D&C 76:22-23 -- On Returning to the Reality of God

"And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives! For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father"
Doctrine and Covenants 76:22-23


It's nice sometimes when life is confusing to go back to some rock-solid facts, like the reality of Christ and his role in God's great plan of happiness. :) I think that is the idea of an anchor for our souls... Christ is that for us, because everything comes back to him and his atonement, fulfilling his father's plan to save all of his children from physical death, and also give us the opportunity to repent and have the opportunity to return to the presence of God with his help.

Today, let's let go of the worries of the world and focus on the reality of God, and remember that we can get help in facing our trials. Let's reach out and accept his assistance, and learn more about him, and his plan for us.

D&C 7:4 -- On Joy and Desires

"And for this cause the Lord said unto Peter: If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? For he desired of me that he might bring souls unto me, but thou desiredst that thou mightest speedily come unto me in my kingdom."
Doctrine and Covenants 7:4


I like the idea that God rewards us according to our desires, and that we don't all have to have the same desires. After this, Christ clarifies to Peter that his desire was also good, and that "ye shall both have according to your desires, for ye both joy in that which ye have desired."

There are a lot of things that we need to learn from God, and all of us need his help to change our hearts and to change our desires to a certain extent... so that we desire good, and God's will. God isn't, however, trying to drum out our individuality or change us into mindless zombie followers. He Loves us as individuals, and our desires, when they are good, are something that God also sees as good, and he rewards us with the things that we truly want. Not that we can always have what we want in this life, but God knows us perfectly (better than we know ourselves), and he is teaching us and leading us to joy in a personalized way, respecting who we are.

Deuteronomy 1:32 -- On Partial Belief and Total Trust

"Yet in this thing ye did not believe the Lord your God"
Deuteronomy 1:32


This is interesting; the chapter around it is talking about the history of the Children of Israel, specifically how they didn't believe that they could inherit the land when God told them not to be afraid, but they still were, and eventually God cursed them to wander in the wilderness until a new generation was ready to follow him.

I think this illustrates for us how dangerous it is to only go halfway with our belief... to accept God in some ways but not others. God is the God of everything, and it all works together... rejecting part is basically rejecting all, because the whole can't work properly in our lives.

That isn't to say that God won't give us time to get there... he gave the Israelites time. They may have missed some opportunities, but it was all temporary... when we do get there, God offers us everything, so the pain we suffer by not accepting Christ will be swallowed up in the joy we feel when we eventually do. Still, let's work on that, and save ourselves some hardship. Let's go all in on trusting the Lord.

Mosiah 5:2 -- On Disposition

"And they all cried with one voice, saying: Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually."
Mosiah 5:2


The idea of having "no more disposition to do evil" is really cool. The idea that God can help us change who we are, inherently, so that we truly want to be good, and the best we can be, and we're no longer torn between what we want and what we know is good or right... that's what makes heaven possible for us, and gives us a chance at that perfection which God asks, but which is so far out of reach. We can't make it on our own, but with God's help to change our hearts, and the power of Christ's atonement, we can't fail unless we stop trying. ... Today, let's try. Let's work towards a better life and a better world, even if it is in tiny increments. :)

John 5:6 -- On Choice and Joy

"When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?"
John 5:6


Reading this today I realized that Christ must have known that the man wanted to be healed, but he still asked, and I like that. God very carefully respects us and our choices. That doesn't mean he does what we want, or let us choose the consequences of those choices, but he is super careful to never overstep and make that kind of significant choice for us. He offers blessings, but doesn't force us to take them. He lets us learn from trial and error, and keeps teaching us more and move, according to our ability and desire in listening and applying our existing knowledge.

That's got to be difficult as a parent... he knows that he could make everything better for everyone, and one day he will, but if he stepped in every time we wanted him to, we wouldn't learn those important lessons like patience and endurance--nor would we know the sweet joy of freedom or relief *after* the trial, when we know a lot more about the absence of both of those... maybe that is part of life being about joy. Hard to feel real joy when you haven't known any sorrow or grief. After our literal life-lessons, we'll understand much more how blessed and good we have it, and the joy that stands before us in an eternity so much better than we have it now. ;)

John 4:25-26 -- On Knowing

"The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.
Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he."
John 4:25-26


I like the idea here of the woman hearing Christ tell her about her life, and knowing her somehow. She ventures a guess, and he confirms it for her. What a great day. Let's pray and open up to God today. He already knows us, and wants to help. Let's make that connection.

