Psalms 22:19 -- On Pleading With The Lord

"But be not thou far from me, O Lord: O my strength, haste thee to help me."
Psalms 22:19


I like the idea here of wanting God to stay close because we need his help constantly. And recognizing God as our true strength is also a good way to remember humility. Today, let's remember the humility of this prayer and plead with him for help in our lives as well. Making that connection with God and asking for help gives God the chance to respond and to show his love for us... not always by delivering us immediately of course, but by teaching us and helping us to deal with and to learn from our problems. Let's take that first step, and then follow through. :)

Revelation 7:16 -- On Food and Temperature

"They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat."
Revelation 7:16


Can you imagine this? Not having to eat or drink, and apparently not being affected by light or heat? We read elsewhere that at the ressurection there will be no more sickness or sorrow, so this seems to go along with that really well, but still kind of mind blowing that things that seem so important here won't be important at all.

And perhaps that is true of almort everything in our lives... we waste a lot of time and effort on things that just don't matter long-term. And if it is something good that brings us and others joy, then awesome, but probably good to take a step back and think about it--what really matters, and is there a way that we can focus more of our efforts there?

Today, let's pause and consider eternity, and work for it.

Psalms 16:7-8 -- On Setting the Lord Before Us

"I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.
I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved."
Psalms 16:7-8


I like the idea here of getting counsel from the Lord and setting him before us, or keeping him close... it is exactly that close relationship that can help us "in the night seasons" as well as during the other times in our lives.

Today, let's set the Lord before us, and talk to him about everything before we do anything else. Let's truly counsel with the Lord in all our doings, and our lives will be better, even during bad times, because we are together with the Lord through it.

Revelation 6:12-13 -- On Seals and Stars

"And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;
And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind."
Revelation 6:12-13


The idea of the Sun being black and the stars falling to earth seems almost beyond comprehension, especially if you consider that in this narratice, people are still alive afterward. But as with everything else that we don't understand, we can go to God to get assistance with understanding and learning more.

I don't know how much is symbolic and how much is literal, but I do know that God is going to do some pretty dramatic things that will convince every person of who he is... and that seems like it is going to change at least some of our fundamental ideas of how the world and the universe work, which seems like a good start on a necessary perspective change.

Today, let's trust God and learn how to communicate with him better, both for the inherent benefits, but also so that we won't freak out when he leads us to places and ideas that are new or strange to us.

Alma 5:20 -- On Thinking of Salvation

"I say unto you, can ye think of being saved when you have yielded yourselves to become subjects to the devil?"
Alma 5:20


I think that this is what repentance is about on a lot of levels... clearing the channels between us and God. If we are working for Satan, first we have to quit that job in order to go to work for God. It's hard to change jobs, and hard to change ourselves sometimes and learn a different career, but God is a much better boss and offers superior benefits. ... Probably took the analogy too far, because God is a lot more than a boss to us, and our "employment" motivated by so much more than money, but you get the idea.

Today, let's quit the devil and make the changes that we need to be able to make our way back to God and everything that truly matters. Let's choose God so we can think of, and believe in, salvation.

Ephesians 6:13-17 -- On the Armor of God

"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:"
Ephesians 6:13-17


I really like the idea of girding ourselves with spiritual armor here. God gives us some great ideas about how to defend ourselves the adversary. The only weapon is the sword of the Spirit, which is symbolic of the word of God, which shows us the power of the word of God in our lives.
Today, let's armor up spiritually, and work with God to help ourselves and others stand firm for God.

Mosiah 12:35 -- On Priorities

"Thou shalt have no aother God before me."
Mosiah 12:35


This is a good reminder of what needs to come first in our lives if we are going to be able to stay on track and keep the Spirit with us. If we put the Lord first, then everything else in life falls into its proper place, but without that essential first peice, then we have a gaping god-sized hole in our lives that it is impossible to fill with anything else.

Today, let's remember to put the Lord first, so that we can get his help with everything else. :)

Jarom 1:11 -- On Looking Forward

"Wherefore, the prophets, and the priests, and the teachers, did labor diligently, exhorting with all long-suffering the people to diligence; teaching the law of Moses, and the intent for which it was given; persuading them to look forward unto the Messiah, and believe in him to come as though he already was. And after this manner did they teach them."
Jarom 1:11


I love the idea here of looking forward to the coming of Christ ahead of time, as though that historic event had already happened. Now it has, and we can live knowing that Christ's atonement has happened, but perhaps the principle of looking forward still applies. If we live our lives as though the things that God has promised have already come to pass, then we will be actively living the redemption that God has promised, finding the joy that he offers us all around us, and making heaven out of our earth lives... as the city of Zion did, establishing a peice of heaven where they were.

