Matthew 7:1-3 -- On Thinking, Praying, and Seeing Clearly

"Judge not, that ye be not judged.
For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?"
Matthew 7:1-3


This is some good advice from God, even though it is hard.

I feel like a lot of it is how we take in information. When we think about a scripture, or a new idea, or even a criticism, we have a tendency to react too quickly, rejecting anything that seems like it could be painful or hard, and deflecting it instead.

Sometimes we deflect it into criticism or mockery of others, sometimes into just outright dismissal of the information, but because the information is triggering some defense mechanism in us, rarely do we step back, consider how it applies to us, and then act accordingly.

I think defense mechanisms like that are normal and understandable... I mean, no one wants to experience pain. The problem is that a lot of the time it causes us to adopt really bad habits in the way that we self-evaluate and in the way that we see others... and thus the reminder from God, which in essence is saying, hold on, take a step back. Remember patience and meekness. Think.

Today, let's consider how God's laws apply to ourselves before we attempt to apply them to others. Let's remember that our vision is obstructed when it comes to how we see ourselves, and let's take extra care and time when we run into other information as well, taking the time to think and pray and get God's perspective on how we should react and what we should learn. As we do, God will help us to learn and grow and see more clearly.

Helaman 10:4-5 -- On Purpose and Power

"Blessed art thou, Nephi, for those things which thou hast done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people. And thou hast not feared them, and hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments.
And now, because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will."
Helaman 10:4-5


Here, Nephi is given close to limitless power... whatever he says will happen, does. Now, of course, it is still the power of God that makes everything happen, so God could theoretically revoke those powers, but he's granting them here specifically because he knows that Nephi won't abuse the power granted. Nephi's goals and God's goals are the same.

We're all children of God and theoretically we could all have that kind of power, but we fall short in that whole united purpose thing. And probably in lots of other ways as well, but you know, we have to start somewhere. :) Nephi was dedicated to helping people see the truth of God, and his power, and urging them to repent, and those are things that we can learn to honor in our lives as well, finding ways to get God's message out there, and help others who have questions. Today, let's think of ways that we can be like Nephi, and be more on the same page with God than we have been before. We likely won't get this level of power anytime soon... maybe not even in this life, but hey, we have eternity before us. :)

D&C 25:10 -- On Seeking for the Things of a Better World

"And verily I say unto thee that thou shalt lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better."
Doctrine and Covenants 25:10


Ran across this verse today, which was interesting after writing about "hope for a better world" yesterday (Ether 12:4)... God was asking Emma, and since this is scripture, and we should liken all scripture unto ourselves, he is also asking us. It seems like a step beyond just hoping and believing in a better world. Now we're moving on (as we should) to actively trying to find it, and build it.

The question is, can we let go of those "things of the world" and switch our priorities over to something better? Perhaps it is the same as asking how we can be in the world, but not of the world. It takes work and purposeful intent to put God first, and to seek his guidance in all that we do, but it's definitely worth the effort as we change our lives for the better and do our part in being part of, and an example of, that better world.

Today, let's think about (and talk to God about) how we can do this in our individual lives, and implement some changes for the better.

Ether 12:3-4 -- On Faith and Hope for a Better World

"For he did cry from the morning, even until the going down of the sun, exhorting the people to believe in God unto repentance lest they should be destroyed, saying unto them that by faith all things are fulfilled—
Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God."
Ether 12:3-4


Ether was really dedicated to his mission, spending every daylight hour doing God's work and trying to get his message across... and the message here was hope. That if we trust in God with faith, we can hope for more, and better, than what this world can offer us. Parts of this world can seem scary and hopeless, and God offers us more. And other parts of this world seem beautiful and awe-inspiring... and still, God offers us more. We don't need to be in despair or hopeless if we look to the hope that is there in Christ. And the good parts of life inspire us to be thankful, which also helps us to be happy and look to God for even more happiness... so, whatever the current mood, faith in God can lift us and offer us more. ... The better world that God offers us is real, and coming. We just need to hang in there and have faith in his promise... if we keep following his path, God will lead us straight to it.