John 4:17-19 -- On Truth

"The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband:
For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.
The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet."
John 4:17-19


I like what this shows us about prophecy--that it isn't just predicting the future or huge miracles, but that it is also everyday, plain truth. Truth can be powerful, especially in this world of ours that is so fraught with deception.

Christ knows each of us, just as he knew the woman at the well. He sees the truth behind the image. We can't hide from his sight... and that is a gift, especially when we want to hide. Having one being that knows us utterly, who we can't lie to even when we are lying to ourselves--that's exactly what we need in a friend, and in a God. :)

I like the woman's response as well. She doesn't argue or deny. She accepts, and draws other people to him as well... she values being seen and understood, and she is willing to listen to someone like that, even if her secrets are exposed. Today, let's be open with God and listen to the truth, and then be willing to act on it and change for the better.

3 Nephi 7:18 -- On Truth and Resistance

"And it came to pass that they were angry with him, even because he had greater power than they, for it were not possible that they could disbelieve his words, for so great was his faith on the Lord Jesus Christ that angels did minister unto him daily."
3 Nephi 7:18


This is a good thing to be careful of... resisting things that we know to be true. Perhaps we can all relate to this... the truth isn't always easy to accept or understand. But when we know it is true, let's invest our time into understanding and learning to accept it rather than in fighting against it uselessly.
Let's be really careful of expecting God to conform to our will, or in investing ourselves in things that we can't have. That seems like the very definition of Hell... forever wanting, but never getting. Instead, let's work with God and walk his plan of happiness, where we can learn the happiness inherent in reality, and teach us what to look forward to that is so much better than what we want now.

3 Nephi 6:18 -- On Willful Rebellion

"Now they did not sin ignorantly, for they knew the will of God concerning them, for it had been taught unto them; therefore they did wilfully rebel against God."
3 Nephi 6:18


This seems like a very important distinction, and one that we might want to think about, so that we can avoid the cost of willful rebellion. Let's not burn bridges with God... he's our only path to so many good things, and the source of so much hope and joy. Let's instead learn to understand Him and love him more for all that he does, and has done, for us.

3 Nephi 5:4 -- On Repentance and Turning to God

"And now it came to pass that when they had taken all the robbers prisoners, insomuch that none did escape who were not slain, they did cast their prisoners into prison, and did cause the word of God to be preached unto them; and as many as would repent of their sins and enter into a covenant that they would murder no more were set at liberty."
3 Nephi 5:4


I really like the idea here that people who were willing to change were allowed back into society. I don't think that rehabilitation or repentance are easy things, but the fact that people make room for us to try--to learn to be different people than we have been, and learn and grow can help us a lot. That's the example that Christ set and why he asked people to go and sin no more rather than condemning and punishing them. Even people like this, that lived on the fruits of robbery and murder, were given that chance to change, and some of them did.

Today, let's give other people the same chance, and give ourselves the same chance. Let's turn to God and learn how to be better people than we have been. He can teach us how, and can heal the harm that we have caused, even when we can't. Let's turn to him and repent.

3 Nephi 3:9-10 -- On Deceiving Ourselves, and Learning to Love

"And behold, I am Giddianhi; and I am the governor of this the secret society of Gadianton; which society and the works thereof I know to be good; and they are of ancient date and they have been handed down unto us.
And I write this epistle unto you, Lachoneus, and I hope that ye will deliver up your lands and your possessions, without the shedding of blood, that this my people may recover their rights and government, who have dissented away from you because of your wickedness in retaining from them their rights of government, and except ye do this, I will avenge their wrongs. I am Giddianhi."
3 Nephi 3:9-10


It's kind of creepy reading about the leader of the Gadianton Robbers saying that his society is "good" and that their cause is just, etc. It's scary a little because he is honestly trying to bully people into giving up everything they have, but moreso I think if he believes any part of it, because it shows how easy it is to talk ourselves into thinking insane things, like killing other people is A-OK or that hurting and stealing from others is a good thing if you can get away with it.

