"Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together.
And that which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness."
Doctrine and Covenants 50:22-23
Some good points to consider here. Preaching (and learning in general) is a collaborative effort. It isn't just one person imparting wisdom from on high. We learn together, and from one another. Also, things that don't edify aren't of God. That's a huge one to keep in mind I think... if it is something that isn't uplifiting us, but rather dragging us down, we're doing it wrong. The gospel is not something we can pick and choose through, only keeping those things that "spark joy," but it is a good guideline about how we are interpreting and using God's principles. If we can't see the goodness there, then we have more to learn.
Today, let's remember both of these things... that God wants us to learn from each other, even when we are preaching the gospel, and that things that don't lift us up aren't of God. I think that should help us a lot when we're thinking about how and what to teach, and keep us working on the problem of things that don't seem to uplift... let's talk to God about those things, and keep working, trusting that God's will is all good, and whatever is dragging us down isn't what he is asking.
Sunday, April 30, 2023
Saturday, April 29, 2023
Genesis 21:17-20 -- On Water in the Wilderness
"And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is.
Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine hand; for I will make him a great nation.
And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink.
And God was with the lad; and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer."
Genesis 21:17-20
This is an interesting story about Hagar, kind of a subplot in the Bible around the story of Abraham, but not just a subplot to her, of course. We know very little about Hagar. She was an Egyptian bondwoman, so basically a servant/slave, and handmaid to Sarah. Sarah couldn't have children for a long time, so when Abraham was around 86, Sarah asked Abraham to sleep with her servant so that she could have children that way... hers perhaps because she would own them as she owned the servant? She gave her to him as a wife, but after Hagar found out that she was pregnant, it says that she despised Sarah. This, presumably because being able to bear childrean was a status thing back then (Genesis 16:4). Sarah went to Abraham about it, and he told her that she should reprimand her as her maid, not protecting her as a wife. And Sarah did, and Hagar ran away... and God sent an angel to promise her that the son she would have would prosper and basically promised her the same thing that he had promised Abraham as far as posterity... "that it should not be numbered for multitude" (Genesis 16:10), and sent her back to her mistress.
So, all that as background for this scene. At least from the ages for Abraham given in the story, Ishmael would have been about 14 at the time that Sarah asked Abraham to send Hagar away for mocking her and her own miraculous son. Abraham was upset by this, but God told him to do as Sarah asked (Genesis 21:12-13), so he did. Which brings us to this situation. Hagar wandered for a while till she ran out of water, then placed her son under a bush and walked a ways away because she didn't want to see him die. Then God sent an angel to remind her of God's promises, and her eyes were opened so she found water, and continued with her son on her journey.
I feel like our lives are a lot like Hagar's life sometimes. We often aren't really satisfied with our lot in life. We want to be more, and when we get an advantage now and then we start thinking we're better than other people, because we've been comparing ourselves to others all along. God has to remind us that we're where we are for a reason, that he has promises for us as well, but when things aren't working out we panic and believe it is our doom, rather than hoping in Christ and trusting that the Lord will take care of us. God was working a miracle in Hagar's life, bringing her and her posterity into the covenant, as well as freeing her from being a bondperson, giving her a life where she could raise her son and be blessed with numberless posterity... but it is hard sometimes to see the blessings and the possibilities when life is hard and you are so focused on the bad thing that you don't notice the hope that God has placed before you. Kind of like Laman and Lemuel. That journey was hard, and the whole time they wanted to go back, to live as they had before. Or the children of Israel, who wanted to return to slavery because at least they had a guaranteed food source.
Today, when things go bad, instead of giving up, let's turn to God and open our eyes to his hope. Maybe life isn't going the way we had previously hoped and dreamed, but God still has a plan for us, and he is leading us to where he wants us to be. There is water in the wilderness for us as well, if we turn to Christ and have faith is his guidance and his way. He will lead us to a better life.
Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine hand; for I will make him a great nation.
And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink.
And God was with the lad; and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer."
Genesis 21:17-20
This is an interesting story about Hagar, kind of a subplot in the Bible around the story of Abraham, but not just a subplot to her, of course. We know very little about Hagar. She was an Egyptian bondwoman, so basically a servant/slave, and handmaid to Sarah. Sarah couldn't have children for a long time, so when Abraham was around 86, Sarah asked Abraham to sleep with her servant so that she could have children that way... hers perhaps because she would own them as she owned the servant? She gave her to him as a wife, but after Hagar found out that she was pregnant, it says that she despised Sarah. This, presumably because being able to bear childrean was a status thing back then (Genesis 16:4). Sarah went to Abraham about it, and he told her that she should reprimand her as her maid, not protecting her as a wife. And Sarah did, and Hagar ran away... and God sent an angel to promise her that the son she would have would prosper and basically promised her the same thing that he had promised Abraham as far as posterity... "that it should not be numbered for multitude" (Genesis 16:10), and sent her back to her mistress.
So, all that as background for this scene. At least from the ages for Abraham given in the story, Ishmael would have been about 14 at the time that Sarah asked Abraham to send Hagar away for mocking her and her own miraculous son. Abraham was upset by this, but God told him to do as Sarah asked (Genesis 21:12-13), so he did. Which brings us to this situation. Hagar wandered for a while till she ran out of water, then placed her son under a bush and walked a ways away because she didn't want to see him die. Then God sent an angel to remind her of God's promises, and her eyes were opened so she found water, and continued with her son on her journey.
I feel like our lives are a lot like Hagar's life sometimes. We often aren't really satisfied with our lot in life. We want to be more, and when we get an advantage now and then we start thinking we're better than other people, because we've been comparing ourselves to others all along. God has to remind us that we're where we are for a reason, that he has promises for us as well, but when things aren't working out we panic and believe it is our doom, rather than hoping in Christ and trusting that the Lord will take care of us. God was working a miracle in Hagar's life, bringing her and her posterity into the covenant, as well as freeing her from being a bondperson, giving her a life where she could raise her son and be blessed with numberless posterity... but it is hard sometimes to see the blessings and the possibilities when life is hard and you are so focused on the bad thing that you don't notice the hope that God has placed before you. Kind of like Laman and Lemuel. That journey was hard, and the whole time they wanted to go back, to live as they had before. Or the children of Israel, who wanted to return to slavery because at least they had a guaranteed food source.
Today, when things go bad, instead of giving up, let's turn to God and open our eyes to his hope. Maybe life isn't going the way we had previously hoped and dreamed, but God still has a plan for us, and he is leading us to where he wants us to be. There is water in the wilderness for us as well, if we turn to Christ and have faith is his guidance and his way. He will lead us to a better life.
Friday, April 28, 2023
Genesis 7:5 -- On Blind Obedience
"And Noah did according unto all that the Lord commanded him."
Genesis 7:5
This verse might seem mundane, but I think that this is pretty astounding, actually. I mean, building a boat in the middle of nowhere and filling it with some pretty scary animals... Noah was confident in what the Lord was telling him, even though it would make no "objective" sense to an observer. He trusted God even if he didn't understand why or always how. Those are big things in our lives as well. We don't always understand why we have to do the basics like reading our scriptures, praying, attending church, etc. We might understand other things even less. But the key here is trusting God, letting our knowledge that he lives guide our obedience and give us faith in his word.
Today, let's do as God asks. We aren't always going to understand immediately. God will help us understand as we learn more, but in the meantime, let's trust him as Noah, and the Brother of Jared, and Nephi all did... opening up new worlds of possibility and hope by following where God led, into the completely unknown. Some would disparagingly call that "blind obedience," but that kind of trust in something you know is true doesn't seem misguided to me. Compared to God, we *are* all blind, because we can't see the future possibilities laid out before us. God can, and he will lead us where we need to go, if we can be brave enough to trust him, and follow his directions as we walk into the unknown.
Genesis 7:5
This verse might seem mundane, but I think that this is pretty astounding, actually. I mean, building a boat in the middle of nowhere and filling it with some pretty scary animals... Noah was confident in what the Lord was telling him, even though it would make no "objective" sense to an observer. He trusted God even if he didn't understand why or always how. Those are big things in our lives as well. We don't always understand why we have to do the basics like reading our scriptures, praying, attending church, etc. We might understand other things even less. But the key here is trusting God, letting our knowledge that he lives guide our obedience and give us faith in his word.
