Psalms 12:5-6 -- On Caring For the Poor

"For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the Lord; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him.
The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times."
Psalms 12:5-6


I love the idea that the Lord will keep the poor safe. I mean, that doesn't mean that we don't have a responsibility ourselves of course, but I like that it is at the top of the Lord's mind, and that they are important to him, and he is showing us that they should be importandt to us. I also like the theme here that the Lord doesn't take his words lightly and that we can trust everyghing that he says with absolute solidity.

Today, let's look unto God, trust what he says, and do all we can for God's children and our brothers and sisters who are among the poor.

Hosea 6:1-2 -- On Returning to the Lord

"Come, and let us return unto the Lord: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.
After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight."
Hosea 6:1-2


I like the symbolism here of dying and being resurrected in three days, a foreshadowing of Christ. It is similar to the symbolism of baptism, of symbolically dying to sin, and being reborn as a new spiritual creature.

I also love the idea of God withdrawing his anger and looking upon us in mercy once again, if we sincerely change. I always think of the whole "how often would I have gathered you" (3 Nephi 10:5), but us refusing... God wants to bless us and care for us, if we will return to him and forsake our sins. Today, let's work on that, so that we may live in his sight. :)

1 Kings 20:35-36 -- On Lions and Listening

"And a certain man of the asons of the prophets said unto his neighbour in the word of the Lord, Smite me, I pray thee. And the man refused to smite him.
Then said he unto him, Because thou hast not obeyed the voice of the Lord, behold, as soon as thou art departed from me, a lion shall slay thee. And as soon as he was departed from him, a lion found him, and slew him."
1 Kings 20:35-36


Luckily we probably won't have lions chasing us if we ignore God's commandments, but the lesson is still important. Eaten by lions because you refused to hit a prophet. Seems extreme, but also seems sort of familiar as well. We have a lot of excuses that we use to disobey God. Nephi didn't want to kill Laban, but he was able to tell that this was something that the Spirit needed him to do, for a wise purpose in God. And I think that is the lesson here as well... when a prophet, or the Spirit, tells us plainly to do something, then we should do it.

I think learning to listen to God is a big part of our lives, and it takes a lot of practice. But I also think that there are so many clear messages from the scriptures and from conference that we have enough opportunity getting that practice in understanding and obeying before we run into any cases that are unclear or we need to question. We can always go back to God about something, but the primary lesson here is do as God asks, so we can be led to the lion-free path home.

Amos 5:18-20 -- On the Day of the Lord

"Woe unto you that desire the day of the Lord! to what end is it for you? the day of the Lord is darkness, and not light.
As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him.
Shall not the day of the Lord be darkness, and not light? even very dark, and no brightness in it?"
Amos 5:18-20


This was interesting to read today, because I think a lot of people look for the reappearance of the Lord as a day of justice and of making things right, finally... but the Lord reminds us here that it isn't necessarily going to be what we expect... that if we are looking for judgement between a lion and a bear, we're still not likely to survive.

Instead, the Lord urges us to "seek good and not evil, that ye may live" (Amos 5:14). Today, let's work on finding the good and building it up rather than giving up and wishing for the destruction of everything and the final judgement. :) Let's work on saving and lifting who and what we can now, rather than worrying about when the Lord will come and finish it all. :)

Jacob 2:13-14 -- On Comparison and Discrimination

"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


This theme of thinking that we are better than each other comes up a lot in scripture, and too often in our normal lives as well. In these verses the reason for the perception of superiority is wealth and expensive clothing, but that sense of superiority/pride comes with a zillion excuses. Maybe we have a better education or a gorgeous spouse. Maybe we can trace our lineage back to some cool or prominent people, or maybe we've had the gospel in our family longer than someone else. Maybe we have a white collar job or a blue collar job, or we believe in one political party over another. Maybe our weaknesses and sins seem better than other people's... but no matter the justification, the truth is, we aren't better than anyone else. We might have a skill or a talent that they don't have, but they probably have some that we don't as well, and overall, in God's eyes (which are the ones that see most clearly), we all have the same high potential, as his children.