Today, let's listen to God and remember that we're all his children, and worthy of kindness. Let's value other people's lives and help others rather than hurting them or taking advantage of their weaknesses. And if we're having a hard time with valuing others, or a group of others, let's talk to God about it. He loves them, and he can teach us how.

3 Nephi 2:1-2 -- On Hard Hearts, Blind Eyes, and Remembering the Way Back

"And it came to pass that thus passed away the ninety and fifth year also, and the people began to forget those signs and wonders which they had heard, and began to be less and less astonished at a sign or a wonder from heaven, insomuch that they began to be hard in their hearts, and blind in their minds, and began to disbelieve all which they had heard and seen—
Imagining up some vain thing in their hearts, that it was wrought by men and by the power of the devil, to lead away and deceive the hearts of the people; and thus did Satan get possession of the hearts of the people again, insomuch that he did blind their eyes and lead them away to believe that the doctrine of Christ was a foolish and a vain thing."
3 Nephi 2:1-2


I think that this idea of forgetting is really scary, because it is unfortunately so easy. Too easy, to forget the things that you know, to let go of the things that matter. That's the why behind so many of God's commandments, because we are quick to forget. Prayer, scripture study, church, temple attendance, hymns, prophets, conference... not only for memory, but largely for that, and one of the Holy Ghost's charges is to bring Godly things to our remembrance.

Today, let's work harder at doing as God asks, and remembering all that God has done for us, and for others throughout history. Let's take time to pray, read, sing, listen, and otherwise remember what truly matters, and avoid hardening our hearts, becoming blind, and losing our way back to God... and if we already feel that fog of disbelief around us, then let's dispel it through memories of blessings and "cry unto [God], even until [we] shall have faith in Christ" (Helaman 5:41). Connecting with God will always disperse the darkness. ... Let's not let Satan have us, but fight his deceptions.

3 Nephi 1:9 -- On Death and Disagreement

"Now it came to pass that there was a day set apart by the unbelievers, that all those who believed in those traditions should be put to death except the sign should come to pass, which had been given by Samuel the prophet."
3 Nephi 1:9


Earlier in the chapter the believers were rejoicing at all the miracles, and the unbelievers "rejoiced" when someone said that the time was past for this one prophecy--deriving joy from thinking that the believers joy and faith were vain. Although I would like to say that I don't understand why they would do that, maybe I do. Maybe we're all jealous and we want to be right, and we want to see other people fail and ourselves triumph.

I hope though, that that is just a small part of who we are... that jealousy and disrespect/disregard for others. Hopefully we also have some love for other people, and a desire to help each other. Hopefully there is also part of us that rejoices when others succeed, and wishes them well, and has the power to excel without stepping on anyone else.

Today, let's try to tap into our better natures and not wish death and failure on each other. Let's listen to the Spirit, and talk to the Lord and ask for his help in letting the good inside of us overcome the bad. Let's do our best to be happy for others, even if we disagree, and to look for the best in the world and in each other.

Helaman 13:6 -- On Repentance and Faith

"Yea, heavy destruction awaiteth this people, and it surely cometh unto this people, and nothing can save this people save it be repentance and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ, who surely shall come into the world, and shall suffer many things and shall be slain for his people."
Helaman 13:6


I like this... it sounds harsh, but in context, he tells them four hundred years ahead, giving them a *lot* of time to pull it together, and even though they rejected God's prophet, didn't listen, cast him out... God still offers them a way out. Repentance and faith. And that is the way out for all of us. If we don't like what is coming--the consequences that we have chosen, then we can change. We can turn to God, and even if we are only starting with a desire to believe, God can work with that. Both repentance and faith are ongoing processes rather than one-time events, and God will accept our efforts, wherever we begin. We just have to keep practicing, keep learning, keep going on his path.

Today, let's look to God, change our lives, and trust in the future that God has promised.

