"But as oft as they repented and sought forgiveness, with real intent, they were forgiven.
And their meetings were conducted by the church after the manner of the workings of the Spirit, and by the power of the Holy Ghost; for as the power of the Holy Ghost led them whether to preach, or to exhort, or to pray, or to supplicate, or to sing, even so it was done."
Moroni 6:8-9
I love the fact that we can repent over and over and still be forgiven. I'm not saying that we should just sin all we want and then go back and try it... I mean, that is why the "real intent" part is in there. We have to sincerely want to change rather than just wanting to do our own thing forever. But as long as we're sincere, God helps us to start over and get it right... and that is the only way we're going to make it. Seems so essential, and so generous to me today.
I also love the idea here of conducting meetings by the Spirit, leading people to do whatever the Spirit prompted them to do. I am not sure we are there yet, but I like the idea of being with a bunch of people who are all listening to the Spirit well enough that we could have a meeting like that... I like the idea of figuring out how to listen to God that well. I think a lot of it is just practice... spending time listening and trying to do what we think the Spirit wants, and doing that over and over until we recognize it better.
Thursday, August 31, 2023
Wednesday, August 30, 2023
1 Corinthians 13:9-10 — On Completeness and Perfection
"For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away."
1 Corinthians 13:9-10
I like the idea here that someday all the incompleteness and the emptiness will be gone and we will feel, and be, complete and whole. No more random parts and trying to figure out how everything fits together.
I mean, I think that Christ will bring completeness in many ways... our personal perfection might take longer, but even if it takes us a big chunk of eternity, the idea is the same--there is hope before us that we will get there. And that hope is what the atonement, and our whole time on earth, is about. God has that wholeness that we long for, and we can look to him for all the parts that we lack.
But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away."
1 Corinthians 13:9-10
I like the idea here that someday all the incompleteness and the emptiness will be gone and we will feel, and be, complete and whole. No more random parts and trying to figure out how everything fits together.
I mean, I think that Christ will bring completeness in many ways... our personal perfection might take longer, but even if it takes us a big chunk of eternity, the idea is the same--there is hope before us that we will get there. And that hope is what the atonement, and our whole time on earth, is about. God has that wholeness that we long for, and we can look to him for all the parts that we lack.
Tuesday, August 29, 2023
2 Nephi 9:28 -- On Wisdom and Foolishness
"O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish."
2 Nephi 9:28
This is kind of a scary verse because it seems so easy to relate to this attitude. We often think that we are wise, and that we know of ourselves, rather than double-checking everything with God.
Both to avoid perishing and to thrive and grow and become better then, according to whatever is motivating us at the moment, let's think about whether we are making choices based on our own wisdom, or based on God's plan, and let's take some time to course correct if we are straying from God's boundaries and guidelines.
Let's be sure not to think that we know better than God does, or that we are above listening to his advice, or that we don't need his gospel. We desperately do need him, especially so if we have gone off track and tried to live without him for a while. That just digs a pit for our souls. Today, let's remember that God knows who we can become, and he is the one that can lead us there... and that he is the one that can fill the emptiness in our lives, and help us to find true and lasting happiness. There are no substitues. Our wisdom turns too quickly to foolishness without him there to help us stay on track. Let's call on him for help.
2 Nephi 9:28
This is kind of a scary verse because it seems so easy to relate to this attitude. We often think that we are wise, and that we know of ourselves, rather than double-checking everything with God.
Both to avoid perishing and to thrive and grow and become better then, according to whatever is motivating us at the moment, let's think about whether we are making choices based on our own wisdom, or based on God's plan, and let's take some time to course correct if we are straying from God's boundaries and guidelines.
Let's be sure not to think that we know better than God does, or that we are above listening to his advice, or that we don't need his gospel. We desperately do need him, especially so if we have gone off track and tried to live without him for a while. That just digs a pit for our souls. Today, let's remember that God knows who we can become, and he is the one that can lead us there... and that he is the one that can fill the emptiness in our lives, and help us to find true and lasting happiness. There are no substitues. Our wisdom turns too quickly to foolishness without him there to help us stay on track. Let's call on him for help.
Monday, August 28, 2023
3 Nephi 13:34 -- On Overcoming, One Day at a Time
"Take therefore no thought for the morrow, for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient is the day unto the evil thereof."
3 Nephi 13:34
When God tells us here that "sufficient is the day unto the evil thereof," I think he is explaining that as long as we don't try to pile the problems of a whole lifetime into one day, that he can help us handle anything. We can handle the issues and problems that we meet today. Yeah, maybe we can't handle *everything* in this moment. Not next week's troubles, next year's setbacks, or maybe even tomorrow's repercussions, but today, we can handle whatever comes up, as long as we call upon God for his help.
That doesn't mean that we're going to win, though, or even that the day is going to be good. When Nephi was trying to get the plates, one day they tried to trade gold to Laban and he stole their stuff and tried to kill them (1 Nephi 3:25-27). Alma's people and also Limhi's were both in slavery for a multitude of days. Jonah spent three days in the "belly of hell" (Jonah 2:2). There are definitely going to be dark and challenging days for us as well, but God has helpfully chunked up our problems into these bite-sized pieces so that we can overcome or endure them, a single day at a time.
Today, let's not overwhelm ourselves by thinking about all the evil that can possibly come upon us throughout our lifetimes... or even what lies in store for us tomorrow. Instead, let's trust God and face what we have to face today, with patience and faith, and trust that he will renew our strength so that we can meet tomorrow the same way.
3 Nephi 13:34
When God tells us here that "sufficient is the day unto the evil thereof," I think he is explaining that as long as we don't try to pile the problems of a whole lifetime into one day, that he can help us handle anything. We can handle the issues and problems that we meet today. Yeah, maybe we can't handle *everything* in this moment. Not next week's troubles, next year's setbacks, or maybe even tomorrow's repercussions, but today, we can handle whatever comes up, as long as we call upon God for his help.
That doesn't mean that we're going to win, though, or even that the day is going to be good. When Nephi was trying to get the plates, one day they tried to trade gold to Laban and he stole their stuff and tried to kill them (1 Nephi 3:25-27). Alma's people and also Limhi's were both in slavery for a multitude of days. Jonah spent three days in the "belly of hell" (Jonah 2:2). There are definitely going to be dark and challenging days for us as well, but God has helpfully chunked up our problems into these bite-sized pieces so that we can overcome or endure them, a single day at a time.
Today, let's not overwhelm ourselves by thinking about all the evil that can possibly come upon us throughout our lifetimes... or even what lies in store for us tomorrow. Instead, let's trust God and face what we have to face today, with patience and faith, and trust that he will renew our strength so that we can meet tomorrow the same way.
Sunday, August 27, 2023
Enos 1:23 -- On Motivation and the Duration of Eternity
"And there was nothing save it was exceeding harshness, preaching and prophesying of wars, and contentions, and destructions, and continually reminding them of death, and the duration of eternity, and the judgments and the power of God, and all these things—stirring them up continually to keep them in the fear of the Lord. I say there was nothing short of these things, and exceedingly great plainness of speech, would keep them from going down speedily to destruction. And after this manner do I write concerning them."
Enos 1:23
My sister and I were amused today about anyone having to be reminded about "the duration of eternity," but amusement aside, I think we do need to be reminded sometimes. I don't think God is particularly fond of motivation by fear (he much prefers love), but sometimes that is where we are, and we haven't learned, or are temporarily unable to put into play, higher motivations... and if the "law and order" motivation is the only one that can reach us, then we need it.
It's kind of like knowing that we shouldn't eat the cookies, but buying a package of them anyway, telling ourselves that we'll just eat one a day or something, and then eating them because they are there, in front of us, instead of utilizing the willpower that we told ourselves that we were going to have. :) Sometimes the fear motivation of stepping onto the scale and contemplating the consequences is a better deterrent. It is a blunter instrument than appealing to our higher natures and our good intentions, but since we seem to sneak a lot of things past those, it is a good back up defense to keep us on track.
