"Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long.
For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.
Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way."
Proverbs 23:17-19
I like the idea that we shouldn't be envying sinners. I think we do sometimes, thinking that evil seems more fun, or gets us ahead, or fulfils our heart's desire, or whatever it is... which brings us to the next point, that sometimes we need to guide our hearts in the way, because they don't always get how treacherous evil is, and how it is never, ever worth it in the end, no matter how lovely it might look on the surface. Like a perfectly-iced cake made of dirt, the image and the reality are going to mismatch badly when we get past that initial emotional barrier.
Today, let's turn our hearts towards the Lord, who keeps his promises and gives us much more beauty, goodness, perfection, and joy than we can even comprehend right now. With him our high expectations will not only be met, but blown away. Kind of like expecting a perfectly iced cake, and getting free dessert for life. :) Let's not trust the lies of evil, but trust in the truth of the Good.
Thursday, March 31, 2022
Wednesday, March 30, 2022
Isaiah 40:28-31 -- On Fainting and Flying
"Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.
He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
Isaiah 40:28-31
These verses first establish that God doesn't get tired or wear out, and then illustrates that without God even the most energetic will eventually collapse, but that with God, we not only can refresh and recharge, but that we can do more than we ever thought we could in the first place... theoretically we would not get tired, could keep walking forever without collapsing, and even more, fly. That's a huge step from fainting to flying... I think to illustrate that the Lord is talking about much more than just getting tired.
God is basically saying here... you have physical limitations, but with me, you can move beyond those. God himself, even though he has a body, transcends mortal limitations. Scripturally there is a lot of evidence for this. Spiritual travel, where the Spirit conveys someone from one place to another, moving things with faith, including mountains, causing rocks to shed light, walking on water, parting the sea, healing the sick, raising the dead, transcending death, ascending into heaven, the whole creation of the universe, etc.
Today, let's turn to the Lord for help in doing good and following his path. As we do, we can be blessed to transcend whatever physical limitations are getting in our way, as the Lord sees fit, of course... but knowing that he can do it, and can help us do it, might free us mentally enough to know when to ask for it, and we can start practicing this principle in our lives as well. Maybe it starts out with just a little extra energy or motivation to accomplish something for the Lord, but if we stay on that track and someday learn all that the Lord has to teach us, then walking on water and flying are somewhere on that path as possible things to learn. Advanced lessons, surely, but the limitations here are not physical ones, but rather the level of our faith, and being on the same page with God about what is needed. :)
He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
Isaiah 40:28-31
These verses first establish that God doesn't get tired or wear out, and then illustrates that without God even the most energetic will eventually collapse, but that with God, we not only can refresh and recharge, but that we can do more than we ever thought we could in the first place... theoretically we would not get tired, could keep walking forever without collapsing, and even more, fly. That's a huge step from fainting to flying... I think to illustrate that the Lord is talking about much more than just getting tired.
God is basically saying here... you have physical limitations, but with me, you can move beyond those. God himself, even though he has a body, transcends mortal limitations. Scripturally there is a lot of evidence for this. Spiritual travel, where the Spirit conveys someone from one place to another, moving things with faith, including mountains, causing rocks to shed light, walking on water, parting the sea, healing the sick, raising the dead, transcending death, ascending into heaven, the whole creation of the universe, etc.
Today, let's turn to the Lord for help in doing good and following his path. As we do, we can be blessed to transcend whatever physical limitations are getting in our way, as the Lord sees fit, of course... but knowing that he can do it, and can help us do it, might free us mentally enough to know when to ask for it, and we can start practicing this principle in our lives as well. Maybe it starts out with just a little extra energy or motivation to accomplish something for the Lord, but if we stay on that track and someday learn all that the Lord has to teach us, then walking on water and flying are somewhere on that path as possible things to learn. Advanced lessons, surely, but the limitations here are not physical ones, but rather the level of our faith, and being on the same page with God about what is needed. :)
Tuesday, March 29, 2022
Moses 5:4-8 -- On Obedience and Instruction
"And Adam and Eve, his wife, called upon the name of the Lord, and they heard the voice of the Lord from the way toward the Garden of Eden, speaking unto them, and they saw him not; for they were shut out from his presence.
And he gave unto them commandments, that they should worship the Lord their God, and should offer the firstlings of their flocks, for an offering unto the Lord. And Adam was obedient unto the commandments of the Lord.
And after many days an angel of the Lord appeared unto Adam, saying: Why dost thou offer sacrifices unto the Lord? And Adam said unto him: I know not, save the Lord commanded me.
And then the angel spake, saying: This thing is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father, which is full of grace and truth.
Wherefore, thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the Son, and thou shalt repent and call upon God in the name of the Son forevermore."
Moses 5:4-8
This is interesting to me, and it seems pretty understandable... I mean, Adam didn't have anyone else to learn from, and he didn't know why he was doing what he did. He just trusted God and did what he asked. It took the angel coming and asking him specifically to get him to think about why.
Perhaps it is somewhat different for us, because we have other people to learn from, and the scriptures to help us understand, but still, we won't understand everything, and some things we're still not going to understand right away, and have to take on faith, just as Adam did. The difference with us is that we are more prone to asking why... which I think is a good thing. We've learned to be curious and to seek answers. God doesn't have to send us an angel to prompt us, but our unique challenge may be where we look for answers. Just as with Adam and Eve, we need to seek our answers from the Lord. Other people might try to help, but God is the one that knows us best, and the primary source. Also, people can also lead us astray, which is why we are asked to not trust in the "arm of flesh" (2 Chronicles 32:8, 2 Nephi 4:34, D&C 1:19).
Today, let's remember that trust and obedience usually come before explanation. Sometimes we have to live something for a while before we can understand how it benefits us. We can't stand in the great and spacious building and understand the life changing experience of partaking from the tree of life. Let's take God's advice before we demand proof... often the proof is in the living of it.
And he gave unto them commandments, that they should worship the Lord their God, and should offer the firstlings of their flocks, for an offering unto the Lord. And Adam was obedient unto the commandments of the Lord.
And after many days an angel of the Lord appeared unto Adam, saying: Why dost thou offer sacrifices unto the Lord? And Adam said unto him: I know not, save the Lord commanded me.
And then the angel spake, saying: This thing is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father, which is full of grace and truth.
Wherefore, thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the Son, and thou shalt repent and call upon God in the name of the Son forevermore."
Moses 5:4-8
This is interesting to me, and it seems pretty understandable... I mean, Adam didn't have anyone else to learn from, and he didn't know why he was doing what he did. He just trusted God and did what he asked. It took the angel coming and asking him specifically to get him to think about why.
Perhaps it is somewhat different for us, because we have other people to learn from, and the scriptures to help us understand, but still, we won't understand everything, and some things we're still not going to understand right away, and have to take on faith, just as Adam did. The difference with us is that we are more prone to asking why... which I think is a good thing. We've learned to be curious and to seek answers. God doesn't have to send us an angel to prompt us, but our unique challenge may be where we look for answers. Just as with Adam and Eve, we need to seek our answers from the Lord. Other people might try to help, but God is the one that knows us best, and the primary source. Also, people can also lead us astray, which is why we are asked to not trust in the "arm of flesh" (2 Chronicles 32:8, 2 Nephi 4:34, D&C 1:19).
Today, let's remember that trust and obedience usually come before explanation. Sometimes we have to live something for a while before we can understand how it benefits us. We can't stand in the great and spacious building and understand the life changing experience of partaking from the tree of life. Let's take God's advice before we demand proof... often the proof is in the living of it.
Monday, March 28, 2022
Ether 3:12 -- On a God of Truth
"And he answered: Yea, Lord, I know that thou speakest the truth, for thou art a God of truth, and canst not lie."
Ether 3:12
I love the trust that the Brother of Jared had in the Lord here. He knew that the Lord would not decieve him. In reading about this, though, at first I think I was taking an overly literal view and wondering about the "canst not lie" part. I mean, parables could also be lying by one definition, right? Fiction, on some level, is falsehood. It isn't an accurate telling of a real person's life, but rather an invented, imaginary tale.
I guess the whole thing goes back to what is a lie? The 10 commandments don't say anything about lying in general, but instead say that we shouldn't bear false witness (Exodus 20:16, Romans 13:9, Mosiah 13:23)... which is close to the same thing, but perhaps the difference is the intent to decieve. Parables are fictional, but the intent is not to decieve, but to teach.
Since God can't lie, but can still tell fictional stories, I think that the scriptures mesh with the idea that fiction, even though it isn't about real people, is still a valid way to communicate truth. Not that it can't also be used to communicate falsehood or hopelessness, or to promote evil of course, but like anything else, the value of a story lies in how you use it rather than being inherently good or evil based on its nearness to reality.