Today, let's look forward and trust in the things to come that God has promised, and live our lives as though we were already the people that we want to be, and that we can become with God's help. Let's project our lives forward and be the Celestial people that we can be, as much as possible, now.

Moroni 7:3 -- On Hope and Peace and Rest

"Wherefore, I would speak unto you that are of the church, that are the peaceable followers of Christ, and that have obtained a sufficient hope by which ye can enter into the rest of the Lord, from this time henceforth until ye shall rest with him in heaven."
Moroni 7:3


I like the idea of "sufficient hope" here. It reminds us that we often think in the wrong direction, expecting God to make everything perfect, when a lot of the time he is instead inspiring us with the hope, vision, and guidance to see the good around us, and to discern and find the light and joy in the dark and dreary waste. :) Instead of leaving us in a playpen with toys, he helps us to grow up and learn to find and even create the joy and hope around us and from within, *thereby* giving us the tools we need to be in tune with the spirit and feel God's love and peace that is always there to partake of.

Today, with God's help, let's continue to seek and learn hope, enabling us to find both internal and external peace and rest.

Alma 63:5-6 -- On Further Stories

"And it came to pass that Hagoth, he being an exceedingly curious man, therefore he went forth and built him an exceedingly large ship, on the borders of the land Bountiful, by the land Desolation, and launched it forth into the west sea, by the narrow neck which led into the land northward.
And behold, there were many of the Nephites who did enter therein and did sail forth with much provisions, and also many women and children; and they took their course northward. And thus ended the thirty and seventh year."
Alma 63:5-6


I like the little clues in the scriptures that point to a larger story somewhere.... and there are vast stories within all of our lives, which not only lead to additional adventures as we learn more and more stories about people, but I think it helps us understand what God feels about all of us... he wants our stories to be vast and interesting and to lead to a heroic and satisfying happy ending. He wants to lead us all to our own promised land, and help us discover new parts of ourselves and learn new things as we go.

Today, let's open ourselves up to the adventure that is loving and following God, and not get ourselves trapped in our own weaknesses or sins. Let's turn to the Lord and be ready to follow him to a better place than we could ever dream.

D&C 43:22-24 -- On Resisting the Lord

"Yea, and again, when the lightnings shall streak forth from the east unto the west, and shall utter forth their voices unto all that live, and make the ears of all tingle that hear, saying these words—Repent ye, for the great day of the Lord is come?
And again, the Lord shall utter his voice out of heaven, saying: Hearken, O ye nations of the earth, and hear the words of that God who made you.
O, ye nations of the earth, how often would I have gathered you together as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, but ye would not!"
Doctrine and Covenants 43:22-24


I think the message here is to choose God before we regret it. Not because God demands it, but because God is showing us the way to peace and happiness, we want peace and happiness, and in the end it is going to be too late to take advantage of that offer if we spend our lives pursuing and learning something else.

Today, let's be willing to let the Lord gather us, and be willing to learn from him how to have greater peace and safety in his care. Let's not resist something we want just because we don't understand how it works, but rather give God a chance... have the faith to reach out and pray and learn for ourselves the truth of his existence, and his mission.

Helaman 4:13 -- On Strength

"And because of this their great wickedness, and their boastings in their own strength, they were left in their own strength; therefore they did not prosper, but were afflicted and smitten, and driven before the Lamanites, until they had lost possession of almost all their lands."
Helaman 4:13


It is an interesting idea here that the punishment for boasting in our own strength is being left in our own strength, and maybe it is something we should think about. God wants to help, but if we don't invite him in and work with him, he won't force us to accept his help... the thing is though that God's help makes all the difference.

We think of God sometimes as a punisher, and blame him for bad things happening, but as Christ notes in several places, "How oft would I have gatherd you" ... but "ye would not" (Matthew 23:37, 3 Nephi 10:5, etc.) We are what is preventing God from gathering and comforting us.

Today, let's acknowledge God's hand in our lives, and show a little humility, admitting that we need God's help and love to feel whole, and to become the people that we desire to be. As we do, we won't have to rely only on our own strength, because God will assist us with every small step for good that we make, magnifying what we do and making it more effective in our lives and the lives of others.