James 1:4 -- On Patience

"But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."
James 1:4


Thinking about this today, I wonder how much our lives would change for the better if we had more patience. I feel like it would be a dramatic difference, and maybe that is something huge that God has that we don't typically have... that patience and perspective to know that things are going to work out and be okay, even if that isn't true right now.

Let's listen to this advice, and work on our patience, letting it grow in our lives until we get to a point where we feel more whole and confident and satisfied, because we have patience as well as faith, and we know that the happy ending is coming, and that God will help us and answer our prayers. His timeline is different than ours sometimes, but that doesn't mean it is worse. :) Let's trust and have patience today, and keep trying that, and see how our lives improve over time.

Matthew 18:7-9 -- On Change

"Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!
Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.
And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire."
Matthew 18:7-9


I don't think that God is asking us to maim ourselves here, but is rather trying to make a strong point about some of the mind traps that we set for ourselves. If we have a bad habit or we want to do something that God asks us not to do, often we justify it by claiming it is in our nature... this is how man evolved, or this is how I was born, or this is how I was raised, and I can't change it. It is part of me. With God's analogy he is saying, okay... if you have incorporated the world into yourself, then physically cut it out. If there is part of you that is preventing you from reaching heaven, then *change* it.

It might seem impossible to us to change some of these things that seem like part of ourselves, but part of life is exactly this challenge... the struggle of having a body and trying to join our spirits to it, and understand that dual nature, and make sure our spirits are coming out on top, rather than the "natural man" (Mosiah 3:19). Today, let's talk to God about whatever is holding us back from him and from heaven... and let's pray for his help to change... to even want to change. If we ask in sincerity, he will help us to let go of the bad and embrace the good... and if we walk God's path, in the end, no matter what sins or selves we shed, we won't end up being maimed, but rather will become whole and complete and happy, through God's help and his grace.

Alma 36:17-21 -- On Pain and Joy and Making Change Possible

"And it came to pass that as I was thus racked with torment, while I was harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold, I remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world.
Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death.
And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remember my pains no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more.
And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!
Yea, I say unto you, my son, that there could be nothing so exquisite and so bitter as were my pains. Yea, and again I say unto you, my son, that on the other hand, there can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy."
Alma 36:17-21


This is part of the converstion of Alma the Younger. Before this, an angel comes and talks with him and tells him that even if he chooses to be destroyed, he needs to stop trying to destroy the church (verse 9). I can only guess at his previous knowledge and motivations, but it seems that Alma didn't have a full realization of what he was doing to himself before that, and so hearing it as a choice that he was making from an angel, which is hard to doubt, threw him into a guilt spiral, because he had been leading people away "unto destruction" (verse 14).

The cool thing here is that even though he was suffering intensely at the realization of his horrible actions, he was able to come out of that pain and change himself into a different, better person... and it started when he remembered to call upon Jesus Christ, who he had heard of because his father was the prophet.

I think the same thing can happen in our lives, whether we get as low and evil as Alma the Younger did or not. We all sin, we all have guilt, but we can be lifted out of our own weaknesses and pain and rightful consequences and obtain mercy as we call upon Christ. As with Alma the Younger, it takes more than a one-time conversion... we'll have to work at changing who we are, and work to get to a point where we no longer want those bad things that we wanted before. Sometimes that seems out of reach, just as Alma the Younger felt when he was steeped in despair. However, when we call upon God, we realize that his love, and hope, and grace are never out of reach. If we are sincere and we want to change, God will help us do so, and make the impossible possible for us. We can change our very natures and our minds and our hearts as we turn them to Christ and get his help in becoming who we truly want to be, rather than the person we were before who caused pain and grief to others.

Today, let's remember that all is possible with God, and let's take time to look to him and pray for help in becoming better than we currently are.