Helaman 10:4-5 -- On Trust and Blessings

"Blessed art thou, Nephi, for those things which thou hast done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people. And thou hast not feared them, and hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments.
And now, because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will."
Helaman 10:4-5


This blessing shows us some things that the Lord values: Not getting tired of doing the Lord's will, putting the Lord's will before our fears and our own desires, and keeping the commandments. ... I think that the core of it is that God could trust Nephi to do good, and so he could give him great power because he knew that he wouldn't abuse it.

The power that whatever you say will happen... that's amazing power. Today, let's work towards being the type of people the Lord can trust. The closer we get to that, the more tha Lord can bless us, and open up new possibilities for us.

Helaman 7:7-9 -- On Sorrow and Purpose

"Oh, that I could have had my days in the days when my father Nephi first came out of the land of Jerusalem, that I could have joyed with him in the promised land; then were his people easy to be entreated, firm to keep the commandments of God, and slow to be led to do iniquity; and they were quick to hearken unto the words of the Lord— Yea, if my days could have been in those days, then would my soul have had joy in the righteousness of my brethren. But behold, I am consigned that these are my days, and that my soul shall be filled with sorrow because of this the wickedness of my brethren."
Helaman 7:7-9


I like that God gives us some insight here into the wishes and emotions of this prophet Nephi (son of Helaman). I think that we all have times when the wickedness of the world seems overwhelming and it can sometimes seem that evil is winning. It's easy to think that we would be better off in a different time or space.

If we continue reading in this chapter though, we see that this man was in exactly the right time and place to do the Lord's work and to convince others of the truth. Similarly, we are all well-placed by God and in positions where we can help.

Today, let's look around and see what God has prepared for us, and work with him to discover why we are in exactly the right place to do his work.

Helaman 5:10-12 -- On Salvation and Stability

"And remember also the words which Amulek spake unto Zeezrom, in the city of Ammonihah; for he said unto him that the Lord surely should come to redeem his people, but that he should not come to redeem them in their sins, but to redeem them from their sins. And he hath power given unto him from the Father to redeem them from their sins because of repentance; therefore he hath sent his angels to declare the tidings of the conditions of repentance, which bringeth unto the power of the Redeemer, unto the salvation of their souls. And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall."
Helaman 5:10-12


I like the idea that God doesn't save us in our sins, but rather from our sins. He loves us, but he also encourages us and works with us so that we become better people rather than just staying stagnant, or getting worse... I appreciate that. I don't want a friend who helps me bury bodies. I want a friend who helps me avoid making terrible decisions, and encourages me to repent and do better if I already have.

I also love the solidity of the idea of making God our sure foundation, and the idea that if we do that we "cannot" fall. That sounds like a guarantee to me, and not falling sounds worth the work, although I imagine just knowing God well enough to have him as our foundation is probably inherently rewarding as well.

Today, let's invest in the salvation and stability of Christ, and work on overcoming and abandoning our sins.

Micah 5:7-8 -- On Restoring the Remnants

"And the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people as a dew from the Lord, as the showers upon the grass, that tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men.
And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the Gentiles in the midst of many people as a lion among the beasts of the forest, as a young lion among the flocks of sheep: who, if he go through, both treadeth down, and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver."
Micah 5:7-8


This is talking about the Last Days, and it's interesting because it seems like the opposite of what has historically happened to the Lord's people... they were scattered and lost, and persecuted and beaten, but in the end, when Christ stands for them, they will be gathered and triumphant.

Sounds scary in some ways, but also just, as righting the wrongs of history must be at some point. I think in order for that to happen we as the Lord's people have to repent of past mistakes and be worthy of having the Lord fight our battles. In other words, we have to be the good guys, and make sure that we are on the Lord's side. As we do, the Lord will strengthen and help us to overcome evil, and make the world better.

3 John 1:11 -- On Doing and Seeing

"Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God."
3 John 1:11


This verse makes me think about what seeing God really means. It could be seeing God face to face as Moses did, or the Brother of Jared, but here it seems to be a more symbolic usage, and I was thinking that it could be more like seeing the idea / purpose / intent / nature of God, or what God is trying to get across to us. Because God *is* love, and truth, and everything good and holy, when we do good we see him and understand him better. If we don't do good and learn what living a good life is about, and how it uplifts us and the people around us, then we aren't really catching God's vision, or getting a picture of who he is.

