wheat and tares (Matthew 13:30), to burn the branches that don't bring forth good fruit (Jacob 5:66) and to fulfil the promise of a better world--one where good can thrive without fearing evil. In this way, the Lord will comfort his people, but the destruction of the tares and the bad fruit will also be the impetus perhaps some of us need to see that the Lord is real, and to begin a relationship with him. Both milk and sword will have the potential to change us, depending on what we need at the time.
As strong as the message of the sword is, God will still never force us to turn to him. That's not the point of it. God doesn't change our minds for us, though he could. Rather, He says either be part of this good society or you need to leave, and it is a necessary change at this point for the growth of the society. It can't progress to a higher good while still allowing so much evil. The good society will happen... it is just up to us whether we are going to be a part of it. Leaving in this case does mean death, but it isn't a permanent death, and whatever our choice we will still be raised at the last day and enter into an immortal state, which is where the true, permanent dividing will happen, and then we will be placed with others like ourselves. As long as that doesn't scare us, then we'll be golden. :)
Today, let's look forward to the Second Coming of the Lord, and maybe try to be one of the servants helping to make the world better rather than one of the enemies who is making it worse.
Thursday, January 13, 2022
Doctrine and Covenants 29:39 -- On Bitter and Sweet
"And it must needs be that the devil should tempt the children of men, or they could not be agents unto themselves; for if they never should have bitter they could not know the sweet--"
Doctrine and Covenants 29:39
This is an interesting idea, I think, because it makes you think about how we choose and learn, and why. The taste thing is an interesting analogy... how could we describe a taste, or even really understand it, if we've never had it? And a world without evil, which must describe where God dwells and where we dwelt before this life, does sound like one where we would have been sheltered from all bitterness. So, this life introduces us to a lot of bad things, but like Adam and Eve, it also takes us out of that state of innocence and gives us the potential and the motivation to be more... to grow up and become for ourselves, outside of that protected environment. And then, ever after, it will help us know how good we have it, because none of the evil and corruption that we see in this life will be there anymore.
That's why this brief life in our eternal existence is so important... because this is the time that we have to make real choices in an environment where we are pulled both ways and face real consequences. It's not just chocolate or vanilla choices, but heavier choices that dictate who we become, and who we want to be away from that protected environment. It's like our coming of age ceremony in a way... this is how children of God grow up. We have to leave perfection and experience imperfection. The imperfection of this life is hard on us sometimes. It is necessary though in order to teach us and help us understand, and later appreciate, the difference between perfection and imperfection and to understand who we are. The happy ending is still there... God will call us home and return us to perfection if that is where we want to be. But he also is going to allow us to choose otherwise, if we want to be somewhere else, our choices now are going to be respected.
Today, maybe that's something to think about. Do we like this life the way it is, or do we crave something better? Bitter or sweet? God has something better for us, if we want it--if we choose to work for it--he can help us get back to perfection, with him. :)
Doctrine and Covenants 29:39
This is an interesting idea, I think, because it makes you think about how we choose and learn, and why. The taste thing is an interesting analogy... how could we describe a taste, or even really understand it, if we've never had it? And a world without evil, which must describe where God dwells and where we dwelt before this life, does sound like one where we would have been sheltered from all bitterness. So, this life introduces us to a lot of bad things, but like Adam and Eve, it also takes us out of that state of innocence and gives us the potential and the motivation to be more... to grow up and become for ourselves, outside of that protected environment. And then, ever after, it will help us know how good we have it, because none of the evil and corruption that we see in this life will be there anymore.
That's why this brief life in our eternal existence is so important... because this is the time that we have to make real choices in an environment where we are pulled both ways and face real consequences. It's not just chocolate or vanilla choices, but heavier choices that dictate who we become, and who we want to be away from that protected environment. It's like our coming of age ceremony in a way... this is how children of God grow up. We have to leave perfection and experience imperfection. The imperfection of this life is hard on us sometimes. It is necessary though in order to teach us and help us understand, and later appreciate, the difference between perfection and imperfection and to understand who we are. The happy ending is still there... God will call us home and return us to perfection if that is where we want to be. But he also is going to allow us to choose otherwise, if we want to be somewhere else, our choices now are going to be respected.
Today, maybe that's something to think about. Do we like this life the way it is, or do we crave something better? Bitter or sweet? God has something better for us, if we want it--if we choose to work for it--he can help us get back to perfection, with him. :)
Wednesday, January 12, 2022
Joshua 2:9-13 -- On Fear of the Lord
"And she said unto the men, I know that the Lord hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.