Today, let's do as God asks. We aren't always going to understand immediately. God will help us understand as we learn more, but in the meantime, let's trust him as Noah, and the Brother of Jared, and Nephi all did... opening up new worlds of possibility and hope by following where God led, into the completely unknown. Some would disparagingly call that "blind obedience," but that kind of trust in something you know is true doesn't seem misguided to me. Compared to God, we *are* all blind, because we can't see the future possibilities laid out before us. God can, and he will lead us where we need to go, if we can be brave enough to trust him, and follow his directions as we walk into the unknown.
Thursday, April 27, 2023
Alma 16:9-10 -- On Avoiding Destruction
"And thus ended the eleventh year of the judges, the Lamanites having been driven out of the land, and the people of Ammonihah were destroyed; yea, every living soul of the Ammonihahites was destroyed, and also their great city, which they said God could not destroy, because of its greatness.
But behold, in one day it was left desolate; and the carcasses were mangled by dogs and wild beasts of the wilderness."
Alma 16:9-10
Interesting here that they said God couldn't destroy it. Those kinds of crazy, boastful remarks never turn out well. I think overall it is a lesson in humility and reality. We think sometimes that we are super amazing, or that something we were a part of is overpoweringly cool. And sometimes we are amazing, and our stuff is amazing... no question. But let's always have some perspective, and remember that our amazing is never as amazing as God, and even the very coolest or most brilliant creations here on earth pale in comparison to God's creations, and exist because they were inspired by him. If we keep that in mind, then hopefully we won't feel the need to boast and the tapestry of the universe won't see a compelling need to prove us wrong. :)
I think this is also part of the idea of pruning the vineyard in the allegory of the tame and wild olive trees. The Ammonihahites had gotten so wicked that they put the righteous to death, and there was nothing left to save them, so it was time for the branch to be burned. So, another good lesson... let's not murder anyone, especially if they are more righteous than we are. :) So many lessons for today. :) Seriously though, today let's try to remember God and put him first, and practice some healthy humility in our daily lives, and thus avoid this kind of personal or community destruction.
But behold, in one day it was left desolate; and the carcasses were mangled by dogs and wild beasts of the wilderness."
Alma 16:9-10
Interesting here that they said God couldn't destroy it. Those kinds of crazy, boastful remarks never turn out well. I think overall it is a lesson in humility and reality. We think sometimes that we are super amazing, or that something we were a part of is overpoweringly cool. And sometimes we are amazing, and our stuff is amazing... no question. But let's always have some perspective, and remember that our amazing is never as amazing as God, and even the very coolest or most brilliant creations here on earth pale in comparison to God's creations, and exist because they were inspired by him. If we keep that in mind, then hopefully we won't feel the need to boast and the tapestry of the universe won't see a compelling need to prove us wrong. :)
I think this is also part of the idea of pruning the vineyard in the allegory of the tame and wild olive trees. The Ammonihahites had gotten so wicked that they put the righteous to death, and there was nothing left to save them, so it was time for the branch to be burned. So, another good lesson... let's not murder anyone, especially if they are more righteous than we are. :) So many lessons for today. :) Seriously though, today let's try to remember God and put him first, and practice some healthy humility in our daily lives, and thus avoid this kind of personal or community destruction.
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
2 Nephi 27:4-5 -- On Closing Our Eyes
"For behold, all ye that doeth iniquity, stay yourselves and wonder, for ye shall cry out, and cry; yea, ye shall be drunken but not with wine, ye shall stagger but not with strong drink.
For behold, the Lord hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep. For behold, ye have closed your eyes, and ye have rejected the prophets; and your rulers, and the seers hath he covered because of your iniquity."
2 Nephi 27:4-5
This is interesting, talking about staggering and being drunk with sleep... but sleep that we have chosen because we've rejected the gospel... so kind of like sleepwalking or hallucinating and not being able to see the truth. It reminds me of Alma 12 where it says "... he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word . . . until he know them in full. / And they that will harden their hearts, to them is given the lesser portion of the word until they know nothing...." (Alma 12:10-11). We're either growing in the gospel... walking around clear-sighted and learning ... or we're half-asleep all the time, forgetting things that we used to know because we've closed our eyes and shut God out of our hearts. People say that they are fence-sitters sometimes, but I think these scriptures make it very clear that there are no fence sitters for long, because we're either gaining or losing. It is impossible to just stay in the middle.
Today, let's let go of iniquity, and wake up to God. Let's learn and work towards knowing more about God and his gospel instead of letting what we already have slip through our fingers as we spiritually doze.
For behold, the Lord hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep. For behold, ye have closed your eyes, and ye have rejected the prophets; and your rulers, and the seers hath he covered because of your iniquity."
2 Nephi 27:4-5
This is interesting, talking about staggering and being drunk with sleep... but sleep that we have chosen because we've rejected the gospel... so kind of like sleepwalking or hallucinating and not being able to see the truth. It reminds me of Alma 12 where it says "... he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word . . . until he know them in full. / And they that will harden their hearts, to them is given the lesser portion of the word until they know nothing...." (Alma 12:10-11). We're either growing in the gospel... walking around clear-sighted and learning ... or we're half-asleep all the time, forgetting things that we used to know because we've closed our eyes and shut God out of our hearts. People say that they are fence-sitters sometimes, but I think these scriptures make it very clear that there are no fence sitters for long, because we're either gaining or losing. It is impossible to just stay in the middle.
Today, let's let go of iniquity, and wake up to God. Let's learn and work towards knowing more about God and his gospel instead of letting what we already have slip through our fingers as we spiritually doze.
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
Deuteronomy 13:1-3 -- On False Signs
"If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder,
And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them;
Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the Lord your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul."
Deuteronomy 13:1-3
It is interesting here that it talks about prophets and signs and wonders that are trying to lead us away from God. We read elsewhere about things that will tempt even the elect, and false prophets predicting things that actually happen seems to fit that description. :) I think it also illustrates how dangerous it is to ask for a sign, because if our trust is in signs rather than God, we could easily go astray.
Today, let's make sure we are putting God first rather than just trusting in things that seem impressive or supernatural. As we trust in our Father in Heaven, he will guide us to be able to see through the increasing confusion between truth and falsehood in the world.
And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them;
Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the Lord your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul."
Deuteronomy 13:1-3
It is interesting here that it talks about prophets and signs and wonders that are trying to lead us away from God. We read elsewhere about things that will tempt even the elect, and false prophets predicting things that actually happen seems to fit that description. :) I think it also illustrates how dangerous it is to ask for a sign, because if our trust is in signs rather than God, we could easily go astray.
Today, let's make sure we are putting God first rather than just trusting in things that seem impressive or supernatural. As we trust in our Father in Heaven, he will guide us to be able to see through the increasing confusion between truth and falsehood in the world.
Monday, April 24, 2023
Mosiah 24:13-14 -- On Standing as Witnesses
"And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.
And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions."
Mosiah 24:13-14
Note here that the Lord came to them in their afflictions. God didn't prevent them from being forced into slavery. We know he could have, as at other times, warned them to flee or blinded their enemies, or confused them so they would get lost, or whatever, but in this case that wasn't part of the plan. The Lord tried their patience and their faith first, and then later delivered them, at least in part, so they could stand as witness of his miraculous works.
I wonder sometimes if we even notice miracles up front, where the Lord helps us avoid something bad. I have had a few times in my life where I've gotten a bad feeling about what was about to happen, and then been saved from the situation, but there could have been many times when the circumstances weren't as dire where God smoothed my path and helped me... and I think he does that frequently. Other times, like Alma's people here, I have been in trouble, and had to learn to endure it before being delivered. Probably all of us have had similar experiences, to a greater or lesser degree, because God does visit his people in their afflictions. He can't always save us from them up front, especially when we bring them on ourselves, but even then he still cares, and is willing to help us if we turn to him.
The other thing that stands out to me is the covenant on both sides. The people covenant to serve the Lord, and God offers a covenant in return, to deliver them. Sometimes I think we misunderstand covenants as contracts that we're trapped into forever, but in spiritual terms I think they are more like commitments of love. Sort of like marriage... marriage is both a contract and a covenant, a legal document, but spiritually a statement that you love this person and are committing to love them always. Covenants are like that, but with God. We commit that we accept God as our Lord, and that we always will, and God commits to watch over us in love as our God, and that he will forever.
Today, let's covenant with God and make that permanent commitment to Him. As we do, we will see his commitment to us more and more in our lives, as he delivers and helps us in all things. In return, we can stand as witness to others about the beneficial covenant that God offers to all people if they will commit to him as well.
And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions."