Alma 33:2 -- On Worship

"And Alma said unto them: Behold, ye have said that ye could not worship your God because ye are cast out of your synagogues. But behold, I say unto you, if ye suppose that ye cannot worship God, ye do greatly err, and ye ought to search the scriptures; if ye suppose that they have taught you this, ye do not understand them."
Alma 33:2


This is a good lesson from Alma. Definitely don't misunderstand and think that any of this is anti-church. Going to church and fellowshipping with other believers is a great way to get a spiritual uplift, and taking the sacrament is important. However, the point here is that worshipping God isn't something that can only be done there, one day a week, but it is something that we can do all the time... praying for help and guidance in any circumstance, and (through prayer) having God with us no matter where we are. We don't have to face anything alone.

Today, let's remember this, and worship the Lord where we are, giving thanks for all that we have, and asking God to teach and lead us in his path.

Zephaniah 2:2-3 -- On Seeking the Lord

"Before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the Lord come upon you, before the day of the Lord’s anger come upon you.
Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger."
Zephaniah 2:2-3


The chapter before this was talking about destruction and burning, and so I really liked turning the page to find this... a good warning about how to possibly avoid some of the doom predicted in the last days, which I think comes down to being part of the solution rather then being part of the problem, right? If we do the Lord's work and seek the good in the world, promote good and help others, rather than seeking to get ahead by stepping on other people or similar strategies, then "it may be" that we will be hid when God makes an end to the evil. ... But if not, even if we die tragically, let's remember that God still and always has a happy ending in store for us, and everyone that is willing to seek him and to be the good in the world. Death is no permanent ending for us, and God always keeps his promises. We just need to work on keeping ours, and helping to make the world a better place.

Moses 1:37-38 -- On the Greatness of the Lord

"And the Lord God spake unto Moses, saying: The heavens, they are many, and they cannot be numbered unto man; but they are numbered unto me, for they are mine.
And as one earth shall pass away, and the heavens thereof even so shall another come; and there is no end to my works, neither to my words."
Moses 1:37-38


This is a good scripture for remembering to be in awe of God and what he does. He didn't just create our world, but more than we can count.

Today, when we are tempted to take God lightly and think that we know best, let's remember this verse and the gigantic scale of what we are really saying, and step back and regain some humility. If there is a disagreement between us, God is right and we are wrong--every time. Instead of railing against him and trying to get our way, let's learn from him and work to understand why things are the way the are, so that we can grow up more wisely and learn to be more like him.

Deuteronomy 31:28-30 -- On Songs of Memory

"Gather unto me all the elders of your tribes, and your officers, that I may speak these words in their ears, and call heaven and earth to record against them.
For I know that after my death ye will utterly corrupt yourselves, and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you; and evil will befall you in the latter days; because ye will do evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger through the work of your hands.
And Moses spake in the ears of all the congregation of Israel the words of this song, until they were ended."
Deuteronomy 31:28-30


Moses has the Levites put the book of the law into the ark as a reminder, but then also teaches them a song as a reminder of what he knew would happen. It seems a little strange to us perhaps, but maybe in the context of a world where most history was kept as oral history it makes sense. Write it all down once on something as permanent as you can, and then put highlights and warnings into a song so that people can memorize it and pass it on. I think that Deuteronomy 32 is the song that he was talking about, since it does mention "a perverse and crooked generation" (verse 5), but also other good reminders, like remembering that God is great and right and perfect.

Today, if we have a little time, let's read Moses' reminder song, and even if not, let's think about what God wants us to remember and find ways to remind ourselves of God and His gospel daily. Let's work hard to not forget and go astray, since we do have a tendency to do that.

Psalms 24:1 -- On God's Supremacy

"The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein."
Psalms 24:1


This is a good thing to remember... maybe one of the biggest things that we forget in life, and it relates directly to the "first and great commandment" (Matthew 22:37-38, Mark 12:29) of loving God, and the whole idea of God. We shrink God in our minds to a being that is just like one of us, when he isn't anything of the sort.

It's good to remember when we're having a bad day that we are God's children and that someday we can learn what he knows, etc., but the operative word is children. And it is important that we know that we don't need to be afraid of talking to God, and that he wants us to, and loves us. However, when we start thinking that God is just another authority figure to rebel against or that we can trick him, or get into heaven our own way and pick and choose which commandments to follow, then we're getting way off track.