For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed.
And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the Lord your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.
Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the Lord, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father’s house, and give me a true token:
And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death."
Joshua 2:9-13
This is part of the story of Rahab, who hid the spies from Israel when they lodged in her house. What is interesting to me here is that her people were scared because they recognized God's power... and Rahab specifically respected/feared God enough to do His will before the will of her own people and government. Being scared that you will die is probably not the best conversion beginning, but it also isn't that different from why Abraham initially followed God... he wanted a God with power, that could save him, and the relationship built from there. I'm glad her story is in here, and that her family was spared, because that way maybe they all had a chance to change their lives for the better, starting with that initial respect of power.
I don't think it so much matters how we begin with God... we can start by recognizing his power, reading his word, attempting to follow his laws, attending his church, or just wanting to understand him better. Any of these and more... whatever it takes for us to listen just a little bit, God will take it. It's what happens after that matters... how we build that relationship and learn from him, and get to know the spirit. As Psalms 11:10 says, "fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" ... not all of it, but a start. :)
Today, let's start wherever we are with God, even if it isn't ideal, and let's build that connection. God will teach us each individually so that we understand in a way that makes sense to us, about his plan and his work. Let's have respect for Rahab putting God first in her life, and work to do the same... and as we do, we will feel his love and grow in his grace, and hopefully understand on a higher level, and thus up our dedication and motivation game. :)
For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed.
And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the Lord your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.
Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the Lord, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father’s house, and give me a true token:
And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death."
Joshua 2:9-13
This is part of the story of Rahab, who hid the spies from Israel when they lodged in her house. What is interesting to me here is that her people were scared because they recognized God's power... and Rahab specifically respected/feared God enough to do His will before the will of her own people and government. Being scared that you will die is probably not the best conversion beginning, but it also isn't that different from why Abraham initially followed God... he wanted a God with power, that could save him, and the relationship built from there. I'm glad her story is in here, and that her family was spared, because that way maybe they all had a chance to change their lives for the better, starting with that initial respect of power.
I don't think it so much matters how we begin with God... we can start by recognizing his power, reading his word, attempting to follow his laws, attending his church, or just wanting to understand him better. Any of these and more... whatever it takes for us to listen just a little bit, God will take it. It's what happens after that matters... how we build that relationship and learn from him, and get to know the spirit. As Psalms 11:10 says, "fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" ... not all of it, but a start. :)
Today, let's start wherever we are with God, even if it isn't ideal, and let's build that connection. God will teach us each individually so that we understand in a way that makes sense to us, about his plan and his work. Let's have respect for Rahab putting God first in her life, and work to do the same... and as we do, we will feel his love and grow in his grace, and hopefully understand on a higher level, and thus up our dedication and motivation game. :)
Tuesday, January 11, 2022
Isaiah 41:17-18 -- On Water in the Desert
"When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.
I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water."
Isaiah 41:17-18
I like the message here that the Lord will provide for the poor and needy, which includes all of us to some extent or at some time in our lives, but also as I was thinking about this today I felt like it could also be deeper than even spiritul and physical water. Perhaps it also symbolizes other things we thirst for in life. God is the cool water to our parched throats as we search for meaning in the universe, as we wonder if we matter, as we try to find a way to make a difference for good...
God's message to all of us is that we don't have to worry about the drought that we see around us, but that with his help, we can lie down in green pastures and have our souls restored (Psalms 23:2-3). Further, that he will help us wherever we go... the high places and the valleys. We can't go somewhere he can't reach to help, and when there is no water, or meaning, or reason, or whatever else it is that we can't find that is good in the world, God will help us to find it, even if it seems impossible to us. Like a spring in the desert, God will provide.
Today, let's remember that we don't have to feel trapped by what seems like the current reality, because God can always still help us... we can reach for more, and create a better future than we can see for ourselves now, with his help. I'm of course not saying we don't have to, you know, be adult and responsible. :) Only that we need not despair of finding hope and peace and love and meaning. It is all out there, even if all of those things seem out of reach to us right now. Let's trust God and work with him to find the water we need.
I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water."
Isaiah 41:17-18
I like the message here that the Lord will provide for the poor and needy, which includes all of us to some extent or at some time in our lives, but also as I was thinking about this today I felt like it could also be deeper than even spiritul and physical water. Perhaps it also symbolizes other things we thirst for in life. God is the cool water to our parched throats as we search for meaning in the universe, as we wonder if we matter, as we try to find a way to make a difference for good...