Today, let's be grateful for our God of truth who is also a consummate and creative storyteller, teaching us through harsh reality sometimes, when we need it, and other times more softly, through fiction. Let's seek and be open to truth, wherever we find it (Articles of Faith 1:13).
Ether 3:12
I love the trust that the Brother of Jared had in the Lord here. He knew that the Lord would not decieve him. In reading about this, though, at first I think I was taking an overly literal view and wondering about the "canst not lie" part. I mean, parables could also be lying by one definition, right? Fiction, on some level, is falsehood. It isn't an accurate telling of a real person's life, but rather an invented, imaginary tale.
I guess the whole thing goes back to what is a lie? The 10 commandments don't say anything about lying in general, but instead say that we shouldn't bear false witness (Exodus 20:16, Romans 13:9, Mosiah 13:23)... which is close to the same thing, but perhaps the difference is the intent to decieve. Parables are fictional, but the intent is not to decieve, but to teach.
Since God can't lie, but can still tell fictional stories, I think that the scriptures mesh with the idea that fiction, even though it isn't about real people, is still a valid way to communicate truth. Not that it can't also be used to communicate falsehood or hopelessness, or to promote evil of course, but like anything else, the value of a story lies in how you use it rather than being inherently good or evil based on its nearness to reality.
Today, let's be grateful for our God of truth who is also a consummate and creative storyteller, teaching us through harsh reality sometimes, when we need it, and other times more softly, through fiction. Let's seek and be open to truth, wherever we find it (Articles of Faith 1:13).
Sunday, March 27, 2022
2 Corinthians 1:19-20 -- On Yea and Yes and Light and Joy
"For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea.
For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us."
2 Corinthians 1:19-20
I like the idea that in Christ is it yea and amen... it reminds me of an E. E. Cummings poem that starts out like this:
i thank You God for most this amazing
day:for the leaping greenly spirits of trees
and a blue true dream of sky; and for everything
which is natural which is infinite which is yes
and seems to carry that same feeling of positivity, trying to grasp that idea of immensity and rejoicing in the word "yes" or "yea" as it is here in the verse.
Everything about God is positive and uplifting and beautiful and perfect... the idea that "God is light, and in him is no darkness at all" (1 John 1:5) and if we stick with God, that light just grows "brighter and brighter until the perfect day" (D&C 50:24). It's also the same idea that Paul expresses here, just a few verses later when he explains that they aren't there to control their faith, but rather to help their joy (2 Corinthians 1:24).
Today, let's work to let go of any negativity and fear when we think of God, and remember that he is the source of all good... and let's thank him for it, and agree to his plan even when we don't understand all of the details yet. God will help us understand over time, and until then, "by faith [we] stand" (2 Corinthians 1:24).
For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us."
2 Corinthians 1:19-20
I like the idea that in Christ is it yea and amen... it reminds me of an E. E. Cummings poem that starts out like this:
i thank You God for most this amazing
day:for the leaping greenly spirits of trees
and a blue true dream of sky; and for everything
which is natural which is infinite which is yes
and seems to carry that same feeling of positivity, trying to grasp that idea of immensity and rejoicing in the word "yes" or "yea" as it is here in the verse.
Everything about God is positive and uplifting and beautiful and perfect... the idea that "God is light, and in him is no darkness at all" (1 John 1:5) and if we stick with God, that light just grows "brighter and brighter until the perfect day" (D&C 50:24). It's also the same idea that Paul expresses here, just a few verses later when he explains that they aren't there to control their faith, but rather to help their joy (2 Corinthians 1:24).
Today, let's work to let go of any negativity and fear when we think of God, and remember that he is the source of all good... and let's thank him for it, and agree to his plan even when we don't understand all of the details yet. God will help us understand over time, and until then, "by faith [we] stand" (2 Corinthians 1:24).
Saturday, March 26, 2022
Alma 11:24 -- On Love of Lucre
"Believest thou that there is no God? I say unto you, Nay, thou knowest that there is a God, but thou lovest that lucre more than him."
Alma 11:24
I think this is one thing that we have to watch for and fight in our lives... the tendency to let things take God's place as the central, primary focus of our hearts and minds. Lucre (a negative word for money) is something we have to work with in our lives in order to survive, and it isn't inherently evil... but as 1 Timothy 6:10 says "the love of money" definitely can be, because we end up loving it more than we love God, and more than we love other people. In that sense it is probably in the same category as most of the things in our lives... if we use them for God's purposes, then all is well, but if they become an end in themselves, then they can impede our progress.
Today, let's make sure not to let money get in the way of our progression. Let's put God first, and let everything else fall into place or drop out of our lives, as God wills.
Alma 11:24
I think this is one thing that we have to watch for and fight in our lives... the tendency to let things take God's place as the central, primary focus of our hearts and minds. Lucre (a negative word for money) is something we have to work with in our lives in order to survive, and it isn't inherently evil... but as 1 Timothy 6:10 says "the love of money" definitely can be, because we end up loving it more than we love God, and more than we love other people. In that sense it is probably in the same category as most of the things in our lives... if we use them for God's purposes, then all is well, but if they become an end in themselves, then they can impede our progress.
Today, let's make sure not to let money get in the way of our progression. Let's put God first, and let everything else fall into place or drop out of our lives, as God wills.
Friday, March 25, 2022
D&C 101:36-38 -- On Fear and Patience
"Wherefore, fear not even unto death; for in this world your joy is not full, but in me your joy is full.
Therefore, care not for the body, neither the life of the body; but care for the soul, and for the life of the soul.
And seek the face of the Lord always, that in patience ye may possess your souls, and ye shall have eternal life."
Doctrine and Covenants 101:36-38
I like the idea of trusting in God so much that we don't fear even death. In actual practice, it is harder, but it is a good ideal to strive for. Not because we want to be foolhardy and face bullets without flinching like in an action movie, but because if we remove fear from the equation, we will be so much more free to act bravely and confidently according to the gospel and our consciences, doing and seeking good instead of wasting time worrying about death. If we're on the Lord's side, that is enough, and we can leave the timing to him.
Now, this definitely doesn't mean that we should go out and intentionally endanger ourselves or offend people either... that has never been the Lord's plan. He commands us to love, not to hate, not to persecute, not to contend. That's one of the reasons that "in patience possess ye your souls" is added in here (still not like an action movie). The idea is to care for our souls and the souls of the people around us in a loving way... placing concern for our souls well ahead of concern for our bodies in our priority list. If we aren't in fear of our lives like they sometimes were when this was revealed, we still have fears about our health and about embarrassment, etc, that we shouldn't let stand in our way.
Today, let's try to be less fearful and more free, less preemptive and more patient. :) Let's trust in the Lord and his timing.
Therefore, care not for the body, neither the life of the body; but care for the soul, and for the life of the soul.
And seek the face of the Lord always, that in patience ye may possess your souls, and ye shall have eternal life."
Doctrine and Covenants 101:36-38
I like the idea of trusting in God so much that we don't fear even death. In actual practice, it is harder, but it is a good ideal to strive for. Not because we want to be foolhardy and face bullets without flinching like in an action movie, but because if we remove fear from the equation, we will be so much more free to act bravely and confidently according to the gospel and our consciences, doing and seeking good instead of wasting time worrying about death. If we're on the Lord's side, that is enough, and we can leave the timing to him.
Now, this definitely doesn't mean that we should go out and intentionally endanger ourselves or offend people either... that has never been the Lord's plan. He commands us to love, not to hate, not to persecute, not to contend. That's one of the reasons that "in patience possess ye your souls" is added in here (still not like an action movie). The idea is to care for our souls and the souls of the people around us in a loving way... placing concern for our souls well ahead of concern for our bodies in our priority list. If we aren't in fear of our lives like they sometimes were when this was revealed, we still have fears about our health and about embarrassment, etc, that we shouldn't let stand in our way.
Today, let's try to be less fearful and more free, less preemptive and more patient. :) Let's trust in the Lord and his timing.
Thursday, March 24, 2022
Luke 6:26-28 -- On Next-Level Love
"Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.
But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you."
Luke 6:26-28
This is one of the hardest things that God asks us to do in life, and yet, especially lately, I feel like it is the one and only thing that will really make a difference in the world. Usually we desperately want everyone to like us and speak well of us. And loving people who love us can already be challenging. Loving people who hate us... wow, that's tough. And not just hate, but those who curse us, who despitefully use us... that just rubs us the wrong way. It feels like losing, or knuckling under... being a doormat or something. What it actually is though, is obedience and humility, and neither of those things are weak. They require the most important kind of strength and faith.