Mosiah 24:13-14
Note here that the Lord came to them in their afflictions. God didn't prevent them from being forced into slavery. We know he could have, as at other times, warned them to flee or blinded their enemies, or confused them so they would get lost, or whatever, but in this case that wasn't part of the plan. The Lord tried their patience and their faith first, and then later delivered them, at least in part, so they could stand as witness of his miraculous works.
I wonder sometimes if we even notice miracles up front, where the Lord helps us avoid something bad. I have had a few times in my life where I've gotten a bad feeling about what was about to happen, and then been saved from the situation, but there could have been many times when the circumstances weren't as dire where God smoothed my path and helped me... and I think he does that frequently. Other times, like Alma's people here, I have been in trouble, and had to learn to endure it before being delivered. Probably all of us have had similar experiences, to a greater or lesser degree, because God does visit his people in their afflictions. He can't always save us from them up front, especially when we bring them on ourselves, but even then he still cares, and is willing to help us if we turn to him.
The other thing that stands out to me is the covenant on both sides. The people covenant to serve the Lord, and God offers a covenant in return, to deliver them. Sometimes I think we misunderstand covenants as contracts that we're trapped into forever, but in spiritual terms I think they are more like commitments of love. Sort of like marriage... marriage is both a contract and a covenant, a legal document, but spiritually a statement that you love this person and are committing to love them always. Covenants are like that, but with God. We commit that we accept God as our Lord, and that we always will, and God commits to watch over us in love as our God, and that he will forever.
Today, let's covenant with God and make that permanent commitment to Him. As we do, we will see his commitment to us more and more in our lives, as he delivers and helps us in all things. In return, we can stand as witness to others about the beneficial covenant that God offers to all people if they will commit to him as well.
Sunday, April 23, 2023
2 Nephi 9:14 -- On Perfect Knowledge
"Wherefore, we shall have a perfect knowledge of all our guilt, and our uncleanness, and our nakedness; and the righteous shall have a perfect knowledge of their enjoyment, and their righteousness, being clothed with purity, yea, even with the robe of righteousness."
2 Nephi 9:14
The verse before this explains that "the spirit and the body is restored to itself again, and all men become incorruptible, and immortal, and they are living souls, having a perfect knowledge like unto us in the flesh, save it be that our knowledge shall be perfect" (verse 13). So, it seems like this perfect knowledge is a side effect of resurrection and getting perfect bodies. Our memories are not going to be faulty anymore, and I think that is one of the things that God is trying to prepare us for. If we don't repent and deal with those memories now, then our own thoughts will condemn us (Alma 12:14), and we won't want to be in God's presence with bad things in our minds and hearts.
On the other hand, if we repent and work with God to overcome our faults, then we'll know that we are forgiven and clean, and those thoughts of our past won't haunt us, because we'll know that we've changed and become better people.
Today, let's remember that a day is coming where we won't be able to ignore our consciences or our sins anymore. Let's prepare for that day through repentance and change. Let's work to let go of our pride and stop trying to defend our poor choices, and instead plead with God for his help in cleaning up our lives and becoming people who wouldn't choose those things again. That is what will save us from our own condemnation at the last day.
2 Nephi 9:14
The verse before this explains that "the spirit and the body is restored to itself again, and all men become incorruptible, and immortal, and they are living souls, having a perfect knowledge like unto us in the flesh, save it be that our knowledge shall be perfect" (verse 13). So, it seems like this perfect knowledge is a side effect of resurrection and getting perfect bodies. Our memories are not going to be faulty anymore, and I think that is one of the things that God is trying to prepare us for. If we don't repent and deal with those memories now, then our own thoughts will condemn us (Alma 12:14), and we won't want to be in God's presence with bad things in our minds and hearts.
On the other hand, if we repent and work with God to overcome our faults, then we'll know that we are forgiven and clean, and those thoughts of our past won't haunt us, because we'll know that we've changed and become better people.
Today, let's remember that a day is coming where we won't be able to ignore our consciences or our sins anymore. Let's prepare for that day through repentance and change. Let's work to let go of our pride and stop trying to defend our poor choices, and instead plead with God for his help in cleaning up our lives and becoming people who wouldn't choose those things again. That is what will save us from our own condemnation at the last day.
Saturday, April 22, 2023
Mark 11:18 -- On Tradition and Astonishment
"And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine."
Mark 11:18
The idea that people were astonished at his doctrine is interesting, because these were all part of a group that had the gospel as part of their history. They knew the law of Moses and attended the temple... they largely thought they were doing the right things. Similar to when Christ told the scribes and Pharisees that they "made the commandment of God of none effect by [their] tradition (Matthew 15:6), Christ is bucking tradition here. This is directly after he cleansed the temple, and he has been contradicting many of their leaders and scholars... "as one that had authority (Mark 1:22), and introducing them to new concepts, as when he commanded unclean spirits and they asked "what new doctrine is this?" (Mark 1:27).
Today, let's remember that the heavens are open, and that God is always there to clarify, correct, and teach us more when we are ready for it. Let's be open, and welcome any new doctrine that God wants to introduce. Let's also be careful to distinguish between doctrine and tradition, so that we can learn from our forebears and try not to repeat their mistakes.
Mark 11:18
The idea that people were astonished at his doctrine is interesting, because these were all part of a group that had the gospel as part of their history. They knew the law of Moses and attended the temple... they largely thought they were doing the right things. Similar to when Christ told the scribes and Pharisees that they "made the commandment of God of none effect by [their] tradition (Matthew 15:6), Christ is bucking tradition here. This is directly after he cleansed the temple, and he has been contradicting many of their leaders and scholars... "as one that had authority (Mark 1:22), and introducing them to new concepts, as when he commanded unclean spirits and they asked "what new doctrine is this?" (Mark 1:27).
Today, let's remember that the heavens are open, and that God is always there to clarify, correct, and teach us more when we are ready for it. Let's be open, and welcome any new doctrine that God wants to introduce. Let's also be careful to distinguish between doctrine and tradition, so that we can learn from our forebears and try not to repeat their mistakes.
Friday, April 21, 2023
Luke 14:16-20 -- On Excuses
"Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many:
And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.
And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.
And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.
And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come."
Luke 14:16-20
This is an interesting parable, symbolic of the gospel and kingdom of God. On the surface the excuses seem plausible, but they all clearly indicate that the guests value something more than their host. They are going to do important things, but this is a dinner they knew about well ahead of time--surely, they could have made the time to attend, and still could if they wanted to, but it isn't important to them, and so they engage in other priorities, effectively snubbing their host.
I think that if God stood in front of us and invited us to heaven, we would all say yes, we'll be there--but we don't always connect that to our actual lives and realize that he has already invited us, sent us reminders, and lighted the way. The parable is about the choices that we make every day about whether to attend that dinner that we have already committed to.
Today, let's work on letting go of the excuses that we make to the Lord, and instead make every effort to get to that dinner. Every other priority pales in comparison to our invitation from God.
And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.
And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.
And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.
And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come."
Luke 14:16-20
This is an interesting parable, symbolic of the gospel and kingdom of God. On the surface the excuses seem plausible, but they all clearly indicate that the guests value something more than their host. They are going to do important things, but this is a dinner they knew about well ahead of time--surely, they could have made the time to attend, and still could if they wanted to, but it isn't important to them, and so they engage in other priorities, effectively snubbing their host.
I think that if God stood in front of us and invited us to heaven, we would all say yes, we'll be there--but we don't always connect that to our actual lives and realize that he has already invited us, sent us reminders, and lighted the way. The parable is about the choices that we make every day about whether to attend that dinner that we have already committed to.
Today, let's work on letting go of the excuses that we make to the Lord, and instead make every effort to get to that dinner. Every other priority pales in comparison to our invitation from God.
Thursday, April 20, 2023
Matthew 18:4 -- On Humility and Cooperation
"Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 18:4
I love this answer by Christ when he was asked who was greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Instead of explaining why that it was kind of a self-defeating question, or illustrating his own superiority, instead he taught a lesson. He also turned the whole competition on its head in an interesting way.
It reminds me of the story in Luke 14 about choosing to sit in a lower, less honorable seat at a feast so that you don't embarass yourself by being asked to move to the equivalent of the kid's table, but instead honor the people you are with, especially if you are asked to move to a more honorable seat: "For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted" (Luke 14:11).
Today, let's work on getting out of the racetrack mindset with regard to our fellow beings. If we try to think of life as a shared journey instead, where the goal is to get everyone to our destination, maybe we'll do more lifting up rather than pushing down, trying to get ahead.
