"And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him."
Luke 5:12-13
I really like this story because the leper had faith that God could heal him. He didn't really know if he would though, and Christ showed him that no only could he do it, he wanted to do it, and he was healed.
I think this is a common plight for many of us as well. We know that God has the power to heal us... spiritually and mentally as well as physically. But is what we are going through a necessary test, or something that the Lord can remove instantly? We have much less confidence in this area, but we might be thinking about it in the wrong way.
Everything God does is to help us, heal us, and lead us to happiness. If there is something that we are going through now that is hard, God is weighing it against something later that this hardship is going to help us solve, or weighing it against that future person that we will become, who is stronger and better after overcoming this.
Sometimes becoming clean isn't instantaneous like this... it is learning to be clean so that we will stay that way, and God will teach us that too, because he ALWAYS says "I will" when we ask if he is willing to help. We just have to continue faithful as we learn how to accept the help that God gives us and understand that it can't always be immediate.
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Monday, January 30, 2023
3 Nephi 6:12-14 -- On Inequality
"And the people began to be distinguished by ranks, according to their riches and their chances for learning; yea, some were ignorant because of their poverty, and others did receive great learning because of their riches.
Some were lifted up in pride, and others were exceedingly humble; some did return railing for railing, while others would receive railing and persecution and all manner of afflictions, and would not turn and revile again, but were humble and penitent before God.
And thus there became a great inequality in all the land, insomuch that the church began to be broken up; yea, insomuch that in the thirtieth year the church was broken up in all the land save it were among a few of the Lamanites who were converted unto the true faith; and they would not depart from it, for they were firm, and steadfast, and immovable, willing with all diligence to keep the commandments of the Lord."
3 Nephi 6:12-14
This is interesting, especially living in a society that is already very unequal... I think it sparks the imagination to wonder what they could have done to avoid some of those inequities and on the other side, what we can do to correct some of the inequities around us. How do we overcome some of the things that it mentions here... stratification based on income and education, and differences based on how we deal with railing and affliction. The core of all of it seems to be pride, that tendency to "persist in supposing that [we] are better one than another" (Alma 5:54). Combatting that is hard, because comparing ourselves to others favorably is a stand-in for healthy self-confidence, and sometimes we think it is the same thing, or that we have to be better than someone else... to get the job, to "deserve" the very best, or whatever. :)
There are of course things that we can do to try changing our mindset... getting to know other people, specifically trying to learn from others, practicing our empathy and trying to see things from someone else's perspective. Maybe the most important thing we can do though is pray and ask God to grant us his love so that we can see others as he sees them, and to help us overcome our own tendencies towards pride. Even if we feel zero compassion and don't even really like people, as long as we are willing to take it to the Lord and work on it, he can help us get out of hermit mode and learn to love others and understand them better. Today, let's try it. :)
Some were lifted up in pride, and others were exceedingly humble; some did return railing for railing, while others would receive railing and persecution and all manner of afflictions, and would not turn and revile again, but were humble and penitent before God.
And thus there became a great inequality in all the land, insomuch that the church began to be broken up; yea, insomuch that in the thirtieth year the church was broken up in all the land save it were among a few of the Lamanites who were converted unto the true faith; and they would not depart from it, for they were firm, and steadfast, and immovable, willing with all diligence to keep the commandments of the Lord."
3 Nephi 6:12-14
This is interesting, especially living in a society that is already very unequal... I think it sparks the imagination to wonder what they could have done to avoid some of those inequities and on the other side, what we can do to correct some of the inequities around us. How do we overcome some of the things that it mentions here... stratification based on income and education, and differences based on how we deal with railing and affliction. The core of all of it seems to be pride, that tendency to "persist in supposing that [we] are better one than another" (Alma 5:54). Combatting that is hard, because comparing ourselves to others favorably is a stand-in for healthy self-confidence, and sometimes we think it is the same thing, or that we have to be better than someone else... to get the job, to "deserve" the very best, or whatever. :)
There are of course things that we can do to try changing our mindset... getting to know other people, specifically trying to learn from others, practicing our empathy and trying to see things from someone else's perspective. Maybe the most important thing we can do though is pray and ask God to grant us his love so that we can see others as he sees them, and to help us overcome our own tendencies towards pride. Even if we feel zero compassion and don't even really like people, as long as we are willing to take it to the Lord and work on it, he can help us get out of hermit mode and learn to love others and understand them better. Today, let's try it. :)
Sunday, January 29, 2023
2 John 1:8-9 -- On Avoiding Spiritual Losses
"Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son."
2 John 1:8-9
This is a good reminder to be careful not to lose our blessings by stumbling off the Lord's path, and that it is very easy to lose our connection with God if we go astray.
It reminds me of Alma 12 10-11 which explains that if we are open to the word of God that we will keep learning until we know all of God's mysteries, but if we harden our hearts that the progression goes the other way, and we get a lesser portion of the word "until [we] know nothing concerning his mysteries" (Alma 12:11).
I think that means that losing what we have is a very real possibility, not just physically but spiritually, if we don't work to maintain that connection with the Spirit. I find that frightening, because it seems like forgetting who we are. And I think sin can do that... and if we follow that path we can become people that we don't want to be.
Today, let's look to ourselves by evaluating our lives and making sure we are headed in the right direction. Let's work on maintaining our connections with God so that we don't lose what we already have, but instead build on what we have and become better.
Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son."
2 John 1:8-9
This is a good reminder to be careful not to lose our blessings by stumbling off the Lord's path, and that it is very easy to lose our connection with God if we go astray.
It reminds me of Alma 12 10-11 which explains that if we are open to the word of God that we will keep learning until we know all of God's mysteries, but if we harden our hearts that the progression goes the other way, and we get a lesser portion of the word "until [we] know nothing concerning his mysteries" (Alma 12:11).
I think that means that losing what we have is a very real possibility, not just physically but spiritually, if we don't work to maintain that connection with the Spirit. I find that frightening, because it seems like forgetting who we are. And I think sin can do that... and if we follow that path we can become people that we don't want to be.
Today, let's look to ourselves by evaluating our lives and making sure we are headed in the right direction. Let's work on maintaining our connections with God so that we don't lose what we already have, but instead build on what we have and become better.
Saturday, January 28, 2023
1 John 2:3-4 -- On Knowing God
"And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him."
1 John 2:3-4
I think this is interesting, because it tells us exactly how to get to know God, and that we are kidding ourselves if we claim to know him otherwise. The verses after this talk about learning to love the way he loves, and knowing that we are in him, which are also good hints about learning to become one, but this part about just plain trying to keep the commandments is the first step. Too often we think that just acknowledging God's existence is enough. And admittedly, that is a huge first leap, possibly for all of us, when we get a first testimony and know that he lives. What we do with that knowledge afterward is important as well though. Conversion and baptism are only the first steps of the gospel. If that is all there is, and we don't go farther, it is like going to an amazing city, but staying in the airport. Can we really say that we know the city that way?
God wants to teach us so many things. Today, let's try this advice and start keeping his commandments more fully, and see how that improves our lives and our knowledge of him. Prayer in the morning makes the day better. Reading our scriptures opens our minds to applying those verses to our lives. Every commandment helps us in some way, and also draws us closer to God and allows us to more easily feel the influence of the Spirit. Let's learn to know God more perfectly in our lives, and we'll start feeling his presence and his blessings more fully in our lives as well.
He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him."
1 John 2:3-4
I think this is interesting, because it tells us exactly how to get to know God, and that we are kidding ourselves if we claim to know him otherwise. The verses after this talk about learning to love the way he loves, and knowing that we are in him, which are also good hints about learning to become one, but this part about just plain trying to keep the commandments is the first step. Too often we think that just acknowledging God's existence is enough. And admittedly, that is a huge first leap, possibly for all of us, when we get a first testimony and know that he lives. What we do with that knowledge afterward is important as well though. Conversion and baptism are only the first steps of the gospel. If that is all there is, and we don't go farther, it is like going to an amazing city, but staying in the airport. Can we really say that we know the city that way?
God wants to teach us so many things. Today, let's try this advice and start keeping his commandments more fully, and see how that improves our lives and our knowledge of him. Prayer in the morning makes the day better. Reading our scriptures opens our minds to applying those verses to our lives. Every commandment helps us in some way, and also draws us closer to God and allows us to more easily feel the influence of the Spirit. Let's learn to know God more perfectly in our lives, and we'll start feeling his presence and his blessings more fully in our lives as well.
Friday, January 27, 2023
2 Corinthians 8:21 -- On Honesty
"Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men."
2 Corinthians 8:21
Honesty can sometimes be hard in this world where there is so much dishonesty. We don't want to be wrong, we don't want to lose, we don't want to be embarrassed, so we pretend to know things that we don't, or bluff our way through a little when we are unsure. In the context of the world, "white lies" are normal, but God asks us to be honest, not only with him, but with our fellow mortals.
Pride gets in the way of this a lot, because we don't want to admit our mistakes and failures or seem weak or uncool to others. It is also hard to confront our own weaknesses and put forth effort to improve. Easier to just assume that we don't need to... toda though, let's remember this verse and pour out our souls to God with sincerity and honesty and learn to be honest and truthful. Let's adapt to life in heaven, so that someday we can live there comfortably. :)
2 Corinthians 8:21
Honesty can sometimes be hard in this world where there is so much dishonesty. We don't want to be wrong, we don't want to lose, we don't want to be embarrassed, so we pretend to know things that we don't, or bluff our way through a little when we are unsure. In the context of the world, "white lies" are normal, but God asks us to be honest, not only with him, but with our fellow mortals.