God's message to all of us is that we don't have to worry about the drought that we see around us, but that with his help, we can lie down in green pastures and have our souls restored (Psalms 23:2-3). Further, that he will help us wherever we go... the high places and the valleys. We can't go somewhere he can't reach to help, and when there is no water, or meaning, or reason, or whatever else it is that we can't find that is good in the world, God will help us to find it, even if it seems impossible to us. Like a spring in the desert, God will provide.
Today, let's remember that we don't have to feel trapped by what seems like the current reality, because God can always still help us... we can reach for more, and create a better future than we can see for ourselves now, with his help. I'm of course not saying we don't have to, you know, be adult and responsible. :) Only that we need not despair of finding hope and peace and love and meaning. It is all out there, even if all of those things seem out of reach to us right now. Let's trust God and work with him to find the water we need.
Monday, January 10, 2022
Jonah 3:9-10 -- On Repentance
"Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not?
And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not."
Jonah 3:9-10
This is part of the story of Jonah... he got into the trouble with the fish/whale because he didn't want to come to preach to Ninevah, and this is after, when he repented and came. And in verse 5 it says "the people of Ninevah believed God" (through the preaching of Jonah), and in this selection we can see that they did in fact repent. That's pretty miraculous, actually. We have many examples in the scriptures of the people not listening, but in this case they did, and so God repented (turned away) his anger.
Now, we could get into the whole thing about why God sends prophets/warnings when he knows what is going to happen ahead of time, but I think in this case it is pretty clear... the city needed the warning in order to change, and Jonah probably also needed to learn something here. To me though, I like the clear message that God's warnings are not empty. If he warns us, there is every reason to believe that we can still be saved. We just have to get serious and repent as the people of Ninevah did, turning from our evil ways.
Today, let's remember that God's admonitions aren't just empty... they are meant to wake us up and motivate us to do better, and find our way back to God. Let's take God's warnings to heart and change our ways, so that we too can be saved as Ninevah was.
And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not."
Jonah 3:9-10
This is part of the story of Jonah... he got into the trouble with the fish/whale because he didn't want to come to preach to Ninevah, and this is after, when he repented and came. And in verse 5 it says "the people of Ninevah believed God" (through the preaching of Jonah), and in this selection we can see that they did in fact repent. That's pretty miraculous, actually. We have many examples in the scriptures of the people not listening, but in this case they did, and so God repented (turned away) his anger.
Now, we could get into the whole thing about why God sends prophets/warnings when he knows what is going to happen ahead of time, but I think in this case it is pretty clear... the city needed the warning in order to change, and Jonah probably also needed to learn something here. To me though, I like the clear message that God's warnings are not empty. If he warns us, there is every reason to believe that we can still be saved. We just have to get serious and repent as the people of Ninevah did, turning from our evil ways.
Today, let's remember that God's admonitions aren't just empty... they are meant to wake us up and motivate us to do better, and find our way back to God. Let's take God's warnings to heart and change our ways, so that we too can be saved as Ninevah was.
Sunday, January 9, 2022
Psalms 34:4 -- On Being Delivered from Fear
"I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears."
Psalms 34:4
I love this. I don't think that our fears are always reasonable or justified, but the Lord can deliver us from fear anyway... reasonable or otherwise. He can help us face all of our problems, whatever the source, because he truly cares for us and wants up to be happy. We just need to take the first step, and pray to him for help. That isn't the only step of course, but it is that easy to begin, and with God helping us, later steps become easier.
Today, let's turn to God with our fears and troubles, even if we know they are self-inflicted, psychological, or exaggerated. God will work with us and help us through our trials as we talk with him and learn to trust him enough to follow his instructions on how to have a better life.
Psalms 34:4
I love this. I don't think that our fears are always reasonable or justified, but the Lord can deliver us from fear anyway... reasonable or otherwise. He can help us face all of our problems, whatever the source, because he truly cares for us and wants up to be happy. We just need to take the first step, and pray to him for help. That isn't the only step of course, but it is that easy to begin, and with God helping us, later steps become easier.
Today, let's turn to God with our fears and troubles, even if we know they are self-inflicted, psychological, or exaggerated. God will work with us and help us through our trials as we talk with him and learn to trust him enough to follow his instructions on how to have a better life.