Today, let's remember the duration of eternity, and remember to change ourselves and improve our lives while we can. If we can join up with God because we have learned to love Him, so much the better, but if we aren't there yet, then let's join up with God because he's serious about the heaven and hell thing. That's an okay place to start, and we can learn to understand the higher and better reasons later.
Enos 1:23
My sister and I were amused today about anyone having to be reminded about "the duration of eternity," but amusement aside, I think we do need to be reminded sometimes. I don't think God is particularly fond of motivation by fear (he much prefers love), but sometimes that is where we are, and we haven't learned, or are temporarily unable to put into play, higher motivations... and if the "law and order" motivation is the only one that can reach us, then we need it.
It's kind of like knowing that we shouldn't eat the cookies, but buying a package of them anyway, telling ourselves that we'll just eat one a day or something, and then eating them because they are there, in front of us, instead of utilizing the willpower that we told ourselves that we were going to have. :) Sometimes the fear motivation of stepping onto the scale and contemplating the consequences is a better deterrent. It is a blunter instrument than appealing to our higher natures and our good intentions, but since we seem to sneak a lot of things past those, it is a good back up defense to keep us on track.
Today, let's remember the duration of eternity, and remember to change ourselves and improve our lives while we can. If we can join up with God because we have learned to love Him, so much the better, but if we aren't there yet, then let's join up with God because he's serious about the heaven and hell thing. That's an okay place to start, and we can learn to understand the higher and better reasons later.
Saturday, August 26, 2023
2 Timothy 2:24-26 -- On Being Gentle to All
"And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will."
2 Timothy 2:24-26
I like the idea here of being gentle to all people. It is an important lesson for leaders, but no less so for everyone. I don't think it is an easy thing to do, because we often alienate people who are outside of our immediate circle... if we don't know them, then it is easier to treat them poorly, and the farther outside that circle, the more poorly. Or, in other words I think the more that we percieve that other people are different than we are, the more we alienate them and are okay with treating them as less than friends.
God has other ideas for us though. He asks us not only to be gentle with all men, as in these verses, but to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44), to treat others as we prefer to be treated (Leviticus 19:18), to show compassion (Luke 10:33; 1 Peter 3:8), and to remember that everything we do, we do to the Lord (Matthew 25:40, 45).
Today, let's think hard about how we treat people that are outside our circles of friendship and acceptance, and let's work on being more gentle with them, and with everyone. Let's work on being "one" (D&C 38:27) remembering that God is the father of us all, and that we should be helping others and loving them rather than tearing them down or setting stumblingblocks in their way. With some people, for all of us, that will be difficult, but let's remember that God can change our hearts. If we ask him to help us see the good in others and learn to love them, we can, with his help, learn this tough lesson, little by little, until we are better and more compassionate people than we are now. :)
In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will."
2 Timothy 2:24-26
I like the idea here of being gentle to all people. It is an important lesson for leaders, but no less so for everyone. I don't think it is an easy thing to do, because we often alienate people who are outside of our immediate circle... if we don't know them, then it is easier to treat them poorly, and the farther outside that circle, the more poorly. Or, in other words I think the more that we percieve that other people are different than we are, the more we alienate them and are okay with treating them as less than friends.
God has other ideas for us though. He asks us not only to be gentle with all men, as in these verses, but to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44), to treat others as we prefer to be treated (Leviticus 19:18), to show compassion (Luke 10:33; 1 Peter 3:8), and to remember that everything we do, we do to the Lord (Matthew 25:40, 45).
Today, let's think hard about how we treat people that are outside our circles of friendship and acceptance, and let's work on being more gentle with them, and with everyone. Let's work on being "one" (D&C 38:27) remembering that God is the father of us all, and that we should be helping others and loving them rather than tearing them down or setting stumblingblocks in their way. With some people, for all of us, that will be difficult, but let's remember that God can change our hearts. If we ask him to help us see the good in others and learn to love them, we can, with his help, learn this tough lesson, little by little, until we are better and more compassionate people than we are now. :)
Friday, August 25, 2023
1 Corinthians 11:28-32 -- On Judging Ourselves
"But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.
For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world."
1 Corinthians 11:28-32
I like this idea of judging ourselves, and therefore avoiding the need for God to judge us. I think that's a tough job, but if we dedicate ourselves to improvement and to repentance, with a little dose of humility so that we don't wind up thinking that we are infallible, maybe we can get there. These verses start out talking about partaking of the sacrament unworthily, but I think the message applies on all days, not just Sabbaths.
Today, let's take a serious look at our lives, in collaboration with God, and let's plan some upgrades. :) Change for the better isn't easy... we have to get out of our comfort zones and do things differently. It's important though. Let's judge ourselves, and get to work so that we don't need to be judged by God and found wanting.
For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.
For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world."
1 Corinthians 11:28-32
I like this idea of judging ourselves, and therefore avoiding the need for God to judge us. I think that's a tough job, but if we dedicate ourselves to improvement and to repentance, with a little dose of humility so that we don't wind up thinking that we are infallible, maybe we can get there. These verses start out talking about partaking of the sacrament unworthily, but I think the message applies on all days, not just Sabbaths.
Today, let's take a serious look at our lives, in collaboration with God, and let's plan some upgrades. :) Change for the better isn't easy... we have to get out of our comfort zones and do things differently. It's important though. Let's judge ourselves, and get to work so that we don't need to be judged by God and found wanting.
Thursday, August 24, 2023
Abraham 3:14 -- On Watching Stars with God
"And it was in the night time when the Lord spake these words unto me: I will multiply thee, and thy seed after thee, like unto these; and if thou canst count the number of sands, so shall be the number of thy seeds."
Abraham 3:14
I love the thought that Abraham was outside watching the stars and as he prayed, God joined him, and taught him, so they were watching them together. It somehow makes his conversation with God more relatable for me, but also just seems super cool and close... I think that is the kind of relationship that we can all have with the Lord, if we out in the time and effort to remember to pray and talk with him, and learn of him through his scriptures and prophets.
Today, let's make time for the Lord, whether it be sitting out under the stars or not, he loves to hear from us, and he will be part of our lives if we welcome him in.
Abraham 3:14
I love the thought that Abraham was outside watching the stars and as he prayed, God joined him, and taught him, so they were watching them together. It somehow makes his conversation with God more relatable for me, but also just seems super cool and close... I think that is the kind of relationship that we can all have with the Lord, if we out in the time and effort to remember to pray and talk with him, and learn of him through his scriptures and prophets.
Today, let's make time for the Lord, whether it be sitting out under the stars or not, he loves to hear from us, and he will be part of our lives if we welcome him in.
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
D&C 98:18 -- On Prepared Places
"Let not your hearts be troubled; for in my Father’s house are many mansions, and I have prepared a place for you; and where my Father and I am, there ye shall be also."
Doctrine and Covenants 98:18
This is similar to John 14:2 where he tells his disciples that he is going to prepare a place for them. It's cool that the promise is to everyone, which is even more clear in D&C 76:111 where the Lord talks about the people that will live in the Telestial Kingdom: "every man shall receive according to his own works, his own dominion, in the mansions which are prepared; / And they shall be servants of the Most High; but where God and Christ dwell they cannot come" (D&C 76:111-112). So he prepares places for ALL of us, which is cool, and personal on an individual level.
Today, let's work on not letting our hearts be troubled, and trust in God, knowing that he will prepare the way before us, and help us to our happy ending. In the meantime, let's work on improving and doing good works, so that our works will be found to be good, and and our places will be found with God rather than away from him.
Doctrine and Covenants 98:18
This is similar to John 14:2 where he tells his disciples that he is going to prepare a place for them. It's cool that the promise is to everyone, which is even more clear in D&C 76:111 where the Lord talks about the people that will live in the Telestial Kingdom: "every man shall receive according to his own works, his own dominion, in the mansions which are prepared; / And they shall be servants of the Most High; but where God and Christ dwell they cannot come" (D&C 76:111-112). So he prepares places for ALL of us, which is cool, and personal on an individual level.