Matthew 18:4
I love this answer by Christ when he was asked who was greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Instead of explaining why that it was kind of a self-defeating question, or illustrating his own superiority, instead he taught a lesson. He also turned the whole competition on its head in an interesting way.
It reminds me of the story in Luke 14 about choosing to sit in a lower, less honorable seat at a feast so that you don't embarass yourself by being asked to move to the equivalent of the kid's table, but instead honor the people you are with, especially if you are asked to move to a more honorable seat: "For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted" (Luke 14:11).
Today, let's work on getting out of the racetrack mindset with regard to our fellow beings. If we try to think of life as a shared journey instead, where the goal is to get everyone to our destination, maybe we'll do more lifting up rather than pushing down, trying to get ahead.
Wednesday, April 19, 2023
Matthew 19:10-12 -- On Individualized Instruction
"His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.
But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.
For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it."
Matthew 19:10-12
As Christ said, all men can't recieve this saying, and there really isn't a reason to try to apply it to everyone, because it only applies to the certain people that God gives it to. However, what strikes me here is that God is aware of people with genetic differences, maimings, or who choose extreme chemical or physical modifications... and if them, then everyone, with any difference or exception who thinks that perhaps they are the only one suffering these challenges. He hasn't overlooked any of us or forgotten that we are born with mental or physical differences or challenges or intense drives, sometimes to do things that are evil. For instance, theories about people with certain genetic traits having a tendency towards violence or psychopathy. Even in the worst circumstances, imposed from without or within, God cares, and reaches out, and blesses us with hope, and a path to him.
Today, let's remember that every single person on earth is a loved child of God, whatever their mental or physical makeup. God has a plan for all of us, and when everyone doesn't fit into the get-married-and-have-children mold, or whatever other mold applies in our individual circumstances, there is still room in that plan for tweaks and personalizations and choices on an individualized basis, and a way forward. Note that I am not saying at all that God allows sin. The psychopath in the previous example isn't given a free pass by God to do violence or murder because of his or her genetic predisposition to do so. Rather, I am saying that God makes a way for each of us to find happiness while avoiding sin, whatever our inborn limitations or proclivities. He offers hope and help and individualized assistance if we look to him and accept his sayings, which the whole world might not be able to hear, but which are right for us individually.
But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.
For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it."
Matthew 19:10-12
As Christ said, all men can't recieve this saying, and there really isn't a reason to try to apply it to everyone, because it only applies to the certain people that God gives it to. However, what strikes me here is that God is aware of people with genetic differences, maimings, or who choose extreme chemical or physical modifications... and if them, then everyone, with any difference or exception who thinks that perhaps they are the only one suffering these challenges. He hasn't overlooked any of us or forgotten that we are born with mental or physical differences or challenges or intense drives, sometimes to do things that are evil. For instance, theories about people with certain genetic traits having a tendency towards violence or psychopathy. Even in the worst circumstances, imposed from without or within, God cares, and reaches out, and blesses us with hope, and a path to him.
Today, let's remember that every single person on earth is a loved child of God, whatever their mental or physical makeup. God has a plan for all of us, and when everyone doesn't fit into the get-married-and-have-children mold, or whatever other mold applies in our individual circumstances, there is still room in that plan for tweaks and personalizations and choices on an individualized basis, and a way forward. Note that I am not saying at all that God allows sin. The psychopath in the previous example isn't given a free pass by God to do violence or murder because of his or her genetic predisposition to do so. Rather, I am saying that God makes a way for each of us to find happiness while avoiding sin, whatever our inborn limitations or proclivities. He offers hope and help and individualized assistance if we look to him and accept his sayings, which the whole world might not be able to hear, but which are right for us individually.
Tuesday, April 18, 2023
Proverbs 30:8-9 -- On Moderation and Blessings
"Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:
Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain."
Proverbs 30:8-9
This is interesting, asking the Lord to not tempt us with extremes, but to help us to be satisfied with Him and not distracted with worldly concerns, of whatever sort.
Today, it is an interesting thing to be thankful for, but let's notice and thank the Lord for blessing us with moderation, at least in some things, so that we aren't tempted to consider ourselves not in need of God, or think that we need more than God has provided. Let's always remember to put God first, and not let worldly matters distract us from that most important thing.
Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain."
Proverbs 30:8-9
This is interesting, asking the Lord to not tempt us with extremes, but to help us to be satisfied with Him and not distracted with worldly concerns, of whatever sort.
Today, it is an interesting thing to be thankful for, but let's notice and thank the Lord for blessing us with moderation, at least in some things, so that we aren't tempted to consider ourselves not in need of God, or think that we need more than God has provided. Let's always remember to put God first, and not let worldly matters distract us from that most important thing.
Monday, April 17, 2023
Psalms 8:3-4 -- On Remembering Awe
"When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?"
Psalms 8:3-4
I like the feeling of awe that these verses inspire. I think we forget that sometimes with God, and treat him like some ordinary person... and it is good to be able to personalize that feeling to feel that God is our Father and that we can have a personal relationship with him, but I think, kind of like the disciples on the mount of transfiguration, or even the Israelites who saw Moses' face shining like the sun when he came down from talking to God... sometimes we need to remember who it is that we are talking to, and who is talking through our Prophets. Maybe we should regain that sense of respect and awe. This is our God, not only our friend.
Today, let's show God the respect and awe that he fully warrants as the creator of all of us, and the universe around us, and the earth that we stand on. Let's remember that awe when we are deciding whether to take the advice or listen to the words of our literally all-knowing Father, and maybe treat his creations and his word, and the privilege of being one of his beloved children, with the awe and honor that that merits.
What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?"
Psalms 8:3-4
I like the feeling of awe that these verses inspire. I think we forget that sometimes with God, and treat him like some ordinary person... and it is good to be able to personalize that feeling to feel that God is our Father and that we can have a personal relationship with him, but I think, kind of like the disciples on the mount of transfiguration, or even the Israelites who saw Moses' face shining like the sun when he came down from talking to God... sometimes we need to remember who it is that we are talking to, and who is talking through our Prophets. Maybe we should regain that sense of respect and awe. This is our God, not only our friend.
Today, let's show God the respect and awe that he fully warrants as the creator of all of us, and the universe around us, and the earth that we stand on. Let's remember that awe when we are deciding whether to take the advice or listen to the words of our literally all-knowing Father, and maybe treat his creations and his word, and the privilege of being one of his beloved children, with the awe and honor that that merits.
Sunday, April 16, 2023
Jacob 2:13-14 -- On Comparison and Judgement
"And the hand of providence hath smiled upon you most pleasingly, that you have obtained many riches; and because some of you have obtained more abundantly than that of your brethren ye are lifted up in the pride of your hearts, and wear stiff necks and high heads because of the costliness of your apparel, and persecute your brethren because ye suppose that ye are better than they.
And now, my brethren, do ye suppose that God justifieth you in this thing? Behold, I say unto you, Nay. But he condemneth you, and if ye persist in these things his judgments must speedily come unto you."
Jacob 2:13-14
A good reminder to us that when things are going right we still need to be humble, and to refrain from thinking that we are better than other people... that is an easy sin to fall into, with so many categories that we place ourselves and others in and rank in our minds. It is sometimes hard to realize in this world that encourages comparisons that even people who are a different race, gender, nationality, political party, and religion than we are (and many other labels), these are still our spiritual siblings, also of infinite worth and not lesser beings because they have different opinions, languages, traditions, and lifestyles than we do.
Today, let's work on letting go of our superiority complexes, and treating everyone with generosity, love, and respect.
And now, my brethren, do ye suppose that God justifieth you in this thing? Behold, I say unto you, Nay. But he condemneth you, and if ye persist in these things his judgments must speedily come unto you."
Jacob 2:13-14
A good reminder to us that when things are going right we still need to be humble, and to refrain from thinking that we are better than other people... that is an easy sin to fall into, with so many categories that we place ourselves and others in and rank in our minds. It is sometimes hard to realize in this world that encourages comparisons that even people who are a different race, gender, nationality, political party, and religion than we are (and many other labels), these are still our spiritual siblings, also of infinite worth and not lesser beings because they have different opinions, languages, traditions, and lifestyles than we do.
Today, let's work on letting go of our superiority complexes, and treating everyone with generosity, love, and respect.
Saturday, April 15, 2023
Mark 9:40 -- On Enemies and Allies
"For he that is not against us is on our part."
Mark 9:40
I like the idea here that anyone not against us is on our side. I think that we often have a different perspective, thinking that everyone not affiliated with us is against us, and God's interpretation here is much better: anyone that isn't standing in our way is an ally.
