3 Nephi 4:5 -- On Plunder and Parasites

"And it came to pass that in the nineteenth year Giddianhi found that it was expedient that he should go up to battle against the Nephites, for there was no way that they could subsist save it were to plunder and rob and murder."
3 Nephi 4:5


This strikes me as ... fitting I suppose is the best word. The robbers had been living on what they could steal from other people, so when everyone joined together to avoid them, they had to choose to go to war. They couldn't even just take up residence in the abandoned places, because they weren't equipped to live normal lives. They had grown so big that it became a big deal and the entire people gathered themselves together to protect themselves, and they couldn't just plant crops for fear that they would become a prey the same way they had made others so.

I don't know if this exactly parallels anything in our day, because the situation is very different, but in some ways it reminds me of the purveyors of ransomware and the like, living as some of the parasites of society. And yet, naming other people and not looking at ourselves is never a full answer. I hope we are not as bad as the Gadianton Robbers of course, but I think we probably all have to consider ways that we might just be "taking" from society and the world and not giving much back. Today, something to think about... how can we make sure that we are producing something rather than becoming parasites? Let's not end up like Giddianhi, left with nothing at the end of our lives.

Moroni 10:23-24 -- On Belief and Faith

"And Christ truly said unto our fathers: If ye have faith ye can do all things which are expedient unto me. And now I speak unto all the ends of the earth—that if the day cometh that the power and gifts of God shall be done away among you, it shall be because of unbelief."
Moroni 10:23-24


Thinking about this today, and I wonder if this is why God tells us that we need to become like little children. We need an infusion of wonder and imagination in our lives, and to wean ourselves off our giant doses of skepticism, at least as it applies to God... because God *can* do all these things that we've been reading about in the scriptures, but before we can have some of those Nephi-like or Brother of Jared-like experiences, we have to actually believe that God not only can do those things, but that he is willing to do them in our lives. Otherwise, we're left with Laman and Lemuel's self-fulfilling prophecy: "the Lord maketh no such thing known unto us" (1 Nephi 15:8-9).

Today, let's work on believing. Let's believe enough to pray and have a conversation with God, and then as that conversation happens, it will help us build up and work from there on our faith.

Mosiah 4:13 -- On Living Peaceably

"And ye will not have a mind to injure one another, but to live peaceably, and to render to every man according to that which is his due."
Mosiah 4:13


This is even better in context, so take a look if you don't know what leads to this, but what struck me today is the idea of living peaceably. I think a lot of us (perhaps because of the world we live in) think that peace is just the absence of war... but this seems to indicate that it is a little bit more. It is also when we don't have any desire to harm each other, and we don't resent giving to other people. ... That right there is a big difference as well. We often find it hard to be happy for others because we want what they have... the promotion, the salary, the house, the position in society, the power, the popularity, or whatever. That's one of the commandments... we're not supposed to covet anything that belongs to our neighbors, pretty much exactly because of this. Because it throws us into the mindset that we could get ahead by diminishing someone else... and that is definitely not God's plan. God's plan is for everyone to lift each other up, and all rise together.

Today, let's try to live peaceably according to the Lord's definition rather than the world's definition. Let's find ways to uplift the people around us, and celebrate who they are rather than resenting the good things that happen to them. Let's work on helping others succeed just as the Lord helps us.

Matthew 7:11-12 -- On Giving Good

"If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets."
Matthew 7:11-12


Looking at these verses together is interesting. Usually I think about them separately, but in this chapter they are clearly part of the same paragraph, and so I was thinking about that today, and I wonder if the idea here is that when we ask God for things it isn't really all about what we asked for, but rather what will help us the most and what we need. We might ask for things that will hurt us sometimes, or for things that look good, but will actually end badly. For instance, if we pray to be able to make our flight, and then the flight gets delayed/canceled or whatever, where if we missed that first flight and took a different one, we'd actually get there sooner. We can't predict things like that, but God can, and so sometimes it is more the spirit than the letter even when answering prayers. God wants to do good to us, even when we (unknowingly *or* purposefully) ask for bad.

Today, let's remember that God knows a lot more than we do about the way our lives should go, and let's trust him and ask for his will to be done rather than our blind stumblings. And as we look to others, let's also always give good, even when they are "asking for" bad. Let's bring more good to the world.