Today, let's work on not letting our hearts be troubled, and trust in God, knowing that he will prepare the way before us, and help us to our happy ending. In the meantime, let's work on improving and doing good works, so that our works will be found to be good, and and our places will be found with God rather than away from him.
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
Alma 5:18 -- On Guilt, Repentance, and Change
"Or otherwise, can ye imagine yourselves brought before the tribunal of God with your souls filled with guilt and remorse, having a remembrance of all your guilt, yea, a perfect remembrance of all your wickedness, yea, a remembrance that ye have set at defiance the commandments of God?"
Alma 5:18
The thing that strikes me about this verse today is the idea of us having a "perfect remembrance," which is awesome in some ways, because a perfect memory is super useful, and awful in others, because as Alma (the Younger) notes here, our sins will come back to us with perfect clarity.
I think the trick here is repentance and change, because the Lord knows that we can't be immediately perfect, and that we need to learn and grow, but to avoid guilt and shame we need to become people who leave those sins behind and people who would not make those same poor choices again.
Today, let's apply Christ's atonement to our lives and take advantage of the fact that he granted us space to repent and change before we are "brought before the tribunal of God." Let's work on purging that guilt from our souls by becoming better people. As we trust in God, learn of him, obey his commandments, and walk his path, that guilt can be lifted from our souls and we can learn to stand before God with confidence and trust in his mercy, so that in the end we will be clean before him because he has made us so, with our active cooperation. :)
Alma 5:18
The thing that strikes me about this verse today is the idea of us having a "perfect remembrance," which is awesome in some ways, because a perfect memory is super useful, and awful in others, because as Alma (the Younger) notes here, our sins will come back to us with perfect clarity.
I think the trick here is repentance and change, because the Lord knows that we can't be immediately perfect, and that we need to learn and grow, but to avoid guilt and shame we need to become people who leave those sins behind and people who would not make those same poor choices again.
Today, let's apply Christ's atonement to our lives and take advantage of the fact that he granted us space to repent and change before we are "brought before the tribunal of God." Let's work on purging that guilt from our souls by becoming better people. As we trust in God, learn of him, obey his commandments, and walk his path, that guilt can be lifted from our souls and we can learn to stand before God with confidence and trust in his mercy, so that in the end we will be clean before him because he has made us so, with our active cooperation. :)
Monday, August 21, 2023
Isaiah 8:11-13 -- On Paths and Fear
"For the Lord spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying,
Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid.
Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread."
Isaiah 8:11-13
I like the idea here that we shouldn't fear what the world fears. The part about letting the Lord be our fear and dread could mean a lot of things... perhaps that we need to respect and honor him and understand that his wisdom trumps our own by an almost infinite amount, or maybe that using the energy that we would spend on worrying and fear, if spent on the Lord would be much more wisely spent. What it makes me think of today though is that the only thing that we really need to fear is losing that connection. Separation from God is the true death. And as we learn in Romans 8:38-39, *nothing* can separate us from Christ except ourselves, if we choose to walk away or turn away from him.
Today, let's sanctify (respect, prioritize) God in our lives, and remember that if we walk with him, we will eventually reach all he has promised us. The only way that doesn't happen is if we stop and give up... so let's continue with him, walking in his way and fearing the loss of our connection with him more than we fear anything else. As we trust and follow him, he will guide us to something much better than anything we have known.
Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid.
Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread."
Isaiah 8:11-13
I like the idea here that we shouldn't fear what the world fears. The part about letting the Lord be our fear and dread could mean a lot of things... perhaps that we need to respect and honor him and understand that his wisdom trumps our own by an almost infinite amount, or maybe that using the energy that we would spend on worrying and fear, if spent on the Lord would be much more wisely spent. What it makes me think of today though is that the only thing that we really need to fear is losing that connection. Separation from God is the true death. And as we learn in Romans 8:38-39, *nothing* can separate us from Christ except ourselves, if we choose to walk away or turn away from him.
Today, let's sanctify (respect, prioritize) God in our lives, and remember that if we walk with him, we will eventually reach all he has promised us. The only way that doesn't happen is if we stop and give up... so let's continue with him, walking in his way and fearing the loss of our connection with him more than we fear anything else. As we trust and follow him, he will guide us to something much better than anything we have known.
Sunday, August 20, 2023
Romans 15:13-14 -- On Abounding in Hope
"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another."
Romans 15:13-14
I like the fact that God is "the God of hope," which we are reminded is also the reason for the scriptures (Romans 15:4). Here, it tells us that hope comes through the power of the Holy Ghost, so as we hang on to that connection with God, we have inspiration and hope for the future.
I also love the idea that we are full of goodness and knowledge, and able to help each other. I think we underestimate our power for good sometimes, and feel that we are ineffectual and can accomplish little, but with God's help we can all make a difference for good in the lives of others, and we all have potential beyond what we realize--God can tap into that and help us to find a greater path than we could find alone... his path.
In this week's Sunday School lesson there was a quotation by Dallin H. Oaks that I really liked. He was explaining a parable where a farmer wants to give everything that he has to his child, and he says "That which I have I can easily give you, but that which I am you must obtain for yourself" (Come Follow Me, New Testament 2023, August 14-20), which is basically what God is saying to us. He wants to give us not only "stuff" but to help us follow his path and learn the things that he learned... as children of God (Romans 8:16-17) to grow up into greater possibilities than we currently have before us.
Today, let's do as Paul suggests and abound in hope, holding on to the scriptures and the power of the Holy Ghost, letting our goodness and knowledge flow out to others as we flourish in our connection to God.
And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another."
Romans 15:13-14
I like the fact that God is "the God of hope," which we are reminded is also the reason for the scriptures (Romans 15:4). Here, it tells us that hope comes through the power of the Holy Ghost, so as we hang on to that connection with God, we have inspiration and hope for the future.
I also love the idea that we are full of goodness and knowledge, and able to help each other. I think we underestimate our power for good sometimes, and feel that we are ineffectual and can accomplish little, but with God's help we can all make a difference for good in the lives of others, and we all have potential beyond what we realize--God can tap into that and help us to find a greater path than we could find alone... his path.
In this week's Sunday School lesson there was a quotation by Dallin H. Oaks that I really liked. He was explaining a parable where a farmer wants to give everything that he has to his child, and he says "That which I have I can easily give you, but that which I am you must obtain for yourself" (Come Follow Me, New Testament 2023, August 14-20), which is basically what God is saying to us. He wants to give us not only "stuff" but to help us follow his path and learn the things that he learned... as children of God (Romans 8:16-17) to grow up into greater possibilities than we currently have before us.
Today, let's do as Paul suggests and abound in hope, holding on to the scriptures and the power of the Holy Ghost, letting our goodness and knowledge flow out to others as we flourish in our connection to God.
Saturday, August 19, 2023
Romans 8:16-18 -- On Suffering and Glory
"The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."
Romans 8:16-18
I like the idea here of "glory which shall be revealed in us," which I think has everything to do with being children of God and joint-heirs with Christ. Just like we need to learn about God as we are on this earth, we also need to learn about ourselves and our potential. The two go hand in hand. We underestimate the possibilities I think, which is one reason why sin "chains" us... because it ties us to who we are and limits who we can become. God encourages us to reach higher, to become more, which we can do if we rely upon Christ who gives us the power to change... to rise above our faults and to become more.
Today, let's let go of our sins which are holding us back, and let's look beyond our sufferings, and let those sufferings teach us and lead us to what God has in store for us. He helps us to see the glory within, and to live up to our Godly inheritance, if we trust him and follow the plan that he has laid our for us. If we follow Christ, he will help us realize our eternal potential.
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."
Romans 8:16-18
I like the idea here of "glory which shall be revealed in us," which I think has everything to do with being children of God and joint-heirs with Christ. Just like we need to learn about God as we are on this earth, we also need to learn about ourselves and our potential. The two go hand in hand. We underestimate the possibilities I think, which is one reason why sin "chains" us... because it ties us to who we are and limits who we can become. God encourages us to reach higher, to become more, which we can do if we rely upon Christ who gives us the power to change... to rise above our faults and to become more.