We're equally misguided when we think that we can manipulate him because of his great love for us. First of all, love is not some inconsequential thing that should be abused to get our way with anyone, and second, God is not an overly permissive grandparent. He's not there to meet our deadlines for proving himself to us, or subject to our twisted "I won't love you unless you do this for me" pleas. He knows what is behind all of that. He knows our hearts.

Today, let's remember that God made the earth and everything in it, and stop fighting him on the subject of who is in charge. Once we get past that and gain a little bit of perspective and humility, then we can get to the real work of learning from God, being part of his work, and taking his advice, including the second commandment of loving everyone else, for we are all his creations. If we can get this one thing right... to put God and his will first in everything, then all of life will fit together better, because we won't be fighting against where the puzzle peices actually go. :)

Psalms 121:2-3 -- On Awareness and Help From the Lord

"My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber."
Psalms 121:2-3


I like this, because it is showing that God is always aware of us, and watching over us. He won't accidentally miss it if we fall into trouble, or fail to help us. A good reminder. Today, let's work on trusting the Lord and living worthy of his promises.

Proverbs 18:10 -- On the Name of the Lord

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe."
Proverbs 18:10


I was thinking about this verse as it relates to the promises that we make at baptism and that we renew each week when we take the sacrament. One of the things that we promise is "to take upon [us] the name of [Christ], and always remember him, and keep his commandments" (Moroni 4:3). To me, it seems like that is what is being referred to here. Our covenant with our God is our safety, and his name is our protection... that's why we promise to take that name upon us, because that is how we survive in this world. :)

Today, let's remember the Lord and keep our covenants with him, so that we can stay safe, but also so that we can live and be bold and learn and try new things. The gospel isn't always about being careful... sometimes we need to be bold, but safety isn't about whether we are following sane security procedures (although that is certainly a good idea)... it is about turning to the Lord. Let's work on that.

Colossians 3:12-14 -- On Bonds of Perfection

"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness."
Colossians 3:12-14


When Paul asks us here to "put on" some things, it reminds me of the idea of wearing the armor of God, but instead he is talking about just normal clothing, which also reminds me a little of the story of the Emporer's New Clothes, where a swindler convinces the king he is wearing fine clothing when he is not, and he goes outside unclothed. Although we of course wear physical clothing, if we are not wearing this spiritual clothing, we could be likewise in the embarrassing situation of not being clothed, spiritually.

I also like the idea of being bound to perfection. We can't really qualify for perfection ourselves in this life... it is out of reach to us, but Christ atoned for us, and treating others well and loving and serving his people... those things bind us to him, and ensure that we can reach that perfection someday, through his mercy and grace.

Today, let's clothe ourselves in mercy, kindness, humility, forgiveness, and especially love, and we will be spiritually ready to face the world, and be bound to that perfection and unity that God promises to the faithful.

Proverbs 11:17 -- On Choosing Who to Be

"The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh."
Proverbs 11:17


A simple lesson from God today. When we help others, we help ourselves, and when we harm others, we harm ourselves. I don't even think it is karma... just a deep, spiritual truth. We can't keep our thoughts and actions towards others from having an impact on our souls and our bodies. There is no way of separating ourselves from that consequence. We are either becoming better, purifying ourselves, or becoming worse, corrupting ourselves, and we are choosing who we *are* by how we act, every moment, every day. I think we have all felt sick after doing something, and needed to make it right before we could move on from that. Today, let's keep this lesson in mind, and choose more wisely how we treat others, so that we aren't harming anyone, including ourselves.

Psalms 27:3-6 -- On Sacrifices of Joy

"Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.
For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord."
Psalms 27:3-6


Lots of great symbolism here. I like that we don't need to fear even if armies come against us, because the Lord is on our side, and his temple is a spiritual refuge that we can have confidence in. I especially love the phrase "sacrifices of joy" ... and it makes me ask the question, what do we give to the Lord when we are filled with happiness?