Proverbs 12:25 -- On Heaviness and Good Words

"Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad."
Proverbs 12:25


I think we can all relate to stooping because of heaviness of heart at times. Life can get to us... which is one of the reasons that we should also remember the second part of this verse, and offer good words to others. Sometimes that word of encouragment or even a simple compliment can make all the difference. Today, let's turn to God if we are heart-heavy, and offer other people good words to help lift them out of any heaviness they might be feeling. :)

Job 34:3-4 -- On Judgement

"For the ear trieth words, as the mouth tasteth meat.
Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what is good."
Job 34:3-4


In other parts of the scriptures we're asked to judge not, but here we're encouraged to judge. I think the difference is whether we are judging other people's value or choosing for ourselves what to believe and what not to believe. We definitely need to be discerning and watch out for falsehoods and deception as we move forward, but still refrain from condemning individuals, leaving that judgement to God.

Today, let's make wise decisions about our own lives and direction, while still attempting to allow others their individual choices, judging our direction, but not others' worth.

Psalms 119:27-32 -- On Doing our Part

"Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.
My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.
Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously.
I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.
I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O Lord, put me not to shame.
I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart."
Psalms 119:27-32


This is very poetic, and it talks about things that we all need... understanding, strength, honesty and grace, confidence, and an enlarged heart (spiritually, not physically, makes me think of the Grinch and hearts growing three sizes). :)

God gives us a lot of things here, but let's recognize that there are committments as well. We need to choose the way of truth. We need to stick to our testimonies, and follow the commandments... be willing to learn God's precepts and follow them. If we do our part, the Lord will do his much bigger part. :)
Today, when we feel like our souls are melting, let's look unto God for all that we need. If we follow his path, then we'll be okay. :)

Isaiah 57:21 -- On Peace

"There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked."
Isaiah 57:21


This seems so true. It's so hard to find peace in our lives, and a guilty conscience is an extra burden that we do not need getting in our way. Today, let's work on removing wickedness from our lives, so that we can more easily find the peack that we often seek.

1 Corinthians 15:19 -- Hope Beyond Life

"If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable."
1 Corinthians 15:19


Thinking about this one today... I think this is something that we understand on some level... that if this life were all there was, then we would be lost. God grants us the ability to find happiness here, and that's part of our lessons... finding the joy rather than the despair... but so much of God's plan is based on there being more than this limited life of frequent pain and frustration and too many endings, and that is something we have to understand in order to see a little of God's perspective in all of this.

God's purpose is to show us the good and the bad here so that we can know as he knows and choose freely... but God's triumph over death was not limited to a one time get out of jail free card. His triumph means that all of us will rise, never to fall again. Eternal life... the chance to do and to be so much more... that's included in the hope that God offers. Not just a temporary respite from our earthly pain, but an eternity of joy and love.

Today, let's think bigger when we consider our hope in Christ. Let's understand that there is no part of death or corruption or evil that Christ won't stamp under his feet. When we go before God, let's look at ourselves as immortal beings, because that is exactly what he ensures that we are, and let's plan accordingly... letting go of our impatience and shortsightedness and planning for an eternity of learning and growing and getting to know others, until the perfect day and beyond.

Abraham 1:15-19 -- On Being Saved and Led

"And as they lifted up their hands upon me, that they might offer me up and take away my life, behold, I lifted up my voice unto the Lord my God, and the Lord hearkened and heard, and he filled me with the vision of the Almighty, and the angel of his presence stood by me, and immediately unloosed my bands;
And his voice was unto me: Abraham, Abraham, behold, my name is Jehovah, and I have heard thee, and have come down to deliver thee, and to take thee away from thy father’s house, and from all thy kinsfolk, into a strange land which thou knowest not of;
And this because they have turned their hearts away from me, to worship the god of Elkenah, and the god of Libnah, and the god of Mahmackrah, and the god of Korash, and the god of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; therefore I have come down to visit them, and to destroy him who hath lifted up his hand against thee, Abraham, my son, to take away thy life.
Behold, I will lead thee by my hand, and I will take thee, to put upon thee my name, even the Priesthood of thy father, and my power shall be over thee.
As it was with Noah so shall it be with thee; but through thy ministry my name shall be known in the earth forever, for I am thy God."
Abraham 1:15-19


I like knowing that Abraham plead to God when he was about to be killed, and was saved. I think it kind of changes my perspective on everything that came after, especially when he was asked to sacrifice his own son. Maybe the question needed to be answered in Abraham's head... do I follow God because he saved me from the evil practice of human sacrifice? Are there circumstances where God could be wrong, or where I would refuse to obey?