Today, let's let go of our sins which are holding us back, and let's look beyond our sufferings, and let those sufferings teach us and lead us to what God has in store for us. He helps us to see the glory within, and to live up to our Godly inheritance, if we trust him and follow the plan that he has laid our for us. If we follow Christ, he will help us realize our eternal potential.
Friday, August 18, 2023
D&C 88:123-125 -- On Taking Advice and Conferring with God
"See that ye love one another; cease to be covetous; learn to impart one to another as the gospel requires.
Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated.
And above all things, clothe yourselves with the bond of charity, as with a mantle, which is the bond of perfectness and peace."
Doctrine and Covenants 88:123-125
So much good advice, but of course also challenging to take sometimes... so, perhaps today let's take one or two of the items from the list that we need to improve on and focus in. As we improve some of these things, those habits will help us improve in other areas. And of course, as with everything, let's pray and make sure we're on the same page with God, who can help us know the best things to work on next, because he knows what is coming for us. :)
Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated.
And above all things, clothe yourselves with the bond of charity, as with a mantle, which is the bond of perfectness and peace."
Doctrine and Covenants 88:123-125
So much good advice, but of course also challenging to take sometimes... so, perhaps today let's take one or two of the items from the list that we need to improve on and focus in. As we improve some of these things, those habits will help us improve in other areas. And of course, as with everything, let's pray and make sure we're on the same page with God, who can help us know the best things to work on next, because he knows what is coming for us. :)
Thursday, August 17, 2023
2 Nephi 9:45 -- On Avoiding the Chains of Sin
"O, my beloved brethren, turn away from your sins; shake off the chains of him that would bind you fast; come unto that God who is the rock of your salvation."
2 Nephi 9:45
The idea here that sins are chains is an intriguing one. It reminds me of Marley's ghost from A Christmas Carol, which is a figurative representation of the reality outlined here. When we commit sin, we are effectively choosing to fall into Satan's traps and to be bound to his cause rather than God's. To choose sin is to choose enslavement, through addiction or obsession or sometimes just lack of motivation to escape, like the prisoners that grow accustomed to jail and don't want the challenge of freedom anymore.
Today, let's recognize the chains and traps of sin, and avoid them, working to serve God instead, who is the one that offers us the freedom to become more and better rather than being trapped as we are now.
2 Nephi 9:45
The idea here that sins are chains is an intriguing one. It reminds me of Marley's ghost from A Christmas Carol, which is a figurative representation of the reality outlined here. When we commit sin, we are effectively choosing to fall into Satan's traps and to be bound to his cause rather than God's. To choose sin is to choose enslavement, through addiction or obsession or sometimes just lack of motivation to escape, like the prisoners that grow accustomed to jail and don't want the challenge of freedom anymore.
Today, let's recognize the chains and traps of sin, and avoid them, working to serve God instead, who is the one that offers us the freedom to become more and better rather than being trapped as we are now.
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
Abraham 3:27-28 -- On Anger and Accepting Heavenly Advice
"And the Lord said: Whom shall I send? And one answered like unto the Son of Man: Here am I, send me. And another answered and said: Here am I, send me. And the Lord said: I will send the first.
And the second was angry, and kept not his first estate; and, at that day, many followed after him."
Abraham 3:27-28
What struck me about this today is just the anger at someone else being chosen, which reminded me also a little bit of Cain and Abel. Going back to the very beginning, jealousy, comparison, and anger have gotten us into a lot of trouble.
Today, maybe we should take a step back and examine our anger. If we are reacting with that emotion, can we pinpoint what triggered it? Do we know what the underlying emotion was that led here? My Psych teacher always told us that anger was a secondary emotion... something else comes first. If we can figure out what that is, maybe we can understand ourselves a little better and stop jumping to the anger part right away.
Not saying it is easy... or that it was easy back then. We know that there was a lot more to the war in heaven than a simple overreaction. Vast philosphies regarding who we are and our potential were/are involved. And yet, without anger it is a lot easier to listen to and understand the other side of any dispute, and in our case, to hear and understand the wisdom of God. So, let's make the attempt, as hard as it can be sometimes to overcome ourselves and to accept heavenly advice.
And the second was angry, and kept not his first estate; and, at that day, many followed after him."
Abraham 3:27-28
What struck me about this today is just the anger at someone else being chosen, which reminded me also a little bit of Cain and Abel. Going back to the very beginning, jealousy, comparison, and anger have gotten us into a lot of trouble.
Today, maybe we should take a step back and examine our anger. If we are reacting with that emotion, can we pinpoint what triggered it? Do we know what the underlying emotion was that led here? My Psych teacher always told us that anger was a secondary emotion... something else comes first. If we can figure out what that is, maybe we can understand ourselves a little better and stop jumping to the anger part right away.
Not saying it is easy... or that it was easy back then. We know that there was a lot more to the war in heaven than a simple overreaction. Vast philosphies regarding who we are and our potential were/are involved. And yet, without anger it is a lot easier to listen to and understand the other side of any dispute, and in our case, to hear and understand the wisdom of God. So, let's make the attempt, as hard as it can be sometimes to overcome ourselves and to accept heavenly advice.
Tuesday, August 15, 2023
Jacob 2:18 -- On Priorities
"But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God."
Jacob 2:18
This is a pretty clear explanation of priorities. I think it goes hand in hand with 3 Nephi 13:33: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." ... If we trust in God, and put him and his kingdom first, which means taking care of each other, helping others, putting communication with God and his goals and commandments at the top of our priority lists, then we will always have what we need, including riches if they are necessary to the goals of God.
Today, let's look to God and make sure that we are placing his priorities first in our lives, and as we do, we can worry less about other things and know that the Lord will provide. ... That doesn't necessarily mean that we can hole up and just read the scriptures all day and not pay the rent. God wants us to put reasonable effort into providing for our families and we need to not *only* read his word, but figure out how to apply it in real world situations. Let's pray, seek God, and follow the Spirit, and he'll help us find that balance, helping us to live in the world and be financially responsible, and at the same time be generous with all, free with our substance (Jacob 2:17), and dedicated to building up his kingdom.
Jacob 2:18
This is a pretty clear explanation of priorities. I think it goes hand in hand with 3 Nephi 13:33: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." ... If we trust in God, and put him and his kingdom first, which means taking care of each other, helping others, putting communication with God and his goals and commandments at the top of our priority lists, then we will always have what we need, including riches if they are necessary to the goals of God.
Today, let's look to God and make sure that we are placing his priorities first in our lives, and as we do, we can worry less about other things and know that the Lord will provide. ... That doesn't necessarily mean that we can hole up and just read the scriptures all day and not pay the rent. God wants us to put reasonable effort into providing for our families and we need to not *only* read his word, but figure out how to apply it in real world situations. Let's pray, seek God, and follow the Spirit, and he'll help us find that balance, helping us to live in the world and be financially responsible, and at the same time be generous with all, free with our substance (Jacob 2:17), and dedicated to building up his kingdom.
Monday, August 14, 2023
1 Nephi 22:15 -- On Preparing for a Better Society
"For behold, saith the prophet, the time cometh speedily that Satan shall have no more power over the hearts of the children of men; for the day soon cometh that all the proud and they who do wickedly shall be as stubble; and the day cometh that they must be burned."
1 Nephi 22:15
I love the idea of Satan having no power. I don't really like that it will be because the wicked will be burned, because I think it is way too easy for any of us to be in that group... hanging on to our testimonies and avoiding evil requires strength and mercy from God and fervent prayer.
I understand why there has to be a division and a judgement, because justice needs to be done as well as mercy, so our probationary period has to end at some point. It feels like both a curse and a blessing I guess... a curse because of the loss of life, but moreso the loss of potential and possibility among those of us who choose not to come unto God. A blessing because Christ died for us to give us additional chances to repent and we all had that extra time to change and to become better selves--and also because we'd never get to the point where Satan had no power if God didn't step in at some point and stop him from destroying the righteous.