Today, let's remember this and not make enemies of those Christ tells us are allies. Even if someone isn't living the way we are, or isn't a member of the church, if they aren't working against us, they are friends. I mean, and even if they are working against us, Christ asks us to love our enemies too, so it comes down to treating everyone well, but still, I think that this verse is a good one to keep in mind of only to change our perspective. If we truly work to see other people as our allies, we'll treat them better, be friendlier, more open and inclusive, and the world will be a better place for our efforts. Let's follow Christ in this, as in all things.
Mark 9:40
I like the idea here that anyone not against us is on our side. I think that we often have a different perspective, thinking that everyone not affiliated with us is against us, and God's interpretation here is much better: anyone that isn't standing in our way is an ally.
Today, let's remember this and not make enemies of those Christ tells us are allies. Even if someone isn't living the way we are, or isn't a member of the church, if they aren't working against us, they are friends. I mean, and even if they are working against us, Christ asks us to love our enemies too, so it comes down to treating everyone well, but still, I think that this verse is a good one to keep in mind of only to change our perspective. If we truly work to see other people as our allies, we'll treat them better, be friendlier, more open and inclusive, and the world will be a better place for our efforts. Let's follow Christ in this, as in all things.
Friday, April 14, 2023
Helaman 11:16:17 -- On Trying Again
"And now, O Lord, wilt thou turn away thine anger, and try again if they will serve thee? And if so, O Lord, thou canst bless them according to thy words which thou hast said.
And it came to pass that in the seventy and sixth year the Lord did turn away his anger from the people, and caused that rain should fall upon the earth, insomuch that it did bring forth her fruit in the season of her fruit. And it came to pass that it did bring forth her grain in the season of her grain."
Helaman 11:16:17
I really like the idea here of trying again. The people had repented, and the prophet asked the Lord to try again. We are familiar with this in our own lives... tweaking something, trying again to see if it will work. Restarting, getting back up, seeing if a reboot will help. Nephi and his brothers tried again on getting the Brass Plates from Laban, Jonah tried again after getting vomited back to land, and we all have to retry and start tasks over from time to time when we make mistakes or mixed up the instructions or whatever. It's part of life... as we see here, even for God. He prunes and weeds and feeds his olive trees, and keeps trying for the good fruit. He's perfect, but he isn't expecting the trees to be... he's taking his time, trying new things, helping them in every way he can.
Today, let's work on repenting and changing, and getting it right THIS time, even if we haven't been right very much previously. Let's remember that we reach perfection a little at a time rather than all at once, and give other people the chance to improve incrementally as well. Let's look to God and trust him to help us improve as we take his advice and live his way.
And it came to pass that in the seventy and sixth year the Lord did turn away his anger from the people, and caused that rain should fall upon the earth, insomuch that it did bring forth her fruit in the season of her fruit. And it came to pass that it did bring forth her grain in the season of her grain."
Helaman 11:16:17
I really like the idea here of trying again. The people had repented, and the prophet asked the Lord to try again. We are familiar with this in our own lives... tweaking something, trying again to see if it will work. Restarting, getting back up, seeing if a reboot will help. Nephi and his brothers tried again on getting the Brass Plates from Laban, Jonah tried again after getting vomited back to land, and we all have to retry and start tasks over from time to time when we make mistakes or mixed up the instructions or whatever. It's part of life... as we see here, even for God. He prunes and weeds and feeds his olive trees, and keeps trying for the good fruit. He's perfect, but he isn't expecting the trees to be... he's taking his time, trying new things, helping them in every way he can.
Today, let's work on repenting and changing, and getting it right THIS time, even if we haven't been right very much previously. Let's remember that we reach perfection a little at a time rather than all at once, and give other people the chance to improve incrementally as well. Let's look to God and trust him to help us improve as we take his advice and live his way.
Thursday, April 13, 2023
Mark 9:45 -- On Hopping Towards Life
"And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched."
Mark 9:45
Christ talks about hands and eyes in this way in this chapter as well, which I think is just pressing the point home. What is that point? I don't think it is really about physically maiming ourselves, but more about not blaming our bodies for our choices. Yes, they have desires that are not always what God approves of, but they are ours to teach and to train, and to bring into line with our spirits. This is a challenging thing, of course, because by definition, part of ourselves does indeed want whatever that desire is, and the desire can be very strong. I think that is why Christ uses such a dramatic analogy here, explaining that amputation is better than hell.
Today, let's remember that we are free to act in accordance with God's commandments and that God can help us overcome our own unrighteous desires. Let's work to make good choices and to move towards life rather than hell.
Mark 9:45
Christ talks about hands and eyes in this way in this chapter as well, which I think is just pressing the point home. What is that point? I don't think it is really about physically maiming ourselves, but more about not blaming our bodies for our choices. Yes, they have desires that are not always what God approves of, but they are ours to teach and to train, and to bring into line with our spirits. This is a challenging thing, of course, because by definition, part of ourselves does indeed want whatever that desire is, and the desire can be very strong. I think that is why Christ uses such a dramatic analogy here, explaining that amputation is better than hell.
Today, let's remember that we are free to act in accordance with God's commandments and that God can help us overcome our own unrighteous desires. Let's work to make good choices and to move towards life rather than hell.
Wednesday, April 12, 2023
Mark 7:15-16 -- On Circumstance and Choice
"There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.
If any man have ears to hear, let him hear."
Mark 7:15-16
Christ explained this to his disciples with the example of food coming into the body and going out again via normal bodily processes, not being able to touch the heart (verses 18-19), and that the things that come from our hearts are the things that lead us to sin, and are what defile us (verses 21-23).
That is a very good and important lesson, of course, but as I was thinking about it today, it seems to be saying even more than just a lesson about food vs thoughts, more about the way that we look at the world perhaps. We do blame food sometimes, but we often blame other things... or circumstance or other people for our faults or failings, and I think this is telling us to look to ourselves and our own choices before we blame any external factors for the way that our lives are going... including God. Yes, he is all powerful and he could snap his fingers and change things, but arguing that is missing the point that God placed us here and is teaching us for a reason... tailored individual education, with nothing asked of us that he doesn't give us the strength to cope with (though as Nephi and Moses and basically every other person throughout history can testify to, not always on the first try). If he snaps his fingers and saves us from everything, then he saves us from growth and also from eventual perfection, and that's not his plan.
He does save us instantly sometimes, but sometimes we need to learn the lesson... and part of the lesson here and elsewhere is that we're free to choose, and responsible for our choices, inasmuch as we understand what we are doing. Today, let's worry less about external influences and circumstances, and more about our own hearts and choices. Let's avoid defiling ourselves through our own actions, and let God worry about the things that we can't control.
If any man have ears to hear, let him hear."
Mark 7:15-16
Christ explained this to his disciples with the example of food coming into the body and going out again via normal bodily processes, not being able to touch the heart (verses 18-19), and that the things that come from our hearts are the things that lead us to sin, and are what defile us (verses 21-23).
That is a very good and important lesson, of course, but as I was thinking about it today, it seems to be saying even more than just a lesson about food vs thoughts, more about the way that we look at the world perhaps. We do blame food sometimes, but we often blame other things... or circumstance or other people for our faults or failings, and I think this is telling us to look to ourselves and our own choices before we blame any external factors for the way that our lives are going... including God. Yes, he is all powerful and he could snap his fingers and change things, but arguing that is missing the point that God placed us here and is teaching us for a reason... tailored individual education, with nothing asked of us that he doesn't give us the strength to cope with (though as Nephi and Moses and basically every other person throughout history can testify to, not always on the first try). If he snaps his fingers and saves us from everything, then he saves us from growth and also from eventual perfection, and that's not his plan.
He does save us instantly sometimes, but sometimes we need to learn the lesson... and part of the lesson here and elsewhere is that we're free to choose, and responsible for our choices, inasmuch as we understand what we are doing. Today, let's worry less about external influences and circumstances, and more about our own hearts and choices. Let's avoid defiling ourselves through our own actions, and let God worry about the things that we can't control.
Tuesday, April 11, 2023
Matthew 16:23 -- On Tragedy and Triumph
"Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men."