Perhaps gifts of praise and thanks, as with the singing mentioned. Or maybe the sacrifices of joy are the same sacrifices as always... humility, repentance, submission to God's will (broken heart, contrite spirit), but all of the things that we could possibly be sorry for are swallowed up in the joy of Christ. Or even joy *as* a sacrifice, because we have to work to pull ourselves away from the gloom of the world to find and promote the positive.

One interpretation or all of the above, I think that today is a good day to contemplate what sacrifices of joy we can make to the Lord, as we look for the good in the world and work to praise him with the way that we live our lives. :)

Joel 2:25 -- On Restoring the Locust Years

"And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you."
Joel 2:25


I like the idea that God will restore the years that the locust hath eaten... but how? It seems similar to Ezekiel 37:11-14 which talks about the hope to be found in the resurrection. Even if we die, God can raise us up and still keep his promises to us. And that seems appropriate as well in this last-days, end-of-the-world context. Despite the war and desolation and the lack of so many things, God promises all of us, then as well as now, that he will restore to us the years that are lost.

I feel like this has application to our lives now as well. Sometimes we do lose years, maybe not always to locusts, but to disasters and sickness and tragedy and trial. These symbolic "locust years" in our lives are things that God will also restore, because he promises us a happy ending. No matter how the other chapters of our lives go, and what we need to learn through enduring some pain and some hardship, God promises in many places that our mourning shall be turned into joy (3 Nephi 10:10, Psalms 30:11, Jeremiah 31:13, Isaiah 61:3, 2 Nephi 8:11, etc.). If we stick with the story and keep turning ourselves into the heroes that we can be, God, who is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2, Moroni 6:4) will deliver the promised joy. No matter what they look like now, with convoluted plotlines and crazy twists that the self-destructive protagonists seem to relish, every one of our stories can have a happy ending if we turn to God.

Mark 5:25-27 -- On Faith and Endurance

"And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,
And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,
When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment."
Mark 5:25-27


This is pretty amazing. It seems like one of those self-made miracles (still powered by God of course) like when the Brother of Jared was asked to come up with a solution to the problem of not having light in his vessels. He came up with something creative and asked the Lord to do it, and it worked. Similar thing here... she had done what the world suggested and sought out doctors for healing, but when that didn't work, she relied on God, and sought her own creative solution, and because she was listening to the Spirit and had faith that God could help, it worked.

Let's remember that she had suffered with this same problem for twelve years though. Like so many other miracles, it wasn't an instant solution that avoided all suffering, but rather through sustained effort and listening to the spirit, she was finally granted a solution. That took a lot of strength as well as a lot of faith... to keep trying, to trust in something that others might have laughed at, and even to come forward and admit everything after she felt that she had been cured. She might have been afraid that her miracle would be taken away if it was known.

Today, let's keep returning to God in prayer, asking him for the things that we are in need of, and trusting that he will bless us... in his way, and in his time. Let's stay thankful for what he has given us, even when we still have things in our lives that are painful and/or perplexing. Let's keep trying, and keep the faith, walking God's path. In time, all will be made right, in this life or the next. As we work with God and try to find solutions, enduring our hardships, he will work with us, and like this woman, bless us for our faith.

John 17:20-21 -- On Oneness

"Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me."
John 17:20-21


I love the idea of oneness wtih God... in this way at least. I think some concepts of God have us all joining him in a big amorphous blob, and I don't really like that idea, but if we are one with God as Christ is one with him... having his own will, but being one in purpose, working to help people and bring to pass his Father's purpose, which is happiness for all of us, then I am totally in. I want to be part of that and always connected to that amazing guidance and love.

Isn't that what we are emulating when we create friendships as well... we're at least on some level gathering together because we are like-minded and enjoy that mental/spiritual connection. Because we're imperfect, I am not sure if I want any of you in my actual mind the way that God is, but as we learn to be pure and righteous and if we're all connected through God, then I think it would be cool to have that connection with others as well, where we would be way more connected than just texting across distance, but we could actually converse mind-to-mind.