Letting go of our need for constant approval from others helps us rely more on the Lord, and loving people who hate us is some serious next-level love. We might be able to get closer to understanding God's perspective if we try some of these suggestions that stretch us towards that type of love. It can be a mental exercise at first, to help us get used to the idea, but practicing in real life too can help. For instance, being nice to people in traffic can be an opportunity to grow. :) Or just letting people be wrong on the internet maybe. Eventually, we might move on to actually trying to see things from someone else's perspective, and to loving people who have philosophies and beliefs that we do not share.
Today, let's try to stretch ourselves and make more room in our hearts for people that we don't currently like. This assignment is inherently difficult, but God wouldn't ask it if it were impossible. He can help us see people as his children, and understand the love that he has for all of us, if we ask and learn from him.
But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you."
Luke 6:26-28
This is one of the hardest things that God asks us to do in life, and yet, especially lately, I feel like it is the one and only thing that will really make a difference in the world. Usually we desperately want everyone to like us and speak well of us. And loving people who love us can already be challenging. Loving people who hate us... wow, that's tough. And not just hate, but those who curse us, who despitefully use us... that just rubs us the wrong way. It feels like losing, or knuckling under... being a doormat or something. What it actually is though, is obedience and humility, and neither of those things are weak. They require the most important kind of strength and faith.
Letting go of our need for constant approval from others helps us rely more on the Lord, and loving people who hate us is some serious next-level love. We might be able to get closer to understanding God's perspective if we try some of these suggestions that stretch us towards that type of love. It can be a mental exercise at first, to help us get used to the idea, but practicing in real life too can help. For instance, being nice to people in traffic can be an opportunity to grow. :) Or just letting people be wrong on the internet maybe. Eventually, we might move on to actually trying to see things from someone else's perspective, and to loving people who have philosophies and beliefs that we do not share.
Today, let's try to stretch ourselves and make more room in our hearts for people that we don't currently like. This assignment is inherently difficult, but God wouldn't ask it if it were impossible. He can help us see people as his children, and understand the love that he has for all of us, if we ask and learn from him.
Wednesday, March 23, 2022
Psalms 146:5-9 -- On the Champion of the Oppressed
"Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God:
Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever:
Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The Lord looseth the prisoners:
The Lord openeth the eyes of the blind: the Lord raiseth them that are bowed down: the Lord loveth the righteous:
The Lord preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down."
Psalms 146:5-9
I like the idea here that the Lord is the champion of the oppressed, hungry, imprisoned, blind, burdened, stranger, fatherless/orphan, widow, and the righteous. Sometimes I think that we misinterpret what God is about and what he stands for, and see him as upholding a small, elite group of the "chosen" ... and God does have chosen people sure, but they aren't chosen arbitrarily, nor are they more valuable as people than other people. They are chosen because they are *good* and because they accept God as their Lord. All of us can be chosen by God if we in turn choose God. We are all invited in.
Additionally, God takes his care of everyone seriously, telling all of us that how we treat others affects him personally (Matthew 25:40, 45). Today, let's remember that whatever we do to others, we are effectively doing to God, and let's reach out and treat people better, finding ways to lift and love rather than choosing judgement or condemnation. God will indeed turn the way of the wicked upside down... but that is to help them find/us a way back to him as well. Let's treat even our enemies well, as we have been asked (Luke 6:27, 35; Matthew 5:44). :)
Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever:
Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The Lord looseth the prisoners:
The Lord openeth the eyes of the blind: the Lord raiseth them that are bowed down: the Lord loveth the righteous:
The Lord preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down."
Psalms 146:5-9
I like the idea here that the Lord is the champion of the oppressed, hungry, imprisoned, blind, burdened, stranger, fatherless/orphan, widow, and the righteous. Sometimes I think that we misinterpret what God is about and what he stands for, and see him as upholding a small, elite group of the "chosen" ... and God does have chosen people sure, but they aren't chosen arbitrarily, nor are they more valuable as people than other people. They are chosen because they are *good* and because they accept God as their Lord. All of us can be chosen by God if we in turn choose God. We are all invited in.
Additionally, God takes his care of everyone seriously, telling all of us that how we treat others affects him personally (Matthew 25:40, 45). Today, let's remember that whatever we do to others, we are effectively doing to God, and let's reach out and treat people better, finding ways to lift and love rather than choosing judgement or condemnation. God will indeed turn the way of the wicked upside down... but that is to help them find/us a way back to him as well. Let's treat even our enemies well, as we have been asked (Luke 6:27, 35; Matthew 5:44). :)
Tuesday, March 22, 2022
Proverbs 3:27-28 -- On Doing Good Today
"Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.
28 Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee."
Proverbs 3:27-28
This is cool... I like the idea that we need to be more spontaneous with our good. We can be pretty indecisive and put things off when it comes to committing time or resources, but here I think the Lord is telling us... just do it. Commit to good action; be generous. And then, later, if we need something, God will remember our actions and bless us.
Today, let's do some good and no put it off until later.
28 Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee."
Proverbs 3:27-28
This is cool... I like the idea that we need to be more spontaneous with our good. We can be pretty indecisive and put things off when it comes to committing time or resources, but here I think the Lord is telling us... just do it. Commit to good action; be generous. And then, later, if we need something, God will remember our actions and bless us.
Today, let's do some good and no put it off until later.
Monday, March 21, 2022
Psalms 50:2-6 -- On the Perfection of Beauty
"Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined.
Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him.
He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people.
Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.
And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah."
Psalms 50:2-6
I like the idea that Zion is the perfection of beauty. I think that this idea, of God coming down in fire to judge his people, is also beautiful, even though it is also scary in a lot of ways, since we're probably not feeling prepared for that... but the idea of Christ having kept silence for so long at injustice and wrong, in order to give us a chance to change and grow, but then finally able to break that silence and right all the wrongs and restore justice and perfection to the world, that's powerful. I think maybe the whole idea of heaven is tied up in this. Heaven can't really be heaven if evil continues. It can only get there when it can rest from that struggle that seemed eternal and really see the perfection of a world *without* evil and injustice, and a place where everyone is united in love. That's what Zion is about as the symbol of an ideal community, and I think that is why its beauty is perfect... not because of external beauty, although I'm sure it will have that too, but because internally no one needs to fear, ever again. That is beautiful.
Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him.
He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people.
Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.
And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah."
Psalms 50:2-6
I like the idea that Zion is the perfection of beauty. I think that this idea, of God coming down in fire to judge his people, is also beautiful, even though it is also scary in a lot of ways, since we're probably not feeling prepared for that... but the idea of Christ having kept silence for so long at injustice and wrong, in order to give us a chance to change and grow, but then finally able to break that silence and right all the wrongs and restore justice and perfection to the world, that's powerful. I think maybe the whole idea of heaven is tied up in this. Heaven can't really be heaven if evil continues. It can only get there when it can rest from that struggle that seemed eternal and really see the perfection of a world *without* evil and injustice, and a place where everyone is united in love. That's what Zion is about as the symbol of an ideal community, and I think that is why its beauty is perfect... not because of external beauty, although I'm sure it will have that too, but because internally no one needs to fear, ever again. That is beautiful.
Sunday, March 20, 2022
Genesis 50:17-21 -- On Weaving in the Good
"So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.
And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants.
And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?
But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them."
Genesis 50:17-21
I'm impressed by Joseph. He had the power to harm his brethren, who had hated and ridiculed him, talked about murdering him, and who actually did sell him into slavery, but he didn't. I mean, he threw them in jail for a few days earlier in the story, and he did mess with their heads a little, but he was generous to them, and sought to be reunited with them rather than seeking vengeance. He recognized that God had his hand in his life the whole time, and that the drmatically unjust things that he had suffered were all part of a larger plan. Instead of growing bitter, he did his best at whatever fell to him, and God blessed him. I think that is something that is worthy of emulation.
Today, let's remember that God can turn anything into good as it is woven into his tapestry, and let's hold on in prayer and faith and do much good as we wait
And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants.
And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?
But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them."
Genesis 50:17-21
I'm impressed by Joseph. He had the power to harm his brethren, who had hated and ridiculed him, talked about murdering him, and who actually did sell him into slavery, but he didn't. I mean, he threw them in jail for a few days earlier in the story, and he did mess with their heads a little, but he was generous to them, and sought to be reunited with them rather than seeking vengeance. He recognized that God had his hand in his life the whole time, and that the drmatically unjust things that he had suffered were all part of a larger plan. Instead of growing bitter, he did his best at whatever fell to him, and God blessed him. I think that is something that is worthy of emulation.
Today, let's remember that God can turn anything into good as it is woven into his tapestry, and let's hold on in prayer and faith and do much good as we wait
Saturday, March 19, 2022
Genesis 48:18-19 -- On the Lord's Hand
"And when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, it displeased him: and he held up his father’s hand, to remove it from Ephraim’s head unto Manasseh’s head.
And Joseph said unto his father, Not so, my father: for this is the firstborn; put thy right hand upon his head.