The offer to lead Abraham by the hand here reminds me of D&C 112:10: "Be thou hunble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers." It's a huge change to leave everything that you know and go out into the unknown, but I think in a way, that is what God does with all of us. We have to unlearn negative behavior patterns and learn to be new people, and often that requires a new environment where we can rebuild and learn to thrive.

Today, let's turn to God in humility, asking for deliverance and promising to follow as he leads us to all good. As we follow God our lives are not going to be what we expected them to be, but God's plan is always better than ours, and our end will always be better than where life was heading before we turned to him. Let's buckle down and learn more of him, and his plan for our happiness. :)

1 Corinthians 15:22-26 -- On Destroying Death

"For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.
Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death."
1 Corinthians 15:22-26


This is some great, mind boggling stuff. The idea that death is an enemy of God, and that death will be destroyed... no death, ever again, and everyone resurrected... so that Christ causes life to triumph... that's amazing. There are Science Fiction stories about no death, being unable to die, or immortals, but only a few hints in scripture about real immortals other than God. It's a fascinating concept, and immortality seems like an infinitely better challenge (if it is a challenge) to deal with than worrying about death.

Today, let's look forward to an end to death and a future of unbroken happiness, as we do what God asks so that we can stay on the path to that future.

Alma 26:6-7 -- On Storms and Shelter

"Yea, they shall not be beaten down by the storm at the last day; yea, neither shall they be harrowed up by the whirlwinds; but when the storm cometh they shall be gathered together in their place, that the storm cannot penetrate to them; yea, neither shall they be driven with fierce winds whithersoever the enemy listeth to carry them.
But behold, they are in the hands of the Lord of the harvest, and they are his; and he will raise them up at the last day."
Alma 26:6-7


This is an interesting selection comparing people to a harvest... people who are willing to be gathered together by God, listening to his voice and going where he wants them to go, will be safe.

I think it is important to note that the Lord doesn't make us impervious to the storm, or stronger than it. He just gathers us to a safe place, and the storm still happens. I think sometimes we want to win... beat the storm, triumph, prove that we are stronger... but it's God job to win. Sometimes we just need to stay safe. :)

Today, let's listen to the Lord and go where he asks... and be a little humble about it, not demanding to be better than the storm, but accepting it when we need to hunker down and stay safe.

Doctrine and Covenants 67:13 -- On Patience and Perfection

"Ye are not able to abide the presence of God now, neither the ministering of angels; wherefore, continue in patience until ye are perfected."
Doctrine and Covenants 67:13


God speaks so gently to us sometimes, when we want to move more quickly than is wise. It's kind of like when we were children and we wanted to be big and do big people things that looked so fun. :) God is asking us to accept that we are still children in some ways, and that we still have a lot to learn and just like when we were little, we need to have some strong patience and wait to grow up a little, learning as we go. It takes time, and patience, and faith, but God is there to guide us if we can just keep moving in the right direction--towards him.

Today, let's remember that patience precedes perfection. :) It's tempting to just try to run to the end, but that's kind of like building the Tower of Babel. It isn't really the way to get there. Let's keep working and learning and putting the Lord first, and we will get there, in the Lord's time and with his help.

Doctrine and Covenants 6:9 -- On Repentance

"Say nothing but repentance unto this generation; keep my commandments, and assist to bring forth my work, according to my commandments, and you shall be blessed."
Doctrine and Covenants 6:9


I've been reading the Old Testament to prepare Sunday School lessons lately, and recently it has been the Israelites wanting to go back to Egypt whenever anything goes wrong, somehow forgetting that it would be an impossibly bad idea. And so God kind of gives them a back to basics program with super detailed instructions on what they can and can't do, reminders of why they need to rely on him, etc. because they forget so easily. ... And I think this is similar. We forget too. We think, oh yeah, I've got this, and try to dive into the deep end and then realize that we're sinking. We need a refresher on how to float. :) ... And I think that is what this verse is. It's letting us know that this part of the gospel is the most important one to hear right now... maybe later, if we really master this part, then we'll ready to move past it... but let's get this part down first, and not try to overreach ourselves. :) Today, let's consider repentence, and just that. Let's pray for forgiveness, and seek that connection with the Lord that we so desperately need in our lives.