Saturday, January 8, 2022
Leviticus 19:17-18 -- On Love and Law
"Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.
Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord."
Leviticus 19:17-18
Sometimes the God of the Old Testament seems like a different person than the God of the New Testament, the former harsher and the latter more lenient. I think part of that could be the interpretation, part of it likely is what level of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs the people were on, but I also think that when we have that feeling, we are also failing to see the whole picture of who God is and what he is trying to accomplish, allowing mercy but never robbing justice. He isn't different beings--separate Gods of the Old and New Testaments (or of the Book of Mormon), but rather the same God with his singular mission... "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (Moses 1:39).
These verses are one glimpse into the sameness of our God. He's been trying for centuries to help us and teach us, and sometimes harshness is required when the consequences would otherwise be tragic (remember Nephi and Laban for instance), but His message at the core of all of it remains a message of joy and hope and true, unselfish love, and if we learn that, then the time for harshness will disappear. :) Today, let's work on living that higher law that God asks us to live--loving our neighbors and letting go of hate--without forgetting the other side, that God is serious when he gives us laws, and there really are eternal consequences for our actions. :)
Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord."
Leviticus 19:17-18
Sometimes the God of the Old Testament seems like a different person than the God of the New Testament, the former harsher and the latter more lenient. I think part of that could be the interpretation, part of it likely is what level of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs the people were on, but I also think that when we have that feeling, we are also failing to see the whole picture of who God is and what he is trying to accomplish, allowing mercy but never robbing justice. He isn't different beings--separate Gods of the Old and New Testaments (or of the Book of Mormon), but rather the same God with his singular mission... "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (Moses 1:39).
These verses are one glimpse into the sameness of our God. He's been trying for centuries to help us and teach us, and sometimes harshness is required when the consequences would otherwise be tragic (remember Nephi and Laban for instance), but His message at the core of all of it remains a message of joy and hope and true, unselfish love, and if we learn that, then the time for harshness will disappear. :) Today, let's work on living that higher law that God asks us to live--loving our neighbors and letting go of hate--without forgetting the other side, that God is serious when he gives us laws, and there really are eternal consequences for our actions. :)
Friday, January 7, 2022
Revelation 4:1 -- On Seeking Answers
"After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter."
Revelation 4:1
Revelation is an interesting read because there is so much symbolism in here, and in some places it seems like the observer (John) isn't really understanding what he is seeing. We know that God offers interpretations for what he shows us, if we seek them, so I am guessing that it is presented this way for a reason... perhaps to obscure the truth from those who would seek to destroy the text, maybe because no one is supposed to know ahead of time, or perhaps just because God wants us to take it seriously, and figuring it out for ourselves helps us to do that.
Today, as we are learning from the prophets of old, let's do as Nephi did when talking to the Lord about his father's vision. Let's inquire for ourselves (1 Nephi 11:1, 1 Nephi 15:8). God might not always grant us the same vision that the prophets saw, but according to his own timing and on his own schedule, he will reveal to us the things that we sincerely desire to know... I mean, getting us to learn things is part of the whole plan. :) Let's be patient and faithful and seek to learn through study and also faith (D&C 88:118). As we do, the Lord will grant us insights and knowledge, until our questions are answered. :)
Revelation 4:1
Revelation is an interesting read because there is so much symbolism in here, and in some places it seems like the observer (John) isn't really understanding what he is seeing. We know that God offers interpretations for what he shows us, if we seek them, so I am guessing that it is presented this way for a reason... perhaps to obscure the truth from those who would seek to destroy the text, maybe because no one is supposed to know ahead of time, or perhaps just because God wants us to take it seriously, and figuring it out for ourselves helps us to do that.
Today, as we are learning from the prophets of old, let's do as Nephi did when talking to the Lord about his father's vision. Let's inquire for ourselves (1 Nephi 11:1, 1 Nephi 15:8). God might not always grant us the same vision that the prophets saw, but according to his own timing and on his own schedule, he will reveal to us the things that we sincerely desire to know... I mean, getting us to learn things is part of the whole plan. :) Let's be patient and faithful and seek to learn through study and also faith (D&C 88:118). As we do, the Lord will grant us insights and knowledge, until our questions are answered. :)
Thursday, January 6, 2022
Luke 9:2 -- On Hope and Healing
"And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick."