It reminds me of third Nephi... we read about the incredible destruction, but then about Christ's visit and the perfect society that grew up after that for a while. When Christ comes again, that kind of society can last, and lead us to the perfect society of heaven, so it never has to end. Today, let's look forward to having a chance to live in that perfect society, and pray with everything that we have that we will learn how to be good enough to others that we can live there peacefully. I think I, for instance, would manage to mess it up even without temptation if I were dropped in there now. I think I need more time, and a lot more practice being a better person.
1 Nephi 22:15
I love the idea of Satan having no power. I don't really like that it will be because the wicked will be burned, because I think it is way too easy for any of us to be in that group... hanging on to our testimonies and avoiding evil requires strength and mercy from God and fervent prayer.
I understand why there has to be a division and a judgement, because justice needs to be done as well as mercy, so our probationary period has to end at some point. It feels like both a curse and a blessing I guess... a curse because of the loss of life, but moreso the loss of potential and possibility among those of us who choose not to come unto God. A blessing because Christ died for us to give us additional chances to repent and we all had that extra time to change and to become better selves--and also because we'd never get to the point where Satan had no power if God didn't step in at some point and stop him from destroying the righteous.
It reminds me of third Nephi... we read about the incredible destruction, but then about Christ's visit and the perfect society that grew up after that for a while. When Christ comes again, that kind of society can last, and lead us to the perfect society of heaven, so it never has to end. Today, let's look forward to having a chance to live in that perfect society, and pray with everything that we have that we will learn how to be good enough to others that we can live there peacefully. I think I, for instance, would manage to mess it up even without temptation if I were dropped in there now. I think I need more time, and a lot more practice being a better person.
Sunday, August 13, 2023
Mosiah 5:13 -- On Knowing God
"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 5:13
This is worth thinking about. The chapter is talking about being found on the right or left hand of God... basically being part of God's fold or not. And this verse makes a really good point. Even though on one level God knows us all perfectly, in the scriptures that knowing goes both ways. If we don't know him, he doesn't know us. For instance, in the parable of the ten virgins the door is shut and entrance is refused to those that come late, and the reason is "I know you not" (Matthew 25:12). Similarly, in the Sermon on the Mount Christ tells us that many will plead with him, saying that they have done good works in his name, and he will say "I never knew you" (Matthew 7:22-23).
God knows our premortal selves and back then we were all on the same page, but if we choose to reject him now, then in a way, this new self that we have created doesn't have a relationship with him. ... Also, I wonder why we are working so hard to get to heaven to live forever with the Lord, if we don't know what that means. It seems that one of the huge, important tasks for us in this life is to get to know God, perhaps to see if the people that we have become outside the veil really want heaven, and perhaps just to bring our premortal and mortal selves into harmony.
Today, let's work to know God and to be obedient to his commandments, so that he will also know and acknowledge us as we desire entrance to his kingdom. Let's find out who we are working for and who we belong to, and understand what God asks of us and why. Learning all of that helps us to make better informed choices about who we will choose to follow in this life, but also will help us to understand some of the things that God asks that we don't understand yet. Getting to know Him is the way to his motivations and will teach us more about his love and his plan for all of us. I think it is essential for our spiritual growth to bring the abstract concept of God into our hearts as we realize who God is on a personal level and develop that miraculous one-on-one relationship, realizing that he can know us individually among so many.
Mosiah 5:13
This is worth thinking about. The chapter is talking about being found on the right or left hand of God... basically being part of God's fold or not. And this verse makes a really good point. Even though on one level God knows us all perfectly, in the scriptures that knowing goes both ways. If we don't know him, he doesn't know us. For instance, in the parable of the ten virgins the door is shut and entrance is refused to those that come late, and the reason is "I know you not" (Matthew 25:12). Similarly, in the Sermon on the Mount Christ tells us that many will plead with him, saying that they have done good works in his name, and he will say "I never knew you" (Matthew 7:22-23).
God knows our premortal selves and back then we were all on the same page, but if we choose to reject him now, then in a way, this new self that we have created doesn't have a relationship with him. ... Also, I wonder why we are working so hard to get to heaven to live forever with the Lord, if we don't know what that means. It seems that one of the huge, important tasks for us in this life is to get to know God, perhaps to see if the people that we have become outside the veil really want heaven, and perhaps just to bring our premortal and mortal selves into harmony.
Today, let's work to know God and to be obedient to his commandments, so that he will also know and acknowledge us as we desire entrance to his kingdom. Let's find out who we are working for and who we belong to, and understand what God asks of us and why. Learning all of that helps us to make better informed choices about who we will choose to follow in this life, but also will help us to understand some of the things that God asks that we don't understand yet. Getting to know Him is the way to his motivations and will teach us more about his love and his plan for all of us. I think it is essential for our spiritual growth to bring the abstract concept of God into our hearts as we realize who God is on a personal level and develop that miraculous one-on-one relationship, realizing that he can know us individually among so many.
Saturday, August 12, 2023
1 Kings 19:4-8 -- On Being Done and Restoring Hope
"But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.
And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.
And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.
And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.
And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God."
1 Kings 19:4-8
There is a lot more to this story before and after, but I wanted to call out this section because I think we all experience times in our lives where we are "weary of life" for various reasons (Genesis 27:46, Job 10:1). In these verses it is Elijah, and he leaves his servant behind and asks God if he can just be done.
And here I think is one of the reasons that God is great. Unlike a fallible human, God doesn't grant Elijah his misguided wish, or even discuss the possibility. He sees through the drama, recognizes that Elijah is tired and needs some help, and he sends his angel to help him... not to directly cheer him up, but to prepare him for a journey.
Later in the story God gives him reason to hope, and gives him someone to help him, but first, here, he just takes care of him and gives him time and space to realize that he is making a poor choice.
Today, as we are weary of our lives for various reasons, let's remember that it is totally okay to nap under a juniper tree (or wherever) and gather strength for a few days, but let's not give up. Instead, when we feel overly dramatic, let's turn to God and let him prepare us for the journey ahead. There is always something good waiting when we serve God... but there are sometimes going to be hard times along the road to get there. Let's trust in the Lord, and believe in the hope ahead, the promised land, the happy ending... all of the good blessings that God has in store. There is always a happy ending with God, if we trust him and keep going.
And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.
And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.
And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.
And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God."
1 Kings 19:4-8
There is a lot more to this story before and after, but I wanted to call out this section because I think we all experience times in our lives where we are "weary of life" for various reasons (Genesis 27:46, Job 10:1). In these verses it is Elijah, and he leaves his servant behind and asks God if he can just be done.
And here I think is one of the reasons that God is great. Unlike a fallible human, God doesn't grant Elijah his misguided wish, or even discuss the possibility. He sees through the drama, recognizes that Elijah is tired and needs some help, and he sends his angel to help him... not to directly cheer him up, but to prepare him for a journey.
Later in the story God gives him reason to hope, and gives him someone to help him, but first, here, he just takes care of him and gives him time and space to realize that he is making a poor choice.
Today, as we are weary of our lives for various reasons, let's remember that it is totally okay to nap under a juniper tree (or wherever) and gather strength for a few days, but let's not give up. Instead, when we feel overly dramatic, let's turn to God and let him prepare us for the journey ahead. There is always something good waiting when we serve God... but there are sometimes going to be hard times along the road to get there. Let's trust in the Lord, and believe in the hope ahead, the promised land, the happy ending... all of the good blessings that God has in store. There is always a happy ending with God, if we trust him and keep going.
Friday, August 11, 2023
Psalms 57:1-2 -- On Being Sheltered by God
"Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.
I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me."
Psalms 57:1-2
I love the idea of sheltering in the shadow of the Lord's wings, which seems to go along with the Lord's analogy of gathering us as a chicken gathers her chicks under her wings, but it also works if we use a different bird analogy here... it is still the idea of being protected and likely fed and cared for by God, as chicks or birds in the nest.
The idea of God performing all things for us seems to have that same idea, and it might be a very useful analogy for life, because that is the kind of faith that we need to have--as though we are totally dependent on God, as we are in a very real sense for everything we have and are. That doesn't mean that we wait around and don't make an effort in our lives though... we still need to learn about the world and, depending on the bird analogy, possibly learn to fly ourselves. God is protecting us as we learn.