Pride gets in the way of this a lot, because we don't want to admit our mistakes and failures or seem weak or uncool to others. It is also hard to confront our own weaknesses and put forth effort to improve. Easier to just assume that we don't need to... toda though, let's remember this verse and pour out our souls to God with sincerity and honesty and learn to be honest and truthful. Let's adapt to life in heaven, so that someday we can live there comfortably. :)
Thursday, January 26, 2023
D&C 35:24-27 -- On Shaking the Heavens
"Keep all the commandments and covenants by which ye are bound; and I will cause the heavens to shake for your good, and Satan shall tremble and Zion shall rejoice upon the hills and flourish;
And Israel shall be saved in mine own due time; and by the keys which I have given shall they be led, and no more be confounded at all.
Lift up your hearts and be glad, your redemption draweth nigh.
Fear not, little flock, the kingdom is yours until I come. Behold, I come quickly. Even so. Amen."
Doctrine and Covenants 35:24-27
There are several cool things in here, but I think my favorites are that God will shake the heavens for our good, and the phrase "fear not little flock." God cares about us, and I love that he is offering us some comfort.
The heavens shaking for our good I am guessing is like the verses that talk about all things working together for the good of those that love God--the idea of everything connected and when we do as God suggests and tap into his system, that all of his resources are there to support us. ... Either that or the mental image that I first got of a giant salt shaker showering down some good on all of us, which, you know, is also cool. :)
Today, let's rejoice upon the hills, and let our hearts be glad. Let's keep the commandments and fear not, and live so that the heavens will shake for our good. Let's grow and learn and love and share and someday meet God again, with confidence in his love and his acceptance, because we have been preparing for that very day, and learning to love him more and more.
And Israel shall be saved in mine own due time; and by the keys which I have given shall they be led, and no more be confounded at all.
Lift up your hearts and be glad, your redemption draweth nigh.
Fear not, little flock, the kingdom is yours until I come. Behold, I come quickly. Even so. Amen."
Doctrine and Covenants 35:24-27
There are several cool things in here, but I think my favorites are that God will shake the heavens for our good, and the phrase "fear not little flock." God cares about us, and I love that he is offering us some comfort.
The heavens shaking for our good I am guessing is like the verses that talk about all things working together for the good of those that love God--the idea of everything connected and when we do as God suggests and tap into his system, that all of his resources are there to support us. ... Either that or the mental image that I first got of a giant salt shaker showering down some good on all of us, which, you know, is also cool. :)
Today, let's rejoice upon the hills, and let our hearts be glad. Let's keep the commandments and fear not, and live so that the heavens will shake for our good. Let's grow and learn and love and share and someday meet God again, with confidence in his love and his acceptance, because we have been preparing for that very day, and learning to love him more and more.
Wednesday, January 25, 2023
Mark 10:46-52 -- On Persistence and Faith
"And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimæus, the son of Timæus, sat by the highway side begging.
And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.
And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.
And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.
And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.
And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.
And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way."
Mark 10:46-52
This is interesting for a couple of reasons. First, when he heard that Jesus was coming down the street, he started calling out, and just got louder when people told him to shut up. And secondly, even though Christ probably knew what he wanted, he still asked him to articulate it... to ask for the impossible.
These, I think, represent things that help us move closer to God and also recieve blessings. I have no idea if there were other beggars on that street, but blind Bartimaeus spoke up and petitioned Christ, begging to be heard, over and over again. It is like the parable of the unjust judge in Luke 18:1-8. The idea is to keep praying and petitioning God for the good things that we desire... or in other words, keep believing that God can do it and make it happen, and don't just give up, deciding that it won't do any good or that God isn't listening.
Then, when Christ stopped and had him brought closer, he rewarded his persistence by asking what he wanted. I think this part is about faith. Can we truly ask for something, believing that God can grant it to us, or do we hold back with doubt? Blind Bartimaeus was begging on the side of the road. He could have just asked for a wad of cash, but he believed that Christ was the son of God and that he could do much, much more than just feed him.
Today, let's think about this story and be willing to be persistent and faithful when petitioning the Lord and asking for the good things that we need. Of course we shouldn't persist in our unrighteous desires, because getting those petitions is just going to destroy us, but if we keep the spirit with us and ask for things that we know are good... let's believe, and keep asking, because God is always listening to us, and in his time and wisdom, he will teach us and help us and make us ready so that he can grant us our righteous desires.
And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.
And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.
And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.
And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.
And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.
And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way."
Mark 10:46-52
This is interesting for a couple of reasons. First, when he heard that Jesus was coming down the street, he started calling out, and just got louder when people told him to shut up. And secondly, even though Christ probably knew what he wanted, he still asked him to articulate it... to ask for the impossible.
These, I think, represent things that help us move closer to God and also recieve blessings. I have no idea if there were other beggars on that street, but blind Bartimaeus spoke up and petitioned Christ, begging to be heard, over and over again. It is like the parable of the unjust judge in Luke 18:1-8. The idea is to keep praying and petitioning God for the good things that we desire... or in other words, keep believing that God can do it and make it happen, and don't just give up, deciding that it won't do any good or that God isn't listening.
Then, when Christ stopped and had him brought closer, he rewarded his persistence by asking what he wanted. I think this part is about faith. Can we truly ask for something, believing that God can grant it to us, or do we hold back with doubt? Blind Bartimaeus was begging on the side of the road. He could have just asked for a wad of cash, but he believed that Christ was the son of God and that he could do much, much more than just feed him.
Today, let's think about this story and be willing to be persistent and faithful when petitioning the Lord and asking for the good things that we need. Of course we shouldn't persist in our unrighteous desires, because getting those petitions is just going to destroy us, but if we keep the spirit with us and ask for things that we know are good... let's believe, and keep asking, because God is always listening to us, and in his time and wisdom, he will teach us and help us and make us ready so that he can grant us our righteous desires.
Tuesday, January 24, 2023
Ether 13:9 -- On Newness
"And there shall be a new heaven and a new earth; and they shall be like unto the old save the old have passed away, and all things have become new.
Ether 13:9
I love the new heaven and new earth. It feels like the symbolism of baptism... washed clean, starting fresh, or maybe resurrection, which is similar. A new beginning, but one that is perfect and forever. ... Thinking about heaven and earth that way makes me wonder how cool they will be after being renewed in that way to become much better than they were before. :) Looking forward to finding out.
Today, let's take advantage of our newness and do better and be better, looking forward to the change for the better of the whole world and the heavens as well.
Ether 13:9
I love the new heaven and new earth. It feels like the symbolism of baptism... washed clean, starting fresh, or maybe resurrection, which is similar. A new beginning, but one that is perfect and forever. ... Thinking about heaven and earth that way makes me wonder how cool they will be after being renewed in that way to become much better than they were before. :) Looking forward to finding out.
Today, let's take advantage of our newness and do better and be better, looking forward to the change for the better of the whole world and the heavens as well.
Monday, January 23, 2023
Ether 12:18-21 -- On Faith and the Veil of Unbelief
"And neither at any time hath any wrought miracles until after their faith; wherefore they first believed in the Son of God.
And there were many whose faith was so exceedingly strong, even before Christ came, who could not be kept from within the veil, but truly saw with their eyes the things which they had beheld with an eye of faith, and they were glad.
And behold, we have seen in this record that one of these was the brother of Jared; for so great was his faith in God, that when God put forth his finger he could not hide it from the sight of the brother of Jared, because of his word which he had spoken unto him, which word he had obtained by faith.
And after the brother of Jared had beheld the finger of the Lord, because of the promise which the brother of Jared had obtained by faith, the Lord could not withhold anything from his sight; wherefore he showed him all things, for he could no longer be kept without the veil."
Ether 12:18-21
This is so interesting, thinking about when the scriptures talk about the "veil of unbelief" (Alma 19:6, Ether 4:15) and comparing it to this idea of not being able to be kept within the veil because of faith. ... Same veil in both cases? How much are we really missing out on in life because of our doubt and unbelief? It seems kind of mind-boggling actually, but if the Brother of Jared and others could use faith to see past that block, then it sort of makes sense.
Now, I'm not saying it is easy, of course. The Brother of Jared was the one who believed enough that he forged stones for the Lord to make into lights... without electricity or other modern explanation that we know of. I think it is hard to ask God to do something that seems impossible... but even some of those external miracles are easier than the internal ones. Hard to really believe sometimes, in our own forgiveness, worthiness, chance at redemption. Hard to believe in happiness when you aren't feeling it. Hard to believe that we can change, when we haven't so far. Hard to believe in hope, in good things happening, and in that happy ending. I think maybe because we hit that wall thinking that we can't get past our own limitations, and then somehow psychologically believing that God can't help us get past them either because if part of it is up to us, it is bound to fail. ... Isn't that exactly what "the dark veil of unbelief" is about though? Hopelessness and darkness that drags us down to desperation and survival mode rather than being able to set our sight higher in order to see the possibilities and promise of the future?
God can accomplish external AND internal miracles, the beginning of which is just speaking to us through our own storm clouds sometimes... parting the veil just enough so that we can see a spark of hope, or get a glimpse of a future where things are better. Enough to encourage us to move forward, towards that light.