God asks us to humble ourselves and acknowlege our unworthiness rather than thanking him that we are better than anyone (Alma 38:14), and that humility is what will get us through similar temptations, when we are tempted to think that we are better than others, or smarter than God. :) Today, let's try to remember to love others as we love ourselves, and to lift others up and help them grow closer to God rather than pushing them down or endangering our own souls by judging ourselves superior. :)

3 Nephi 6:13 -- On Not Reviling Again

"Some were lifted up in pride, and others were exceedingly humble; some did return railing for railing, while others would receive railing and persecution and all manner of afflictions, and would not turn and revile again, but were humble and penitent before God."
3 Nephi 6:13


This is admirable, the whole not-turning-and-reviling-again thing. That takes a lot of patience and faith. Think of the amazing world that we would have if no one did though. Today, let's work to become part of that world, with God's help.

Joshua 2:11 -- On Melting Hearts

"And as soon as we had aheard these things, our bhearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the Lord your God, he is cGod in dheaven above, and in earth beneath."
Joshua 2:11


A good perspecive from the other side about what God seems like when we are against him. I don't think that God wants us to be afraid of him, but a healthy respect for what God can do is important. Today, let's make sure that we don't choose to be his enemies, and see his great power set against us rather than being used to help and sustain us.

Psalms 147:3 -- On Broken Hearts

"He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds."
Psalms 147:3


I love that the Lord heals our broken hearts... even as he asks us to come before him with broken hearts and contrite spirits, which I think means that our hearts aren't ever going to be broken for long. More like fixing a broken bone that has healed badly, you have to break it again to get it to heal correctly. We have to sometimes get rid of all of our bad in order to make room for the good, which feels awful and empty at first, until God fills us up again. But as we come to him, he not only heals our hearts, but he fills all our emptiness much better than it has ever been filled before, because that hole is made for Him, not whatever else we were trying to fill it with. God is the solution to every hurt and lack and problem in our lives. Today, let's come unto him with our broken hearts, and find true healing.

Alma 19:6 -- On Infusions of Joy

"Now, this was what Ammon desired, for he knew that king Lamoni was under the power of God; he knew that the dark veil of unbelief was being cast away from his mind, and the light which did light up his mind, which was the light of the glory of God, which was a marvelous light of his goodness—yea, this light had infused such joy into his soul, the cloud of darkness having been dispelled, and that the light of everlasting life was lit up in his soul, yea, he knew that this had overcome his natural frame, and he was carried away in God."
Alma 19:6


I really like the idea of infusing joy into our souls. Unconsciousness because of happiness doesn't seem all that bad. :) ... Of course, I think that some of it is perspective. Lamoni hadn't really known God before this, and so a lot of the joy that we already have in our lives was new to him. Which is something to think about, actually. If the joy that we already have in our lives, because of God, has the potential to render us unconscious, how much of it are we either not aware of, or have just assigned to background happiness and are focusing on other things?

Several years ago when I was teaching writing classes, I remember starting a class at a new college that I hadn't taught at before. The first assignment was a "Who Am I" paper, which is typically an easier assignment because it doesn't require research... you can just talk about yourself. That assignment had a big impact on me. Perhaps because of the particular demographic of that school, the assignments were overwhelming to read with regard to the things that those people had gone through in their lives, and overcome just to get to where they were, in a first-year college writing class. ... That reminds me of Lamoni a little bit, because after reading those papers I realized how overwhelmingly blessed I was in so many ways that I hadn't really even acknowledged before.

Today, let's think about Lamoni's experience, and be sure to invite the light of God into our minds and our souls. Let's take some time to realize how truly blessed we are, including the opportunity to have the knowledge of God and feel his love in our lives. Let's do all we can to lift others up and help them to feel that joy as well.

Alma 36:3 -- On Trust, Trials, and God's Support

"And now, O my son Helaman, behold, thou art in thy youth, and therefore, I beseech of thee that thou wilt hear my words and learn of me; for I do know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day."
Alma 36:3


This is a great promise. Trusting in God is a hard thing for us to do, because so many things seem uncertain, and the results seem variable, since we aren't sure what God's will is in each case, so prayers for healing or protection may or may not result in the obvious outcome. And yet, God answers us anyway, giving us what we want when he can, within the larger context of the gospel plan. It just takes us some practice to see how the hand of God works in that way.