Luke 9:2
I like these two things together... service to others, and spreading the word of God. I think they really go together, because service is what God is about, and knowing how he can help us is often what gets us to listen to him in the first place. :) I know that many people despise proselyting. I mean, I was a missionary myself and I sort of despised it while I was doing it in a way... I could understand the desire people had to get us to move on, go away, stop bothering them, or whatever. On the other hand though, we weren't there for them... we were there for God, and every now and then we would meet the souls that God had prepared to hear the word... and they wanted us there, and they were thirsty for His word. It can certainly be awkward, and funny, and hard, but there are people out there that desperately need it... need God, and need healing. The method doesn't have to be uncomfortable. :) Often people are more touched by service than they are by the door-to-door approach anyway. We just reserved it for when we didn't have a better one.
I think something that we can all do to be missionaries, without any of the awkward parts, is to serve others... to be out there, setting an example and loving other people, and showing that love through service. As we do that, God will put people in our lives who are going to want to know what we are about, and why we do what we do, and he will work through us to touch people's lives. We just have to be actually doing something to give him the chance. He'll work with whatever he has... kids riding bikes down the road in white shirts and ties to knock on our doors, or someone in the perfect position to help us when we are desperately in need of support. Today, let's be God's hands by reaching out to serve others, and his voice as we are "ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you" (1 Peter 3:15). Spreading the gospel is about love, and service, and not being ashamed of God's hand in our lives... of being willing to open our mouths when God prompts us to share our joy with others. Let's find a way to do his will in serving others and sharing his message of hope and healing.
Luke 9:2
I like these two things together... service to others, and spreading the word of God. I think they really go together, because service is what God is about, and knowing how he can help us is often what gets us to listen to him in the first place. :) I know that many people despise proselyting. I mean, I was a missionary myself and I sort of despised it while I was doing it in a way... I could understand the desire people had to get us to move on, go away, stop bothering them, or whatever. On the other hand though, we weren't there for them... we were there for God, and every now and then we would meet the souls that God had prepared to hear the word... and they wanted us there, and they were thirsty for His word. It can certainly be awkward, and funny, and hard, but there are people out there that desperately need it... need God, and need healing. The method doesn't have to be uncomfortable. :) Often people are more touched by service than they are by the door-to-door approach anyway. We just reserved it for when we didn't have a better one.
I think something that we can all do to be missionaries, without any of the awkward parts, is to serve others... to be out there, setting an example and loving other people, and showing that love through service. As we do that, God will put people in our lives who are going to want to know what we are about, and why we do what we do, and he will work through us to touch people's lives. We just have to be actually doing something to give him the chance. He'll work with whatever he has... kids riding bikes down the road in white shirts and ties to knock on our doors, or someone in the perfect position to help us when we are desperately in need of support. Today, let's be God's hands by reaching out to serve others, and his voice as we are "ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you" (1 Peter 3:15). Spreading the gospel is about love, and service, and not being ashamed of God's hand in our lives... of being willing to open our mouths when God prompts us to share our joy with others. Let's find a way to do his will in serving others and sharing his message of hope and healing.
Wednesday, January 5, 2022
Isaiah 29:15-16 -- On Hiding from God
"Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the Lord, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?
Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter’s clay: for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding?"
Isaiah 29:15-16
I like the analogy here of us criticizing our maker... it makes the idea seem ridiculous, which is what it truly is. We don't have the knowledge or the understanding to critique God's work... and the only way we can get that information is by working with God himself as our master teacher. It's crazy for us to think that we can give him advice about his creations when he can see so much more clearly than we can.
Today, let's remember that there are things about God and his work that are currently out of our reach... not because God doesn't want us to understand, but because we just aren't capable of it yet. We need to learn and grow and gain a wider perspective. Let's not try to fool God or hide things from him, and let's think hard about learning from God rather than uselessly fighting him.
Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter’s clay: for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding?"
Isaiah 29:15-16
I like the analogy here of us criticizing our maker... it makes the idea seem ridiculous, which is what it truly is. We don't have the knowledge or the understanding to critique God's work... and the only way we can get that information is by working with God himself as our master teacher. It's crazy for us to think that we can give him advice about his creations when he can see so much more clearly than we can.
Today, let's remember that there are things about God and his work that are currently out of our reach... not because God doesn't want us to understand, but because we just aren't capable of it yet. We need to learn and grow and gain a wider perspective. Let's not try to fool God or hide things from him, and let's think hard about learning from God rather than uselessly fighting him.
Tuesday, January 4, 2022
Helaman 5:12 -- On Surviving Storms
"And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall."