Today, let's believe in God and in his miracles. Whatever faith we can muster, even the smallest amount, let's use it to aim towards the light--to improve, to find the something better that God has prepared for us. Let's encourage each other as well. Let's talk about the goodness and the potential that we see in others, because we can't always see it in ourselves, and we all need that boost from time to time, another thing to encourage us towards hope and light and everything that God has waiting to give to us, when we are able to believe in it.
And there were many whose faith was so exceedingly strong, even before Christ came, who could not be kept from within the veil, but truly saw with their eyes the things which they had beheld with an eye of faith, and they were glad.
And behold, we have seen in this record that one of these was the brother of Jared; for so great was his faith in God, that when God put forth his finger he could not hide it from the sight of the brother of Jared, because of his word which he had spoken unto him, which word he had obtained by faith.
And after the brother of Jared had beheld the finger of the Lord, because of the promise which the brother of Jared had obtained by faith, the Lord could not withhold anything from his sight; wherefore he showed him all things, for he could no longer be kept without the veil."
Ether 12:18-21
This is so interesting, thinking about when the scriptures talk about the "veil of unbelief" (Alma 19:6, Ether 4:15) and comparing it to this idea of not being able to be kept within the veil because of faith. ... Same veil in both cases? How much are we really missing out on in life because of our doubt and unbelief? It seems kind of mind-boggling actually, but if the Brother of Jared and others could use faith to see past that block, then it sort of makes sense.
Now, I'm not saying it is easy, of course. The Brother of Jared was the one who believed enough that he forged stones for the Lord to make into lights... without electricity or other modern explanation that we know of. I think it is hard to ask God to do something that seems impossible... but even some of those external miracles are easier than the internal ones. Hard to really believe sometimes, in our own forgiveness, worthiness, chance at redemption. Hard to believe in happiness when you aren't feeling it. Hard to believe that we can change, when we haven't so far. Hard to believe in hope, in good things happening, and in that happy ending. I think maybe because we hit that wall thinking that we can't get past our own limitations, and then somehow psychologically believing that God can't help us get past them either because if part of it is up to us, it is bound to fail. ... Isn't that exactly what "the dark veil of unbelief" is about though? Hopelessness and darkness that drags us down to desperation and survival mode rather than being able to set our sight higher in order to see the possibilities and promise of the future?
God can accomplish external AND internal miracles, the beginning of which is just speaking to us through our own storm clouds sometimes... parting the veil just enough so that we can see a spark of hope, or get a glimpse of a future where things are better. Enough to encourage us to move forward, towards that light.
Today, let's believe in God and in his miracles. Whatever faith we can muster, even the smallest amount, let's use it to aim towards the light--to improve, to find the something better that God has prepared for us. Let's encourage each other as well. Let's talk about the goodness and the potential that we see in others, because we can't always see it in ourselves, and we all need that boost from time to time, another thing to encourage us towards hope and light and everything that God has waiting to give to us, when we are able to believe in it.
Sunday, January 22, 2023
Psalms 143:10 -- On Learning Goodness
"Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness."
Psalms 143:10
This verse stood out to me today because it emphasizes the importance of getting God's help in learning to be good. We don't always do very well at that on our own... we tend to get pretty off track, giving in to our own biases and letting little things irritate us and make us surly.
Today, let's turn to God who is the source of goodness, and who can teach us the way of love and kindness, even if we have never really learned it before, or are really bad at it just now. Let's take the time to pray, to read, to invite His spirit into our lives. He can help us to be calm and to know how to deal with others in a positive way if we reach out to him and are willing to take his advice and follow his promptings.
Psalms 143:10
This verse stood out to me today because it emphasizes the importance of getting God's help in learning to be good. We don't always do very well at that on our own... we tend to get pretty off track, giving in to our own biases and letting little things irritate us and make us surly.
Today, let's turn to God who is the source of goodness, and who can teach us the way of love and kindness, even if we have never really learned it before, or are really bad at it just now. Let's take the time to pray, to read, to invite His spirit into our lives. He can help us to be calm and to know how to deal with others in a positive way if we reach out to him and are willing to take his advice and follow his promptings.
Saturday, January 21, 2023
Matthew 21:23-27 -- On Honesty and Agendas
"And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?
And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things.
The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?
But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet.
And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things."
Matthew 21:23-27
This is an interesting story, and it is something that feels like it would have gone differently if it was approached differently. If these people had approached Christ with open minds and hearts sincerely wanting to know, then they likely wouldn't have worried about how to answer his question. Maybe they could have honestly told him what they thought instead of hedging, and then maybe Jesus could have taught them something. Instead though, it seems that they had an agenda and wanted to challenge him, and he showed them their own faults in the parables that follow this.
It makes me wonder how much of our lives would go differently if we didn't have an agenda and our hearts and minds were open. Would we ask different questions... of God or of others? Would we be less quick to doubt and get defensive, and more prone to listening and learning?
Today, let's try to let go of the pride that gets in the way of honest communication. Let's work on seeking to learn rather than seeking to challenge, and on integrity rather than image. And if we don't know how to change those things, let's plead with God to teach us, and change our hearts. Let's remember that it is better to "be a doorkeeper in the house of [our] God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness" (Psalms 84:10) no matter how much more lavish or low-effort. Let's be honest with God, and work to change ourselves for the better.
And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things.
The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?
But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet.
And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things."
Matthew 21:23-27
This is an interesting story, and it is something that feels like it would have gone differently if it was approached differently. If these people had approached Christ with open minds and hearts sincerely wanting to know, then they likely wouldn't have worried about how to answer his question. Maybe they could have honestly told him what they thought instead of hedging, and then maybe Jesus could have taught them something. Instead though, it seems that they had an agenda and wanted to challenge him, and he showed them their own faults in the parables that follow this.
It makes me wonder how much of our lives would go differently if we didn't have an agenda and our hearts and minds were open. Would we ask different questions... of God or of others? Would we be less quick to doubt and get defensive, and more prone to listening and learning?
Today, let's try to let go of the pride that gets in the way of honest communication. Let's work on seeking to learn rather than seeking to challenge, and on integrity rather than image. And if we don't know how to change those things, let's plead with God to teach us, and change our hearts. Let's remember that it is better to "be a doorkeeper in the house of [our] God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness" (Psalms 84:10) no matter how much more lavish or low-effort. Let's be honest with God, and work to change ourselves for the better.
Friday, January 20, 2023
Mormon 5:17-18 -- On Getting Lost, and Being Found
"They were once a delightsome people, and they had Christ for their shepherd; yea, they were led even by God the Father.
But now, behold, they are led about by Satan, even as chaff is driven before the wind, or as a vessel is tossed about upon the waves, without sail or anchor, or without anything wherewith to steer her; and even as she is, so are they."
Mormon 5:17-18
This was interesting to me today because it points out that losing God in our lives leads to directionless chaos... and so when we feel some of that creeping in, that is the exact time that we should be turning to the Lord for help. It's when we trust in ourselves too much and stop relying on the Lord for guidance that it is easy to become lost.
Being lost is scary. Like the dark and dreary waste of Lehi's dream, it is hard to find a way out or even a point in the distance to work towards... but at any time, if we stop as he did and pray and plead to the Lord for help, he will lead us in the right direction. Once we get out of that fog then we have choices for not falling back into it as well... we can keep the scriptures as essential guidance for the storms of life, we can encourage others to come to God rather than running towards the great and spacious building, we can do all we can for others and build them up to be as resilient as possible... but at the core, all of the other things in life are assisting us with that first idea... to lead us to Christ. To find a goal in the wastelands of our lifes and to give us that purpose and hope that things won't always be the way they are when we feel lost.
Today, let's remember, whether currently on or off the path, that God is the source of our hope and the true goal of our lives. With him, we can have direction and confidence and we can find rest, and move towards that happy ending that we are all headed for, if we keep turning the pages through the desert chapters, knowing that the pure and clean fountain of water is on the other side, waiting to fill us with eternal hope and joy and love. Sometimes the plot can get crazy, but with God as our author and guide, the true and good ending is always there, beckoning us to purpose and hope and away from the directionless quicksand that we find way too often before us.
But now, behold, they are led about by Satan, even as chaff is driven before the wind, or as a vessel is tossed about upon the waves, without sail or anchor, or without anything wherewith to steer her; and even as she is, so are they."
Mormon 5:17-18
This was interesting to me today because it points out that losing God in our lives leads to directionless chaos... and so when we feel some of that creeping in, that is the exact time that we should be turning to the Lord for help. It's when we trust in ourselves too much and stop relying on the Lord for guidance that it is easy to become lost.
Being lost is scary. Like the dark and dreary waste of Lehi's dream, it is hard to find a way out or even a point in the distance to work towards... but at any time, if we stop as he did and pray and plead to the Lord for help, he will lead us in the right direction. Once we get out of that fog then we have choices for not falling back into it as well... we can keep the scriptures as essential guidance for the storms of life, we can encourage others to come to God rather than running towards the great and spacious building, we can do all we can for others and build them up to be as resilient as possible... but at the core, all of the other things in life are assisting us with that first idea... to lead us to Christ. To find a goal in the wastelands of our lifes and to give us that purpose and hope that things won't always be the way they are when we feel lost.
Today, let's remember, whether currently on or off the path, that God is the source of our hope and the true goal of our lives. With him, we can have direction and confidence and we can find rest, and move towards that happy ending that we are all headed for, if we keep turning the pages through the desert chapters, knowing that the pure and clean fountain of water is on the other side, waiting to fill us with eternal hope and joy and love. Sometimes the plot can get crazy, but with God as our author and guide, the true and good ending is always there, beckoning us to purpose and hope and away from the directionless quicksand that we find way too often before us.