Today, let's work on putting our trust in God, and practice little by little until we understand how he works with us and can trust him on a higher level, being delivered as the scripture promises. :)

1 Nephi 22:26 -- On Righteous Hearts

"And because of the righteousness of his people, Satan has no power; wherefore, he cannot be loosed for the space of many years; for he hath no power over the hearts of the people, for they dwell in righteousness, and the Holy One of Israel reigneth."
1 Nephi 22:26


I think Nephi is speaking of the Millenium here, and it is such a cool idea that everyone could be so righteous that Satan wouldn't be able to have any power over us. I would love to live in a place like that... I just don't know if I would fit in, because I definitely don't think I am that righteous. Maybe few, or none of us are, yet... but that's the really nice hope in all of this--that God will help us get there, and assist us to become those people. That's where all of this is leading as we go through trials and learn, tiny bit by tiny bit, to be nicer and more patient and more faithful.

Today, let's drink in the lessons of the Lord, looking forward to the time when we will be able to be this amazing, with his help. :)

D&C 21:4-6 -- On The Words of God and of Prophets

"Wherefore, meaning the church, thou shalt give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me;
For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith.
For by doing these things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name’s glory."
Doctrine and Covenants 21:4-6


These verses are referring to the prophet. One thing that strikes me here is the phrase "as if from mine own mouth." That's huge. I think that honoring and listening to the prophet (then and now) is something that a lot of us aspire to do, but are we treating those words as the actual words of God, as though he spoke them to us himself? I think that is much, much more rare. If this was God himself talking, I think there would be a lot less arguing and justification... and maybe that is something that we need to think about as we are considering the words of the prophet.

The other part I love here is that God will "cause the heavens to shake" for our good. :) My mental picture is shaking out blessings from heaven so that they overflow and spill out, raining down on us. And who wouldn't want that? :) The dispersing darkness part is also awesome. To get there though, we need to make sure that we are listening to God, and treating his prophet's words as seriously as we would God himself. Today, let's think about the difference between how we are listening and obeying now, and how that might change if God stood beside us and said the same thing. And if that inspires us to make some changes, so much the better, because as we work on that, with patience and faith, we know that it will be raining blessings thereafter. :)

1 Corinthians 8:6-11 -- On Conscience and Example

"But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.
But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.
But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;
And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?"
1 Corinthians 8:6-11


It is interesting here that at least part of right and wrong is purely in intention rather than in action. That fits really well with "Abstain from all appearance of evil" (1 Thessalonians 5:22), because the core of the idea is not just what we do and whether God is okay with it, but also how we affect others. Even if our actions are totally okay, if we do them in a way that will harm someone else, not just directly, but indirectly if they misinterpret what we are doing and are still harmed by it.

Probably not a great example, but one that comes to mind... IBC Root Beer is sold in bottles that look like beer bottles. If you drank that in front of children that thought you were drinking beer, you might contribute to the idea that drinking is something they should try, or that it is something that is okay at a church activity or whatever, thereby leading them astray by example. ... Definitely not saying never drink that brand of root beer, but just the general idea. We shouldn't encourage other people to stray from the path, especially because we are all weak in some way, and if our example punches them in their weakness, no matter how strong we are, we're not helping to uplift others.

Today, let's think not only about what we are doing, but about whether we are setting a good example for others. God doesn't need us to all be clones of the prophet, but let's do our best to not hurt anyone who is observing our behavior. Let's be in tune with the Spirit and work on being good *and* lifting others where we can.

Malachi 2:16 -- On Avoiding Treachery

"For the Lord, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the Lord of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously."
Malachi 2:16


In this chapter, dealing treacherously is talked about in many contexts, but mainly it is comparing the way we treat a marriage covenant lightly to the way we treat our committment to God lightly... as though the whole thing was a temporary convenience. I think that is where the "treacherous" part comes in... because we aren't taking our negotiations or committments seriously and dealing in good faith with the people around us.

This reminds me of 2 Nephi 28:8 where it mentions that we should not "take the advantage of one because of his words" or "dig a pit for thy neighbor." ... I think that the world inures us to the offensive and sometimes cruel things that we sometimes do to each other when we are trying to get a bargain or "win" a negotiation.