Mosiah 26:30 -- On Repentance

"Yea, and as often as my people repent will I forgive them their trespasses against me."
Mosiah 26:30


I love that God is always willing to forgive us if we repent. It isn't a get-out-of-jail-free card; it is important to remember that sincere repentance is a lot different than just flippantly apologizing, fully expecting to repeat the mistake. If we are sincere and really regret what we did and are willing to do the work to change though, God is willing to not only forgive us, but help us to change and grow stronger, turning our weaknesses into strengths.

Today, let's be greatful for repentance, and work on some self-improvement, with God's assistance. :)

Mosiah 5:7-8 -- On Freedom

"And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters.
And under this head ye are made free, and there is no other head whereby ye can be made free. There is no other name given whereby salvation cometh; therefore, I would that ye should take upon you the name of Christ, all you that have entered into the covenant with God that ye should be obedient unto the end of your lives."
Mosiah 5:7-8


There is a lot of good stuff here, but what strikes me today especially is the idea that Christ makes us free. I think that life, and the world, and satan, are all scary because it si so easy to get caught up in bad habits or to make something an idol by prioritizing it over God. And in the end, everything that is not God turns to slavery... slaves to our own addictions or slaves to a twisted worldview that Satan has convinced us is more important than anything... all of those lead directly away from the freedom that God offers.

I imagine that God feels about us the way we would feel if we had a child that was growing up and in danger of being led away by so many things. He knows there are traps that we might fall into, and he warns and offers help, and explains that the path to freedom is avoiding those things... but until we have a little experience, we don't always listen.

Today, let's remember that God, the most powerful of all, desires our freedom, and purposely won't coerce or force us. Let's listen to his loving advice and learn how to avoud the pitfalls that he can guide us past safely. Let's work to be truly free by trusting our Father, and following the path that leads away from bondage and instead to eternal freedom and joy.

Alma 13:10 -- On Repentance and Power

"Now, as I said concerning the holy order, or this high priesthood, there were many who were ordained and became high priests of God; and it was on account of their exceeding faith and repentance, and their righteousness before God, they choosing to repent and work righteousness rather than to perish;"
Alma 13:10


It is an interesting contrast with the world in general to see the idea of repentance being one of the main features of a great and powerful person... and I really love it. Choosing to repent and change is a brave and difficult thing, and that is and should be one of the requirements for power.

I also love that God's power can't be used for evil and that you can't really use it for yourself, but only for other people. It's the same idea flowing through everything else... that the world works according to the principals of righteousness, which God is attempting to teach us so that we can learn how to mesh with all the rest of creation and all work together for the good of all... and that is really what Heaven is... that idea of building a community where everyone truly cares for each other and everything is done with love.

Today, let's repent and be willing to change, gaining the opportunity to become so much better than who we have been.

Alma 22:3 -- On Example and Emulation

"And now, O king, if thou wilt spare our lives, we will be thy servants. And the king said unto them: Arise, for I will grant unto you your lives, and I will not suffer that ye shall be my servants; but I will insist that ye shall administer unto me; for I have been somewhat troubled in mind because of the generosity and the greatness of the words of thy brother Ammon; and I desire to know the cause why he has not come up out of Middoni with thee."
Alma 22:3


The interesting concept to me here is the idea of being troubled by generosity and greatness. I think we can relate to this, at least sometimes, because we want to be better than we are, and so seeing people setting a good, higher example makes us a little uneasy... hopefully in a way that motivates us to improve.

Today, let's acknowledge the people in our lives that we want to emulate, and then let's talk to God about working on that, as long as he agrees of course. Above all, let's try to be more like our Savior, finding ways to help the people around us.

Alma 30:15 -- On Knowing

"How do ye know of their surety? Behold, ye cannot know of things which ye do not see; therefore ye cannot know that there shall be a Christ."
Alma 30:15


I think we hear things like this a lot... that only physical/tangible evidence really means anything, and spiritual evidence is worthless... but it isn't true. We can know of things that we don't see. That's actually how we get a lot of information from trusted sources. We can't experience everything in person, so we have to learn where to get other information.

The ultimate answer, of course, is God. He's the only one we can trust 100% of the time, and the only one who has our best interests at heart and no side agendas or ulterior motives. But he has also given us some valuable earthly sources as well. The scriptures and the words of modern prophets can guide us and help us to know the real truth, even when someone is actively trying to decieve us.