Thursday, January 19, 2023
Psalms 124:2-4 -- On Being Rescued from the Flood
"If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, when men rose up against us:
Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us:
Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul:"
Psalms 124:2-4
Another good reminder that the Lord saves us even when nothing else can, and makes sure that we don't spiritually drown in the deluge of the world. Today, let's be sure to pray and thank God for his help, and look to him for strength and help when we need to be saved from real or symbolic flooding. :)
Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us:
Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul:"
Psalms 124:2-4
Another good reminder that the Lord saves us even when nothing else can, and makes sure that we don't spiritually drown in the deluge of the world. Today, let's be sure to pray and thank God for his help, and look to him for strength and help when we need to be saved from real or symbolic flooding. :)
Wednesday, January 18, 2023
John 14:2 -- On Mansions
"In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you."
John 14:2
This is one of the ways that Jesus consoled his apostles before his death. I am not sure they knew it was consolation at the time, but after they certainly would have looked back and realized.
The idea of many mansions inside one house I don't know if I understand, but if anyone has a house that big, it would be God. :) And I kind of like the idea of that sort of togetherness as well. Our own space, but still part of something bigger so we can hang with everyone else too. Christ's message can be a consolation to us all. No matter what we go through here, Christ will be waiting to welcome us home on the other side. Today, let's trust in him and his gospel, and look forward to that.
John 14:2
This is one of the ways that Jesus consoled his apostles before his death. I am not sure they knew it was consolation at the time, but after they certainly would have looked back and realized.
The idea of many mansions inside one house I don't know if I understand, but if anyone has a house that big, it would be God. :) And I kind of like the idea of that sort of togetherness as well. Our own space, but still part of something bigger so we can hang with everyone else too. Christ's message can be a consolation to us all. No matter what we go through here, Christ will be waiting to welcome us home on the other side. Today, let's trust in him and his gospel, and look forward to that.
Tuesday, January 17, 2023
Matthew 18:23-27 -- On Forgiveness and Compassion
"Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.
And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.
But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt."
Matthew 18:23-27
Before this parable, Peter asks how many times he should forgive his brother if he sins against him, suggesting seven times. Christ responds that the answer should be more towards seventy times seven, then offers this parable, which I think drives home the point (after this excerpt) by saying "So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses" (Matthew 18:35). ... We should be forgiving other people every single time, because of how often and how completely God forgives us, and in return he asks us to do the same for others.
This particular part of the story I like because it shows the whole justice versus mercy thing. The King in this story wasn't extra bloodthirsty in considering selling the servant and his family to pay the debt... that was just the law at the time. Instead of now when you might lose your house and all of your stuff when defaulting on a huge loan, then you would all be put to work trying to pay it off rather than pursuing other interests. But his servant begs him, and he is willing to lose that money (which was a large amount), in order to spare his servant, retain his employment, and give him time and space to improve.
This is what Christ does for us. Each of us owes justice far more than we can pay, even if we are perfectly sincere about wanting to. It just isn't within our power. And what Christ did for us was to come in and pay it for us. It doesn't mean that we'll never have to face justice... eventually at the judgement day we will, but Christ makes mercy possible, and gives us the space and the time to change. If we truly repent and stick with God, we will have the time we need to change into the type of people who we want to be and that God knows we can be... then we can look forward to that final judgement with confidence, knowing that we took the extra time that Christ gave us and did all we could to improve, and to be able to return to God's presence. If we take advantage of Christ's offer and take his advice and change, we'll never have to pay the full price for our former sins... only the price/effort of changing ourselves into better people, little by little.
Today, let's work on repenting and preparing for the far future judgement day when we'll be judged for our works... and be greatly thankful for the time and the space that Christ offers us. Let's also offer the same compassion to the people around us, forgiving them as Christ forgives us.
And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.
But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt."
Matthew 18:23-27
Before this parable, Peter asks how many times he should forgive his brother if he sins against him, suggesting seven times. Christ responds that the answer should be more towards seventy times seven, then offers this parable, which I think drives home the point (after this excerpt) by saying "So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses" (Matthew 18:35). ... We should be forgiving other people every single time, because of how often and how completely God forgives us, and in return he asks us to do the same for others.
This particular part of the story I like because it shows the whole justice versus mercy thing. The King in this story wasn't extra bloodthirsty in considering selling the servant and his family to pay the debt... that was just the law at the time. Instead of now when you might lose your house and all of your stuff when defaulting on a huge loan, then you would all be put to work trying to pay it off rather than pursuing other interests. But his servant begs him, and he is willing to lose that money (which was a large amount), in order to spare his servant, retain his employment, and give him time and space to improve.
This is what Christ does for us. Each of us owes justice far more than we can pay, even if we are perfectly sincere about wanting to. It just isn't within our power. And what Christ did for us was to come in and pay it for us. It doesn't mean that we'll never have to face justice... eventually at the judgement day we will, but Christ makes mercy possible, and gives us the space and the time to change. If we truly repent and stick with God, we will have the time we need to change into the type of people who we want to be and that God knows we can be... then we can look forward to that final judgement with confidence, knowing that we took the extra time that Christ gave us and did all we could to improve, and to be able to return to God's presence. If we take advantage of Christ's offer and take his advice and change, we'll never have to pay the full price for our former sins... only the price/effort of changing ourselves into better people, little by little.
Today, let's work on repenting and preparing for the far future judgement day when we'll be judged for our works... and be greatly thankful for the time and the space that Christ offers us. Let's also offer the same compassion to the people around us, forgiving them as Christ forgives us.
Monday, January 16, 2023
Psalms 116:8 -- On Deeper Deliverance
"For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling."
Psalms 116:8
I notice that this mentions a spiritual deliverance, an emotional deliverance, and a physical deliverance. I really like that because I think we get stuck sometimes thinking that God can only help us in one spiritual way but he is far away from the rest of our lives. As we persist in reaching out to him, I think we will be surprised at how close he actually is, and at how involved in our lives he is willing to be, if we let him in, ask for his help, and are willing to act on his advice when he gives it.
Today, let's work to include God in all aspects of our lives, and hope and pray for his deliverance and blessings in whatever circumstances that we are in.
Psalms 116:8
I notice that this mentions a spiritual deliverance, an emotional deliverance, and a physical deliverance. I really like that because I think we get stuck sometimes thinking that God can only help us in one spiritual way but he is far away from the rest of our lives. As we persist in reaching out to him, I think we will be surprised at how close he actually is, and at how involved in our lives he is willing to be, if we let him in, ask for his help, and are willing to act on his advice when he gives it.
Today, let's work to include God in all aspects of our lives, and hope and pray for his deliverance and blessings in whatever circumstances that we are in.
Sunday, January 15, 2023
Psalms 36:8-9 -- On Satisfaction and the Treasure of God
"They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.
For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light."
Psalms 36:8-9
This is an interesting excerpt, explaining that we'll all be satisfied with what God has, and is offering to share with us. Fatness and "pleasures" have different connotations in our society now than when this was written, but basically God has a satisfyingly luxurious home with plenty of cool stuff and a river full of joy, and if we follow his plan and return to his presence, we will have access to all of that as well.
I am sure that most of this is symbolic because it would be hard to fathom what cool stuff is to God... I would love a Liahona, or some cool Brother-of-Jared lighting, but you know he doesn't need any of that. I think the point is that whatever he does have, he offers to us, and it will satisfy us.
I also love the part about the fountain of life and "in thy light shall we see light." Do I know exactly what it means? No. I can guess that the fountain of life alludes to immortality, and that the light part means that if we have God around to help us, we'll be able to know anything we want to, becuase he is a source of all knowledge... but it could be more than that, or refer to a specific thing that allows us to see more. I don't know.
I think of it a little bit like a tabletop role-playing game or even just a good story. God is the Game Master and we're all sitting around the table, ready for an adventure. He tells us of things that our characters can understand... one of them grew up really poor, and they value food and shelter above all else, so the ultimate goal of the quest is explained in terms of having a comfortable home and always enough to eat. Another character is a tinkerer and wannabe inventor who dreams of cool gadgets and finding better ways to do things... and so we learn that there are a lot of those things as well. The scholar learns that there is a source of knowledge there where he can ask any question and get an answer. Another character just misses her daughter every day, and learns that there is a way to talk to her again. Every character learns that there is something that appeals to them and that the journey is worth taking, and so they are all in and decide to travel together to find this great treasure.
In reality, God has everything that any of us could ever want, but we want different things, and are motivated in different ways. This is telling us that *all* of us will be satisfied with the house of God and what he offers. It is worth every effort to seek that fountain of life and that light of God. What they represent for us could be a miraculous surprise of something we could never known to ask for but which is perfect in every way. And if we do know what we want, and it is a righteous desire, no matter how impossible, is is also there with God, and offered to us. So let's go all in, together, and work our way towards that treasure, using our different talents and our teamwork to get there.
For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light."
Psalms 36:8-9
This is an interesting excerpt, explaining that we'll all be satisfied with what God has, and is offering to share with us. Fatness and "pleasures" have different connotations in our society now than when this was written, but basically God has a satisfyingly luxurious home with plenty of cool stuff and a river full of joy, and if we follow his plan and return to his presence, we will have access to all of that as well.
I am sure that most of this is symbolic because it would be hard to fathom what cool stuff is to God... I would love a Liahona, or some cool Brother-of-Jared lighting, but you know he doesn't need any of that. I think the point is that whatever he does have, he offers to us, and it will satisfy us.