And his father refused, and said, I know it, my son, I know it: he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great: but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations."
Genesis 48:18-19
This struck me as interesting today, since the two people in this story are Jacob, the younger son after Esau, and Joseph, the second youngest of all his father's children (although the oldest of the favorite wife). I'm guessing that Joseph was displeased because he knew his father was blind and thought he was just making a mistake, but when he realized that God was in the choosing, he became okay with it.
That makes me wonder if we would be okay with a lot more of our lives, as long as we knew that God's hand was in it. I can think of a couple of disasters in my life, that looking back certainly needed to happen to get me turned around and faced the right direction.
Events sometimes seem like the end of the world... loss of a job, a car, a house, a loved one, our internet connection, our company data, our health in some way, etc. And even though I jest a little bit about modern internet addiction, depending on the circumstances, all of these could be really hard, devastating things that harm us or our livelihoods in some way. But if we knew that God was planning our lives perfectly, or that he needed that person on the other side, perhaps we could have more peace and confidence in the future. ... And really, it isn't just pretending. God tells us that "all things work together for good to them that love God," which is exactly what we are talking about, right? All things includes things that seem bad or tragic... everything works towards God's plan and his certain triumph over all the forces of evil.
Today, whatever comes, let's try accepting it as the will of the Lord, and praying to him about it rather than freaking out. As we talk to him, we'll learn to trust him more and know where and when to act... to try to correct or change course, to know when to hold on tightly, and when to let go.
And Joseph said unto his father, Not so, my father: for this is the firstborn; put thy right hand upon his head.
And his father refused, and said, I know it, my son, I know it: he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great: but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations."
Genesis 48:18-19
This struck me as interesting today, since the two people in this story are Jacob, the younger son after Esau, and Joseph, the second youngest of all his father's children (although the oldest of the favorite wife). I'm guessing that Joseph was displeased because he knew his father was blind and thought he was just making a mistake, but when he realized that God was in the choosing, he became okay with it.
That makes me wonder if we would be okay with a lot more of our lives, as long as we knew that God's hand was in it. I can think of a couple of disasters in my life, that looking back certainly needed to happen to get me turned around and faced the right direction.
Events sometimes seem like the end of the world... loss of a job, a car, a house, a loved one, our internet connection, our company data, our health in some way, etc. And even though I jest a little bit about modern internet addiction, depending on the circumstances, all of these could be really hard, devastating things that harm us or our livelihoods in some way. But if we knew that God was planning our lives perfectly, or that he needed that person on the other side, perhaps we could have more peace and confidence in the future. ... And really, it isn't just pretending. God tells us that "all things work together for good to them that love God," which is exactly what we are talking about, right? All things includes things that seem bad or tragic... everything works towards God's plan and his certain triumph over all the forces of evil.
Today, whatever comes, let's try accepting it as the will of the Lord, and praying to him about it rather than freaking out. As we talk to him, we'll learn to trust him more and know where and when to act... to try to correct or change course, to know when to hold on tightly, and when to let go.
Friday, March 18, 2022
Revelation 20:12-15 -- On the Book of Life
"And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."
Revelation 20:12-15
This is part of some pretty dramatic chapters about the end of the world/millenium, and this is the judgement day part where death and hell are done away with, along with the other bad characters--satan, the beast, and the false prophet--and the world is prepared to become something better.
I think what I like most about these verses isn't the triumph of life over death, though that is huge and amazing, but the whole book of life idea. Thinking about it, I mean Christ doesn't even have to do the ceremony here... it could be just be a gate, and you either reach the escalator or drop through a trap door on the way. He could also just swipe left for Hell or right for Heaven, or nothing at all, and we just find ourselves in our new digs... good or bad.
To me, the significance of the book is that God is showing us that he isn't judging any of us arbitrarily, but by specific standards which he has given us and which we know. We all have a chance to make it into the book of life... in fact, we are writing those words with our lives. Today, let's make the choices that will get us into the book, judging ourselves first and making changes accordingly so that the later judgement can be filled with mercy.
And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."
Revelation 20:12-15
This is part of some pretty dramatic chapters about the end of the world/millenium, and this is the judgement day part where death and hell are done away with, along with the other bad characters--satan, the beast, and the false prophet--and the world is prepared to become something better.
I think what I like most about these verses isn't the triumph of life over death, though that is huge and amazing, but the whole book of life idea. Thinking about it, I mean Christ doesn't even have to do the ceremony here... it could be just be a gate, and you either reach the escalator or drop through a trap door on the way. He could also just swipe left for Hell or right for Heaven, or nothing at all, and we just find ourselves in our new digs... good or bad.
To me, the significance of the book is that God is showing us that he isn't judging any of us arbitrarily, but by specific standards which he has given us and which we know. We all have a chance to make it into the book of life... in fact, we are writing those words with our lives. Today, let's make the choices that will get us into the book, judging ourselves first and making changes accordingly so that the later judgement can be filled with mercy.
Thursday, March 17, 2022
Luke 24:30-34 -- On Letting Belief Triumph
"And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.
And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.
And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?
And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,
Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon."
Luke 24:30-34
This is the end of the story of the road to Emmaus, but also part of the longer story of Christ's resurrection--Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and several other women went to the sepulchre and told the apostles what had happened, but they weren't believed (it wasn't just Thomas who doubted)... so Christ talked with some of them on the road, laying out the scriptures that talked about what had to happen, appearing to Simon as noted above, and likely making more personal appearances to try to get everyone on the same page.
It's interesting that Christ vanishes in this selection, which could be one of the reasons why everyone was afraid and thought he was a ghost in the verses after this... I mean, also that they watched him die, but vanishing has to be a pretty dramatic thing to experience as well, so he let them handle him to prove he was alive, and ate something in front of them as well. It was compassionate and awesome of him to convince all of them individually, but you have to wonder how *he* felt when everyone doubted and everyone was scared.
I think that this applies to our lives as well. How many times does God have to convince us, over and over again, that he is real? Why do we keep turning back and resisting the evidence... because we don't trust those people that saw? Because we block out our own spiritual experiences, doubting after the fact and thinking that we must have made it up, even though at the time we were certain? Because we let the ridicule of the world get to us?
Today, let's trust that God is who he says he is, and who he has been the whole time, even though on our own dark days, it is hard to keep believing. Let's keep a journal and record our spiritual experiences so we can look back on the evidence in hard times. Let's immerse ourselves in the scriptures and read what others saw and felt and knew. Let's pray our hearts out until we feel God's love for us again, and know certainly that he is there, and that he cares. Let's not let the storms and temporary hardships in life ruin our faith, or cause us to doubt God's plan of happiness. Let's allow belief to triumph over doubt, rather than the other way around.
And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.
And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?
And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,
Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon."
Luke 24:30-34
This is the end of the story of the road to Emmaus, but also part of the longer story of Christ's resurrection--Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and several other women went to the sepulchre and told the apostles what had happened, but they weren't believed (it wasn't just Thomas who doubted)... so Christ talked with some of them on the road, laying out the scriptures that talked about what had to happen, appearing to Simon as noted above, and likely making more personal appearances to try to get everyone on the same page.
It's interesting that Christ vanishes in this selection, which could be one of the reasons why everyone was afraid and thought he was a ghost in the verses after this... I mean, also that they watched him die, but vanishing has to be a pretty dramatic thing to experience as well, so he let them handle him to prove he was alive, and ate something in front of them as well. It was compassionate and awesome of him to convince all of them individually, but you have to wonder how *he* felt when everyone doubted and everyone was scared.
I think that this applies to our lives as well. How many times does God have to convince us, over and over again, that he is real? Why do we keep turning back and resisting the evidence... because we don't trust those people that saw? Because we block out our own spiritual experiences, doubting after the fact and thinking that we must have made it up, even though at the time we were certain? Because we let the ridicule of the world get to us?
Today, let's trust that God is who he says he is, and who he has been the whole time, even though on our own dark days, it is hard to keep believing. Let's keep a journal and record our spiritual experiences so we can look back on the evidence in hard times. Let's immerse ourselves in the scriptures and read what others saw and felt and knew. Let's pray our hearts out until we feel God's love for us again, and know certainly that he is there, and that he cares. Let's not let the storms and temporary hardships in life ruin our faith, or cause us to doubt God's plan of happiness. Let's allow belief to triumph over doubt, rather than the other way around.
Wednesday, March 16, 2022
Genesis 18:11-15 -- On Trusting the Impossible
"Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.
Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?
And the Lord said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?
Is any thing too hard for the Lord? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.
Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh."
Genesis 18:11-15
This is an interesting story, and the question "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" is a good one. I think we all might laugh a little bit when we consider something that the Lord promises but that doesn't seem possible, especially in cases where we need to be a participant, because we think... oh, I can't do that, that's just too much, too overwhelming... unreasonable, not happening.