2 Nephi 9:30 -- On Walls of Treasure

"But wo unto the rich, who are rich as to the things of the world. For because they are rich they despise the poor, and they persecute the meek, and their hearts are upon their treasures; wherefore, their treasure is their god. And behold, their treasure shall perish with them also."
2 Nephi 9:30


This is a good reminder for us to not let our wealth or our "things" get between us and God, building up into walls of treasure... separating us and moving our focus to something besides Him. Things are cool sometimes, and walls of treasure sound tempting even, but nothing is cooler than God, who rejoices with us in our successes, and sorrows with us in our despair... who gave himself to lift us up and help us make it to a life that is so much better than our current one that we can only imagine the smallest parts of it. ... Like eternal life in a body that can never get sick. Eternal life surrounded by people who love us and value us... as we value them. Money can't get us any of that, but sticking with God, and keeping his commandments... that can. Today, let's stick with God, and make sure that we are prioritizing what really matters, like God and love for other people, over the temporary euphoria of getting something we really want.

1 Timothy 4:7-8

"But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come."
1 Timothy 4:7-8


I like the comparing exercising godliness to bodily exercise here, although I think that it probably needs to be pointed out (also for me) that it isn't any less difficult than bodily exercise. Maintaining Godliness in our lives requires practice and real exercise... working at it, not just falling into it. We have to be aware of our faults and working to avoid them, and to improve. We have to obey God, not just always do what we want. :)

And, of course, not disparaging body exercise either. Keeping your body fit and healthy is a good thing that God also approves. Timothy is just saying here that it is more important to be close to God than to look amazing... but both are also okay. :)

Today, let's make sure that we are exercising godliness in our lives... striving to get closer to God and put him first in our lives.

Proverbs 17:5 -- On Calamity and Kindness

"Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished."
Proverbs 17:5


I think the main message here is kindness and compassion. When we treat others as though their feelings and life situations don't matter, then God is displeased. If we've got someone or a group of people that we feel like that about, time to learn more about them and pray for help with learning to love. It doesn't automatically make us horrible if we have faults, but when we do a self inventory and we find that sort of thing, then let's not accept it and choose evil, but instead let's eradicate that kind of thinking and change. Today, let's make sure we aren't mocking other people's misfortune, and that we aren't secretly happy about other people's tragedies. Let's learn to be happy for others and to value ourselves in ways other than by comparison to others.

Revelation 18:11-13 -- On Hidden Evil

"And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:
The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,
And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men."
Revelation 18:11-13


This chapter is about the last days before the Millennium, with Babylon being symbolic of the evils of the world (could be an actual city as well, but since it is symbolic, we don't know which one). What we do know is that the Lord calls his people to leave before she is destroyed (verse 4), and also that even though all of this sounds sad, we get right to the end of the list, and we remember that this city was trafficking in slaves and souls of men. The last verse tells us as well "And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth" (verse 24).

All that to remind us that no matter how glorious and amazing something is, if it is rotten at the core, it won't last. Today, let's be wary of situations and places that God warns us about. If God tells us to get out, then we need to get out immediately, and not make the same mistake that Lot's wife did.

Psalms 4:8 -- On Safety and Sleep

"I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety."
Psalms 4:8


This is a good psalm. My favorite part of it is this verse. Perhaps we all rest better when we feel safe, and with God's help we can find peace and safety even in this uncertain world.

Today, no matter how crazy the world is or our lives are, let's look to the Lord and pray to be blessed with his peace... and then let's trust in that, and be willing to let go of some of the things that stress us out, and let God help us learn to manage our anxiety a little bit better, so that he can help us not only with some immediate relief, but some long term better habits as well. :)

Moses 3:5-7 -- On Spirit and Creation

"And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew. For I, the Lord God, created all things, of which I have spoken, spiritually, before they were naturally upon the face of the earth. For I, the Lord God, had not caused it to rain upon the face of the earth. And I, the Lord God, had created all the children of men; and not yet a man to till the ground; for in heaven created I them; and there was not yet flesh upon the earth, neither in the water, neither in the air;
But I, the Lord God, spake, and there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground.
And I, the Lord God, formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul, the first flesh upon the earth, the first man also; nevertheless, all things were before created; but spiritually were they created and made according to my word."
Moses 3:5-7