I also love the part about the fountain of life and "in thy light shall we see light." Do I know exactly what it means? No. I can guess that the fountain of life alludes to immortality, and that the light part means that if we have God around to help us, we'll be able to know anything we want to, becuase he is a source of all knowledge... but it could be more than that, or refer to a specific thing that allows us to see more. I don't know.
I think of it a little bit like a tabletop role-playing game or even just a good story. God is the Game Master and we're all sitting around the table, ready for an adventure. He tells us of things that our characters can understand... one of them grew up really poor, and they value food and shelter above all else, so the ultimate goal of the quest is explained in terms of having a comfortable home and always enough to eat. Another character is a tinkerer and wannabe inventor who dreams of cool gadgets and finding better ways to do things... and so we learn that there are a lot of those things as well. The scholar learns that there is a source of knowledge there where he can ask any question and get an answer. Another character just misses her daughter every day, and learns that there is a way to talk to her again. Every character learns that there is something that appeals to them and that the journey is worth taking, and so they are all in and decide to travel together to find this great treasure.
In reality, God has everything that any of us could ever want, but we want different things, and are motivated in different ways. This is telling us that *all* of us will be satisfied with the house of God and what he offers. It is worth every effort to seek that fountain of life and that light of God. What they represent for us could be a miraculous surprise of something we could never known to ask for but which is perfect in every way. And if we do know what we want, and it is a righteous desire, no matter how impossible, is is also there with God, and offered to us. So let's go all in, together, and work our way towards that treasure, using our different talents and our teamwork to get there.
Saturday, January 14, 2023
Matthew 25:10-13 -- On Parables and Preparation
"And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh."
Matthew 25:10-13
This is part of the parable of the 10 virgins, and if we look at it as real life, it sounds pretty harsh. I mean, no one will share with them, and then even though they are late no one will even let them in. Ouch. However, if we take that last comment about "the Son of man cometh" to indicate that the parable is about preparing for the Second Coming, then it starts to make a lot more sense, because being late for the Second Coming causes a lot of problems.
First of all, if we are late for the Second Coming and don't go into the Millenium with Christ, we're literally dead, which is a big hurdle at this point in the history of the world, because the just/righteous come forth in the first resurrection (beginning of Millennium), and the unjust/unrighteous are resurrected at the end, right before the judgement, and guessing if we have no oil, that is symbolic of no testimony, so that means end. We can change on one level in the afterlife, but Amulek warns us specifically about this in Alma 34:32-34, telling us that "this life" is the time to prepare for God, and that we can't say that we'll automatically repent after we die, because we'll have the same spirit, and if we've been letting Satan drive rather than God, we'll have a really hard time changing that without a body. So, we can imagine the 5 unwise virgins realizing their mistakes at death and working with the Spirit World missionaries to gain a testimony, but it will be too late for the Millennium, which in the story is the going into the marriage part. They will still be able to be resurrected and raised to a kingdom of glory, which I assume is what happens because they do obtain some oil in the story. It just won't be in time for that great division.
The parable right after this is the parable of the talents, and I think it is similar. It is showing that what we do in this life is how we're going to be judged, and if we did nothing, nothing is going to come of it... even though God gives us life, and time and many chances, forgiving us completely and letting us start over... at some point if we walk off the path and stay off or if we just give up, that's what we are going to be stuck with in eternity. Doesn't mean that there aren't good things that can be done after this life or that God doesn't love us. I think it is more that we've ended up choosing a path and hardening ourselves into it so that we can't get out anymore. We read in the Book of Mormon about people who were past feeling, and maybe we get that way if we just stop trying to change and improve. We run out of oil, and don't take the time to find more until we're forced to face our lack, by which point it is too late... not too late for *a* happy ending, but perhaps too late for the one that we could have had if we hadn't given up our quest.
Today, let's think about these parables from the Lord and take them seriously as a warning for how we live our lives. Let's jump in and do better and not just give up or give in to Satan. Let's grow and change and make the world better, even just a little. Let's improve ourselves, even slightly. Let's pray and make a real connection with God. Moving in the right direction means we aren't giving up and stagnating, and even if it is just a little bit of oil, it will collect, and if we keep at it, with God's help, we'll be ready.
Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh."
Matthew 25:10-13
This is part of the parable of the 10 virgins, and if we look at it as real life, it sounds pretty harsh. I mean, no one will share with them, and then even though they are late no one will even let them in. Ouch. However, if we take that last comment about "the Son of man cometh" to indicate that the parable is about preparing for the Second Coming, then it starts to make a lot more sense, because being late for the Second Coming causes a lot of problems.
First of all, if we are late for the Second Coming and don't go into the Millenium with Christ, we're literally dead, which is a big hurdle at this point in the history of the world, because the just/righteous come forth in the first resurrection (beginning of Millennium), and the unjust/unrighteous are resurrected at the end, right before the judgement, and guessing if we have no oil, that is symbolic of no testimony, so that means end. We can change on one level in the afterlife, but Amulek warns us specifically about this in Alma 34:32-34, telling us that "this life" is the time to prepare for God, and that we can't say that we'll automatically repent after we die, because we'll have the same spirit, and if we've been letting Satan drive rather than God, we'll have a really hard time changing that without a body. So, we can imagine the 5 unwise virgins realizing their mistakes at death and working with the Spirit World missionaries to gain a testimony, but it will be too late for the Millennium, which in the story is the going into the marriage part. They will still be able to be resurrected and raised to a kingdom of glory, which I assume is what happens because they do obtain some oil in the story. It just won't be in time for that great division.
The parable right after this is the parable of the talents, and I think it is similar. It is showing that what we do in this life is how we're going to be judged, and if we did nothing, nothing is going to come of it... even though God gives us life, and time and many chances, forgiving us completely and letting us start over... at some point if we walk off the path and stay off or if we just give up, that's what we are going to be stuck with in eternity. Doesn't mean that there aren't good things that can be done after this life or that God doesn't love us. I think it is more that we've ended up choosing a path and hardening ourselves into it so that we can't get out anymore. We read in the Book of Mormon about people who were past feeling, and maybe we get that way if we just stop trying to change and improve. We run out of oil, and don't take the time to find more until we're forced to face our lack, by which point it is too late... not too late for *a* happy ending, but perhaps too late for the one that we could have had if we hadn't given up our quest.
Today, let's think about these parables from the Lord and take them seriously as a warning for how we live our lives. Let's jump in and do better and not just give up or give in to Satan. Let's grow and change and make the world better, even just a little. Let's improve ourselves, even slightly. Let's pray and make a real connection with God. Moving in the right direction means we aren't giving up and stagnating, and even if it is just a little bit of oil, it will collect, and if we keep at it, with God's help, we'll be ready.
Friday, January 13, 2023
Colossians 4:2 -- On Continuing in Prayer
"Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;"
Colossians 4:2
This verse is almost deceptively short I think, since it is asking us not only to pray, but to continue, to watch, to be thankful, and back to the beginning, to do all of these things with prayer. Kind of like "oray always," which is so much bigger than just two words. :)
Prayer is one of the most important things that we can do. It is how that we can know that God is there for ourselves. It is a step towards humility, recognizing that God is there and that we need him in our lives. Even when we're already promised to follow God, entering a covenant with him through baptism and recieving the Holy Ghost, we still need prayer to help us connect and get back on the same page with God. It is a daily, often hourly or even minute by minute, thing depending on our circumstances and need... and there are very few circumstances where praying more would not help. I was going to say none, but I suppose we could use it to avoid real life and wait for God to act rather than taking any actions ourselves, which would be detrimental, but would also surely indicate that we weren't really listening to what God had to say.
Today, let's pray, and watch, and be thankful. Let's make sure that we are listening to the Spirit's promptings in our lives and following the promptings to do good, to uplift others, and to make the world a better place... and as we are determined to continue, learning little by little to listen better and follow better, we'll get closer to God and understand more about him, and he will help us get closer and closer to our best selves.
Colossians 4:2
This verse is almost deceptively short I think, since it is asking us not only to pray, but to continue, to watch, to be thankful, and back to the beginning, to do all of these things with prayer. Kind of like "oray always," which is so much bigger than just two words. :)
Prayer is one of the most important things that we can do. It is how that we can know that God is there for ourselves. It is a step towards humility, recognizing that God is there and that we need him in our lives. Even when we're already promised to follow God, entering a covenant with him through baptism and recieving the Holy Ghost, we still need prayer to help us connect and get back on the same page with God. It is a daily, often hourly or even minute by minute, thing depending on our circumstances and need... and there are very few circumstances where praying more would not help. I was going to say none, but I suppose we could use it to avoid real life and wait for God to act rather than taking any actions ourselves, which would be detrimental, but would also surely indicate that we weren't really listening to what God had to say.
Today, let's pray, and watch, and be thankful. Let's make sure that we are listening to the Spirit's promptings in our lives and following the promptings to do good, to uplift others, and to make the world a better place... and as we are determined to continue, learning little by little to listen better and follow better, we'll get closer to God and understand more about him, and he will help us get closer and closer to our best selves.
Thursday, January 12, 2023
Hebrews 12:5 -- On Love and Memory
"And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:"
Hebrews 12:5
This points out a couple of areas where we are frequently weak... in forgetting, and in despising. We too often forget the miracles that have been done in our lives, and we too quickly jump to anger when something in our lives turns sour, blaming the Lord for it.