Today, let's look to God who does everything to help and protect us while we are learning, and give thanks and praise for his help and protection. Let's also use that protection that God has given us wisely, and learn all we can as we make forays out into the world. :)
I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me."
Psalms 57:1-2
I love the idea of sheltering in the shadow of the Lord's wings, which seems to go along with the Lord's analogy of gathering us as a chicken gathers her chicks under her wings, but it also works if we use a different bird analogy here... it is still the idea of being protected and likely fed and cared for by God, as chicks or birds in the nest.
The idea of God performing all things for us seems to have that same idea, and it might be a very useful analogy for life, because that is the kind of faith that we need to have--as though we are totally dependent on God, as we are in a very real sense for everything we have and are. That doesn't mean that we wait around and don't make an effort in our lives though... we still need to learn about the world and, depending on the bird analogy, possibly learn to fly ourselves. God is protecting us as we learn.
Today, let's look to God who does everything to help and protect us while we are learning, and give thanks and praise for his help and protection. Let's also use that protection that God has given us wisely, and learn all we can as we make forays out into the world. :)
Thursday, August 10, 2023
Obadiah 1:3 -- On Pride and Self-Deception
"The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?"
Obadiah 1:3
Pride gets us into a lot of trouble in life. Now, I'm not condemning a healthy sense of self-worth, or saying that we should hate ourselves. I think pride is different than that. It's more when we start thinking that we are better than other people, and even more dangerously, smarter or more important than God. Sounds kind of silly out of context, but I think we unfortunately make those valuations pretty often when we choose to do our own thing rather than what God asks.
Today, let's love other people as ourselves, remembering that they are as important as we are, and that we should treat them kindly and know that they are worthwhile and have something to offer the world, just as we do. And with God, let's remember that God is infinitely more wise than we are, and take the opportunity that we have to learn from him, rather than walking away because we think we know better. We really, really don't. Better to humbly approach God and find out that he exists and learn to listen to him and learn from him now than to find out later, decieving ourselves because we think we know better, and have to learn humility a harder way. :)
Obadiah 1:3
Pride gets us into a lot of trouble in life. Now, I'm not condemning a healthy sense of self-worth, or saying that we should hate ourselves. I think pride is different than that. It's more when we start thinking that we are better than other people, and even more dangerously, smarter or more important than God. Sounds kind of silly out of context, but I think we unfortunately make those valuations pretty often when we choose to do our own thing rather than what God asks.
Today, let's love other people as ourselves, remembering that they are as important as we are, and that we should treat them kindly and know that they are worthwhile and have something to offer the world, just as we do. And with God, let's remember that God is infinitely more wise than we are, and take the opportunity that we have to learn from him, rather than walking away because we think we know better. We really, really don't. Better to humbly approach God and find out that he exists and learn to listen to him and learn from him now than to find out later, decieving ourselves because we think we know better, and have to learn humility a harder way. :)
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
Jeremiah 29:10-11 -- On Patience and Deliverance
"For thus saith the Lord, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to creturn to this place.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."
Jeremiah 29:11
This is a comforting scripture that God first spoke to Jeremiah, telling the people in Babylon that he would bring them home in seventy years. The people he was speaking to didn't really listen, and didn't accept the comfort there though, likely because they wanted to be delivered immediately, rather than in seventy years, and their impatience was their downfall.
We sometimes get similar messages in our lives... not ones that we want, but good information and comfort that the Lord is trying to give us anyway. Maybe what we are hoping and praying for right now isn't God's plan, but God is asking us to be patient and telling us that we will still be delivered. He loves us, and he will bring us to our happy ending in time, but we have to have some more patience and wait until it fits God's timetable. It isn't necessarily what we want to hear, but it is still a message of his love and a promise to help and deliver us.
Today, let's not create, reach for, or believe well-meaning lies that tell us that everything is perfect and our deliverance is imminent, but let's gather our courage and wait on the will of the Lord, and his promised peace. Otherwise, we are going to walk into a mess of our own making, as did the people of that day, trusting a false prophet because he told them what they wanted to hear, rather than the truth. If we can have patience and faith and wait for our deliverance with hope, it will come. Whatever is in front of us now is God's will, and if we trust God and call on him for help, he will make our burdens light so that we can "submit cheerfully and with patience" (Mosiah 24:15) to his will until the day of deliverance.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."
Jeremiah 29:11
This is a comforting scripture that God first spoke to Jeremiah, telling the people in Babylon that he would bring them home in seventy years. The people he was speaking to didn't really listen, and didn't accept the comfort there though, likely because they wanted to be delivered immediately, rather than in seventy years, and their impatience was their downfall.
We sometimes get similar messages in our lives... not ones that we want, but good information and comfort that the Lord is trying to give us anyway. Maybe what we are hoping and praying for right now isn't God's plan, but God is asking us to be patient and telling us that we will still be delivered. He loves us, and he will bring us to our happy ending in time, but we have to have some more patience and wait until it fits God's timetable. It isn't necessarily what we want to hear, but it is still a message of his love and a promise to help and deliver us.
Today, let's not create, reach for, or believe well-meaning lies that tell us that everything is perfect and our deliverance is imminent, but let's gather our courage and wait on the will of the Lord, and his promised peace. Otherwise, we are going to walk into a mess of our own making, as did the people of that day, trusting a false prophet because he told them what they wanted to hear, rather than the truth. If we can have patience and faith and wait for our deliverance with hope, it will come. Whatever is in front of us now is God's will, and if we trust God and call on him for help, he will make our burdens light so that we can "submit cheerfully and with patience" (Mosiah 24:15) to his will until the day of deliverance.
Tuesday, August 8, 2023
Hebrews 12:11-14 -- On Chastening and Peace
"Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;
And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord."
Hebrews 12:11-14
Some excellent advice here. Not necessarily easy to live, but very wise. I think that if we could live these verses that our lives would be much more joyous, despite the first statement... because so many of these things are tied together. God chastens us because he loves us. If he didn't, he'd just let us destroy our lives. Instead, he tries to stop us. If we listen, and learn, then we not only get more peace, but we benefit from that humility that we are learning, making it easier to do the last part and have peace with everyone, as well as being able to walk a little straighter along the path that allows healing from God.
Today, even if we can't take all of the advice at once, let's try some of it. Let's work on accepting God's chastisement and advice rather than getting angry or defensive. Let's lift and strengthen other people. Let's follow peace rather than stirring up arguments... and let's work on becoming more worthy of seeing the Lord, so we can be ready when that time comes. :)
Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;
And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord."
Hebrews 12:11-14
Some excellent advice here. Not necessarily easy to live, but very wise. I think that if we could live these verses that our lives would be much more joyous, despite the first statement... because so many of these things are tied together. God chastens us because he loves us. If he didn't, he'd just let us destroy our lives. Instead, he tries to stop us. If we listen, and learn, then we not only get more peace, but we benefit from that humility that we are learning, making it easier to do the last part and have peace with everyone, as well as being able to walk a little straighter along the path that allows healing from God.
Today, even if we can't take all of the advice at once, let's try some of it. Let's work on accepting God's chastisement and advice rather than getting angry or defensive. Let's lift and strengthen other people. Let's follow peace rather than stirring up arguments... and let's work on becoming more worthy of seeing the Lord, so we can be ready when that time comes. :)
Monday, August 7, 2023
1 Corinthians 4:5 -- On Praise and Time
"Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God."
1 Corinthians 4:5
What struck me as I was reading this today is the "then shall every man have praise of God" part. I love the idea that God will offer us all very individual feedback, praising us for the things that we learned and that the day won't be pure horribleness like a final exam day where you know you are failing the course. Not saying that the day will go well for everyone, but God understands us perfectly, knowing our hearts, and he will give us credit for every effort, and I think that it will be a good day for many as God judges us with compassion and finds us a place where we can be happy.