Today, let's remember that we can know, through Christ, of things far beyond mere sight.

Alma 37:6-7 -- On Small Things

"Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.
And the Lord God doth work by means to bring about his great and eternal purposes; and by very small means the Lord doth cconfound the wise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls."
Alma 37:6-7


I like this idea that small things make a difference. I think sometimes we give up on things because we think we can't make a difference... mostly because we are thinking of something dramatic and immediate. But God only does the really dramatic flood, or parting-the-sea thing once in a while. The rest of the time it is the quiet, persistent efforts of many working towards his goals.

In our lives too... the biggest things in the end start out as small habits, but compunded over time they are life-changing transformations. Prayer and scripture study are like that... small things that make a world of difference if we commit and keep it up.

Today, let's work at the small things that can transform us for the better, and change the world one small step at a time.

Helaman 1:33 -- On War and Peace

"And it came to pass that Moronihah took possession of the city of Zarahemla again, and caused that the Lamanites who had been taken prisoners should depart out of the land in peace."
Helaman 1:33


Thinking about war today. Here the Lamanites overextend themselves, surrender, and then leave in peace. Although, overall because we know the plot, we know that they come back... maybe not those same men, but the hatred was kept alive over a very long span of time.

Maybe in our lives it is the same... we can't stop the long-term hatred of a whole group of people passing it on to their children. However, with God's help we can surrender our own hatred and leave in peace. We can refuse to teach it to others, and set an example of not passing on bitterness.

It doesn't have to be a physical war ... there are so many mental, emotional, and even spiritual battles that are going on in our lives. Some of them need to be fought, and we can take on the armor of God for those ones... but many don't need to be fought, if we could agree to lay down our bitterness. Today, let's pray to know the difference and work for peace.

Alma 57:35 -- On Thankfulness and Deliverance

"And behold, we are again delivered out of the hands of our enemies. And blessed is the name of our God; for behold, it is he that has delivered us; yea, that has done this great thing for us."
Alma 57:35


I like the idea here of acknowledging God's hand in our deliverance. I think that is somewhat easy to do when circumstances (as in this chapter) show that it is clearly a miracle... but somewhat harder when our own pride gets involved, and we want to give ourselves credit for everything good, and often blame God or others for the bad things. It is good to remember that God is not only the source of all creation, but of our talents and opportunities. When God talks about all things working together for them that love God, I think it shows us clearly that we are part of a vast interconnected system with God at the center, and he is part of everything that we do and everything that we are.

Today, let's be thankful to God for deliverance, and for life, and the help we get every day as we go along learning and growing and finding our way back to him.

2 Corinthians 5:7 -- On Spiritual Senses

"(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)"
2 Corinthians 5:7


I thought this was interesting today, and it makes me wonder how much we overrely on our senses rather than trusting God. The two don't need to be mutually exclusive of course, but I think sometimes we trust our physical senses over God and that gets us into situations like Laman and Lemuel were in when an angel told them to go and get the plates, but they were still afraid of Laban... or like the children of Israel facing Goliath.

To be like Nephi or David in those situations we have to trust God more than we trust our own instincts and danger sense. We have to tune in spiritually and understand what God wants us to do. It takes study, patience, practice, and effort, but I think we can all learn to walk more by faith and less by sight alone even if it is in tiny increments... and the more we try, the more we'll learn about how to do it better. :)

Today, let's work on trusting God over ourselves and see if we can learn a little more about what faith is like and how it works in our lives. As we develop our spiritual senses perhaps we can learn to walk more confidently, knowing we are going the Lord's way.

Alma 49:20 -- On Strong Defenses

"Thus they were prepared, yea, a body of their strongest men, with their swords and their slings, to smite down all who should attempt to come into their place of security by the place of entrance; and thus were they prepared to defend themselves against the Lamanites."
Alma 49:20


This of course is about physical defenses, but it got me thinking that we should be just as prepared with spiritual defenses. Here, Moroni plans defenses because he knows that the Lamanites are going to come and attack... and we know, similarly, that Satan is going to play on our weaknesses. Sometimes he will try to discourage us, sometimes encourage pride and overconfidence, but however he attacks, we know he is coming.

So what can we do to be like Moroni and plan to defend ourselves? I think the answers are the same as they were in Lehi's dream... when we are in dark and dreary wilderness, pray. When we are being torn off course, hold to the word of God by reading the scriptures and studying the words of the prophets.