Sarah questioned, and we do too, but her lesson is one that we all need to learn, because we can't just believe God about things that seem reasonable and likely to us. Trusting and having faith in God requires believing the whole package... all of the gospel and all of the propecy, and learnign to recognize and believe even the individual promptings and feelings that the Lord blesses us with through the spirit. Those are the easiest to doubt because we can think that it is just ourselves and our own thoughts, and we have to learn how to recognize when the spirit is prompting us.
Today, let's remember that nothing is too hard for the Lord, and let's look to him and trust him with our lives and with our happiness. He can protect us and bring us to good much better than we can do for ourselves, if we can have enough faith to walk as he asks rather than going our own ways. Like Sarah, let's work to overcome our disbelief and move forward with faith. If what God says seems impossible, then let's trust in the impossible, for God always fulfills his promises.
Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?
And the Lord said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?
Is any thing too hard for the Lord? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.
Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh."
Genesis 18:11-15
This is an interesting story, and the question "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" is a good one. I think we all might laugh a little bit when we consider something that the Lord promises but that doesn't seem possible, especially in cases where we need to be a participant, because we think... oh, I can't do that, that's just too much, too overwhelming... unreasonable, not happening.
Sarah questioned, and we do too, but her lesson is one that we all need to learn, because we can't just believe God about things that seem reasonable and likely to us. Trusting and having faith in God requires believing the whole package... all of the gospel and all of the propecy, and learnign to recognize and believe even the individual promptings and feelings that the Lord blesses us with through the spirit. Those are the easiest to doubt because we can think that it is just ourselves and our own thoughts, and we have to learn how to recognize when the spirit is prompting us.
Today, let's remember that nothing is too hard for the Lord, and let's look to him and trust him with our lives and with our happiness. He can protect us and bring us to good much better than we can do for ourselves, if we can have enough faith to walk as he asks rather than going our own ways. Like Sarah, let's work to overcome our disbelief and move forward with faith. If what God says seems impossible, then let's trust in the impossible, for God always fulfills his promises.
Tuesday, March 15, 2022
1 Corinthians 13:2-3 -- On Learning to Love
"And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing."
1 Corinthians 13:2-3
This is some pretty strong stuff. We learn elsewhere that faith without works is dead (James 2:17), which is also clear here, but this goes further, letting us know that faith AND works are both useless without charity (the pure love of Christ--Moroni 7:47), or in other words, sincere, heartfelt positive emotion towards our fellow beings.
We gloss over this I think, sometimes, thinking yeah, we understand, love is good, but this is much bigger than I think we realize. This says even if we have all knowledge... all. That's crazy, God-level stuff. And ALL faith. That's being able to move mountains and walk on water, right? And even if we give away everything that we have and offer our very lives. That's huge... what else is there?
To me, this is outlining the difference between Satan's plan and God's plan. Supernatural faith and actions can't make up for that core, essential love that God has for us, and which was the impetus for the atonement. That was the essential difference between "technically" saving mankind and really saving all of us.
Today, let's remember that there is something more important than believing OR doing, or both of them together... and that is love. No wonder the two great commandments are about that, or that we are asked to "pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love" (Moroni 7:48). It is the essential ingredient without which absolutely everything else falls flat. Which doesn't mean that we are worthless dross if we don't have it... but it does mean that we need to pray and discover that love in our own lives, and not set it aside as though anything else could make up for it. All the rest of it does matter, but love is the core, and should be our top priority... learning how to love people better. We all need that lesson. :)
And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing."
1 Corinthians 13:2-3
This is some pretty strong stuff. We learn elsewhere that faith without works is dead (James 2:17), which is also clear here, but this goes further, letting us know that faith AND works are both useless without charity (the pure love of Christ--Moroni 7:47), or in other words, sincere, heartfelt positive emotion towards our fellow beings.
We gloss over this I think, sometimes, thinking yeah, we understand, love is good, but this is much bigger than I think we realize. This says even if we have all knowledge... all. That's crazy, God-level stuff. And ALL faith. That's being able to move mountains and walk on water, right? And even if we give away everything that we have and offer our very lives. That's huge... what else is there?
To me, this is outlining the difference between Satan's plan and God's plan. Supernatural faith and actions can't make up for that core, essential love that God has for us, and which was the impetus for the atonement. That was the essential difference between "technically" saving mankind and really saving all of us.
Today, let's remember that there is something more important than believing OR doing, or both of them together... and that is love. No wonder the two great commandments are about that, or that we are asked to "pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love" (Moroni 7:48). It is the essential ingredient without which absolutely everything else falls flat. Which doesn't mean that we are worthless dross if we don't have it... but it does mean that we need to pray and discover that love in our own lives, and not set it aside as though anything else could make up for it. All the rest of it does matter, but love is the core, and should be our top priority... learning how to love people better. We all need that lesson. :)
Monday, March 14, 2022
Matthew 18:2–3 -- On Learning and Unlearning
"And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 18:2–3
We spend a lot of our lives growing up and trying to be more mature, and in some ways that is good. We do need to learn patience instead of temper tantrum, less selfishness and more reaposibility for our actions, and grow in our knowledge of God and our service to him. On the other hand, we learn a lot of negative things as we grow up as well. Cynicism replaces a lot of our faith, trust, and natural affection. We become desensitized to a lot of evil just to be able to live normally, and we often become heavily burdened with concerns that we prioritize before God.
When God tells us that we need to become like little children I think he is encouraging us not to go back and throw tantrums, but to regain our sense of wonder at the nature and power of God rather than being doubtful and cynical. I think he's asking us to trust him with the childlike faith that is still inside us somewhere, hidden from the scary machinations of the world. He wants us to trust him enough to let him guide our lives rather than trying to control everything ourselves.
Today, let's work on retaining the best parts of being a child, and the best parts of being an adult, and letting go and unlearning the bad lessons. Let's be responsible and loving, trusting and patient. Let's look to our father with adoration and confidence as we take his hand and walk in his way.
And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 18:2–3
We spend a lot of our lives growing up and trying to be more mature, and in some ways that is good. We do need to learn patience instead of temper tantrum, less selfishness and more reaposibility for our actions, and grow in our knowledge of God and our service to him. On the other hand, we learn a lot of negative things as we grow up as well. Cynicism replaces a lot of our faith, trust, and natural affection. We become desensitized to a lot of evil just to be able to live normally, and we often become heavily burdened with concerns that we prioritize before God.
When God tells us that we need to become like little children I think he is encouraging us not to go back and throw tantrums, but to regain our sense of wonder at the nature and power of God rather than being doubtful and cynical. I think he's asking us to trust him with the childlike faith that is still inside us somewhere, hidden from the scary machinations of the world. He wants us to trust him enough to let him guide our lives rather than trying to control everything ourselves.
Today, let's work on retaining the best parts of being a child, and the best parts of being an adult, and letting go and unlearning the bad lessons. Let's be responsible and loving, trusting and patient. Let's look to our father with adoration and confidence as we take his hand and walk in his way.
Sunday, March 13, 2022
2 Nephi 25:28-29 -- On the Right Way
"And now behold, my people, ye are a stiffnecked people; wherefore, I have spoken plainly unto you, that ye cannot misunderstand. And the words which I have spoken shall stand as a testimony against you; for they are sufficient to teach any man the right way; for the right way is to believe in Christ and deny him not; for by denying him ye also deny the prophets and the law.
And now behold, I say unto you that the right way is to believe in Christ, and deny him not; and Christ is the Holy One of Israel; wherefore ye must bow down before him, and worship him with all your might, mind, and strength, and your whole soul; and if ye do this ye shall in nowise be cast out."
2 Nephi 25:28-29
I like the idea that the words here are sufficient to teach anyone the right way. To me, this means that we can move towards God and embrace the gospel without knowing every detail. We just need to know the basics to start out with, and we can immediately start on the path. Belief and worship are an excellent start, because those are the seeds of something more... that belief will start us towards faith, and worship gets us grounded in some humility, so that it is easier to accept what God has to teach us.
Today, wherever we are on the path, let's remember this simple advice and make sure that we are walking in the right way... towards God rather than away from him.
And now behold, I say unto you that the right way is to believe in Christ, and deny him not; and Christ is the Holy One of Israel; wherefore ye must bow down before him, and worship him with all your might, mind, and strength, and your whole soul; and if ye do this ye shall in nowise be cast out."
2 Nephi 25:28-29
I like the idea that the words here are sufficient to teach anyone the right way. To me, this means that we can move towards God and embrace the gospel without knowing every detail. We just need to know the basics to start out with, and we can immediately start on the path. Belief and worship are an excellent start, because those are the seeds of something more... that belief will start us towards faith, and worship gets us grounded in some humility, so that it is easier to accept what God has to teach us.