And if God has praise to offer everyone, then the admonition at the beginning is all the more important. Let's not judge people and cast anyone as a pure villain. We all have redeeming qualities, even if we have buried them pretty far down there. For anyone reading these words, there is still a way back... still time to improve, to cast off our sins, and to turn to God. Today, let's take that chance. Let's accept the gift of time that Christ bought us with his life... time to change.
1 Corinthians 4:5
What struck me as I was reading this today is the "then shall every man have praise of God" part. I love the idea that God will offer us all very individual feedback, praising us for the things that we learned and that the day won't be pure horribleness like a final exam day where you know you are failing the course. Not saying that the day will go well for everyone, but God understands us perfectly, knowing our hearts, and he will give us credit for every effort, and I think that it will be a good day for many as God judges us with compassion and finds us a place where we can be happy.
And if God has praise to offer everyone, then the admonition at the beginning is all the more important. Let's not judge people and cast anyone as a pure villain. We all have redeeming qualities, even if we have buried them pretty far down there. For anyone reading these words, there is still a way back... still time to improve, to cast off our sins, and to turn to God. Today, let's take that chance. Let's accept the gift of time that Christ bought us with his life... time to change.
Sunday, August 6, 2023
Luke 10:25-29 -- On Learning God's Lessons
"And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?
And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.
And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.
But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?"
Luke 10:25-29
These are the verses that lead up to the story of the good Samaritan. I think it is interesting that it says that the lawyer was tempting him. Maybe trying to trip him up or justify his own actions or whatever... we do a lot of that. :) Christ ripostes perfectly by asking him what he thinks the answer is, and then praises him for a correct answer, but the questioner continues, so Christ tells a story to help the listeners (and future readers) understand the principle... a good outcome, for sure, but perhaps there is also a lesson here about not tempting the Lord in the first place. :)
Today, let's not pick at the gospel trying to find exceptions and justification to get out of our obligations, but rather, let's go all in, embracing everything that we have learned, and being open for continued instruction. Relearning the same lessons is good... it helps us to solidify them in our hearts, but when we are ready, God always has more to teach. :)
He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?
And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.
And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.
But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?"
Luke 10:25-29
These are the verses that lead up to the story of the good Samaritan. I think it is interesting that it says that the lawyer was tempting him. Maybe trying to trip him up or justify his own actions or whatever... we do a lot of that. :) Christ ripostes perfectly by asking him what he thinks the answer is, and then praises him for a correct answer, but the questioner continues, so Christ tells a story to help the listeners (and future readers) understand the principle... a good outcome, for sure, but perhaps there is also a lesson here about not tempting the Lord in the first place. :)
Today, let's not pick at the gospel trying to find exceptions and justification to get out of our obligations, but rather, let's go all in, embracing everything that we have learned, and being open for continued instruction. Relearning the same lessons is good... it helps us to solidify them in our hearts, but when we are ready, God always has more to teach. :)
Saturday, August 5, 2023
Mosiah 21:12-16 -- On Humility and Prospering By Degrees
"Yea, they went again even the third time, and suffered in the like manner; and those that were not slain returned again to the city of Nephi.
And they did humble themselves even to the dust, subjecting themselves to the yoke of bondage, submitting themselves to be smitten, and to be driven to and fro, and burdened, according to the desires of their enemies.
And they did humble themselves even in the depths of humility; and they did cry mightily to God; yea, even all the day long did they cry unto their God that he would deliver them out of their afflictions.
And now the Lord was slow to hear their cry because of their iniquities; nevertheless the Lord did hear their cries, and began to soften the hearts of the Lamanites that they began to ease their burdens; yet the Lord did not see fit to deliver them out of bondage.
And it came to pass that they began to prosper by degrees in the land, and began to raise grain more abundantly, and flocks, and herds, that they did not suffer with hunger."
Mosiah 21:12-16
These people were enslaved by the Lamanites, and it is easy to understand why they resisted, although they may have made it worse by picking fights and not winning. And I guess that is where my mind is today, because we do similar things in our own lives, picking fights that we know we can't win, rebelling just because we don't like something, not because it will actually accomplish anything.
Perhaps today we can work on being a little bit more wise than these people were, and start praying to God about our troubles now, rather than after our circumstances have eroded to the point that there is no other option. Let's trust in the Lord, apply some humility, and remember that God will deliver us as we learn to endure our circumstances with faith and patience... and even some cheerfulness when we can let go of our pride and our desire to control the situation, and we learn to accept God's will and know that he is leading us to all good things, even if we don't understand how our current circumstances can get us there. :) God will helps us to prosper by degrees, just as we turn more degrees towards God.
And they did humble themselves even to the dust, subjecting themselves to the yoke of bondage, submitting themselves to be smitten, and to be driven to and fro, and burdened, according to the desires of their enemies.
And they did humble themselves even in the depths of humility; and they did cry mightily to God; yea, even all the day long did they cry unto their God that he would deliver them out of their afflictions.
And now the Lord was slow to hear their cry because of their iniquities; nevertheless the Lord did hear their cries, and began to soften the hearts of the Lamanites that they began to ease their burdens; yet the Lord did not see fit to deliver them out of bondage.
And it came to pass that they began to prosper by degrees in the land, and began to raise grain more abundantly, and flocks, and herds, that they did not suffer with hunger."
Mosiah 21:12-16
These people were enslaved by the Lamanites, and it is easy to understand why they resisted, although they may have made it worse by picking fights and not winning. And I guess that is where my mind is today, because we do similar things in our own lives, picking fights that we know we can't win, rebelling just because we don't like something, not because it will actually accomplish anything.
Perhaps today we can work on being a little bit more wise than these people were, and start praying to God about our troubles now, rather than after our circumstances have eroded to the point that there is no other option. Let's trust in the Lord, apply some humility, and remember that God will deliver us as we learn to endure our circumstances with faith and patience... and even some cheerfulness when we can let go of our pride and our desire to control the situation, and we learn to accept God's will and know that he is leading us to all good things, even if we don't understand how our current circumstances can get us there. :) God will helps us to prosper by degrees, just as we turn more degrees towards God.
Friday, August 4, 2023
Alma 24:10-13 -- On Repentance and Commitment to Change
"And I also thank my God, yea, my great God, that he hath granted unto us that we might repent of these things, and also that he hath forgiven us of those our many sins and murders which we have committed, and taken away the guilt from our hearts, through the merits of his Son.
And now behold, my brethren, since it has been all that we could do (as we were the most lost of all mankind) to repent of all our sins and the many murders which we have committed, and to get God to take them away from our hearts, for it was all we could do to repent sufficiently before God that he would take away our stain—
Now, my best beloved brethren, since God hath taken away our stains, and our swords have become bright, then let us stain our swords no more with the blood of our brethren.
Behold, I say unto you, Nay, let us retain our swords that they be not stained with the blood of our brethren; for perhaps, if we should stain our swords again they can no more be washed bright through the blood of the Son of our great God, which shall be shed for the atonement of our sins."
Alma 24:10-13
While we may not be murderers as is discussed in these verses, I think the idea behind this is still applicable, and noble. Sometimes we look at dramatic conversions in the scriptures and we think we want something similarly dramatic in our own lives, but I am not sure that we really comprehend the massive amount of effort people like Saul/Paul, Alma the Younger, or Zeezrom put in to seriously change their lives and to try to undo some of the harm that they had caused.
These verses show a similar effort... a people trying to undo the harm they had done by laying down their weapons and never taking them up again, and later in the story we see that they took their oath seriously enough to die for it. Maybe they--and we--can't always make up for the things that we have done wrong. We can't go back and undo it, or change the lasting outcome, but we can resolve to live differently, and take that committment seriously, relying on God and gaining the power to be new people through Christ. As we work to live better and holier lives, God will also take away the guilt from our hearts, and will teach us to be the kind of people that can live in a perfect society. Not all at once, but step by step. Today, let's take our steps towards that heavenly outcome by turning away from our sins and doing the work that it takes, both spiritual and physical, to be different and better.