Today, let's remember that the Lord encourages us to consider how we deal with each other as though we were dealing with him (Matthew 25:40,45)... and then let's seriously deal with the other people in our lives as though they were Christ, or one of our other favorite people. Let's take care not to be treacherous.

Ezekiel 36:26 -- On Hearts

"A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh."
Ezekiel 36:26


We read elsewhere in the scriptures about the Lord requiring the heart and a willing mind (D&C 64:34), and that we need to have broken hearts and contrite spirits (3 Nephi 9:20). We also read about hardening our hearts (Hebrews 3:8) or becoming "past feeling" (1 Nephi 17:45), so that we can't feel the Holy Ghost in our lives. These are all things that God is teaching us, helping us to understand his gospel and be in a place in our lives where we can feel his influence and act on his promptings.

The cool thing about the new heart and the new spirit I think is that this is imagery relating to baptism and repentance... the idea that even though we have turned away in the past, resisting the Spirit and even stopping our ears, refusing to hear the Lord... even so, the Lord continues to work with us and continues to try, saving every single person that is willing to turn around and do better.

Today, let's do what we can to soften our hearts and hear the Lord... and if we are having trouble with that, let's pray for that "mighty change" of heart (Alma 5:14) that God can grant us, even if we aren't able to get all the way there ourselves. If we are just willing to open our hearts a little bit to God, and let him change us, he will help us become who we want to be.

2 Nephi 28:4 -- On Contention and Education

"And they shall contend one with another; and their priests shall contend one with another, and they shall teach with their learning, and deny the Holy Ghost, which giveth utterance."
2 Nephi 28:4


This is talking about churches in the latter days, but it sounds a lot like us as individuals as well. We contend about so many things, and rely on our education and opinions rather than on the spirit. Strife (2 Timothy 2:23-24) and contention (Mosiah 23:15, 3 Nephi 11:29) are both to be avoided, but education is good as long as we don't use it in place of God. God wants us to study things out in our minds before asking about them... learning to figure things out and how to think, and God tells us that "to be learned is good if [we] hearken unto the counsels of God" (2 Nephi 9:29). Education is awesome, but we have to make sure we are still listening to God rather than thinking that we already know everything.

Today, let's make sure we aren't denying or resisting the Holy Ghost, either through contention or because we are choosing to rely on the world's wisdom to the exclusion of God's wisdom, and let's be very careful when we teach, making sure that we are teaching God's actual word, not our own ideas or the ideas of others. That doesn't mean we can't discuss, paraphrase, or talk about how we think God's plan all fits together... we just need to make certain that we are very clear about what God actually says and what he doesn't so that we don't lead anyone astray.

Mosiah 5:12-13 -- On Knowing God

"I say unto you, I would that ye should remember to retain the name written always in your hearts, that ye are not found on the left hand of God, but that ye hear and know the voice by which ye shall be called, and also, the name by which he shall call you.
For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?"
Mosiah 5:12-13


I like the idea here that we have to put some effort into our dedication to God. I think that is probably why some of the parables have God talking to people and saying "I know you not," not because God is actually unfamiliar with any of us, but because we estrange ourselves by imagining God to be different than he is, and imagining that we can choose do whatever we want in his name rather than getting to know and understand him and keeping his commandments.

Today, let's not imagine God as a kindly and permissive elderly and forgetful grandparent, unsure and out of touch with what the world is about, but rather as the all-knowing, all-powerful God that he is. Let's remember that he knows better than we do what is required for our salvation, and that he does all that he does and asks all that he asks for a wise purpose, and specifically for our welfare. We have to conform to his commandments rather than expecting his commandments to conform to us. If we don't understand the reasons, then let's go to him and plead for understanding rather than assuming that his will is unimportant or his law unnecessary.

Romans 6:11-13 -- On Yielding to God.

"Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God."
Romans 6:11-13


There are some interesting ideas here that are kind of foreign to us in mortality. It is easy to be ruled by our bodies, going after "the lusts thereof," but also in the way we think about ourselves. If we follow our physical instincts rather than our spiritual instincts, we can get pretty far astray from what God offers us.

Today, let's take God's advice here and yeild ourselves unto God, trusting his guidance over our own desires.