I like this because it is a different perspective on the traditional creation order. We go through the days in Genesis, learning what came first, etc., but here we learn that all of that was spiritual creation, and that man was the first flesh upon the earth. So even though everything was already made, it hadn't been "naturally" made, physically. (Side note, I also love the idea in verse 9 where it says "it became also a living soul" about a tree.) :)

Today, let's remember that everything started as Spirit, and that there is (at least in that sense, and perhaps in others) a spiritual connection between everything. The other thing to remember with all of this is just that God is the creator of us all. I think we forget that sometimes, thinking that we just lucked into ourselves, or that the brilliant beautiful complexity of the world and the universe is just happenstance. Let's remember that there is a meaning and a purpose to all of this, and look to God when we need help.

Isaiah 60:1-3 -- On Light and Gathering

"Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.
For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.
And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising."
Isaiah 60:1-3


This is talking about the last days, and about how "the Lord shall arise upon thee," talking about the children of Israel, and how everyone will come to the light. I love that idea of people flocking to the Lord... exiting the darkness and moving towards the light. Today, let's be ready to arise and shine, for God is our light, and we should be moving towards him always.

Alma 29:3-4 -- On Power and Choice

"But behold, I am a man, and do sin in my wish; for I ought to be content with the things which the Lord hath allotted unto me.
I ought not to harrow up in my desires the firm decree of a just God, for I know that he granteth unto men according to their desire, whether it be unto death or unto life; yea, I know that he allotteth unto men, yea, decreeth unto them decrees which are unalterable, according to their wills, whether they be unto salvation or unto destruction."
Alma 29:3-4


Before this, Alma wishes that he could be an angel and "cry repentance unto every creature" (Alma 29:1), and I think we all feel like that sometimes. We have the desire to do something, and we want to be amazing and dramatic and affect everyone. Often though what we need isn't a greater reach, but a better connection to God, and a recognition of the power we already have to help and to lift.

Today, let's focus on what we have, and remember that God can grant us a portion of his power with which to do good. Let's take the chance to help others and to be a force for good in the world, helping people see the good and recognize it, so they can make better, more informed choices in their lives and not believe they have a choice between evils, or that things are hopeless.

Zephaniah 3:8-9 -- On Waiting Upon the Lord

"Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the Lord, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy.
For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the Lord, to serve him with one consent."
Zephaniah 3:8-9


This is part of some kind of cool Second Coming stuff. I like the idea of waiting upon the Lord... or in other words patience and acceptance of God's timing. That's admittedly really hard to do, but trusting the Lord always leads to good things, so it is kind of like a nice surpise from a friend... we should be able to look forward with anticipation and joy rather than fear and sorrow, not because there won't be some bad chapters, but because we believe in God as the author and in his promised eventual happy ending. Today, let's read up and trust. :)

Helaman 11:7-8 -- On Seeking the Lord Early

"And it came to pass that the people saw that they were about to perish by famine, and they began to remember the Lord their God; and they began to remember the words of Nephi.
And the people began to plead with their chief judges and their leaders, that they would say unto Nephi: Behold, we know that thou art a man of God, and therefore cry unto the Lord our God that he turn away from us this famine, lest all the words which thou hast spoken concerning our destruction be fulfilled."
Helaman 11:7-8


These verses remind me just how stubborn we as humans, and I personally, can be. It is silly to let things go so far as to only remember the Lord when we are about to perish, but we do a lot of similar things, putting off prayer and scripture study, thinking of God last and ourselves first. Today, let's remember to seek the Lord early, before we're about to perish, and to prioritize contact with him in our lives. Then everything in our whole lives will generally go better. Try the experiment... it works. :)

1 Peter 2:13-16 -- On Obedience to God and Man

"Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God."
1 Peter 2:13-16


The idea of submission is hard to swallow sometimes, because we want to be big and grown up and it's often hard to admit that we don't make the best choices, especially when it comes to ourselves. Even then, submitting to God is one thing, because we know he's perfect, but submitting to the ordinances of man? Yikes, right? What if we don't agree with them? What about conscientious objection and standing up for what we believe?