Today, let's try to see God, and all that he stands for, more clearly, so that we can understand the impact that our choices have on everything around us, for good, or evil.

1 John 5:11-13 -- On Eternal Life

"And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God."
1 John 5:11-13


This is talking about eternal life through Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Through Christ we can not only live forever physically, but also have eternal life spiritually, which is also eternal joy because God is the source of that. :)

Today, let's worry a little less about our temporary life problems, and maybe do a little bit more about securing our eternal futures by following God's plan of happiness. :)

1 John 3:17-18 -- On Compassion and Action

"But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth."
1 John 3:17-18


This is a good reminder that God's love isn't just about how we feel, but what we do. Part of the whole challenge of mortality thing, trying to unite soul and body, to get the flesh to follow the lead of the spirit. ... Today, let's follow through on our feelings of compassion and promptings to care for others, and do what we can to relieve other people's suffering. Helping our fellow beings is helping God, and making the world, and our own lives better in the process.

Abraham 4:27 -- On Likeness and Image

"So the Gods went down to organize man in their own image, in the image of the Gods to form they him, male and female to form they them."
Abraham 4:27


The plural "Gods" in this version of the creation story can seem strange in contrast with the singular version in Genesis, but worth exploring. This part is powerful to me because it seems like a good reminder that women are also in the likeness of God. :) ... And there is at least the possibility inherent in this idea that in the group of "Gods" that there was also a heavenly female role model.

Today, let's remember that we have different versions of stories in the scriptures for a reason, and looking at the different versions can possibly teach us new things. Let's stick with God and talk over our ideas with Him. He can help us divide truth from error.

Abraham 2:8-10 -- On Promises to Abraham

"My name is Jehovah, and I know the end from the beginning; therefore my hand shall be over thee.
And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee above measure, and make thy name great among all nations, and thou shalt be a blessing unto thy seed after thee, that in their hands they shall bear this ministry and Priesthood unto all nations;
And I will bless them through thy name; for as many as receive this Gospel shall be called after thy name, and shall be accounted thy seed, and shall rise up and bless thee, as their father;"
Abraham 2:8-10


This is part of what we call the Abrahamic covenant, which is pretty cool. The idea is that God saved Abraham and Abraham agreed to have him as his God and to serve him, and in return God would bless him on this earth as well as in the next... and those same promises are passed down to us when we accept the gospel and are baptized, joining into that same covenant, which God invites everyone to participate in. I love how that connection ties us all together.

Today, let's look to God and remember that he will always keep his side of the promise... we just have to do our part, and not turn away from him. Let's make sure we're square with him. And no matter where we are in that process/relationship--even if we are wandering or we haven't made that committment to him==let's go to him in prayer and ask him to help us take the next step towards him. He is the way to security, wholeness, peace, joy, and everything we want to be.

Abraham 1:15-16 -- On Journeying to a Strange Land

"And as they lifted up their hands upon me, that they might offer me up and take away my life, behold, I lifted up my voice unto the Lord my God, and the Lord hearkened and heard, and he filled me with the vision of the Almighty, and the angel of his presence stood by me, and immediately unloosed my bands; And his voice was unto me: Abraham, Abraham, behold, my name is Jehovah, and I have heard thee, and have come down to deliver thee, and to take thee away from thy father’s house, and from all thy kinsfolk, into a strange land which thou knowest not of."
Abraham 1:15-16


I think this is cool. Abraham needed the Lord to save him, and so he did, and then he introduces himself and tells Abraham that he is sending him to a strange land. ... I think on some level this is the story for all of us. We need God, and God helps us to find our new place/new life where we can be safe, but also work to help others as well. Hopefully it doesn't start with someone trying to sacrifice us, as it did for Abraham, but we all need God just as desperately as Abraham did. Today, let's look to the Lord for safety and peace, but also be open to a totally new life, and the better people that we can be with God's help. Journeying to a strange land can be scary, but with God, it can also be the best thing we will ever do.