Today, wherever we are on the path, let's remember this simple advice and make sure that we are walking in the right way... towards God rather than away from him.
Saturday, March 12, 2022
Psalms 47:6-7 -- On Singing Praises
"Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.
For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding."
Psalms 47:6-7
Seems pretty clear that singing is a good way to praise/worship God. Prayer might be more helpful mentally and maybe helps us synch up with God better, relationship-wise, I think that there is definitely something to be said for the pure emotional and spiritual joy that comes by pouring our our feelings to God through song.
Today, let's take time to sing praise. :)
For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding."
Psalms 47:6-7
Seems pretty clear that singing is a good way to praise/worship God. Prayer might be more helpful mentally and maybe helps us synch up with God better, relationship-wise, I think that there is definitely something to be said for the pure emotional and spiritual joy that comes by pouring our our feelings to God through song.
Today, let's take time to sing praise. :)
Friday, March 11, 2022
Galatians 6:9 -- On Reaping a Better World
"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due seasom we shall reap, if we faint not."
Galatians 6:9
I really like this, and I think that the more good we do, the more we can look forward to reaping a better world. Sometimes we get discouraged and feel like there is no payoff, or we don't see one. We focus on the negative in the world around us... and to be sure, there is always going to be negative, until Christ returns. But I think one of the reasons that God asks us not to be weary in this is that this is exactly how we build a better world... and how we find salvation. Line upon line, step upon step. Here a little and there a little. It's not the fastest way, but it is the best way, and one in which we can all participate.
Today, let's find good to do. Let's be kind to the people that we meet and make them smile. Let's offer compliments. Let's b generous. Let's leave the day, and the world, better than we found it. As we do, we'll be blessed, not only with that eventual better world, but with also with some good old fashioned happiness, which is the natural byproduct of doing good and helping other people. :)
Galatians 6:9
I really like this, and I think that the more good we do, the more we can look forward to reaping a better world. Sometimes we get discouraged and feel like there is no payoff, or we don't see one. We focus on the negative in the world around us... and to be sure, there is always going to be negative, until Christ returns. But I think one of the reasons that God asks us not to be weary in this is that this is exactly how we build a better world... and how we find salvation. Line upon line, step upon step. Here a little and there a little. It's not the fastest way, but it is the best way, and one in which we can all participate.
Today, let's find good to do. Let's be kind to the people that we meet and make them smile. Let's offer compliments. Let's b generous. Let's leave the day, and the world, better than we found it. As we do, we'll be blessed, not only with that eventual better world, but with also with some good old fashioned happiness, which is the natural byproduct of doing good and helping other people. :)
Thursday, March 10, 2022
Romans 11:21-27 -- On Taking Heed
"For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.
Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again.
For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?
For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins."
Romans 11:21-27
This reminds me of Jacob 5, talking about olive trees and grafting, so good things to read together. Specifically it is talking about Gentiles compared to Israelites in the Lord's vineyard, but overall, the message here is about not judging others. No one should be calling out God's chosen people... but really, we don't have the right to call out *anyone,* right? Trying to say that we are better because God has blessed us and not someone else is a very weak position... one that can be turned around due to the very boast, since just by doing that we've slipped into some sinful pride.
Today, let's make sure we aren't saying, or believing, that we are better than others because of our blessings. Let's take heed, and let our righteousness commend us to God, and not try to build our foundation upon those we step on or criticize instead. That's never a good way to climb.
Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again.
For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?
For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins."
Romans 11:21-27
This reminds me of Jacob 5, talking about olive trees and grafting, so good things to read together. Specifically it is talking about Gentiles compared to Israelites in the Lord's vineyard, but overall, the message here is about not judging others. No one should be calling out God's chosen people... but really, we don't have the right to call out *anyone,* right? Trying to say that we are better because God has blessed us and not someone else is a very weak position... one that can be turned around due to the very boast, since just by doing that we've slipped into some sinful pride.
Today, let's make sure we aren't saying, or believing, that we are better than others because of our blessings. Let's take heed, and let our righteousness commend us to God, and not try to build our foundation upon those we step on or criticize instead. That's never a good way to climb.
Wednesday, March 9, 2022
Revelation 12:11 -- On Priorities and Risk
"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."
Revelation 12:11
The whole idea of being valuable and/or worthy is a tough one in the gospel, because there are a lot of seemingly conflicting ideas in the scriptures. It is explained that we are less than the dust of the earth (Helaman 12:7), but that we are "of more value than many sparrows" (Luke 12:7). We learn that man is nothing (Moses 1:10), but also that God will make him worth more than "the golden wedge of Ophir" (Isaiah 13:12).
I'm thinking that the disconnect could be, again, situational but also physical versus spiritual. In terms of God valuing us and our potential, we are all the things that we learn growing up in the church... we are children of God, and of infinite worth. He loves us, and does all things for us to help us succeed. Indeed, "all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose" (Roman 8:28). That's from an eternal perspective. But when we are talking about fear of other people, fear of death, or prioriting anything before God, then we're back to "whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it" (Mark 8:35). Our bodies are much less valuable than our souls, and will be restored to us in the resurrection, so the real risk we face in life is to our souls and our eternal potential.
Today, let's make sure that we are prioritizing soul over body, and putting God first in our lives, even before those physical lives. Doing the right thing is more important than the danger of the Lion's Den or the fiery furnace, so it is likely more important than whatever we fear as well.
Revelation 12:11
The whole idea of being valuable and/or worthy is a tough one in the gospel, because there are a lot of seemingly conflicting ideas in the scriptures. It is explained that we are less than the dust of the earth (Helaman 12:7), but that we are "of more value than many sparrows" (Luke 12:7). We learn that man is nothing (Moses 1:10), but also that God will make him worth more than "the golden wedge of Ophir" (Isaiah 13:12).
I'm thinking that the disconnect could be, again, situational but also physical versus spiritual. In terms of God valuing us and our potential, we are all the things that we learn growing up in the church... we are children of God, and of infinite worth. He loves us, and does all things for us to help us succeed. Indeed, "all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose" (Roman 8:28). That's from an eternal perspective. But when we are talking about fear of other people, fear of death, or prioriting anything before God, then we're back to "whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it" (Mark 8:35). Our bodies are much less valuable than our souls, and will be restored to us in the resurrection, so the real risk we face in life is to our souls and our eternal potential.
Today, let's make sure that we are prioritizing soul over body, and putting God first in our lives, even before those physical lives. Doing the right thing is more important than the danger of the Lion's Den or the fiery furnace, so it is likely more important than whatever we fear as well.
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
Matthew 11:4-6 -- On Christ
"Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see:
The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.
And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me."
Matthew 11:4-6
I think sometimes we forget how miraculous and amazing Christ was, and how many lives he changed for the better. In our society Christ is often referred to as an abstract concept--a symbol or a great teacher--but he was much more than that, and even though it might not be popular to love and worship him, that is what the gospel is about. Our religious beliefs aren't just an excercise in building good citizens or providing hope to the ignorant masses who are unable to face the starkness of meaningless reality. God is real, and that fact makes a bigger impact on the world than anything else.
Let's not get distracted from God today, or let other things take priority. If people talk down to us or think that we are insane for following Christ, it doesn't change anything about what we know to be true. Let's stay focused on what really matters. Let's dedicate ourselves to God and his gospel, following his example of caring for others.
The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.
And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me."
Matthew 11:4-6
I think sometimes we forget how miraculous and amazing Christ was, and how many lives he changed for the better. In our society Christ is often referred to as an abstract concept--a symbol or a great teacher--but he was much more than that, and even though it might not be popular to love and worship him, that is what the gospel is about. Our religious beliefs aren't just an excercise in building good citizens or providing hope to the ignorant masses who are unable to face the starkness of meaningless reality. God is real, and that fact makes a bigger impact on the world than anything else.
Let's not get distracted from God today, or let other things take priority. If people talk down to us or think that we are insane for following Christ, it doesn't change anything about what we know to be true. Let's stay focused on what really matters. Let's dedicate ourselves to God and his gospel, following his example of caring for others.
Monday, March 7, 2022
Daniel 9:21-22 -- On Angels and Understanding
"Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.
And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding."
Daniel 9:21-22
I love the stories of angels interacting with regular people, because I think it shows that there is a lot more going on than we can see... God has things organized, and is watching over all of us. I also like the idea here that we can be given things instantly like skill and understanding. I mean, I think God usually wants us to work at things like that, so we learn about effort and accomplishment, but every now and then when it is important, it is also cool to get some extra boosts. :)
Today, let's be like Daniel, including the Lord in our lives through prayer, and working to support and uphold God's plan... and as we do that, he will bless us with help and inspiration as we need it... sometimes perhaps through angelic visitors. :)
And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding."