Matthew 16:23
On the surface this seems kind of harsh. Peter is trying to comfort Jesus in the way that we sometimes do with our friends... no, no, that won't happen. We don't know, but we want to deny that bad things will happen and have only good things for those we love. It's a coping mechanism I think, so we don't have to face things that scare us. Totally understandable in a normal situation I think, but this wasn't a normal situation. This was Christ prophesying his own death... something he already didn't really want to do so much, but something he was going through because it was the Father's will, and also for us, to save us from ourselves. So, denial of prophesy as well as it being difficult to hear your friend kind of trying to talk you into going against the Lord's will when part of you feels that way too... that's why it was harsh I think.
Today, let's make sure we aren't arguing against the Lord whether in our own lives or to comfort someone else. Let's acknowledge God's will and comfort ourselves knowing that even if things are heartbreaking now, it is a temporary thing, because God's path leads to eternal happiness, and if we continue on that path, that is where we will all end up, together. That is certainly something to value over the things of men (usually ourselves), valuing temporary comfort over eternal joy. Let's get our priorities straight, as Peter did, and learn to value the timing and the blessings of the Lord, who endured the pain and the horror of this time in his life, because it was the precursor and a necessary part of the triumph, glory, and joy of his resurrection three days later. Every pain the Lord asks us to endure has a similar triumph waiting for us if we endure it well and keep walking his path.
But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men."
Matthew 16:23
On the surface this seems kind of harsh. Peter is trying to comfort Jesus in the way that we sometimes do with our friends... no, no, that won't happen. We don't know, but we want to deny that bad things will happen and have only good things for those we love. It's a coping mechanism I think, so we don't have to face things that scare us. Totally understandable in a normal situation I think, but this wasn't a normal situation. This was Christ prophesying his own death... something he already didn't really want to do so much, but something he was going through because it was the Father's will, and also for us, to save us from ourselves. So, denial of prophesy as well as it being difficult to hear your friend kind of trying to talk you into going against the Lord's will when part of you feels that way too... that's why it was harsh I think.
Today, let's make sure we aren't arguing against the Lord whether in our own lives or to comfort someone else. Let's acknowledge God's will and comfort ourselves knowing that even if things are heartbreaking now, it is a temporary thing, because God's path leads to eternal happiness, and if we continue on that path, that is where we will all end up, together. That is certainly something to value over the things of men (usually ourselves), valuing temporary comfort over eternal joy. Let's get our priorities straight, as Peter did, and learn to value the timing and the blessings of the Lord, who endured the pain and the horror of this time in his life, because it was the precursor and a necessary part of the triumph, glory, and joy of his resurrection three days later. Every pain the Lord asks us to endure has a similar triumph waiting for us if we endure it well and keep walking his path.
Monday, April 10, 2023
Moroni 1:2-3 -- On Evil, Compromise, and Love
"For behold, their wars are exceedingly fierce among themselves; and because of their hatred they put to death every Nephite that will not deny the Christ.
And I, Moroni, will not deny the Christ; wherefore, I wander whithersoever I can for the safety of mine own life."
Moroni 1:2-3
This is an interesting ethical stance. I think sometimes we are willing to accept evil to get our way. If we were watching this in a movie, maybe we would be rooting for the hero to just say it, so he could live to fight another day. It's also an interesting war in the first place... solely about what you believe rather than about land or power. By demanding that in order to spare someone's life it isn't about tribe or skin color or specific lineage here, it is about the extermination of a specific belief system.
Despite our gray-area media and popular ethics, Moroni knew that there was no compromise with evil. Denying Christ isn't something you do, even to save your skin. In saying that, I don't imply that we should be at war with people who believe differently than we do however. There is no compromise with evil means that we absolutely do not do what the Lord has forbidden... but it doesn't mean that we shun or mock or hate those that have. Christ talked with, and loved, the woman taken in adultery and the woman at the well, and many other sinners. Not sinning ourselves never means hating other people.
It also doesn't mean that we have to confront or contend with those who disagree with us. Moroni wandered to find safety for himself... he didn't march up to the bad guys and force some pointless martyrdom. That isn't what God is asking us either. Instead, he asks us to live, and do what is right. He asks us to set an example to others in a kind and a gentle way, to live and let live, while finding common ground and encouraging improvement and goodness. Today, let's refuse to participate in evil absolutely, but not forget love and kindness towards others who, like us, are still sinning and figuring things out, even if they are trapped in sins that we have personally overcome, or can't understand.
And I, Moroni, will not deny the Christ; wherefore, I wander whithersoever I can for the safety of mine own life."
Moroni 1:2-3
This is an interesting ethical stance. I think sometimes we are willing to accept evil to get our way. If we were watching this in a movie, maybe we would be rooting for the hero to just say it, so he could live to fight another day. It's also an interesting war in the first place... solely about what you believe rather than about land or power. By demanding that in order to spare someone's life it isn't about tribe or skin color or specific lineage here, it is about the extermination of a specific belief system.
Despite our gray-area media and popular ethics, Moroni knew that there was no compromise with evil. Denying Christ isn't something you do, even to save your skin. In saying that, I don't imply that we should be at war with people who believe differently than we do however. There is no compromise with evil means that we absolutely do not do what the Lord has forbidden... but it doesn't mean that we shun or mock or hate those that have. Christ talked with, and loved, the woman taken in adultery and the woman at the well, and many other sinners. Not sinning ourselves never means hating other people.
It also doesn't mean that we have to confront or contend with those who disagree with us. Moroni wandered to find safety for himself... he didn't march up to the bad guys and force some pointless martyrdom. That isn't what God is asking us either. Instead, he asks us to live, and do what is right. He asks us to set an example to others in a kind and a gentle way, to live and let live, while finding common ground and encouraging improvement and goodness. Today, let's refuse to participate in evil absolutely, but not forget love and kindness towards others who, like us, are still sinning and figuring things out, even if they are trapped in sins that we have personally overcome, or can't understand.
Sunday, April 9, 2023
Luke 24:5-7 -- On Prophecy and Resurrection
"And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?
He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,
Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again."
Luke 24:5-7
Here, some angels are offering a reminder of what Christ said. He told them ahead of time what was coming, but they didn't believe it, or they thought it was symbolic, or they just didn't remember... and as fallible humans I think that is fairly normal. Rising from the dead is a hard one to believe when we are so used to death and endings, and thinking of things as finite. But just as the angels offered a reminder here, God reminds us with these verses and many others that resurrection is real, that because Christ lived and died for us, and rose again, that we will also rise again, and that we have a chance at even more if we put him first and take his advice to make ourselves and the world around us better.
Today, let's remember that just like Christ's prophecy of his own death and resurrection came true, all the rest of God's promises are also true. If we stick with God and stay on his path, it will lead us to happiness and not just physical immortality, but spiritual eternal life blessed by the presence of God. Let's remember that limitations and endings are temporary, and that God promises us forever. Let's reach for those promises, remembering the empty tomb and that we don't need to be afraid of death, but can instead work on preparing for eternity.
He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,
Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again."
Luke 24:5-7
Here, some angels are offering a reminder of what Christ said. He told them ahead of time what was coming, but they didn't believe it, or they thought it was symbolic, or they just didn't remember... and as fallible humans I think that is fairly normal. Rising from the dead is a hard one to believe when we are so used to death and endings, and thinking of things as finite. But just as the angels offered a reminder here, God reminds us with these verses and many others that resurrection is real, that because Christ lived and died for us, and rose again, that we will also rise again, and that we have a chance at even more if we put him first and take his advice to make ourselves and the world around us better.
Today, let's remember that just like Christ's prophecy of his own death and resurrection came true, all the rest of God's promises are also true. If we stick with God and stay on his path, it will lead us to happiness and not just physical immortality, but spiritual eternal life blessed by the presence of God. Let's remember that limitations and endings are temporary, and that God promises us forever. Let's reach for those promises, remembering the empty tomb and that we don't need to be afraid of death, but can instead work on preparing for eternity.
Saturday, April 8, 2023
Mosiah 23:13-15 -- On Trust and Love
"And now as ye have been delivered by the power of God out of these bonds; yea, even out of the hands of king Noah and his people, and also from the bonds of iniquity, even so I desire that ye should stand fast in this liberty wherewith ye have been made free, and that ye trust no man to be a king over you.
And also trust no one to be your teacher nor your minister, except he be a man of God, walking in his ways and keeping his commandments.
Thus did Alma teach his people, that every man should love his neighbor as himself, that there should be no contention among them."
Mosiah 23:13-15
It is interesting to me here that Alma taught his people to not trust a king, teacher, or minister unless they were dedicated to God and keeping his commandments, but at the same time, and even maybe because of this ("thus")... that we should love and avoid contention. I don't think that this is contradictory, but on the surface it can seem so, since we are used to thinking about trust as a part of love.