Helaman 5:12
There are some good things here that seem worth pondering... one is that if we build on God's foundation, that Satan can't have power to drag us into misery. I like that idea both of being able to withstand his power... and the fact that the specific protection that God offers us is *happiness* despite Satan's storms... because enduring isn't enough. God wants us to live. :)
I also love the idea in the last verse, saying that if we lay the right kind of foundation, in Christ, that we "cannot" fall. That's pretty confident wording, and I like the idea of feeling that confident in the Lord that we don't have to worry.
Today, let's work on establishing our foundation in the Lord, so that when the storms come we can not only survive, but even smile in the midst of the wind and hail... because we trust God and know that he will always be the strength that we don't have.
Helaman 5:12
There are some good things here that seem worth pondering... one is that if we build on God's foundation, that Satan can't have power to drag us into misery. I like that idea both of being able to withstand his power... and the fact that the specific protection that God offers us is *happiness* despite Satan's storms... because enduring isn't enough. God wants us to live. :)
I also love the idea in the last verse, saying that if we lay the right kind of foundation, in Christ, that we "cannot" fall. That's pretty confident wording, and I like the idea of feeling that confident in the Lord that we don't have to worry.
Today, let's work on establishing our foundation in the Lord, so that when the storms come we can not only survive, but even smile in the midst of the wind and hail... because we trust God and know that he will always be the strength that we don't have.
Monday, January 3, 2022
Alma 31:15-17 -- On A Bad Example of Prayer
"Holy, holy God; we believe that thou art God, and we believe that thou art holy, and that thou wast a spirit, and that thou art a spirit, and that thou wilt be a spirit forever.
Holy God, we believe that thou hast separated us from our brethren; and we do not believe in the tradition of our brethren, which was handed down to them by the childishness of their fathers; but we believe that thou hast elected us to be thy holy children; and also thou hast made it known unto us that there shall be no Christ.
But thou art the same yesterday, today, and forever; and thou hast elected us that we shall be saved, whilst all around us are elected to be cast by thy wrath down to hell; for the which holiness, O God, we thank thee; and we also thank thee that thou hast elected us, that we may not be led away after the foolish traditions of our brethren, which doth bind them down to a belief of Christ, which doth lead their hearts to wander far from thee, our God."
Alma 31:15-17
Let's be clear right off... this is definitely not a good prayer, or one that we should be saying. :) This is the prayer that an apostate group was saying... everyone repeating the same thing, word-for-word, from the Rameumptom (a high place which would only admit one person at a time). They also obviously were denying Christ... so, it is a *bad* example... but maybe in looking at a bad example, we can learn some things about why it is bad, and what to avoid.
The first thing that strikes me about the whole thing is that it is pretty empty. It doesn't have a lot of meaning to it other than praying to counter what other people believe... so that is probably a good place to start. If we're grateful to God for hating some other group and picking us over them, then we're probably off the mark... also if we're praying negatively about something someone else believes rather than positively about what we believe, could be another sign that we should rethink our position.
The most glaring thing to me (other than denying Christ) is the lack of personalization. Repetition can be good for some things, like when we are learning to pray, and in ordinances, which need to be done the same for each person. In general though, repeating the same thing everytime can get us into a rut where we end up not actually meaning what we are saying, but just repeating it. As we talk to God in sincerity, we learn more and grow closer to him, so limiting our personal prayers to a pre-set script like that seems not only dangerous as far as sincerity, but also unnecessarily limiting in terms of having new topics available for discussion. :) Conversations with God should be about what is in our hearts, which might not always be covered in any pre-set script.
Today, let's try to get away of some of the bad habits illustrated in this example of a poor prayer, and work on our sincerity and true communication with the Lord instead. :)
Holy God, we believe that thou hast separated us from our brethren; and we do not believe in the tradition of our brethren, which was handed down to them by the childishness of their fathers; but we believe that thou hast elected us to be thy holy children; and also thou hast made it known unto us that there shall be no Christ.
But thou art the same yesterday, today, and forever; and thou hast elected us that we shall be saved, whilst all around us are elected to be cast by thy wrath down to hell; for the which holiness, O God, we thank thee; and we also thank thee that thou hast elected us, that we may not be led away after the foolish traditions of our brethren, which doth bind them down to a belief of Christ, which doth lead their hearts to wander far from thee, our God."