Daniel 9:21-22
I love the stories of angels interacting with regular people, because I think it shows that there is a lot more going on than we can see... God has things organized, and is watching over all of us. I also like the idea here that we can be given things instantly like skill and understanding. I mean, I think God usually wants us to work at things like that, so we learn about effort and accomplishment, but every now and then when it is important, it is also cool to get some extra boosts. :)
Today, let's be like Daniel, including the Lord in our lives through prayer, and working to support and uphold God's plan... and as we do that, he will bless us with help and inspiration as we need it... sometimes perhaps through angelic visitors. :)
Sunday, March 6, 2022
Psalms 131:1-2 -- On Avoiding Tantrums
"Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.
Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child."
Psalms 131:1-2
This psalm is only three verses long, and I liked this part because it made me think of our human tendency to drama. This selection makes a comparison between the behavior of adults and children, which seems pretty on target. Although hopefully we grow out of certain physical manifestations of temper tantrums, like throwing ourselves on the floor or screaming and beating our fists against whatever is closest, I feel like our adult temper tantrums are often worse, because we know how to be more destructive emotionally.
I love the idea here of learning to be humble and calm as a child before the Lord, and the concept of quieting ourselves emotionally and spiritually just as we learned to do physically when we were children. I don't think that the "things too high for me" part means that we can't seek knowledge or ask questions--only that we should be willing to recognize that God knows more than we do, and not think that we can out think or criticize him... the humility of a child rather than the forced submission of a prisoner or something.
Today, let's remember that we are still children before the Lord and we have so much to learn in so many areas. Let's be humble and seek understanding, and quiet ourselves when we feel tempted to dramatic ourbursts, instead being willing to think and pray and strive until we can solve our problems and express our emotions in a more palatable way. :)
Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child."
Psalms 131:1-2
This psalm is only three verses long, and I liked this part because it made me think of our human tendency to drama. This selection makes a comparison between the behavior of adults and children, which seems pretty on target. Although hopefully we grow out of certain physical manifestations of temper tantrums, like throwing ourselves on the floor or screaming and beating our fists against whatever is closest, I feel like our adult temper tantrums are often worse, because we know how to be more destructive emotionally.
I love the idea here of learning to be humble and calm as a child before the Lord, and the concept of quieting ourselves emotionally and spiritually just as we learned to do physically when we were children. I don't think that the "things too high for me" part means that we can't seek knowledge or ask questions--only that we should be willing to recognize that God knows more than we do, and not think that we can out think or criticize him... the humility of a child rather than the forced submission of a prisoner or something.
Today, let's remember that we are still children before the Lord and we have so much to learn in so many areas. Let's be humble and seek understanding, and quiet ourselves when we feel tempted to dramatic ourbursts, instead being willing to think and pray and strive until we can solve our problems and express our emotions in a more palatable way. :)
Saturday, March 5, 2022
Alma 34:14-16 -- On Law and Mercy
"And behold, this is the whole meaning of the law, every whit pointing to that great and last sacrifice; and that great and last sacrifice will be the Son of God, yea, infinite and eternal.
And thus he shall bring salvation to all those who shall believe on his name; this being the intent of this last sacrifice, to bring about the bowels of mercy, which overpowereth justice, and bringeth about means unto men that they may have faith unto repentance.
And thus mercy can satisfy the demands of justice, and encircles them in the arms of safety, while he that exercises no faith unto repentance is exposed to the whole law of the demands of justice; therefore only unto him that has faith unto repentance is brought about the great and eternal plan of redemption."
Alma 34:14-16
This struck me today because I was thinking about what the idea of an infinite sacrifice really meant. It couldn't just be putting off justice for a while, but needed to be a permanent solution. There's an old Greek story of Damon and Pythias where Damon agrees to accept death in Pythias' place should he not return, but while that might be an ideal in terms of friendship, as Alma 34 explains, justice just doesn't work that way (Alma 34:11). If Pythias is indeed a traitor, Damon dying in his place doesn't stop the rebellion, and doesn't blot his misdeeds from existence or prevent it from happening again the way that killing Pythias would. Damon could die and Pythias would be exactly the same, still a traitor, and still deserving of death according to the law. That essentially would be robbing justice, leaving it unfulfilled.
So, how could you possibly overcome that hurdle and make it so that Pythias can actually go home and say goodbye to his family and still pay for his misdeeds? Damon's offer just isn't enough. You'd have to have access to some future tech maybe and put a little bomb in his head so that after the time it took for him to get home, he automatically died. You'd be risking him passing on the order to rebel still, and maybe just turning around to assassinate the king anyway. Maybe, if you wanted to save his life at the cost of his mental freedom, some scary future tech could probably also wipe the rebellion and the desire to rebel out of Pythias' brain. That would satisfy justice perhaps, because Pythias couldn't continue the rebellion or break the law anymore, but likely it would also destroy your society as all of your citizens slowly became less than human, being programmed and controlled by the government. That seems like Satan's plan.
Christ's plan was more immense. Damon could never have done it, but Christ could take the place of his friends and have it actually satisfy the law because it was mind-bogglingly, astronomically more ambitious. He could look at all of time and space and guarantee that the eternal justice system as a whole would balance out, not guaranteeing Pythias' temporary obedience, but going to the heart of the law that he violated, and every other law, breaking down the essential reasons behind all law, and guaranteeing that justice would be paid. He took on the consequences of every sin and mistake and law violation for every person to ever live, forever... but not just the consequences, but the guarantee on the other end that lives would be changed and the violations would stop. He took responsibility for all of that on himself, and though it would have been too large a burden for anyone else, he endured it, and stands in for us all so that we, like Pythias, have time to say our goodbyes and get our lives in order before we face justice.
Christ guarantees eventual perfect justice, and thus fulfils the law, overpowering justice without robbing it, and leaving room for mercy through repentance and change. We still have to change in order to live. ... On some level we kind of have to go back in time and undo what we were... like if Pythias could go back and change his treason. If we take the life that Christ offers us, we can essentially undo our sins by becoming people who wouldn't have done them in the first place. Christ gives us repentance for that reason, so that our scarlet sins can be white again, and we can choose to be different.
Today, let's remember what extraordinary measures Christ had to go to in order to save us, and let's work on becoming better people and changing the scary, stupid, evil things we do into something better.
And thus he shall bring salvation to all those who shall believe on his name; this being the intent of this last sacrifice, to bring about the bowels of mercy, which overpowereth justice, and bringeth about means unto men that they may have faith unto repentance.
And thus mercy can satisfy the demands of justice, and encircles them in the arms of safety, while he that exercises no faith unto repentance is exposed to the whole law of the demands of justice; therefore only unto him that has faith unto repentance is brought about the great and eternal plan of redemption."
Alma 34:14-16
This struck me today because I was thinking about what the idea of an infinite sacrifice really meant. It couldn't just be putting off justice for a while, but needed to be a permanent solution. There's an old Greek story of Damon and Pythias where Damon agrees to accept death in Pythias' place should he not return, but while that might be an ideal in terms of friendship, as Alma 34 explains, justice just doesn't work that way (Alma 34:11). If Pythias is indeed a traitor, Damon dying in his place doesn't stop the rebellion, and doesn't blot his misdeeds from existence or prevent it from happening again the way that killing Pythias would. Damon could die and Pythias would be exactly the same, still a traitor, and still deserving of death according to the law. That essentially would be robbing justice, leaving it unfulfilled.
So, how could you possibly overcome that hurdle and make it so that Pythias can actually go home and say goodbye to his family and still pay for his misdeeds? Damon's offer just isn't enough. You'd have to have access to some future tech maybe and put a little bomb in his head so that after the time it took for him to get home, he automatically died. You'd be risking him passing on the order to rebel still, and maybe just turning around to assassinate the king anyway. Maybe, if you wanted to save his life at the cost of his mental freedom, some scary future tech could probably also wipe the rebellion and the desire to rebel out of Pythias' brain. That would satisfy justice perhaps, because Pythias couldn't continue the rebellion or break the law anymore, but likely it would also destroy your society as all of your citizens slowly became less than human, being programmed and controlled by the government. That seems like Satan's plan.
Christ's plan was more immense. Damon could never have done it, but Christ could take the place of his friends and have it actually satisfy the law because it was mind-bogglingly, astronomically more ambitious. He could look at all of time and space and guarantee that the eternal justice system as a whole would balance out, not guaranteeing Pythias' temporary obedience, but going to the heart of the law that he violated, and every other law, breaking down the essential reasons behind all law, and guaranteeing that justice would be paid. He took on the consequences of every sin and mistake and law violation for every person to ever live, forever... but not just the consequences, but the guarantee on the other end that lives would be changed and the violations would stop. He took responsibility for all of that on himself, and though it would have been too large a burden for anyone else, he endured it, and stands in for us all so that we, like Pythias, have time to say our goodbyes and get our lives in order before we face justice.