Today, instead of jumping straight to anger and raising our fists to heaven, let's take some time to remember our blessings, and how the hand of the Lord has sheltered us. And then, let's trust God a little more, and realize that he knows what he is doing. Difficult things happen, and sometimes we are going to have to realize that we aren't perfect as-is, and make hard changes in our lives, but God is going to make sure that we come out of it better and stronger and still headed for that eventual happy ending. We just need to stick with him and not freak out and jump out of the boat when the water gets rough.
Let's keep paddling and stick with the gospel. It is always the way through, even when it gets hard. If we take time to step back and talk to God about all of it, He will help remind us of his love and his blessings and helps us know and see that we are still beloved, even when we are being corrected.
Hebrews 12:5
This points out a couple of areas where we are frequently weak... in forgetting, and in despising. We too often forget the miracles that have been done in our lives, and we too quickly jump to anger when something in our lives turns sour, blaming the Lord for it.
Today, instead of jumping straight to anger and raising our fists to heaven, let's take some time to remember our blessings, and how the hand of the Lord has sheltered us. And then, let's trust God a little more, and realize that he knows what he is doing. Difficult things happen, and sometimes we are going to have to realize that we aren't perfect as-is, and make hard changes in our lives, but God is going to make sure that we come out of it better and stronger and still headed for that eventual happy ending. We just need to stick with him and not freak out and jump out of the boat when the water gets rough.
Let's keep paddling and stick with the gospel. It is always the way through, even when it gets hard. If we take time to step back and talk to God about all of it, He will help remind us of his love and his blessings and helps us know and see that we are still beloved, even when we are being corrected.
Wednesday, January 11, 2023
Philippians 2:3 -- On Lowliness and Esteem
"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves."
Philippians 2:3
It is interesting to think about the idea of esteeming others as better than ourselves. We know that God doesn't want us to think about ourselves as better than others (Alma 5:54), but assuming that other people are better than we are almost seems like a form of self-hatred or low self-esteem, thinking that we can't possibly measure up. In comparison with God that might be appropriate, thinking about the whole "less than the dust of the earth" line (Helaman 12:7), and remembering the vast gulf between our abilities and God's abilities. We are definitely inferior, and need God's help desperately.
When comparing ourselves to other people though, that dust imagery probably isn't needed. Mutual respect is a good ideal, but we are pretty bad at that. When we compare we usually go dramatically too far, either thinking that we are vastly superior, or vastly inferior... and maybe that is the key here. With other people we should use moderation. We don't have to be doormats for others to walk upon, esteeming ourselves as slugs (as children of God we are of infinite worth), but we *should* realize that we are inferior to every other person in some way, even when we are superior in some other way. We have something to learn from other people, no matter who they are. Approaching others with that openness to learning from them--I think that is what this verse is getting at. With a humble mindset and a willingness to learn, we won't be bullying others or showing them how much MORE amazing we are, but instead will be learning more about them, and valuing their contributions, and discovering something good.
Today, let's recognize what other people have to offer. Let's value them and recognize that we have a lot to learn from others... and let's talk to God about learning to love people better and recognizing our own weaknesses in a way that doesn't make us lose hope, but gives us motivation to be better.
Philippians 2:3
It is interesting to think about the idea of esteeming others as better than ourselves. We know that God doesn't want us to think about ourselves as better than others (Alma 5:54), but assuming that other people are better than we are almost seems like a form of self-hatred or low self-esteem, thinking that we can't possibly measure up. In comparison with God that might be appropriate, thinking about the whole "less than the dust of the earth" line (Helaman 12:7), and remembering the vast gulf between our abilities and God's abilities. We are definitely inferior, and need God's help desperately.
When comparing ourselves to other people though, that dust imagery probably isn't needed. Mutual respect is a good ideal, but we are pretty bad at that. When we compare we usually go dramatically too far, either thinking that we are vastly superior, or vastly inferior... and maybe that is the key here. With other people we should use moderation. We don't have to be doormats for others to walk upon, esteeming ourselves as slugs (as children of God we are of infinite worth), but we *should* realize that we are inferior to every other person in some way, even when we are superior in some other way. We have something to learn from other people, no matter who they are. Approaching others with that openness to learning from them--I think that is what this verse is getting at. With a humble mindset and a willingness to learn, we won't be bullying others or showing them how much MORE amazing we are, but instead will be learning more about them, and valuing their contributions, and discovering something good.
Today, let's recognize what other people have to offer. Let's value them and recognize that we have a lot to learn from others... and let's talk to God about learning to love people better and recognizing our own weaknesses in a way that doesn't make us lose hope, but gives us motivation to be better.
Tuesday, January 10, 2023
Matthew 24:42 -- On Watching
"Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come."
Matthew 24:42
I like the idea here that we are watching for someone's return, more in a personal way where we aren't sure when exactly he is getting here, and we need to have the bed made up and dinner ready, but the timing is tricky. It's kind of an idea of maybe always being ready for someone... setting an extra space, making enough for someone else, being sure there is always room. Spiritually, it means not getting sidetracked and thinking that we can turn around and repent later, because we need to be ready. ... Of course, we already know all of this on some level. We're supposed to pray always and keep the Spirit with us. Those are gospel standards, but it's good to remember the reason behind it all... that Christ is coming, and we want to be ready for him when he gets here. Imagine that possibility, to have a chance to be blessed by his presence and to hear his teachings from his own mouth... to feel that love and to know him personally as his disciples did. What a great thing to prepare for. Let's make sure our lives are in order so we could possibly have such a chance. :)
Matthew 24:42
I like the idea here that we are watching for someone's return, more in a personal way where we aren't sure when exactly he is getting here, and we need to have the bed made up and dinner ready, but the timing is tricky. It's kind of an idea of maybe always being ready for someone... setting an extra space, making enough for someone else, being sure there is always room. Spiritually, it means not getting sidetracked and thinking that we can turn around and repent later, because we need to be ready. ... Of course, we already know all of this on some level. We're supposed to pray always and keep the Spirit with us. Those are gospel standards, but it's good to remember the reason behind it all... that Christ is coming, and we want to be ready for him when he gets here. Imagine that possibility, to have a chance to be blessed by his presence and to hear his teachings from his own mouth... to feel that love and to know him personally as his disciples did. What a great thing to prepare for. Let's make sure our lives are in order so we could possibly have such a chance. :)
Monday, January 9, 2023
Matthew 20:9-15 -- On Equality and Love
"And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.
But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.
And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,
Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.
But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.
Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?"
Matthew 20:9-15
Reading through this parable again today and the complaint here struck me "thou hast made them equal unto us." From one perspective, it seems reasonable for the people who worked longer to expect more compensation, but even now with employment in a corporation, our employment agreement isn't affected by other employment agreements. We agreed to a wage, and we won't get an automatic raise if someone gets hired who works less or even performs the job poorly. Similarly here... we would be expected to fulfil the terms of our agreement anyway. Not saying that corporations are poster children to look up to, but I think it does show one side of the issue, which is our responsibility to the agreements that we made. With God, if we are baptized and agree to follow the commandments, we don't get to throw out that agreement because someone else isn't living up to their agreement with the Lord. Our baptism isn't nullified because of what anyone else does. God still holds up his agreement with us, if we hold up our agreement with him.
More than that though, since this is a parable also reflecting spiritual realities, I wonder if our complaints about others are based in a deep desire NOT for equality, but to triumph over everyone else. God teaches love and cooperation, and in a lot of ways our sense of competition, or wanting more than someone else, is in direct opposition to that, right? If we loved those laborers and knew that they hadn't been able to find work, would we be angry that they were getting the same wages or thankful that they and their families would be taken care of? I think this also goes back to a basic question for all of us: when we see others have amazing things happen in their lives, are we happy for them, or do we become jealous? Since we owe God everything, are we going to start arguing about whose sins are worse and who deserves a better place in heaven, or are we going to be grateful for anything we can get, and thankful that other people are blessed to be there as well?
Today, let's take a hard look at our attitudes towards others and if we need a mind shift, let's pray and ask God to help us see others as he does... as worthy of miracles, blessings, and even random and perhaps undeserved opportunities, just as we likely desire in our own lives. As we learn to love on a deeper level and make ourselves equal (Doctrine and Covenants 70:14, 78:5-6, 104:16-18), we will be able to work together with each other and God and eventually be blessed with an even better type of equality, born of love and also undeserved (Doctrine and Covenants 88:107). That is what our agreement with God is. We agree to work for him, and he agrees to bless us beyond our wildest dreams with something we in no way deserve. Let's rejoice in that uneven agreement, and put our hearts and souls into living up to that love.
But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.
And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,
Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.
But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.
Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?"
Matthew 20:9-15
Reading through this parable again today and the complaint here struck me "thou hast made them equal unto us." From one perspective, it seems reasonable for the people who worked longer to expect more compensation, but even now with employment in a corporation, our employment agreement isn't affected by other employment agreements. We agreed to a wage, and we won't get an automatic raise if someone gets hired who works less or even performs the job poorly. Similarly here... we would be expected to fulfil the terms of our agreement anyway. Not saying that corporations are poster children to look up to, but I think it does show one side of the issue, which is our responsibility to the agreements that we made. With God, if we are baptized and agree to follow the commandments, we don't get to throw out that agreement because someone else isn't living up to their agreement with the Lord. Our baptism isn't nullified because of what anyone else does. God still holds up his agreement with us, if we hold up our agreement with him.