I think though that God's pure and perfect kind of love transcends trust. He loves us, even though he absolutely cannot trust us to not sin. But he loves us anyway, and teaches us how to be better... to overcome ourselves and to learn to be worthy of trust. And I think maybe that is what Alma is advocating here as well. We can't always trust our leaders and teachers, or many of the other people around us, honestly. Trust is necessarily limited with fallible humans, but we *can* love them, and do all we can to help them to be better. The same with ourselves, actually. We can't always trust ourselves either, but we can love ourselves, and dedicate ourselves to working hard to be better and to listen to God, and to be more obedient... to eventually be worthy of trust and be able to return to God.
It reminds me of an episode of Doctor Who actually, where the doctor says "Do you think that I care for you so little that betraying me would make a difference?" ... and isn't that what God is saying to us every single day? He knows that we've betrayed him, and there are lots of analogies in the scriptures about it, comparing us to unfaithful spouses or mothers forgetting their children, to help us to understand the depth of our betrayal. And yet, knowing all of this, he still died for us, and lives still, for us, to lead us to eternal life and happiness. Today, let's be careful of who we trust, but let's never hold back our love, and let's love God most of all, who we can always trust, and turn to him, and work to be worthy of that love and that grace that he offers us, and the life that he gave so that we could learn to love and live again as he does.
And also trust no one to be your teacher nor your minister, except he be a man of God, walking in his ways and keeping his commandments.
Thus did Alma teach his people, that every man should love his neighbor as himself, that there should be no contention among them."
Mosiah 23:13-15
It is interesting to me here that Alma taught his people to not trust a king, teacher, or minister unless they were dedicated to God and keeping his commandments, but at the same time, and even maybe because of this ("thus")... that we should love and avoid contention. I don't think that this is contradictory, but on the surface it can seem so, since we are used to thinking about trust as a part of love.
I think though that God's pure and perfect kind of love transcends trust. He loves us, even though he absolutely cannot trust us to not sin. But he loves us anyway, and teaches us how to be better... to overcome ourselves and to learn to be worthy of trust. And I think maybe that is what Alma is advocating here as well. We can't always trust our leaders and teachers, or many of the other people around us, honestly. Trust is necessarily limited with fallible humans, but we *can* love them, and do all we can to help them to be better. The same with ourselves, actually. We can't always trust ourselves either, but we can love ourselves, and dedicate ourselves to working hard to be better and to listen to God, and to be more obedient... to eventually be worthy of trust and be able to return to God.
It reminds me of an episode of Doctor Who actually, where the doctor says "Do you think that I care for you so little that betraying me would make a difference?" ... and isn't that what God is saying to us every single day? He knows that we've betrayed him, and there are lots of analogies in the scriptures about it, comparing us to unfaithful spouses or mothers forgetting their children, to help us to understand the depth of our betrayal. And yet, knowing all of this, he still died for us, and lives still, for us, to lead us to eternal life and happiness. Today, let's be careful of who we trust, but let's never hold back our love, and let's love God most of all, who we can always trust, and turn to him, and work to be worthy of that love and that grace that he offers us, and the life that he gave so that we could learn to love and live again as he does.
Friday, April 7, 2023
Doctrine and Covenants 56:14-15 -- On Counseling with the Lord
"Behold, thus saith the Lord unto my people—you have many things to do and to repent of; for behold, your sins have come up unto me, and are not pardoned, because you seek to counsel in your own ways.
And your hearts are not satisfied. And ye obey not the truth, but have pleasure in unrighteousness."
Doctrine and Covenants 56:14-15
This is a good reminder that repentance includes letting go of trying to do things our way, and instead turning to the Lord for advice and doing things his way instead. Part of that is learning to be satisfied with what we have and not being resentful about what others have that we might not. ... Which doesn't mean that we have to be pleased about the inequality in the world of course. But the answer to that would be to share more of our own blessings with others.
Today, let's have pleasure in the truth of the Lord and look for the good in life, and rejoice in our blessings rather than comparing ourselves to certain others and making ourselves feel less in comparison. Let's flee from our old selves and find happiness in counseling with the Lord: learning to be better, and learning the ways of joy from our father in heaven.
And your hearts are not satisfied. And ye obey not the truth, but have pleasure in unrighteousness."
Doctrine and Covenants 56:14-15
This is a good reminder that repentance includes letting go of trying to do things our way, and instead turning to the Lord for advice and doing things his way instead. Part of that is learning to be satisfied with what we have and not being resentful about what others have that we might not. ... Which doesn't mean that we have to be pleased about the inequality in the world of course. But the answer to that would be to share more of our own blessings with others.
Today, let's have pleasure in the truth of the Lord and look for the good in life, and rejoice in our blessings rather than comparing ourselves to certain others and making ourselves feel less in comparison. Let's flee from our old selves and find happiness in counseling with the Lord: learning to be better, and learning the ways of joy from our father in heaven.
Thursday, April 6, 2023
Moroni 7:15 -- On Choosing the Light
"For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night."
Moroni 7:15
Life seems so simple and clear sometimes, and other times it feels obscured and impossibly complex, and the difference I think is just whether we are listening to God or not that day, that moment. He's the one that helps us to see the positive even when the world around us is melting down... to have hope in the midst of a trial, and to trust in a better world to come, even while we are enduring this one. This verse is a reflection of that I think. It explains that the gospel is plain, easy to understand. And if we're tuned in to God, I think our doubts and trepidation fade, and we are much more confident in our path and direction.
D&C 50:23 reminds us that "that which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness." Today, lets turn to the light of God to guide us on our way and to make our judgements plain.
Moroni 7:15
Life seems so simple and clear sometimes, and other times it feels obscured and impossibly complex, and the difference I think is just whether we are listening to God or not that day, that moment. He's the one that helps us to see the positive even when the world around us is melting down... to have hope in the midst of a trial, and to trust in a better world to come, even while we are enduring this one. This verse is a reflection of that I think. It explains that the gospel is plain, easy to understand. And if we're tuned in to God, I think our doubts and trepidation fade, and we are much more confident in our path and direction.
D&C 50:23 reminds us that "that which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness." Today, lets turn to the light of God to guide us on our way and to make our judgements plain.
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
Zechariah 4:10 -- On Days of Small Things
"For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the Lord, which run to and fro through the whole earth."
Zechariah 4:10
Zerubbabel, here, is working on the temple. I like the idea here of the Lord encouraging us, and reminding us that small things are not to be despised. As we read in Isaiah 28:10, 2 Nephi 28:30, and Doctrine and Covenants 98:12, God give us line upon line, precept upon precept. We learn a little at a time, and we learn to do God's will a little at a time. Starting a temple is committing to the work, and even if it is barely begun, the effort should be respected.
This applies to our efforts to put God first in our own lives as well. God respects the small steps that we take, and we shouldn't despise our own efforts, even if they are small. Yes, true... we aren't perfect yet, and sometimes we feel inadequate and like the work is overwhelming, but God isn't asking for us to *instantly* build a temple, or overcome our faults, or become perfect. All he asks is for us to take the next step... to continue on the path. If we can keep turning the pages rather than giving up, we get closer to the happy ending.
Today, let's remember to respect a day of small things, both for ourselves and for others. Let's make sure that we are headed in the right direction, and make whatever small effort we can. Mighty gospel knowledge and testimony doesn't come as a lightning bolt out of the sky, but rather as a result of days of small things growning incrementally larger as our days continue and we keep making our small efforts. That's the way that our light can grow "brighter and brighter until the perfect day" (D&C 50:24).
Zechariah 4:10
Zerubbabel, here, is working on the temple. I like the idea here of the Lord encouraging us, and reminding us that small things are not to be despised. As we read in Isaiah 28:10, 2 Nephi 28:30, and Doctrine and Covenants 98:12, God give us line upon line, precept upon precept. We learn a little at a time, and we learn to do God's will a little at a time. Starting a temple is committing to the work, and even if it is barely begun, the effort should be respected.
This applies to our efforts to put God first in our own lives as well. God respects the small steps that we take, and we shouldn't despise our own efforts, even if they are small. Yes, true... we aren't perfect yet, and sometimes we feel inadequate and like the work is overwhelming, but God isn't asking for us to *instantly* build a temple, or overcome our faults, or become perfect. All he asks is for us to take the next step... to continue on the path. If we can keep turning the pages rather than giving up, we get closer to the happy ending.