Psalms 77:4-12 -- On Remembering Wonders

"Thou holdest mine eyes waking: I am so troubled that I cannot speak.
I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times.
I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search.
Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favourable no more?
Is his mercy clean gone for ever? doth his promise fail for evermore?
Hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies? Selah.
And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High.
I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.
I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings."
Psalms 77:4-12


I think that we all have times in our lives that are very troubled, and I think that this captures a lot of that emotion. Unable to sleep, wondering if we will ever find comfort or peace again. But significantly here, rather than giving in to despair, the psalmist is determined to remember the mercy and graciousness of God, even though it seems far past.

I think that is one of the reasons why having the scriptures is such a great gift. When we are unable to reach through our sin and/or pain to find God, we can still read and know that God is there, and if we study it out and are persistent in our efforts, God will help us work through the barriers that we have placed between ourselves and God and show us that peace and comfort again.

Today, let's trust in God and whether we can feel him there or not, let's remember his "wonders of old" and know that the can be wonders again, in our lives, with time and faith and patience.

Philippians 4:19 -- On Needs, and Blessings, and Patience

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:19


This is a similar statement, though slightly less poetic, than the one in Psalms 23:1: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." And it is a powerful idea here, that if we live guided by the Lord, we won't lack for anything that we truly need.
He will provide for us.

This is absolutely true of course, but sometimes we get frustrated, wondering why we don't have something that we want, exactly when we want it. And that's where faith comes in, because trusting God to guide us isn't the same as demanding that he give us whatever we want. He takes what we want into account, of course, and enjoys giving us things from his "riches" (basically everything) that suit us individually, but the Lord wouldn't be a very good shepherd if he gave us gifts that he knew would destroy us, even when we ask for them. He protects us from our own desires sometimes, while teaching us individually how to want something better, and he reserves our blessings sometimes until everything is in place for it to go perfectly... and sometimes that takes a lot longer than we want it to.

Today, let's trust God to supply all our needs and provide for us, in his way and on his timeline, knowing that he is wiser than we are, and being open to change our perspective and our hearts, as we learn from God. Let's work on having patience while the Lord orchestrates the perfect happy ending for us all, and listening to God when he nudges us about providing his blessings to those around us. Let's be his hand in making the world better for others even as he moves other hands and other events to bless us.

1 Nephi 3:29-31 -- On Asking Why Not Us

"And it came to pass as they smote us with a rod, behold, an angel of the Lord came and stood before them, and he spake unto them, saying: Why do ye smite your younger brother with a rod? Know ye not that the Lord hath chosen him to be a ruler over you, and this because of your iniquities? Behold ye shall go up to Jerusalem again, and the Lord will deliver Laban into your hands.
And after the aangel had spoken unto us, he departed.
And after the angel had departed, Laman and Lemuel again began to murmur, saying: How is it possible that the Lord will deliver Laban into our hands? Behold, he is a mighty man, and he can command fifty, yea, even he can slay fifty; then why not us?"
1 Nephi 3:29-31


Reading this today, it strikes me how empty Laman and Lemuel's argument is. The opposite point could be argued by saying "Moses rescued the ancient Israelites from Egypt through a series of miracles, so why couldn't he do the same for us? The "why not us" argument works for faith as well as doubt.

Having faith is hard sometimes. There are a lot of scary things out there. But today, let's remember that God is faithful, and he will always be willing to help us, if we are willing to reach ot and ask. Let's ask "Why not us?" in a positive way, knowing that he can deliver us, as we trust in him.

Acts 24:14-16 -- On Clean Consciences

"But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men."
Acts 24:14-16


This is Paul defending himself to Felix, the governor, and I really like this summary of what he admits to believing. His goal as far as working to always have a clear conscience is something that we can all aspire to... and it is definitely something easier to do if we work at it every day rather than letting things pile up.

Today, whatever is weighing on our consciences, let's take it to the Lord. Even if we can't think of any way to feel okay again, God can, and wants to, help us. Even if we don't have a large burden, let's work on putting down even the small ones, and allowing Christ in to help us.

Acts 9:3-6 -- On Doing What God Asks

"And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do."
Acts 9:3-6


Saul/Paul really impresses me here. There are some dramatic conversions in the scriptures, but there are also some dramatic moments and events that don't result in conversion, or which just don't stick with the people that experienced them. Saul takes it deadly seriously from the beginning and when he realizes that he is in the wrong, he instantly wants to know how to make it right... no excuses, no justifications... just what can I do? And when he finds out, later, he does it.