More than that though, since this is a parable also reflecting spiritual realities, I wonder if our complaints about others are based in a deep desire NOT for equality, but to triumph over everyone else. God teaches love and cooperation, and in a lot of ways our sense of competition, or wanting more than someone else, is in direct opposition to that, right? If we loved those laborers and knew that they hadn't been able to find work, would we be angry that they were getting the same wages or thankful that they and their families would be taken care of? I think this also goes back to a basic question for all of us: when we see others have amazing things happen in their lives, are we happy for them, or do we become jealous? Since we owe God everything, are we going to start arguing about whose sins are worse and who deserves a better place in heaven, or are we going to be grateful for anything we can get, and thankful that other people are blessed to be there as well?
Today, let's take a hard look at our attitudes towards others and if we need a mind shift, let's pray and ask God to help us see others as he does... as worthy of miracles, blessings, and even random and perhaps undeserved opportunities, just as we likely desire in our own lives. As we learn to love on a deeper level and make ourselves equal (Doctrine and Covenants 70:14, 78:5-6, 104:16-18), we will be able to work together with each other and God and eventually be blessed with an even better type of equality, born of love and also undeserved (Doctrine and Covenants 88:107). That is what our agreement with God is. We agree to work for him, and he agrees to bless us beyond our wildest dreams with something we in no way deserve. Let's rejoice in that uneven agreement, and put our hearts and souls into living up to that love.
Sunday, January 8, 2023
Romans 1:16 -- On Celebrating God and Knowing What to Say
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."
Romans 1:16
I like the idea here of the gospel having the power of God to save us if we make sure that it is active in our lives by believing it, and applying that belief by living it. The other part is also important because we seem to be easily embarrassed about things that other people might not agree with. In this case, it something literally life-changing. We don't have to be "preachy" to include gospel topics when we talk about our lives rather than excluding them. A good example is the question that we often get: "How was your weekend?" Instead of avoiding talking about church, we can mention it. Say how our calling is going or whatever, and then ask how the other person's weekend was, ready to hear about whatever they are interested in as well. If people don't want to hear more, they won't ask, and that's fine, but the idea is to stop editing God out of our lives, which makes us look ashamed of God and what he stands for when actually we should be on the other side, celebrating everything that he is about. :)
Today, let's think about how to include God in our lives rather than trying to avoid mentioning him. :) As we talk to God about the issue, he can guide us because the Spirit always knows what to say, and if we listen to it, we will too. :)
Romans 1:16
I like the idea here of the gospel having the power of God to save us if we make sure that it is active in our lives by believing it, and applying that belief by living it. The other part is also important because we seem to be easily embarrassed about things that other people might not agree with. In this case, it something literally life-changing. We don't have to be "preachy" to include gospel topics when we talk about our lives rather than excluding them. A good example is the question that we often get: "How was your weekend?" Instead of avoiding talking about church, we can mention it. Say how our calling is going or whatever, and then ask how the other person's weekend was, ready to hear about whatever they are interested in as well. If people don't want to hear more, they won't ask, and that's fine, but the idea is to stop editing God out of our lives, which makes us look ashamed of God and what he stands for when actually we should be on the other side, celebrating everything that he is about. :)
Today, let's think about how to include God in our lives rather than trying to avoid mentioning him. :) As we talk to God about the issue, he can guide us because the Spirit always knows what to say, and if we listen to it, we will too. :)
Saturday, January 7, 2023
Mosiah 10:17 -- On Teaching Hatred
"And thus they have taught their children that they should hate them, and that they should murder them, and that they should rob and plunder them, and do all they could to destroy them; therefore they have an eternal hatred towards the children of Nephi."
Mosiah 10:17
This struck me today. It is a sad thing here, because we know how that sibling rift in Lehi's family affected so much of the history of the resultant nations. I think we look back and the tragedy is clear... but I also wonder how much we are looking forward and seeing the biases and rifts that we teach and create in our own lives, circles, and societies by the way that we think and speak about other people, groups, family members, nations, political parties, careers, habits, etcetera, etcetera. Are we teaching hatred or teaching love? Something to think about and maybe talk to God about today, so that we can get help to clear ourselves of bias and learn to love as He does.
Mosiah 10:17
This struck me today. It is a sad thing here, because we know how that sibling rift in Lehi's family affected so much of the history of the resultant nations. I think we look back and the tragedy is clear... but I also wonder how much we are looking forward and seeing the biases and rifts that we teach and create in our own lives, circles, and societies by the way that we think and speak about other people, groups, family members, nations, political parties, careers, habits, etcetera, etcetera. Are we teaching hatred or teaching love? Something to think about and maybe talk to God about today, so that we can get help to clear ourselves of bias and learn to love as He does.
Friday, January 6, 2023
Job 38:1-4 -- On Challenging God
"Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said,
Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?
Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.
Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding."
Job 38:1-4
I like this rebuke by the Lord to Job that actually goes on for a few chapters before we get to Job repenting. I think it reminds us of an important point... compared to God we are nothing. Similar to what we read in Helaman 12: "O how great is the nothingness of the children of men; yea, even they are less than the dust of the earth." Talking to God and learning from him is a good thing, but questions are not the same as criticism and challenging his wisdom and sanity... those are obviously unwise.
Now, let's put that "nothingness" in perspective. God loves us, finds value in us, and we have fairly limitless *potential* as his children. We should have hope and never give up working to be better and improve. But still, we're like toddlers wandering around and breaking things, or worse, in comparison, and we have a long, long way to go before we grow up. Luckily, we have eternity, and God has enough patience to help us grow up. :)
God is so much cooler than we are that we have zero justification in challenging him. That's a wise addendum to the basics of loving him and loving the people around us. :) Job had been through a lot, but his testing and trials led to even more blessings and a better and wiser Job in the end... and so it is with us. We definitely have a tendency to see only our own limited perspectives, which is perhaps understandable as mere mortals, but when we start blaming God for the tests and trials that we need, and demand lives without any challenges, tragedies, or growth opportunites, we're off track and assuming that we know better than God, which I think we have already established, is crazy talk. All of us are symbolically Job. He got a better life than before--plus in the resurrection he'll get everything else back too. Our stories will all eventually be happy endings as well, even though we have to suffer through some of the middle chapters sometimes where the hero faces the the dragon or loses a hand or whatnot. Today, let's trust God and stick with his plans and plotlines. He is the author of all things, and his way is definitely the right way, even when it is hard.
Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?
Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.
Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding."
Job 38:1-4
I like this rebuke by the Lord to Job that actually goes on for a few chapters before we get to Job repenting. I think it reminds us of an important point... compared to God we are nothing. Similar to what we read in Helaman 12: "O how great is the nothingness of the children of men; yea, even they are less than the dust of the earth." Talking to God and learning from him is a good thing, but questions are not the same as criticism and challenging his wisdom and sanity... those are obviously unwise.
Now, let's put that "nothingness" in perspective. God loves us, finds value in us, and we have fairly limitless *potential* as his children. We should have hope and never give up working to be better and improve. But still, we're like toddlers wandering around and breaking things, or worse, in comparison, and we have a long, long way to go before we grow up. Luckily, we have eternity, and God has enough patience to help us grow up. :)
God is so much cooler than we are that we have zero justification in challenging him. That's a wise addendum to the basics of loving him and loving the people around us. :) Job had been through a lot, but his testing and trials led to even more blessings and a better and wiser Job in the end... and so it is with us. We definitely have a tendency to see only our own limited perspectives, which is perhaps understandable as mere mortals, but when we start blaming God for the tests and trials that we need, and demand lives without any challenges, tragedies, or growth opportunites, we're off track and assuming that we know better than God, which I think we have already established, is crazy talk. All of us are symbolically Job. He got a better life than before--plus in the resurrection he'll get everything else back too. Our stories will all eventually be happy endings as well, even though we have to suffer through some of the middle chapters sometimes where the hero faces the the dragon or loses a hand or whatnot. Today, let's trust God and stick with his plans and plotlines. He is the author of all things, and his way is definitely the right way, even when it is hard.
Thursday, January 5, 2023
Matthew 7:11 -- On God's Greater Gifts
"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?"
Matthew 7:11
This is great stuff because it is making a comparison between mankind and God, from God's perspective. If even we hugely imperfect beings can give our children what they ask for when it is within our power, rather than mocking or disappointing them... God can do SO much better. :)
Today, let's ask God for what we need, but maybe add in a little more imagination, because honestly, God can do so much better than our humble imaginings.
Lets be meek, of course, and remember that God isn't a genie or a slave for us to order around. Let's remember that we need to be thankful and respectful considering our blessings. I'm not saying to go and ask God for a diamond-encrusted pony. However, let's also remember the Brother of Jared, and be willing to trust God to be able to solve problems that seem impossible. If we can dream it, he can do it... and he will, for us, if it is according to his plan and will. So, let's go with the Spirit, in humility, but also dream bigger, because God can do more than just giving us a last meal before we die. He can grant the cruze of oil that never fails. He can do more than relieve our burdens as we are in slavery. If we are faithful and trust in him, he can free us. He can do more than deliver us to the promised land. He can give us light and comfort on the journey.
Today, let's remember how much God loves us and aim for the happy ending and eternal life and love that he promises us, not just a temporary spark of hope. If we are willing to take the journey, he will show us the way.