God is trying to help us out here, by giving us a reason to obey laws and to follow rules set forth by man. He doesn't want us to fight against them, but rather to accept and follow them. There may be exceptions, as there are to most things, but God is asking us (as the prophets ask us) to assume we are part of the rule *first* rather than assuming we are part of the exception.

Exceptions are not evil, as long as God is okay with it... I mean, Nephi murdering Laban was God-approved disobedience to law, but we should make sure that we are absolutely certain that God is asking us to do something else... otherwise, we are using our liberty as a cloak of maliciousness. (Excusing our own selfish actions and saying that God justifies us.) When a rule or law rubs us the wrong way, the default should be to obey, but if it contradicts our beliefs, then we should first pray and find out what God desires of us. Daniel and his friends worked within the rules to try to obey God's laws about what to eat. They didn't martyr themselves by refusing, but worked to find a way. When they were asked to worship an idol later though, they refused, knowing the consequence was death. They were saved, but as we know from the scriptures and from life, we all have to make the choice without knowing whether God will choose to deliver us or not. All the more reason to make sure that if we do make a stand, that it is something God wants us to make a stand about. Some things are important and some things aren't. Working with God, we should make that determination... and if we don't get a clear impression, then let's remember these verses, and follow the guidelines imposed on us by man. By doing so, we will be obeying God.

Galatians 4:1-7 -- On Raising Superhumans

"Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.
Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ."
Galatians 4:1-7


I really like this explanation of being children and servants of God, and growing up into heirs. I think we get trapped mentally sometimes, thinking that obedience to God means being servant/slaves forever, and that is what worship is... agreeing to slavery and letting someone else think for you. But that's really twisted from what God actually is, and does. Imagine with me a race of beings sort of like Q from Star Trek... they can do anything and be anything. To raise children like that, you would have to put them in a place with structure, right? Trying to get them to not destroy themselves and do harm to others. A place like that would help them to know themselves and learn how to be responsible and wise.

So, that's us, right? Not a fictional Star Trek race, but honestly spiritually superhuman on some level, but having a human experience so that we can learn. Children and eventually heirs, if we can learn how to handle all of that possibility. God is just waiting for us to grow up a little, and then he's going to teach us how to help with the family business. :)

It's a simplistic view of how things actually work, of course. I don't think that my human mind can wrap around the vastness of God's design... but today, let's remember that we are of infinite worth to God, and contain vast potential. Let's work with God and learn all we can so that we will be ready for the next step, and the next, on the way to something better than we can currently imagine.

Daniel 7:15 -- On Spiritual Paths

"I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me."
Daniel 7:15


Daniel's dream here is troubling, and eventually triumphant, but what struck me about it today is the wording here with Daniel reminding us that our spirits are in the midst of our bodies. Maybe we forget that sometimes, and stop thinking about how we can please God and more about how we can please ourselves.

It isn't a bad thing to learn about ourselves and to express our opinions or determine our preferences, but if we forget, and put ourselves and our physical desires first, then often we lose track of our spiritual selves, smothering that part of ourselves under the physical desires that we allow to scream louder and louder, drowning our our ability to hear the still, small voice of the spirit.

Today, let's take our reminder from Daniel, and remember our spirits, and God's Spirit, and make sure that God is our top priority, and that we are listening to our spiritual selves and that connection with God over our more earthly and temporary desires. ... Not that we should lock those things away and treat our bodies as starveling slaves. We should take good care of them and satisfy our physical needs in appropriate ways... but the body is the temple of the spirit, not the other way around. If we let the flesh drive, we're not going to be traveling God's path.

Ruth 1:20-22 -- On Affliction and Progression

"And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.
I went out full, and the Lord hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the Lord hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?
So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter in law, with her, which returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Beth-lehem in the beginning of barley harvest."
Ruth 1:20-22


This is interesting to me because I know what comes next, and even though Naomi had lost her husband and sons and seems to have been depressed and full of heartache, her daughter in law stuck with her, and through her she not only gained additional hope and purpose in her life, she and her family secured an important place in geneaology and history. I feel like there is always this really cool backstory going on that we can't see. When something happens that is difficult for us, maybe it is happening because in some way it changes things for good for other people, or for everyone. Like Joseph being sold into Egypt, right? A horrible thing to be betrayed by your own brothers and then sold as a slave, but the Lord had a plan through it all. Same with Naomi... and the same with us.