Privacy issues spring to mind, of course, but I'm sure God has all of that worked out. I wonder if that is what prayer is... focusing our attention and requesting a direct connection. :)

Today, let's pray for the people around us, and look forward to the time when we can feel complete acceptance and belonging together, in God, as we are one in him, and yet still ourselves. :)

Isaiah 55:11-13 -- On Joy and Peace and Happy Endings

"So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
12 For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off."
Isaiah 55:11-13


I like that whatever the Lord says will happen... and also that what he says in this case is that everything is going to be filled with love and peace... plants rather than weeds, and even the earth itself will be happy. That is what God is working towards, and what will definitely happen. The happy ending is waiting for us, even though we might be in one of the middle chapters where the hero is struggling to go on, or where hope seems lost. Because we know that the Lord is the author of eternal salvation (Hebrews 5:9), all we have to do is keep turning the pages and reading (and participating in) the story, and that is where it will lead. :) Today, let's trust in Christ and work towards the happy ending that he has already written.

2 Corinthians 5:12 -- On Appearance and Heart

"For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart."
2 Corinthians 5:12


I was thinking about this appearance and heart comparison, and it feels like a really easy trap to fall into if we don't specifically work at it. We are these eternal beings whose spirits existed before this life, and we must have been valued for who we were, spiritually, then, and known the value of what we think of as the "inside" of a person, rather than the external appearance, but a byproduct of having these bodies is a whole different perspective. We often use "see" and other vision words when we mean "understand," equating the two things when they are absolutely not equivalent. Our eyes, like the rest of our bodies, can distract us from what is really important.

One way to "see" past our external bias is to focus on the Lord and work to stay in tune with the Spirit. God can help us to understand and value the things that are true and important in the world, beyond the visual/external layer, because "the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). Today, let's pray and work on learning from God how to do the same.

1 Nephi 4:3 -- On Moving Forward Despite our Fears

"Now behold ye know that this is true; and ye also know that an angel hath spoken unto you; wherefore can ye doubt? Let us go up; the Lord is able to deliver us, even as our fathers, and to destroy Laban, even as the Egyptians."
1 Nephi 4:3


This is part of the story of Nephi retrieving the Brass Plates. God had commanded them to return to Jerusalem and get them, and they had tried a couple of times, and had their property stolen, and almost been killed, so his brothers were (understandably perhaps) reluctant to try again. Nephi urges them to continue, because he wants to do God's will, and knows that God can make it happen, even if he can't see how.

It reminds me of the story in Daniel 3 where the king asks the young men why they aren't doing as he commanded and asks "who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?" (Daniel 3:15). They answer confidently, telling him "our God whom we serve is able to deliver us," and "he will deliver us" (Daniel 3:17), and then in the next verse they assert that even "if not" ... if the Lord chooses not to deliver them, they are still going to do the Lord's will rather than the King's will (Daniel 3:18).

The other thing that comes to mind is a story from the early days of the pioneers that I have heard several times:

"A large company of several hundred persons had been called to settle Arizona. One brother, reporting on the expedition in President Brigham Young’s office, said the group had gone about 50 miles (80.5 km) beyond the Colorado River. Finding no water, they were in desperate circumstances. Their chaplain went out alone one day and pleaded with the Lord for water.
“Soon there was a fall of rain and snow depositing plenty of water for the cattle, and [for the company] to fill up all their barrels. … In the morning all were refreshed, barrels filled up, and all turned back rejoicing in the goodness of the Lord in saving them from perishing. They returned to Salt Lake and reported Arizona uninhabitable.”
Brother Dan Jones recalled that Brigham Young “said nothing for a few moments, but sat looking me straight in the eye. Finally he asked, ‘What do you think of that Brother Jones?’”
Brother Jones answered, “I would have filled up, went on, and prayed again.”"

(Found in "A Time for Faith, Not Fear" HERE.)

Returning to our title scripture, Nephi continues acting on faith after urging his brothers to try again. He went forward, being "led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which [he] should do" (1 Nephi 4:6).

Nephi knew that the Lord wasn't going to deliver him from everything that they faced, just as Dan Jones knew that settling Arizona would still be difficult, and just as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego knew that there was a possibility that the Lord wouldn't save them from the fiery furnace. They all still knew that the Lord was able to lead them, save them, or help them accomplish what he asked, and they trusted in him enough to move forward, doing his will.