Alma 31:15-17
Let's be clear right off... this is definitely not a good prayer, or one that we should be saying. :) This is the prayer that an apostate group was saying... everyone repeating the same thing, word-for-word, from the Rameumptom (a high place which would only admit one person at a time). They also obviously were denying Christ... so, it is a *bad* example... but maybe in looking at a bad example, we can learn some things about why it is bad, and what to avoid.
The first thing that strikes me about the whole thing is that it is pretty empty. It doesn't have a lot of meaning to it other than praying to counter what other people believe... so that is probably a good place to start. If we're grateful to God for hating some other group and picking us over them, then we're probably off the mark... also if we're praying negatively about something someone else believes rather than positively about what we believe, could be another sign that we should rethink our position.
The most glaring thing to me (other than denying Christ) is the lack of personalization. Repetition can be good for some things, like when we are learning to pray, and in ordinances, which need to be done the same for each person. In general though, repeating the same thing everytime can get us into a rut where we end up not actually meaning what we are saying, but just repeating it. As we talk to God in sincerity, we learn more and grow closer to him, so limiting our personal prayers to a pre-set script like that seems not only dangerous as far as sincerity, but also unnecessarily limiting in terms of having new topics available for discussion. :) Conversations with God should be about what is in our hearts, which might not always be covered in any pre-set script.
Today, let's try to get away of some of the bad habits illustrated in this example of a poor prayer, and work on our sincerity and true communication with the Lord instead. :)
Sunday, January 2, 2022
Alma 11:41 -- On Different Kinds of Redemption
"Therefore the wicked remain as though there had been no redemption made, except it be the loosing of the bands of death; for behold, the day cometh that all shall rise from the dead and stand before God, and be judged according to their works."
Alma 11:41
This chapter has a good explanation of how spiritual death and temporal death are different things... it is talking here about the wicked remaining as if there had been no redemption (that's what happens if we don't take advantage of Christ's gift and use it to change our lives), but that even the wicked get resurrected and live forever... that's for everyone, no matter what. :) So, redemption from death... everyone. Redemption from sin, well, also everyone, but only as far as we take advantage of it... we have to repent and change, or the sin sticks.
Today, let's be grateful for the universal loosing of the bands of death, which is an overwhelmingly incredible gift to be able to be resurrected, which will come to us all. Let's also though, remember that we have a part to play in another kind of death-avoidance, and take advantage of our opportunity to repent, which is what will give us a chance at an eternity more suited to who we aspire to be, rather than who we are now. :) That said... it is our choice in that area. God will give us all what we really want, as indicated by our actions. Let's just make sure those really show what matters to us. :)
Alma 11:41
This chapter has a good explanation of how spiritual death and temporal death are different things... it is talking here about the wicked remaining as if there had been no redemption (that's what happens if we don't take advantage of Christ's gift and use it to change our lives), but that even the wicked get resurrected and live forever... that's for everyone, no matter what. :) So, redemption from death... everyone. Redemption from sin, well, also everyone, but only as far as we take advantage of it... we have to repent and change, or the sin sticks.
Today, let's be grateful for the universal loosing of the bands of death, which is an overwhelmingly incredible gift to be able to be resurrected, which will come to us all. Let's also though, remember that we have a part to play in another kind of death-avoidance, and take advantage of our opportunity to repent, which is what will give us a chance at an eternity more suited to who we aspire to be, rather than who we are now. :) That said... it is our choice in that area. God will give us all what we really want, as indicated by our actions. Let's just make sure those really show what matters to us. :)
Saturday, January 1, 2022
Alma 41:11-14 -- On Nature and Judgement
"And now, my son, all men that are in a state of nature, or I would say, in a carnal state, are in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity; they are without God in the world, and they have gone contrary to the nature of God; therefore, they are in a state contrary to the nature of happiness.
And now behold, is the meaning of the word restoration to take a thing of a natural state and place it in an unnatural state, or to place it in a state opposite to its nature?
O, my son, this is not the case; but the meaning of the word restoration is to bring back again evil for evil, or carnal for carnal, or devilish for devilish—good for that which is good; righteous for that which is righteous; just for that which is just; merciful for that which is merciful.
Therefore, my son, see that you are merciful unto your brethren; deal justly, judge righteously, and do good continually; and if ye do all these things then shall ye receive your reward; yea, ye shall have mercy restored unto you again; ye shall have justice restored unto you again; ye shall have a righteous judgment restored unto you again; and ye shall have good rewarded unto you again."