Even though we can't often see it except in retrospect, the bad things force us to change, and they are the impetus that opens up opportunities we wouldn't have seen and blessings that we hadn't known, giving us a way to progress. Let's also remember that people lost on earth are not permanently lost. They are taken home, and will be waiting for us when we are too. Doesn't mean that there is no room for sorrow and mourning, but it does mean that God's plan never gives us a tragedy that can't eventually be healed.

Today, in the midst of our trials, let's remember that even now, God has a plan, and we don't need to despair. There is a way forward somewhere. Let's find it, waiting patiently upon the Lord for his guidance and help according to his perfect timing.

Luke 4:24-28 -- On Jealousy, Pride, and Love for Others

"And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.
But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land;
But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow.
And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.
And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath"
Luke 4:24-28


The idea that "no prophet is accepted in his own country" is sort of depressing I think. It means that we can't let go of our pride and jealousy enough to see the divinity and potential within the people around us. Sure, someone far away that we don't know could be a prophet, but someone in our own family? No... we know their flaws and weaknesses. Impossible.

Except of course it isn't impossible. The old adage "familiarity breeds contempt" is only true if we allow comtempt to grow. Familiarity... knowledge and understanding of someone we know, can also produce deeper friendship and love, if we respect and honor the other person and don't try to see them as less so that we can see ourselves as more.

Here, Christ tries to explain to people that know him that he wasn't sent to show them miracles, and they get angry. It's almost the exact opposite of how Christ acts in some other circumstances where he heals everyone that is brought to him, and blesses every child... and perhaps the difference here is faith and acceptance. Perhaps these people weren't willing to believe in his divinity because they are jealous that someone they know has been elevated and celebrated so much more than they are.

Today, let's take a good hard look at pride and jealousy in our lives. If someone around us was suddenly elevated to some super cool and important position, would we be able to be happy for them, or would we be resentful and jealous that it wasn't us? Are we able to truly love and be happy for others, without trying to figure out what is in it for ourselves? Let's ponder that a while, and learn to do better, praying for the pure love of Christ that doesn't carry any taint of pride and selfishness.

Matthew 8:24-27 -- On Fear and Faith

"And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.
And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.
And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!"
Matthew 8:24-27


This story is interesting because it shows that Christ could control the weather. Probably unsuprising in the abstract if you think about what else he could do, and the power of God, but from someone that you have been hanging out with, kind of a shock. I think this same thing happens to us in our lives. We think of God as limited and subject to the same failings that we are. We usually fail to comprehend the vastness of his competence, thinking as we do within the confines of what is "humanly possible" ... and even there we are wrong, for we know that with God's help that people can do things outside of that box as well. I also find it interesting that Christ, awakened from sleep, asked them about their faith. It sounds like a legitimately scary situation, but I think part of trusting in the Lord means that we don't need to fear, even in legitimately scary situations, because we know that God's will will be made manifest. He will either deliver us if it is not our time to die, or he will welcome us into the afterlife where things are better than here, which is also good. Not easy to take those as okay options, but if we're really trusting in the Lord and putting his will first, then we are also placing our lives in his hands (where they were anyway, but plus the agreement from us, which matters a lot). Today, let's try for a trust that transcends fear, knowing that God will lead us where we need to go. That doesn't mean we shouldn't avoid dangerous situations, but it does mean that we shouldn't let fear distract us from living life. Things will be okay in the end, whatever happens, and our focus should be on moving towards God and doing good. Let's also remember that God can calm the storms... both physically, and the emotional and spiritual ones that we are going through, if we look to him for help.

Phillippians 3:13-16 -- On Forgetting and Reaching

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing."
Phillippians 3:13-16


This seems to be talking about letting go of the past and moving forward, working towards the future, following God's path. I like that idea. I think we often get disracted and bogged down by things around us, but also by our own past actions and feelings of guilt or unworthiness or anger, resentment... so many options. :) So, letting those things go and moving towards Christ is excellent advice. Even if we've done really well thus far (as is suggested in the last verse of the selection), it is still a good suggestion... let's not let pride or overconfidence get in our way either. No matter what has gone before, today, let's focus on God and do everything we can to move in that direction.