Mormon 4:11 -- On Desensitization and Hardening Hearts

"And it is impossible for the tongue to describe, or for man to write a perfect description of the horrible scene of the blood and carnage which was among the people, both of the Nephites and of the Lamanites; and every heart was hardened, so that they delighted in the shedding of blood continually."
Mormon 4:11


I think we desensitize ourselves to violence and other negative things just by living in this society and watching almost any media source... and perhaps some desensitization is appropriate and necessary for us to distance ourselves from being constantly horrified by modern society. On the other hand, desensitization can lead to hardened hearts, and so we have to work extra hard, as I'm sure Mormon and Moroni did, to feel the spirit, to let go of the things of the world, and to stay close to God.

Today, let's work with God and pray to know how to stay sensitive to the Holy Ghost, so that we don't become like these people, where "every heart was hardened" and seal ourselves off from the spirit, and from hope.

Ether 12:5 -- On Seeing Through God's Eyes

"And it came to pass that Ether did prophesy great and marvelous things unto the people, which they did not believe, because they saw them not."
Ether 12:5


I think we fall into this trap sometimes, not just with prophecy, but with everything. We focus on what is right in front of us and we can't visualize anything beyond immediate, short-term wants and needs. Part of God's promise to us is his help with seeing longer-term, so that we can plan for eternity, and "hope for those things which [we] have not seen" (Ether 12:8).

Today, let's look farther, and think Celestial... seeing farther than our own site allows, by trusting God and his prophets. If we look to God and move forward, we can access a future that promises far more than we can see in our extreme shortsightedness. God gives us the gift of his sight, if we walk his path and listen to his advice.

Jeremiah 17:17 -- On Terror and Hope

"Be not a terror unto me: thou art my hope in the day of evil."
Jeremiah 17:17


The Lord can definitely seem terrible, especially to the wicked. He stands against evil and promises restitution and justice, which isn't going to turn out well if we are harming others and remain unrepentant. However, although God can seem majestic and terrible, he is also kind and merciful and good. And he doesn't have to be a terror to us. He is our hope in the day of evil exactly because of those things that make him scary. He can stand up to any evil and overcome it. He can save us and protect us, and lift us up.

Today, let's be sure to be on the Lord's side, where his majesty and power will work for our good rather than against it. Let's look to God for our help, as we shelter under his care.

Isaiah 17:7-8 -- On Looking to our Maker

"At that day shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel.
And he shall not look to the altars, the work of his hands, neither shall respect that which his fingers have made, either the groves, or the images."
Isaiah 17:7-8


This is a good reminder to look to God rather than to overvalue the work of our own hands and put other things before the Lord. ... Recognizing the real power and source of hope and strength in our lives is necessary so that we can actually tap into the help that the Lord offers us, and know that he can heal the emptiness and pain in our lives when we run into it. Although we often look for solutions in other places, or attribute power elsewhere, God is the only one who can fill the emptiness inside ourselves, and truly heal our souls.

Mark 2:8-9 -- On Forgiveness and Healing

"And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?
Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?"
Mark 2:8-9


I like that when Christ saw their faith that he forgave his sins, and the healing was more of an afterthought... not unimportant, but as Jesus makes clear, the lesser miracle. Maybe today we can think about how we prioritize physical and spiritual health. While both are important, ;et's make sure we are putting our spiritual health at the top of the list. :)

Matthew 28:18 -- On Power and Choices

"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth."
Matthew 28:18


This verse strikes me today because I think we forget how powerful Christ is sometimes. As it states here, he has "all" power... the power he needs to do anything, anywhere, for, or to, anyone. This seems to me to be quite a testament, because what he chooses to do with all of that power is to help us and teach us.

Everything Christ wants is shown by his choices, as we also show our desires by the things that we choose. Today, let's be wiser than we have been, and commit to choosing Christ over all else. Let's learn from him the lessons of salvation, and hope, and joy, and redemption, and use the power that he has delegated to us to work for a better world, and a joyous eternity.

Matthew 25:40 == On Improving our Actions

"And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
Matthew 25:40


A somewhat mind-blowing concept that is worth a reminder today. Whatever actions we do or do not take towards our fellow mortals is as though we did them directly to God, or witheld them from God. The popular "What Would Jesus Do?" is a good reminder for us, but perhaps a better reminder would be, what if this person were Christ?

Today, let's examine the way that we treat other people, and adjust it if we wouldn't do the same thing to Christ.