Christ guarantees eventual perfect justice, and thus fulfils the law, overpowering justice without robbing it, and leaving room for mercy through repentance and change. We still have to change in order to live. ... On some level we kind of have to go back in time and undo what we were... like if Pythias could go back and change his treason. If we take the life that Christ offers us, we can essentially undo our sins by becoming people who wouldn't have done them in the first place. Christ gives us repentance for that reason, so that our scarlet sins can be white again, and we can choose to be different.
Today, let's remember what extraordinary measures Christ had to go to in order to save us, and let's work on becoming better people and changing the scary, stupid, evil things we do into something better.
Friday, March 4, 2022
Jeremiah 8:20 -- On Seasons and Salvation
"The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.
For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt; I am black; astonishment hath taken hold on me.
Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?"
Jeremiah 8:20
I was reading today and there was a lot of negative stuff. Earlier in this chapter there was "When I would comfort myself against sorrow, my heart is faint in me" (verse 18), and earlier I read in Psalms "The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked" (Psalms 58:10), which sounded a little too bloodthirsty for me, so I wasn't going to write about it. But you know, then I started reading this other part about the injustice and harm and hurt in the world.
We know from Lehi's dream if nowhere else that darkness and storms are going to come for all of us, and that the only way through is to hold to the rod. Good actions and faith don't prevent us from experiencing life or learning the things that we sometimes need to learn "by sad experience" (D&C 121:39). Life happens, and hard things are going to come our way. There isn't a way around those times. But going back to Psalms, the verse after says "So that a man shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth." ... Still not a fan of bloodthirstiness, but if we look at it from the perspective of the Jeremiah selection above, there is a roaring emptiness where justice should be throughout a lot of history, and those who were slaughtered by evil or who have witnessed that slaughter... how can they not rejoice when that hole is filled, and things are made right? It isn't bloodthirst... just thirst for justice. God knows the difference, and will deal with all as mercifully as possible in the end.
Today, let's remember that if the season is over and we aren't saved, there yet remains a time to come when God *will* save us, and make everything right, and judge us all. Wickedness and "weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning" (Psalms 30:5). The reason that a day in God's courts is better than a thousand elsewhere is that the tents of wickedness (Psalms 84:10) are full of injustice and casual cruelty, even when they are not much, much worse. God is the balm and the physician that will heal us all. As we trust in his plan and in his timing, eventually all will be made right. Which means that we also need to be on the right side, because even though we can't always see it in our lives now, justice is coming.
For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt; I am black; astonishment hath taken hold on me.
Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?"
Jeremiah 8:20
I was reading today and there was a lot of negative stuff. Earlier in this chapter there was "When I would comfort myself against sorrow, my heart is faint in me" (verse 18), and earlier I read in Psalms "The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked" (Psalms 58:10), which sounded a little too bloodthirsty for me, so I wasn't going to write about it. But you know, then I started reading this other part about the injustice and harm and hurt in the world.
We know from Lehi's dream if nowhere else that darkness and storms are going to come for all of us, and that the only way through is to hold to the rod. Good actions and faith don't prevent us from experiencing life or learning the things that we sometimes need to learn "by sad experience" (D&C 121:39). Life happens, and hard things are going to come our way. There isn't a way around those times. But going back to Psalms, the verse after says "So that a man shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth." ... Still not a fan of bloodthirstiness, but if we look at it from the perspective of the Jeremiah selection above, there is a roaring emptiness where justice should be throughout a lot of history, and those who were slaughtered by evil or who have witnessed that slaughter... how can they not rejoice when that hole is filled, and things are made right? It isn't bloodthirst... just thirst for justice. God knows the difference, and will deal with all as mercifully as possible in the end.
Today, let's remember that if the season is over and we aren't saved, there yet remains a time to come when God *will* save us, and make everything right, and judge us all. Wickedness and "weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning" (Psalms 30:5). The reason that a day in God's courts is better than a thousand elsewhere is that the tents of wickedness (Psalms 84:10) are full of injustice and casual cruelty, even when they are not much, much worse. God is the balm and the physician that will heal us all. As we trust in his plan and in his timing, eventually all will be made right. Which means that we also need to be on the right side, because even though we can't always see it in our lives now, justice is coming.
Thursday, March 3, 2022
Isaiah 60:15 -- On Isolation and Inspiration
"Whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated, so that no man went through thee, I will make thee an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations."
Isaiah 60:15
I love the idea of being redeemed from isolation here. Even when we don't have any frends, anyone to consult us about anything or anyonw to hang out with, we are still not forgotten of the Lord, and he will love and bless us, and fuflil his promises to us. Everything that we need we can find in the Lord, even with things like this. He will inspire and help us now to become better than we are, and eventually make all things right in times to come.
Today, let's go forward with confidence in the Lord, knowing and trusting that he can cure even rejection and isolation as we dedicate our lives to him. :)
Isaiah 60:15
I love the idea of being redeemed from isolation here. Even when we don't have any frends, anyone to consult us about anything or anyonw to hang out with, we are still not forgotten of the Lord, and he will love and bless us, and fuflil his promises to us. Everything that we need we can find in the Lord, even with things like this. He will inspire and help us now to become better than we are, and eventually make all things right in times to come.
Today, let's go forward with confidence in the Lord, knowing and trusting that he can cure even rejection and isolation as we dedicate our lives to him. :)
Wednesday, March 2, 2022
Isaiah 50:10-11 -- On the True Light
"Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God.
Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow."
Isaiah 50:10-11
So these verses seem to be talking about different kinds of light. Perhaps physical / spiritual, but perhaps just bigger / smaller. We're asked if there is anyone who loves God and follows the gospel that doesn't have any light in their lives, and it seems to be a rhetorical question. Obviously people that stay close to God and the spirit have access to God's light. That is the tree in Lehi's dream, and also represents God's love for us. He offers us light so that we can see (spiritually) and grow closer to him, and find happiness.
Then we talk about regular people who try to make light, and their fires are (comparatively) sparks. When we try to light our own way and walk in our own path, we don't do too well. The sorrow here I think is a natural consequence, not a punishment, but it is a hard lesson to learn anyway. We want to be smart and independent, and to know what is best for ourselves, but I think all of us get to a point somewhere when we realize that we are really making a mess of the whole making-our-own-decisions thing... but that is a good thing, because when we realize that, often we become humble enough to turn to God for help.
Today, let's follow God's light, which will surely lead us to long-term happiness rather than sorrow.
Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow."
Isaiah 50:10-11
So these verses seem to be talking about different kinds of light. Perhaps physical / spiritual, but perhaps just bigger / smaller. We're asked if there is anyone who loves God and follows the gospel that doesn't have any light in their lives, and it seems to be a rhetorical question. Obviously people that stay close to God and the spirit have access to God's light. That is the tree in Lehi's dream, and also represents God's love for us. He offers us light so that we can see (spiritually) and grow closer to him, and find happiness.
Then we talk about regular people who try to make light, and their fires are (comparatively) sparks. When we try to light our own way and walk in our own path, we don't do too well. The sorrow here I think is a natural consequence, not a punishment, but it is a hard lesson to learn anyway. We want to be smart and independent, and to know what is best for ourselves, but I think all of us get to a point somewhere when we realize that we are really making a mess of the whole making-our-own-decisions thing... but that is a good thing, because when we realize that, often we become humble enough to turn to God for help.
Today, let's follow God's light, which will surely lead us to long-term happiness rather than sorrow.
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
Isaiah 46:9-10 -- On God
"Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,
Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:"
Isaiah 46:9-10
God reminds us a lot in the Old Testament to not worship idols, and it mentions those earlier here as well. These verses show some unique things that God can do. He can tell the future, he can accomplish anything he wants to do, and his advice is always good... and I think that we make similar mistakes to the people in the Old Testament. We put things before God, and we also equate him with the rest of humanity, trying to attribute failure scenarios and weaknesses to God's plans when there are none. He knows all of it.
Today, let's remember that God is infallible and well beyond our weaknesses and limitations. It's really for that reason that we cae trust and follow him, because he alone will never let us down, but always keep his promises. Let's try to be more like him.
Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:"
Isaiah 46:9-10
God reminds us a lot in the Old Testament to not worship idols, and it mentions those earlier here as well. These verses show some unique things that God can do. He can tell the future, he can accomplish anything he wants to do, and his advice is always good... and I think that we make similar mistakes to the people in the Old Testament. We put things before God, and we also equate him with the rest of humanity, trying to attribute failure scenarios and weaknesses to God's plans when there are none. He knows all of it.
Today, let's remember that God is infallible and well beyond our weaknesses and limitations. It's really for that reason that we cae trust and follow him, because he alone will never let us down, but always keep his promises. Let's try to be more like him.
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