Maybe that's where we fall short sometimes... if our symbolic journey to Arizona is too hard and we run out of water, we get scared. If we figuratively face the king and know that God can, but might not, save us, we panic. If God asks us to do something and we fail several times, we think, well, maybe he doesn't want that after all and we give up, as Nephi's brothers wanted to do.

In 2 Corinthians 5:7, Paul talks about walking by faith and not by sight, and I think that all of these things are illustrations of that. Exercising our faith doesn't mean that one time plea for water, or praying for help in our direst need and then *not* praying the rest of the time. It means doing as Christ did, and praying always... knowing that the Lord could provide a place to stay, a place for a feast, a donkey, or the power to bring sight to the blind. Whatever was needed in that moment, the Lord could do.

Our fear holds us back a lot I think, as we try a couple of times and then turn back rather than having the confidence in God to move forward despite our fear that God won't have our backs this time, or that as far as his will goes, this might be an Abinadi moment rather than a Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego moment.

I definitely don't have all the answers about how not to be afraid, but I do know that this is an important lesson... to keep going in doing God's will despite our fears. Today, let's pray and pray and keep praying for God's help in moving forward and not back as we strive to do his will.

Jacob 3:1-2 -- On Pureness of Heart and Firmness of Mind

"But behold, I, Jacob, would speak unto you that are pure in heart. Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions, and he will plead your cause, and send down justice upon those who seek your destruction.
O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever."
Jacob 3:1-2


Being pure in heart has a lot of cool perks. The purity spoken of is probably a lot about what we are focused on in our lives--whether we are dedicated to God, or have our focus fractured by other, lesser things. The cool thing is that the more we solidify God as our number one concern, the more that we are able to fit other righteous things in.

Today, let's work on being the pure in heart spoken of here, working to ensure that our minds are firm, that we are praying in faith, and that we are open to his word and his love, letting our worries and unrighteous desires dissipate as we are filled more and more with good things... getting purer and firmer in heart and mind as we improve that focus. As we do, we'll be able to "feast" upon his love, and fill our hearts with happiness rather than fear and worldly concerns.

3 Nephi 11:37-39 -- On the Doctrine of Christ

"And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and become as a little child, and be baptized in my name, or ye can in nowise receive these things.
And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and whoso buildeth upon this buildeth upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them."
3 Nephi 11:37-39


The fact that this is repeated so often, in the context of clearing up arguments about what Christ's doctrine really is, indicates that it is super important. So, some things to ponder for today: repentance, baptism, and becoming as a little child.

These are all things that we can work on... even baptism, if already completed with the proper authority, we can work on because keeping the covenants we make at baptism is huge, and part of the becoming like a little child part, which King Benjamin further explains: "becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father" (Mosiah 3:19). Let's focus in and work on the basics today, which reach into everything that we are.

2 Chronicles 30:9 -- On Returning to the Lord

"For if ye turn again unto the Lord, your brethren and your children shall find compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him."
2 Chronicles 30:9


I love the idea of God not turning his face away if we return to him. Regular people do that sometimes, perhaps because love and trust are well and truly lost, and sometimes because we are just scared of the whole thing melting down over again. It's amazingly difficult to re-build bridges once we've burned them all down. But God is loving and merciful, and we know that if we repent and change, he will accept us, and won't even recall our sins to throw them in our faces again... he'll let them go, and take us back.

This of course isn't a reason to go wandering in the first place. Repentance doesn't become impossible when we planned it from the beginning, but it does become ultra hard, because we don't just have to change a behavior. We have to become people who *wouldn't* have planned it from the beginning.

Today, let's return to God in whatever ways we have strayed from him, and be thankful and diligent in changing to become the sort of people who would never leave him in the first place.

2 Nephi 4:25 -- On More to Come

"And upon the wings of his Spirit hath my body been carried away upon exceedingly high mountains. And mine eyes have beheld great things, yea, even too great for man; therefore I was bidden that I should not write them."
2 Nephi 4:25


I like the "too great for man" idea here... not because I don't want to know everything, but because I love the idea that there are so many things left to discover and learn. I think we delude ourselves sometimes into thinking that we know everything and we've got everything covered, when there is so much more to come.