I think we all have times in our lives when we realize that we're in the wrong and we backpedal, but sometimes try to cover it up or laugh it off or pretend like it didn't happen... but Paul turns immediately around and starts healing what he harmed. He preaches Jesus as Christ even more fervently than he persecuted his followers previously, and he does all he can for the Lord once he realizes that's who he is.

Today, let's try to be as diligent and honest when we realize/God reveals to us our own mistakes.

Isaiah 58:5-6 -- On Focus and Suffering

"Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord?
Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?"
Isaiah 58:5-6


I like the idea here that God isn't about suffering for its own sake... fasting, even though it sometimes feels like desprivation, isn't about suffering, but I think more about focus. We take some time off of food so that we can have more time and money to help others, and more clarity and fewer distractions as we focus on what the Lord wants us to do.

The gospel isn't about suffering. Paul talks of glorying in his infirmities (2 Corinthians 12:9-10), but even there the holiness/positive aspect of the idea is in turning to the Lord and finding strength in him, not in the affliction itself. Even Christ's suffering isn't what made him glorious, but rather his ability to understand and overcome every earthly challenge, sickness, and temptation and to even endure death, and still triumph over it with life and joy. He fought against suffering and brought us the hope of peace. Especially with fasting, the Lord made clear in Matthew 6:16-17 that it isn't about outward suffering at all, but it is about dedication to the Lord, privately.

Today, let's remember that the Lord wants to get rid of all the bad things, to fix the world and help everyone overcome the evil. Let's help God work towards less suffering in the world, and focus on the positive aspects of our lives, even when we are enduring hardship, but especially when we are fasting, remembering that this is a choice about growing closer to God and helping others rather than a choice to embrace or glorify pain.

Jacob 3:1-2 -- On Firmness of Mind

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


After these two verses it starts talking about what happens if you aren't pure in heart, which doesn't seem quite as cool, so I wanted to focus here.

I like the idea of a firm mind... that we need to be strong and steadfast in our belief and our dedication to God, and not eternally wishy-washy. Not saying that we can never doubt. Some of that is normal and learning how to work through that is important, but if we never work through any of it, then we end up going backwards.

Today, let's work on our firmness of mind... let's examine what is holding us back from a stronger committment to God, and what it will take to move forward and improve, and then let's talk to God about that, and start working on that way forward. :)

Moroni 7:10-13 -- On Choosing Sides by Loving God and Doing Good

"Wherefore, a man being evil cannot do that which is good; neither will he give a good gift.
For behold, a bitter fountain cannot bring forth good water; neither can a good fountain bring forth bitter water; wherefore, a man being a servant of the devil cannot follow Christ; and if he follow Christ he cannot be a servant of the devil.
Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil continually.
But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God."
Moroni 7:10-13


This seems kind of reassuring to me, because it seems like a good self-check. If we're a little bit good, sincerely, with real intent, then we're of God. We can't be a servant of the devil if we are actively following Christ... we can't do both. So, if we make sure we're doing a little bit of good, and helping others to do so, then we don't have to worry about whether we are 100% good or perfect. We know we are firmly on God's side, and just have to make sure we stay there. :)

Today, let's be certain that we are on God's side by doing good and loving God, and then improve from there. :)

Moses 1:4 -- On Works and Words Without End

"And, behold, thou art my son; wherefore look, and I will show thee the workmanship of mine hands; but not all, for my works are without end, and also my words, for they never cease."
Moses 1:4


This is the cool part of Eternity. God tells Moses that he can show him a lot, but not all, because his works are endless... they continue, and his words continue as well.

It is interesting that we, as limited, mortal beings, sometimes see eternity as boring, but God does not. He knows everything, and he hasn't stopped working or talking. I think it is cool and hopeful, and today perhaps we should try not to make ignorant guesses about the limitations of eternity, and instead trust that God has something amazing in store for us.

Luke 24:38-43 -- On the Resurrected Christ

"And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.
And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
And he took it, and did eat before them."
Luke 24:38-43


This is Christ showing himself to eleven of his disciples after his resurrection, and calming them down because they were afraid. One of the things I really like here is the "believed not for joy" part. I think extreme emotion messes up our thinking sometimes, whether good or bad, and we just can't process... and it shows how overwhelmingly happy Christ's disciples were to see him again.