Prayer and study were important to Moroni too, and his physical successes were enhanced and enabled by his spiritual strength. Today, let's learn from his example and make our defenses strong.

Alma 46:18 -- On Avoiding Destruction and Finding Wholeness

"And he said: Surely God shall not suffer that we, who are despised because we take upon us the name of Christ, shall be trodden down and destroyed, until we bring it upon us by our own transgressions."
Alma 46:18


The idea here seems to be basically that God protects the righteous, and that destruction comes upon us through our own choices. I believe this is true, generally. It doesn't mean that every bad thing that happens to us is our fault though, or that if something bad happens that God hates us. The tapestry is vast and varied, and we all go through so many things that teach us and change us.

I think the core lesson here is that God loves us. He isn't going to give up on us unless we choose to quit and destroy ourselves. Until that happens, there is hope, because God can rescue us even from the most dire circumstances... and that even if those cirsumstances were self-inflicted. He can rescue the lost sheep and heal the wounded soul. He can make our glaringly scarlet sins as pure as snow. He is the answer to every problem, and the core of all that we learn and all we can become.

Today, let's turn to the Lord for protection and for help, even when it is ourselves that we are fighting, and let's let him into our lives, and learn more of him. He loves us, and through him we can be healed and saved, find peace... be made whole.

Alma 44:1 -- On Seeking Peace

"And it came to pass that they did stop and withdrew a pace from them. And Moroni said unto Zerahemnah: Behold, Zerahemnah, that we do bnot desire to be men of blood. Ye know that ye are in our hands, yet we do not desire to slay you."
Alma 44:1


I like the idea here of not wanting to be "men of blood" and even though the other group was trying to kill them, they stopped and offered mercy when the outcome was clearly going their way.

I feel like this is something we can apply in our lives... not only in a dont't kill (or punch) the people you are mad at way, but also the similar idea that when we have the advantage over other people, we should never use it to harm or seek revenge, but rather always try to be people of peace, and show love and mercy whenever possible, as God does for us.

Today let's seek peace, and not press our advantage or make things worse when we have the upper hand, but rather strive with God's help to make things better.

Alma 36:27 -- On Trust and Deliverance

"And I have been supported under trials and troubles of every kind, yea, and in all manner of afflictions; yea, God has delivered me from prison, and from bonds, and from death; yea, and I do put my trust in him, and he will still deliver me."
Alma 36:27


This is some advice given by Alma to his son Helaman. It's a good way to look at it for us as well... advice from our father, God, to us. Often as children we have a hard time believing in what we are taught, and if we try something and fail, we just give up.

With this advice, as with most, it takes practice and faith to learn to walk the suggested path and trust in God's advice. It isn't always going to work at first, because we're going to get it wrong. It can be good to remember that most of the prophets didn't get it right the first time either, and had to keep trying or keep seeking. Asking isn't enough... we have to really delve into it and try to work it out, learning from God as we go.

Like so many things in life that are worthwhile, God's advice works... it just takes a while to learn. Today, let's put in the time and stick with it even when we fail at first. The more we practice trusting and relying on God, the better we will get at it, and the more God will be able to reach into our lives and help us feel hope and find the solutions to our problems.

Obadiah 1:15 -- On Actions and Rewards

"For the day of the Lord is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head."
Obadiah 1:15


This is a frequent theme in the scriptures, but always striking: the idea that our own actions will return to us. It could be a blessing or a cursing, but a strong natural consequence for acting the way that we choose to act towards others.

It's a pretty scary thought not just for unbelievers/heathen, but for most of us I think, for even if we are generally good at being nice, it isn't always universally so, and there are cases where we lose our tempers, or there are certain people or groups that annoy us and so they don't get us at our best.

Maybe today is the day to think about and rectify some of that, not only to save ourselves, but because God asks us to love our enemies. We need to be a dose of love and sanity in the world, not more bitterness and poison.
Thankfully God has granted us repentance, and if we sincerely want to change the way that we act and the way we treat others, God will help us, and we won't have to face the actions of who we used to be at the day of the Lord, but rather the actions of who we are. So, let's get out there and be better. :)

Moroni 3:1-3 -- On the Basics

"The manner which the disciples, who were called the elders of the church, ordained priests and teachers—
After they had prayed unto the Father in the name of Christ, they laid their hands upon them, and said:
In the name of Jesus Christ I ordain you to be a priest (or if he be a teacher, I ordain you to be a teacher) to preach repentance and remission of sins through Jesus Christ, by the endurance of faith on his name to the end. Amen."
Moroni 3:1-3


Reading this today made me think of getting back to the basics. There is a lot to learn in the gospel, but the building can't be completed unless we first start with a solid foundation... and a lot of that starts here, with repentance and remission of sins.