And now behold, my brethren, since it has been all that we could do (as we were the most lost of all mankind) to repent of all our sins and the many murders which we have committed, and to get God to take them away from our hearts, for it was all we could do to repent sufficiently before God that he would take away our stain—
Now, my best beloved brethren, since God hath taken away our stains, and our swords have become bright, then let us stain our swords no more with the blood of our brethren.
Behold, I say unto you, Nay, let us retain our swords that they be not stained with the blood of our brethren; for perhaps, if we should stain our swords again they can no more be washed bright through the blood of the Son of our great God, which shall be shed for the atonement of our sins."
Alma 24:10-13
While we may not be murderers as is discussed in these verses, I think the idea behind this is still applicable, and noble. Sometimes we look at dramatic conversions in the scriptures and we think we want something similarly dramatic in our own lives, but I am not sure that we really comprehend the massive amount of effort people like Saul/Paul, Alma the Younger, or Zeezrom put in to seriously change their lives and to try to undo some of the harm that they had caused.
These verses show a similar effort... a people trying to undo the harm they had done by laying down their weapons and never taking them up again, and later in the story we see that they took their oath seriously enough to die for it. Maybe they--and we--can't always make up for the things that we have done wrong. We can't go back and undo it, or change the lasting outcome, but we can resolve to live differently, and take that committment seriously, relying on God and gaining the power to be new people through Christ. As we work to live better and holier lives, God will also take away the guilt from our hearts, and will teach us to be the kind of people that can live in a perfect society. Not all at once, but step by step. Today, let's take our steps towards that heavenly outcome by turning away from our sins and doing the work that it takes, both spiritual and physical, to be different and better.
Thursday, August 3, 2023
3 Nephi 23:1-5 -- On Searching the Prophets
"And now, behold, I say unto you, that ye ought to search these things. Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah.
For surely he spake as touching all things concerning my people which are of the house of Israel; therefore it must needs be that he must speak also to the Gentiles.
And all things that he spake have been and shall be, even according to the words which he spake.
Therefore give heed to my words; write the things which I have told you; and according to the time and the will of the Father they shall go forth unto the Gentiles.
And whosoever will hearken unto my words and repenteth and is baptized, the same shall be saved. Search the prophets, for many there be that testify of these things."
3 Nephi 23:1-5
Reading this today, it strikes me as remarkable that Christ advises people to search the scriptures. He's there, in front of them, he could tell them all the messages he wants to convey himself, but he still tells them to search Isaiah and the other words that he gave to his prophets. ... And how often have we wished to speak to God, to know what he wants of us individually, or to get some guidance? This is it. He's giving us advice that lasts longer than a personal visit, that can stay with us and help us always... searching his words, finding our answers in the scriptures.
Prayer and revelation are no less important, certainly, and someday perhaps we will be able to have the Spirit guide our every step because we'll be on the same page with the Lord to that extent. But if we aren't all the way there, all the time... then scriptures are what God has given us--a way to find his word and his will even in our darkest, least inspired moments, if we reach out and search, and use that tool to draw closer to God.
Today, let's take Christ's advice and search the prophets. Let's read what God told Isaiah. Let's work to understand what God has in store for all of us, and learn his personal messages to each of us as well. All of that is there, in the scriptures, as we search and as we open ourselves to the guidance of the Spirit.
For surely he spake as touching all things concerning my people which are of the house of Israel; therefore it must needs be that he must speak also to the Gentiles.
And all things that he spake have been and shall be, even according to the words which he spake.
Therefore give heed to my words; write the things which I have told you; and according to the time and the will of the Father they shall go forth unto the Gentiles.
And whosoever will hearken unto my words and repenteth and is baptized, the same shall be saved. Search the prophets, for many there be that testify of these things."
3 Nephi 23:1-5
Reading this today, it strikes me as remarkable that Christ advises people to search the scriptures. He's there, in front of them, he could tell them all the messages he wants to convey himself, but he still tells them to search Isaiah and the other words that he gave to his prophets. ... And how often have we wished to speak to God, to know what he wants of us individually, or to get some guidance? This is it. He's giving us advice that lasts longer than a personal visit, that can stay with us and help us always... searching his words, finding our answers in the scriptures.
Prayer and revelation are no less important, certainly, and someday perhaps we will be able to have the Spirit guide our every step because we'll be on the same page with the Lord to that extent. But if we aren't all the way there, all the time... then scriptures are what God has given us--a way to find his word and his will even in our darkest, least inspired moments, if we reach out and search, and use that tool to draw closer to God.
Today, let's take Christ's advice and search the prophets. Let's read what God told Isaiah. Let's work to understand what God has in store for all of us, and learn his personal messages to each of us as well. All of that is there, in the scriptures, as we search and as we open ourselves to the guidance of the Spirit.
Wednesday, August 2, 2023
3 Nephi 3:7-8 -- On Surviving Disagreements
"Or in other words, yield yourselves up unto us, and unite with us and become acquainted with our secret works, and become our brethren that ye may be like unto us—not our slaves, but our brethren and partners of all our substance.
And behold, I swear unto you, if ye will do this, with an oath, ye shall not be destroyed; but if ye will not do this, I swear unto you with an oath, that on the morrow month I will command that my armies shall come down against you, and they shall not stay their hand and shall spare not, but shall slay you, and shall let fall the sword upon you even until ye shall become extinct."
3 Nephi 3:7-8
This is kind of a creepy letter that the leader of the Gadianton Robbers sent to the leader of the Nephites. I think the creepiest thing about it is that the leader of the Gadianton Robbers seems sincere... that he actually believes that "join us or die" is a nice/merciful thing to offer, or that any kind of true brotherhood could come out of such threats. ... Unfortunately, it also reminds me of modern society some. "Agree with me or die" seems to be at least tha attitude, even though thankfully that wish is rarely realized.
Today, let's remember that our fellow beings are not our enemies, even if they don't agree with us about everything. Let us look to God for help as we work to resolve differences and build a better world.
And behold, I swear unto you, if ye will do this, with an oath, ye shall not be destroyed; but if ye will not do this, I swear unto you with an oath, that on the morrow month I will command that my armies shall come down against you, and they shall not stay their hand and shall spare not, but shall slay you, and shall let fall the sword upon you even until ye shall become extinct."
3 Nephi 3:7-8
This is kind of a creepy letter that the leader of the Gadianton Robbers sent to the leader of the Nephites. I think the creepiest thing about it is that the leader of the Gadianton Robbers seems sincere... that he actually believes that "join us or die" is a nice/merciful thing to offer, or that any kind of true brotherhood could come out of such threats. ... Unfortunately, it also reminds me of modern society some. "Agree with me or die" seems to be at least tha attitude, even though thankfully that wish is rarely realized.
Today, let's remember that our fellow beings are not our enemies, even if they don't agree with us about everything. Let us look to God for help as we work to resolve differences and build a better world.
Tuesday, August 1, 2023
Psalms 35:20 -- On Speaking Peace
"For they speak not peace: but they devise deceitful matters against them that are quiet in the land."
Psalms 35:20
It's a negative example, but I like the idea of speaking peace. Christ speaks peace in other parts of the scriptures, significantly when he commanded the storm to be still. I wonder sometimes if we can even command ourselves to be still, let alone the forces of nature. :)
Today, let's learn, unlike those spoken of in this verse, how to speak peace... to tread a gentler path in our lives. Let's let go of the temptation to make a big deal of the things that we can quietly let go or overlook. Let's choose the calm option rather than the angry option. Let's learn to have some internal peace, so that we can radiate it outward, as Christ so often did, spreading good everywhere.
Psalms 35:20
It's a negative example, but I like the idea of speaking peace. Christ speaks peace in other parts of the scriptures, significantly when he commanded the storm to be still. I wonder sometimes if we can even command ourselves to be still, let alone the forces of nature. :)
Today, let's learn, unlike those spoken of in this verse, how to speak peace... to tread a gentler path in our lives. Let's let go of the temptation to make a big deal of the things that we can quietly let go or overlook. Let's choose the calm option rather than the angry option. Let's learn to have some internal peace, so that we can radiate it outward, as Christ so often did, spreading good everywhere.