Today, let's investigate and know for ourselves whether Jesus is the Christ. And if we've gotten that testimony in the past, let's make it stronger, just as the disciples did after he was resurrected. And let's also catch some of this feeling of being so overjoyed in Christ that we can't think straight. We obviously need to think/believe, but if we learn to love Christ the way the disciples did, not only will we gain salvation, but we'll be able to partake of some of that same joy. :)

D&C 61:3 -- On Destinations and Good Distractions

"But verily I say unto you, that it is not needful for this whole company of mine elders to be moving swiftly upon the waters, whilst the inhabitants on either side are perishing in unbelief."
Doctrine and Covenants 61:3


This is an interesting idea... that even when we're headed for a particular destination, we should pay attention to the journey and the people we encounter. I think that often we get wrapped up in goals and targets and we don't take thought for the in-between part between now and then, thinking that it is a waste of time, or wishing we could just teleport directly to that far off goal... but life is those in-between parts in large part, and much of what God has in store for us is built into those (seemingly) chance encounters... specifically opportunities to share the gospel, but I think a lot of other things as well. Just opportunities to help, or to set an example, or to lift someone up.

Today, let's take advantage of the in-between times in our lives, and be fully present and ready to act on the opportunities that God sends our way, rather than missing them because we are so focused on a different destination. Not that we should allow the cares of the world to distract us from God, but if we work with the Spirit, God will be able to help us know the good distractions from the bad. :)

Alma 48:19-20 -- On Humility and Favor

"Now behold, Helaman and his brethren were no less serviceable unto the people than was Moroni; for they did preach the word of God, and they did baptize unto repentance all men whosoever would hearken unto their words.
And thus they went forth, and the people did humble themselves because of their words, insomuch that they were highly favored of the Lord, and thus they were free from wars and contentions among themselves, yea, even for the space of four years."
Alma 48:19-20


I like the idea here of repentance bringing humility, humility bringing favor, and the favor of the Lord bringing peace. Favor likely doesn't always bring literal peace, as in the absence of war, because even if we are always repenting and favored, trials still have to come (with no better example than the Savior). I think though that favor could possibly always brings spiritual peace, so that despite whatever trials we are working through, we could still be calm and connected enough with the Lord to feel confidence in his help in facing and overcoming whatever it is. :)

Today, let's examine our lives and repent of our mistakes and sins, gaining some humility in the process adn starting the cycle moving towards peace.

Doctrine and Covenants 133:57-58 -- On the Weak

"And for this cause, that men might be made partakers of the glories which were to be revealed, the Lord sent forth the fulness of his gospel, his everlasting covenant, reasoning in plainness and simplicity—
To prepare the weak for those things which are coming on the earth, and for the Lord’s errand in the day when the weak shall confound the wise, and the little one become a strong nation, and two shall put their tens of thousands to flight."
Doctrine and Covenants 133:57-58


I like the idea here that God's gospel is designed for the weak. We are all weak sometimes, and I think more often than we want to be, or even realize sometimes. The cool part here is not only that God accomodates our weakness, and the plan is designed for us, in our weakness, but that the weakness is designed as well. I suppose God could have placed us all here with superpowers, but he tells us "I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them" (Ether 12:27). We all have weakness and strength in different areas, and it is supposed to be that way--part of the plan so that we can learn how to handle both humilty and competence, and remember that we aren't better than other people, but that we all have something to offer.

Today, when we feel weak and inadequate, let's remember that God designed us that way, and our weakness is there to help us learn humility, and also Christ tells us "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9)--or in other words, our weaknesses draw us to God like puzzle pieces looking for a match. That yawning emptiness that we sometimes feel isn't because we have a black hole in our hearts, but because we have an empty space designed for God. Once we establish that relationship in our lives, things work better... we feel better, and we can have more confidence that we won't mess everything up, as long as we are doing things God's way. If so, then we know that even if it appears to be a big mess, it is all part of the plan. :) Let's embrace that weakness, and use it to turn to God and get stronger, rather than assuming we are already wise.