Just the idea of God being able to wipe away our mistakes is amazing... that we can be perfectly and totally clean spiritually despite our sins if we are willing to walk with God and learn from him how to change... no wonder it is the primary responsibility of priests and teachers.

Today, let's repent of our sins and return to check in with God before we try going further. It's always good to remember the basics and renew our committments to change and to keep the commandments. The more we establish that foundation, the more solid and disaster-proof our lives will be. :)

4 Nephi 1:2 -- On Working Towards Peace

"And it came to pass in the thirty and sixth year, the people were all converted unto the Lord, upon all the face of the land, both Nephites and Lamanites, and there were no contentions and disputations among them, and every man did deal justly one with another."
4 Nephi 1:2


The whole dealing justly thing is really amazing, along with no contentions and disputations of course. I think that somewhere within us we all want that kind of a society, but we don't necessarily know how to get there, especially how to trust, and all the things that we do in our own lives to sabotage that dream. But God knows how to get there, and how to help us keep hope alive in striving to live worthy of that sort of a community.

Today, let's remember what the source of our peace and our hope is, and let's pray to God to please help us to take the next step in our lives towards that kind of unity with our fellow beings.

Jarom 1:2 -- On Making a Difference for Good

"And as athese plates are bsmall, and as these things are cwritten for the intent of the benefit of our brethren the dLamanites, wherefore, it must needs be that I write a little; but I shall not write the things of my prophesying, nor of my revelations. For what could I write more than my fathers have written? For have not they revealed the plan of salvation? I say unto you, Yea; and this sufficeth me."
Jarom 1:2


This verse got me thinking about our individual contributions in life. We often don't think that we are making a difference, or that we have that ability. But Jarom, even though he didn't think he was making a big difference, his words were passed down and are read by millions... and I wonder if he would have said anything else differently if he had known his potential impact.

God teaches us throughout the scriptures that one person, with God's help, can make a difference, and that one person matters. Today, let's take that idea to heart and do some good and pass on some advice. Even if we don't think it will make a difference, with God's help maybe it will... and having the faith to make the effort will be worthwhile to us, either way. :)

Proverbs 22:9 -- On Bountiful Eyes

"He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor."
Proverbs 22:9


I like the idea here of having a bountiful eye. I think that is more than a physical trait or a generous impulse, but a way of seeing that we can learn. Instead of only seeing our current limited resources, perhaps with a bountiful eye we can have faith in God's abundant blessings as well, and know that God will help us as we help others.

Today, let's talk to God about learning to have a bountiful eye, and seeing the way that God does, knowing that what we need will be provided as we have faith, and being instruments in his hands to make sure that others are provided for as well.

Luke 10:38-42 -- On Letting Go and Choosing God

"Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.
But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."
Luke 10:38-42


This story has a lot of meaning in it I think. On the surface, if we are also perhaps focused on the wrong things, it seems to be Christ advocating slacking off on work in order to hang out with friends.

And perhaps in one way, Christ is advocating that, sometimes. The story is about priorities and doing what is important... knowing what we can let go from our busy lives in order to fit in better things, or the most important things.

I know that I, like many, have problems with juggling priorities, wanting to hold on to everything and accomplish everything. But here God is helping us to understand that there isn't time for everything, and God supports making the choice to put our time with God and the gospel first.

I'm not saying we should quit our jobs or stop feeding our families, but I am saying that as we put God first, things that we may have thought were very important before might take a back seat, or even drop off our plates entirely, and that is okay. We cannot keep all of those balls in the air, so let's go ahead and choose some to let go of. And often it is our relationships, with God and with other people, that are worth taking some time from other responsibilities and burdens to pursue. Not dumping everything in the dust, but prioritizing better, and using the time that we have more wisely.

Today, whether we feel more kinship with Mary or Martha, let's remember Christ's words and take advantage of the time that we have to listen to and learn from him. If something else doesn't get done, so be it, as long as we are partnering with God and choosing wisely. :)