Alma 41:11-14
The nature part is interesting because we usually think of nature as something good... get back to nature, respect mother nature, etc. but we also know that "the natural man is an enemy to God" (Mosiah 3:19, Mosiah 16:15), and that is the sense that it is talking about here. What it seems like to me is that we have a dual nature... a spiritual one and a physical one, and when we trust in that spiritual part of ourselves, or in other words, listen to God, who gives us access to that part of ourselves and helps us build it up, then we're on a good path, but when we let our physical selves rule, then we get off on the wrong track. Of course there is always pride... that is more mental, and obviously my analogy is breaking down with just spiritual/physical, but natural perhaps encompasses both of those, and spiritual is the other side... the side that we can learn to put in charge. The natural side of us is a gift, and can be a really good thing, but only if we keep it cared for and teach it to fulfil its needs in good and righteous ways. If not, then we are letting our whole selves grow wild, and producing "bitter fruit" as in the olive tree allegory (Jacob 5). I think that means the same thing it is talking about here... evil for evil. If we go wild and do bad things, then we're feeding ourselves evil, which is not going to work out very well in the end.
Sometimes we think that we need to be free of all these laws and restrictions and have the freedom to be whoever we want... but we already have that freedom. We can walk away from responsibility and good whenever we want. I think when we express things like that what we really mean is that we wish there were no consequences and that we could do whatever we want and still become who we want to be and get good things showered on us... and *that* is what is never going to happen, since "wickedness never was happiness" (Alma 41:10). God would actually have to be evil to give us something like that... robbing justice, and making eternity unequal. What we have is *temporary* suspension of consequences while we figure ourselves out... a gift from Christ which lasts throughout our lives, but then we have to face who we have become at the judgement day. If we repent, then we escape our evil pasts, because Christ gives us a longer chance to learn goodness, but we can never stay evil and get good in return. Today, let's work towards good and get away from the bad part of our natures.
And now behold, is the meaning of the word restoration to take a thing of a natural state and place it in an unnatural state, or to place it in a state opposite to its nature?
O, my son, this is not the case; but the meaning of the word restoration is to bring back again evil for evil, or carnal for carnal, or devilish for devilish—good for that which is good; righteous for that which is righteous; just for that which is just; merciful for that which is merciful.
Therefore, my son, see that you are merciful unto your brethren; deal justly, judge righteously, and do good continually; and if ye do all these things then shall ye receive your reward; yea, ye shall have mercy restored unto you again; ye shall have justice restored unto you again; ye shall have a righteous judgment restored unto you again; and ye shall have good rewarded unto you again."
Alma 41:11-14
The nature part is interesting because we usually think of nature as something good... get back to nature, respect mother nature, etc. but we also know that "the natural man is an enemy to God" (Mosiah 3:19, Mosiah 16:15), and that is the sense that it is talking about here. What it seems like to me is that we have a dual nature... a spiritual one and a physical one, and when we trust in that spiritual part of ourselves, or in other words, listen to God, who gives us access to that part of ourselves and helps us build it up, then we're on a good path, but when we let our physical selves rule, then we get off on the wrong track. Of course there is always pride... that is more mental, and obviously my analogy is breaking down with just spiritual/physical, but natural perhaps encompasses both of those, and spiritual is the other side... the side that we can learn to put in charge. The natural side of us is a gift, and can be a really good thing, but only if we keep it cared for and teach it to fulfil its needs in good and righteous ways. If not, then we are letting our whole selves grow wild, and producing "bitter fruit" as in the olive tree allegory (Jacob 5). I think that means the same thing it is talking about here... evil for evil. If we go wild and do bad things, then we're feeding ourselves evil, which is not going to work out very well in the end.
Sometimes we think that we need to be free of all these laws and restrictions and have the freedom to be whoever we want... but we already have that freedom. We can walk away from responsibility and good whenever we want. I think when we express things like that what we really mean is that we wish there were no consequences and that we could do whatever we want and still become who we want to be and get good things showered on us... and *that* is what is never going to happen, since "wickedness never was happiness" (Alma 41:10). God would actually have to be evil to give us something like that... robbing justice, and making eternity unequal. What we have is *temporary* suspension of consequences while we figure ourselves out... a gift from Christ which lasts throughout our lives, but then we have to face who we have become at the judgement day. If we repent, then we escape our evil pasts, because Christ gives us a longer chance to learn goodness, but we can never stay evil and get good in return. Today, let's work towards good and get away from the bad part of our natures.