That doesn't mean we don't have enough of the gospel to make decisions. God tells us that the Book of Mormon contains the "fulness" of the gospel, and God mentions in the Doctrine and Covenants that God's everlasting covenant is what he means by the fulness of the gospel. We don't need to know all the details of the universe to be able to make a covenant with God, or to know that he is worthy of our trust and faith.

Today, let's have faith and trust in the Lord and solidify our covenant with him, but also remember that there is so much more to come. Life isn't ever going to be a boring existence where we know all of the answers ahead of time (except the most important answer about God being in charge and being able to handle all of it)... and heaven isn't going to be boring either. Too much to know, and to do. I'm sure we'll be able to kick back on a cloud playing a harp if we feel like it, but you know, other than the humor value, I feel like that likely won't make the priority list of cool activities in the hereafter. :)

Helaman 3:27-28 -- On the Gate of Heaven

"Thus we may see that the Lord is merciful unto all who will, in the sincerity of their hearts, call upon his holy name.
Yea, thus we see that the gate of heaven is open unto all, even to those who will believe on the name of Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God." Helaman 3:27-28


I like the basics here, reminding us that the way is not just barred to us... that we have access to the gate of heaven if we want it and sincerely seek it. Today, let's remember this basic truth and work towards entering in by the gate, through belief in Jesus Christ and sincere prayer to God. :)

Mormon 3:2-3 -- On Seeing God's Hand and Softening our Hearts

"And it came to pass that the Lord did say unto me: Cry unto this people—Repent ye, and come unto me, and be ye baptized, and build up again my church, and ye shall be spared.
And I did cry unto this people, but it was in vain; and they did not realize that it was the Lord that had spared them, and granted unto them a chance for repentance. And behold they did harden their hearts against the Lord their God."
Mormon 3:2-3


I wonder how often the Lord is working in our lives and we are not seeing it. Just like they didn't realize that the Lord was the one that had spared them, we often don't notice God's hand in our lives... or we only notice when we are looking for someone to blame besides ourselves when things don't go the way that we would have preferred.

God *is* there though, strengthening and sustaining us and giving us the breathing room to repent, to try again, to choose to accept his salvation. The instant we turn to him rather than rejecting him, he is there, helping us and guiding us. I was going to say to a place of safety, but it isn't always safe and protected. It is when we need a breather, but when we're able, he guides us to someplace that will stretch us and help us to learn and to grow. It doesn't always feel comfortable or fun, but if it is where God wants us, then there is a reason, and probably an opportunity to grow and thrive.

Today, let's work on seeing the hand of the Lord in our lives, and on softening our hearts and finding the good and the possibilities around us. If God prompts us to make a change, then good, but otherwise, let's work with God and find a way to thrive in our current circumstances, whatever they are.

Proverbs 8:12 -- On Wisdom and Wit

"I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions."
Proverbs 8:12


I liked this today, mostly for the word witty. It could be that when this was written there was no humorous connotation to the word, and it is just talking about interesting or brilliant inventions... be smart and make good decisions, but it's totally cool to break new ground sort of thing... basically, use your wisdom to do something innovative.

However, I know God has a sense of humor, and witty inventions in that sense could also be good, as long as we aren't using humor as a cover for mockery, cruelty, or inappropriate topics. Just like everything else, our humor needs to stay within the boundaries that the Lord has set, which are there for everyone's safety. :)

I know that it can feel limiting sometimes to walk God's path, but the analogy I always think of is writing. Stream-of-consciousness writing might be a good start, but refining and editing always makes it better, and often if you adopt a form or structure it gets even better than that... a poem, if done well, is full of precise, meaningful words exactly because they were chosen from a limited palette and had to fit together in a certain way. I think our lives are like that as well. They get better when we have some structure and direction, which God can provide.

Today, let's work on being wise and witty, and in tune with the Lord. :)