Today, let's remember to respect a day of small things, both for ourselves and for others. Let's make sure that we are headed in the right direction, and make whatever small effort we can. Mighty gospel knowledge and testimony doesn't come as a lightning bolt out of the sky, but rather as a result of days of small things growning incrementally larger as our days continue and we keep making our small efforts. That's the way that our light can grow "brighter and brighter until the perfect day" (D&C 50:24).
Tuesday, April 4, 2023
Micah 7:8-9 -- On Patience and Recovery
"Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me.
I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause, and execute judgment for me: he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness."
Micah 7:8-9
I really like this selection because it talks about the reality of recovering from our sins and mistakes. We have to be patient and dedicated to make it through the dark chapters of our lives, many of which we bring on ourselves through sin, and we need to accept the lessons the Lord sends us, which are sometimes very hard, in order to learn not to be the same person who committed that sin in the first place.
As we trust the Lord and really desire and work to change, we can recover from any setbacks, standing each time we fall and continuing to try. The Lord will guide us through the darkness, and when we eventually emerge, we will be stronger and better people, more prepared to meet God in the light and to have confidence in his presence, since he is the one who helped us and stood by us the entire time, even though in the darkness we couldn't see him clearly.
Today, let's stand up and try again, looking to the Lord for guidance even in the darkness, being willing to endure the lessons of this life and to invite God to change our hearts so that we can be the people that we dream of rather than being held back by our sins and mistakes.
I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause, and execute judgment for me: he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness."
Micah 7:8-9
I really like this selection because it talks about the reality of recovering from our sins and mistakes. We have to be patient and dedicated to make it through the dark chapters of our lives, many of which we bring on ourselves through sin, and we need to accept the lessons the Lord sends us, which are sometimes very hard, in order to learn not to be the same person who committed that sin in the first place.
As we trust the Lord and really desire and work to change, we can recover from any setbacks, standing each time we fall and continuing to try. The Lord will guide us through the darkness, and when we eventually emerge, we will be stronger and better people, more prepared to meet God in the light and to have confidence in his presence, since he is the one who helped us and stood by us the entire time, even though in the darkness we couldn't see him clearly.
Today, let's stand up and try again, looking to the Lord for guidance even in the darkness, being willing to endure the lessons of this life and to invite God to change our hearts so that we can be the people that we dream of rather than being held back by our sins and mistakes.
Monday, April 3, 2023
Proverbs 8:10-11 -- On Knowledge and Gold
"Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.
For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it."
Proverbs 8:10-11
This is a good reminder about true wealth. As we move forward through life, let's prioritize spiritual and intellectual treasures and learn as much as we can. Those are things that will not only help us in this live, but things that we can take with us when we pass beyond this life. Gold and toys, not so much. That doesn't mean that we shouldn't take care of our physical necessities or give toys to our children, etc., but only that we need to remember the relative value.
Today, let's take God's advice and value instruction, knowledge, and wisdom over gold and rubies, building ourselves into better people rather than prioritizing building our wealth.
For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it."
Proverbs 8:10-11
This is a good reminder about true wealth. As we move forward through life, let's prioritize spiritual and intellectual treasures and learn as much as we can. Those are things that will not only help us in this live, but things that we can take with us when we pass beyond this life. Gold and toys, not so much. That doesn't mean that we shouldn't take care of our physical necessities or give toys to our children, etc., but only that we need to remember the relative value.
Today, let's take God's advice and value instruction, knowledge, and wisdom over gold and rubies, building ourselves into better people rather than prioritizing building our wealth.
Sunday, April 2, 2023
Alma 15:3 -- On Mental, Physical, and Spiritual Illness
"And also Zeezrom lay sick at Sidom, with a burning fever, which was caused by the great tribulations of his mind on account of his wickedness, for he supposed that Alma and Amulek were no more; and he supposed that they had been slain because of his iniquity. And this great sin, and his many other sins, did harrow up his mind until it did become exceedingly sore, having no deliverance; therefore he began to be scorched with a burning heat."
Alma 15:3
It is interesting here to note that sin and anxiety in general can make us physically ill, because our mental / emotional / spiritual state seems to be tied into our physical being. I think that means that part of staying truly healthy is taking care of our mental, emotional, and spiritual needs just as much as we take care of our physical health... something that we should do regularly, whether or not we are doing so currently.
Since the New Testament and the Book of Mormon don't have a lot to say about the preparation of food and what we should do about disease and bodily function as the Old Testament law did, I think sometimes we just blow that part off as not being relevant to religion. Even the Word of Wisdom (D&C 89) we sometimes discount because it was given to the prophet in response to a question and was general advice rather than introducted initially as a commandment. Instead, we go on chasing diet fads or sometimes just not caring at all about our physical well being... the spiritual is the more important after all, and we need our spirits to triumph over our bodies anyway, right?
The problem with this is that our bodies are gifts from God, and the temples of our spirits. One of the major reasons we are here in this life is to learn to work together with our bodies and fuse ourselves into being whole, spirit and body united as one. We need to overcome our physical desires that war against God, for sure... but we do that by finding righteous ways to feed and fill our bodies rather than just giving up and not taking care of them. Christ proved that he could overcome his body when he fasted for a very extended period of time (something we should certainly not try unless we reach his spiritual level, which is unlikely in this life), but after that he still ate and slept and took care of his physical self.
Today, let's take care of our bodies and treat them well. Not placing them before our spiritual needs, or considering those desires before the Lord's will, but still valuing and caring for them as important components of our selves, and as gifts from God that we should value and love. Let's especially remember this lesson of Zeezrom, and be wary of sin and its effect on our minds and emotions, which can turn into physical illness... making sure that we repent and improve rather than losing ourselves in that mental and physical illness caused by spiritual dissonance.
Alma 15:3
It is interesting here to note that sin and anxiety in general can make us physically ill, because our mental / emotional / spiritual state seems to be tied into our physical being. I think that means that part of staying truly healthy is taking care of our mental, emotional, and spiritual needs just as much as we take care of our physical health... something that we should do regularly, whether or not we are doing so currently.
Since the New Testament and the Book of Mormon don't have a lot to say about the preparation of food and what we should do about disease and bodily function as the Old Testament law did, I think sometimes we just blow that part off as not being relevant to religion. Even the Word of Wisdom (D&C 89) we sometimes discount because it was given to the prophet in response to a question and was general advice rather than introducted initially as a commandment. Instead, we go on chasing diet fads or sometimes just not caring at all about our physical well being... the spiritual is the more important after all, and we need our spirits to triumph over our bodies anyway, right?
The problem with this is that our bodies are gifts from God, and the temples of our spirits. One of the major reasons we are here in this life is to learn to work together with our bodies and fuse ourselves into being whole, spirit and body united as one. We need to overcome our physical desires that war against God, for sure... but we do that by finding righteous ways to feed and fill our bodies rather than just giving up and not taking care of them. Christ proved that he could overcome his body when he fasted for a very extended period of time (something we should certainly not try unless we reach his spiritual level, which is unlikely in this life), but after that he still ate and slept and took care of his physical self.
Today, let's take care of our bodies and treat them well. Not placing them before our spiritual needs, or considering those desires before the Lord's will, but still valuing and caring for them as important components of our selves, and as gifts from God that we should value and love. Let's especially remember this lesson of Zeezrom, and be wary of sin and its effect on our minds and emotions, which can turn into physical illness... making sure that we repent and improve rather than losing ourselves in that mental and physical illness caused by spiritual dissonance.
Saturday, April 1, 2023
Mosiah 2:22 -- On Obedience and Blessings
"And behold, all that he requires of you is to keep his commandments; and he has promised you that if ye would keep his commandments ye should prosper in the land; and he never doth vary from that which he hath said; therefore, if ye do keep his commandments he doth bless you and prosper you."
Mosiah 2:22
I love King Benjamin here, reminding us that we make the gospel more complicated than it needs to be. Blessings of course doesn't mean lives void of trial, because blessings are often things that help us to grow, and that requires sometimes uncomfortable or painful change. But the priciple is solid, and the blessings sure. If we do our part, God never fails to do his. Unlike us, he always, always keeps his word.
Today, let's look to him and work to do as the Lord asks.
Mosiah 2:22
I love King Benjamin here, reminding us that we make the gospel more complicated than it needs to be. Blessings of course doesn't mean lives void of trial, because blessings are often things that help us to grow, and that requires sometimes uncomfortable or painful change. But the priciple is solid, and the blessings sure. If we do our part, God never fails to do his. Unlike us, he always, always keeps his word.
Today, let's look to him and work to do as the Lord asks.
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