Matthew 7:11
This is great stuff because it is making a comparison between mankind and God, from God's perspective. If even we hugely imperfect beings can give our children what they ask for when it is within our power, rather than mocking or disappointing them... God can do SO much better. :)
Today, let's ask God for what we need, but maybe add in a little more imagination, because honestly, God can do so much better than our humble imaginings.
Lets be meek, of course, and remember that God isn't a genie or a slave for us to order around. Let's remember that we need to be thankful and respectful considering our blessings. I'm not saying to go and ask God for a diamond-encrusted pony. However, let's also remember the Brother of Jared, and be willing to trust God to be able to solve problems that seem impossible. If we can dream it, he can do it... and he will, for us, if it is according to his plan and will. So, let's go with the Spirit, in humility, but also dream bigger, because God can do more than just giving us a last meal before we die. He can grant the cruze of oil that never fails. He can do more than relieve our burdens as we are in slavery. If we are faithful and trust in him, he can free us. He can do more than deliver us to the promised land. He can give us light and comfort on the journey.
Today, let's remember how much God loves us and aim for the happy ending and eternal life and love that he promises us, not just a temporary spark of hope. If we are willing to take the journey, he will show us the way.
Wednesday, January 4, 2023
1 Corinthians 15:19 -- On Another Life
"If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable."
1 Corinthians 15:19
I love here that he talks about "this life" because clearly that means there is at least one more life, and from modern day revelation we know that there was one before this as well. I mean, all one life in a way, because we are still ourselves... our souls are the same... but you could probably even divide it up into 4-5 lives:
--Premortal existence -- we don't know much about this, but we know about the war in heaven where people chose between the Father's plan with Christ as Savior and Satan's plan to abandon free will.
--Mortal existence (that's where we are now)
--Spiritual existence -- this is after death, but before resurrection. We know from Christ's visit to the Spirit World that the gospel is preached there as well, so we know there is still choice and change during this time, but we also know that without a body those choices and actions are limited.
--Millenial existence ... we don't have a lot of insight into this either, but it seems like at least some people will be resurrected and get a chance to live again during this time, getting chances that they never had in the previous and much more imperfect mortal world. Other people will not be resurrected until the final judgement, after the Millenium (Revelation 20:5).
--Eternity in a kingdom of glory / Heaven
Other lives doesn't mean that we can be careless with the one we are living now, or that we shouldn't work to make it the best life and best world we can... of course. I think though that it does offer a lot of hope that God has provided ample time for him to keep his word and to right all the wrongs and make up for all the injustices we all might experience. Even if we have wasted a lot of our lives, or we have limited time in this mortal realm, it is not too late... there is SO much life left to us. It is always worth it to repent and change and work towards God now, because even the very end of this life could be our door into a much better eternity. Today, let's work towards a good eternity AND a good life, and make sure those goals are working together rather than conflicting.
1 Corinthians 15:19
I love here that he talks about "this life" because clearly that means there is at least one more life, and from modern day revelation we know that there was one before this as well. I mean, all one life in a way, because we are still ourselves... our souls are the same... but you could probably even divide it up into 4-5 lives:
--Premortal existence -- we don't know much about this, but we know about the war in heaven where people chose between the Father's plan with Christ as Savior and Satan's plan to abandon free will.
--Mortal existence (that's where we are now)
--Spiritual existence -- this is after death, but before resurrection. We know from Christ's visit to the Spirit World that the gospel is preached there as well, so we know there is still choice and change during this time, but we also know that without a body those choices and actions are limited.
--Millenial existence ... we don't have a lot of insight into this either, but it seems like at least some people will be resurrected and get a chance to live again during this time, getting chances that they never had in the previous and much more imperfect mortal world. Other people will not be resurrected until the final judgement, after the Millenium (Revelation 20:5).
--Eternity in a kingdom of glory / Heaven
Other lives doesn't mean that we can be careless with the one we are living now, or that we shouldn't work to make it the best life and best world we can... of course. I think though that it does offer a lot of hope that God has provided ample time for him to keep his word and to right all the wrongs and make up for all the injustices we all might experience. Even if we have wasted a lot of our lives, or we have limited time in this mortal realm, it is not too late... there is SO much life left to us. It is always worth it to repent and change and work towards God now, because even the very end of this life could be our door into a much better eternity. Today, let's work towards a good eternity AND a good life, and make sure those goals are working together rather than conflicting.
Tuesday, January 3, 2023
John 13:35 -- On Showing Our Discipleship by Our Love
"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
John 13:35
Thinking about this and wondering, since this verse tells us this the measure of discipleship to the world--is our discipleship evident by the love that we have for each other? Maybe a good thing to think about today. We're supposed to be the examples of love, and maybe we aren't always, so today, let's do better. :)
John 13:35
Thinking about this and wondering, since this verse tells us this the measure of discipleship to the world--is our discipleship evident by the love that we have for each other? Maybe a good thing to think about today. We're supposed to be the examples of love, and maybe we aren't always, so today, let's do better. :)
Monday, January 2, 2023
Jeremiah 29:13 -- On Seeking God
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart."
Jeremiah 29:13
I run across people from time to time that tell me they have looked for God, and concluded that he doesn't exist because they haven't heard from him. Many of these people have an incorrect view of what God is, what his gospel entails, etc., but at the core, even if we don't understand fully, God is willing to listen.
One of the first steps is to really try to find out who God is, and that means reading the scriptures, not just listening to our antagonistic relatives or reading online about how some rando guy on a blog thinks God is awful or whatever. To know God, we need to search HIS word, and talk to HIM. We can't get to know our significant others by listening to some person from high school that hated them. Similar idea.
In general though, many of us succeed in finding God, and others fail. In trying to understand why people's experiences are different, one of the big things is this verse. Seeking God isn't a passive act. We can't just wait around for God to "prove" Himself to us. Obviously if we have concluded previously that God isn't there, or aren't willing to take the risk of finding him and then being subject to that knowledge, we're going to find nothing. If we give him a deadline and say show me by this date or make something happen in my life by this date, that isn't going to work either. This is God, not some job applicant that we can brush off if they don't make the deadline. If we really want to know, we have to be serious enough to study and learn all we can about him, we have to be humble enough to accept an answer if it is given to us, and then we have to actually take the step of believing in him enough to attempt talking to Him in prayer. If we are prepared, a lot of times God's love will immediately flood over us, and we will know for sure that he is there... but if it takes time, that's okay too. Sometimes we need to do more, and sometimes we just need to wait a while... maybe for a time with fewer distractions, less stress, less pressure from others, when there are no time constraints and we have the time to spend with God to really listen and feel.
The key to finding God is preparing our hearts. He is not hiding. He is there, waiting to greet us. We need to ready ourselves to be able to feel and know his voice by searching with all of our hearts.
Jeremiah 29:13
I run across people from time to time that tell me they have looked for God, and concluded that he doesn't exist because they haven't heard from him. Many of these people have an incorrect view of what God is, what his gospel entails, etc., but at the core, even if we don't understand fully, God is willing to listen.
One of the first steps is to really try to find out who God is, and that means reading the scriptures, not just listening to our antagonistic relatives or reading online about how some rando guy on a blog thinks God is awful or whatever. To know God, we need to search HIS word, and talk to HIM. We can't get to know our significant others by listening to some person from high school that hated them. Similar idea.
In general though, many of us succeed in finding God, and others fail. In trying to understand why people's experiences are different, one of the big things is this verse. Seeking God isn't a passive act. We can't just wait around for God to "prove" Himself to us. Obviously if we have concluded previously that God isn't there, or aren't willing to take the risk of finding him and then being subject to that knowledge, we're going to find nothing. If we give him a deadline and say show me by this date or make something happen in my life by this date, that isn't going to work either. This is God, not some job applicant that we can brush off if they don't make the deadline. If we really want to know, we have to be serious enough to study and learn all we can about him, we have to be humble enough to accept an answer if it is given to us, and then we have to actually take the step of believing in him enough to attempt talking to Him in prayer. If we are prepared, a lot of times God's love will immediately flood over us, and we will know for sure that he is there... but if it takes time, that's okay too. Sometimes we need to do more, and sometimes we just need to wait a while... maybe for a time with fewer distractions, less stress, less pressure from others, when there are no time constraints and we have the time to spend with God to really listen and feel.
The key to finding God is preparing our hearts. He is not hiding. He is there, waiting to greet us. We need to ready ourselves to be able to feel and know his voice by searching with all of our hearts.
Sunday, January 1, 2023
Acts 20:35 -- On Giving
"I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive."
Acts 20:35
I like the idea here, which Paul reminds the people of, that giving is better than recieving. This might go against our experience sometimes, but the overall rule still applies. Even when people aren't necessarily appreciative of what we do, giving is still the way to be. Christ kept giving when he was unappreciated, and his gift of resurrection is to all people, regardless of whether we thank him or not.
That said though, let's be thankful, for the chance to live again and also for the opportunity that he gave us to repent and change and return to live with him. Today, let's give as he did, not expecting anything in return, and show our love to all people, making the world better because we were in it, as Christ did.
Acts 20:35
I like the idea here, which Paul reminds the people of, that giving is better than recieving. This might go against our experience sometimes, but the overall rule still applies. Even when people aren't necessarily appreciative of what we do, giving is still the way to be. Christ kept giving when he was unappreciated, and his gift of resurrection is to all people, regardless of whether we thank him or not.
That said though, let's be thankful, for the chance to live again and also for the opportunity that he gave us to repent and change and return to live with him. Today, let's give as he did, not expecting anything in return, and show our love to all people, making the world better because we were in it, as Christ did.
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